Mental health is extremely personal and we understand that opening up about it can pose real challenges. That said, there can be something reassuring in learning that you’re not alone in what you’re experiencing. Whether you’re managing your own mental health condition or you’re working to support someone else with mental health issues, the latest mental health stats might help you feel less isolated. That’s why we wanted to use Mental Health Awareness Month this May to highlight a few.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month 2024, here’s a look at what the data says about the current state of things.
More people are taking mental health seriously — but many still struggle to get help
Thanks to broad efforts to destigmatize mental illness and normalize mental health care, more and more people are acknowledging their challenges in this area. That said, there are some obstacles to surmount when it comes to getting people the care they need.
A 2024 trends report from the American Psychological Association (APA) shared the following:
- 90% of people across the U.S. think the country has a mental health crisis
- Half of young adults have reported regularly feeling anxious in the last year
- One-third of people say they couldn’t get the mental health care they need, naming the biggest barriers as:
- Cost (80%)
- Stimage/shame (60%)
- Limited mental health provider availability (as reported by 60% of psychologists who say they have no openings for new patients)
In an effort to overcome that provider shortage, many mental health professionals have turned to technology and group therapy.
Mental health issues are extremely common
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) reports that:
- 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year
- 1 in 20 adults experience serious mental illness each year
- 1 in 6 kids and teens aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
In other words, if you or someone you care about is dealing with a mental illness, you’re not the outlier. These types of conditions are just as common as the flu or the cold.
And like physical health problems, mental health issues are diagnosable and treatable. Early intervention is really important. NAMI data also shows that the average delay between the onset of symptoms and treatment is a fairly shocking 11 years. Talking to a therapist like one of our team members is a great place to start today.
Some good news to celebrate during Mental Health Awareness Month 2024
While a lot of these statistics are fairly sobering, the latest data also reveals some positive momentum.
- Psychologists are intervening to support slower cognitive decline and better brain health as we age (APA)
- 87% of Americans report that they feel that having a mental health disorder is nothing to be ashamed of (APA)
- New treatments like brain stimulation are helping people with depression and anxiety (ScienceDaily)
- While many people are still struggling with loneliness post-pandemic, 23% said their loneliness has decreased (APA)
- Artificial intelligence (AI) may help with diagnosing mental health conditions, as is evidenced by its use in identifying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in postpartum women (ScienceDaily)
We hope these give you some hope as we commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month!
If you’re ready to take advantage of this month to explore mental health treatment for yourself, contact our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center in Ventura or the West Valley Counseling Center in Tarzana.
