Are Mental Health Problems Increasing?

There is no doubt that there is an increase in mental health problems in America. In 2022, 50 million Americans were experiencing an issue with their mental health. If you look at the statistics from 2019, that is 1 million more Americans. In 2022, 4.9% of the population was experiencing a severe mental health illness.

Suicide Rates in America are Growing

In 2022, 4.58% of individuals reported having suicidal thoughts. That is an alarming rise over 2021 statistics when 664,000 fewer individuals reported having these thoughts. Sadly, that number has increased every year since 2012. Last year, 47,511 people took their own life.

Under 50% of People Diagnosed With a Mental Health Challenge Received Treatment

The sad truth is that over 50% of Americans with a mental health issue do not receive any treatment. It is estimated that there are 50 million people in the United States alone. Approximately 45% of people in the bottom-ranking states in terms of mental health, like Wyoming and Hawaii, receive no treatment. Still, even in the top-ranking states, like Rhode Island and Vermont, almost 20% do not receive mental health treatment.

More Uninsured Americans

While the number of Americans without any health insurance dropped during the first years of the Affordable Care Act, the number of uninsured Americans has risen during the last two years. It is estimated that 5.5 million people with mental illness remain uninsured.

Almost 1 in 4 People With a Mental Health Challenge Receive No Treatment

Over 24% of Americans with mental illness report that they do not receive the treatment they need. This statistic has not declined since 2011. The number is even higher, 29.7%, for those with a mental illness and a cognitive disorder.

Rise in Major Depression in Youth

More young people than ever before are struggling with major depression. The number rose by approximately 1.24% from 2021 to 2022. The severity of major depression symptoms is also on the rise. The number suffering from a major depressive episode rose by 197,000 during the last year. Over 60% of youth diagnosed with major depressive disorder did not receive treatment. When youth do not get the help they need, the number and severity of mental health problems usually increase in adulthood.

In terms of real lives, that is an increase of 306,000 youth. Over 15% of youth ages 12 to 17 report having at least one bout of major depression in the last year.

Lack of Help in Schools

Sadly, these students get not get help at school either. Only 0.75% of students diagnosed with an emotional disturbance had an individualized education plan. Therefore, over 99% were mainstreamed while receiving no support services.

Nearly 75% of youth surveyed in a recent poll said that America had a mental health crisis, and most adults would agree. If you face your own situation, we want to help, but you must take the first step. Contact American Behavioral Clinics, and let’s work together.