Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated during May, provides an important opportunity to learn more about the state of our country’s mental health. Since everybody has a mental health status, this issue affects everyone. Every May brings new information about mental health disorders, including treatment options and ways to reduce the stigma associated with seeking care.
Mental health awareness is all about educating people with accurate information. By becoming better informed about mental health issues, people will find it easier to discuss and engage in the subject, creating an environment that is more open and compassionate for everybody. When people feel more comfortable about discussing mental health issues, they are more likely to reach out for help, or to encourage a loved one who may be reluctant to seek treatment.
Fact 1: Mental illness is more common than you may think
It may be shocking to learn that approximately 20% of adults in the U.S. struggle with a mental illness each year.
This data comes from the National Institute of Mental Health, where they also further refine the data by establishing two categories for mental health conditions: Any Mental Illness (AMI) and Serious Mental Illness (SMI), based on how the illness impairs a person’s ability to live their life. Both categories combined show that one in five American adults suffers from compromised mental health
Fact 2: A large percentage of mental illness goes untreated
Sadly, only a portion of those dealing with mental health issues received needed treatment, just 46% of adults with AMI, and 64% of adults with SRI. In total, more American adults who experience mental illness go untreated than receive treatment.
Fact 3: Mental health has disparate effects on certain populations
Our nation’s mental health crisis is not spread evenly across the entire population. Some groups are more affected than others, both in terms of rates of mental illness and access to quality care.
Of those who struggle with a mental illness, young adults aged 18-25 are the most affected age group, with women also significantly more affected than men across every age group.
Additionally, recent statistical trends show a relationship between discrimination in society and compromised mental health. Among racial classifications, those who self-identify as multiracial have the highest-growing rates of AMI. Members of the LGBTQ community are also increasingly likely to struggle with mental health compared to straight and/or cisgendered people.
Fact 4: You can help overcome the stigma around mental health
There is good news, however, and it’s that anyone has the power to reduce the stigma around mental health.
Some of the ways we can break the stigma include:
- Education: There are still many misconceptions regarding mental illness, which have fueled the stigma. The better understanding people have about mental health, the less likely they are to stigmatize those who have or are living with mental illness.
- Compassion: It is important to understand that a mental health disorder can emerge suddenly and without warning. No one brings mental illness upon themselves willingly, so we need to show compassion to those who find themselves in this position.
- Support: If a loved one is struggling with a mental health problem, offer to help them in whatever way you can. If they are receptive to the idea, you can also assist them in navigating their health insurance coverage, selecting a mental health provider or getting to their appointments.
Changing the negative attitudes and stereotypes directed at people who struggle with a mental health illness needs to be a priority. We can all play a role in this noble cause, so let Mental Health Awareness Month be your reminder to help end the stigma.
Ashley Addiction Treatment, formerly Father Martin’s Ashley, is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader in integrated, evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders. Our programs are accredited by The Joint Commission, and result in frequent publications of ongoing research into effective treatment methodologies. We offer holistic care that encompasses the mind, body and spirit through inpatient and outpatient treatment, provide drug detox, relapse prevention plans, family wellness programs and a variety of other services tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our driving principle — “everything for recovery” — reinforces our mission to transform and save lives through the science of medicine, the art of therapy and the compassion of spirituality, and is complemented by our philosophy of healing with respect and dignity. For information about our comprehensive programs, please call (866) 313-6307.