Mental health is a prevailing problem in the United States and across the world. With a high prevalence of mental illness, low access to resources, and a stigma surrounding mental health, many people are still not receiving the treatment they need to live a healthy, prosperous life. Since 2011, mental health statistics reveal troubling numbers, showing that even in the states with the greatest access, more than 38% of youth and adults with depression and 60% of youth are not receiving treatment.
Unfortunately, the state of mental health in the America is not improving. In many areas, the rate of people living with a mental health concern is growing while the number of providers is decreasing. It’s clear that change is needed. Counseling can make a real difference in the lives of people struggling with mental health issues or general difficulties in life. When people have access to resources and the confidence to seek help from a therapist, it can improve their outcome, minimizing the negative consequences that often come with mental illness.
As a therapist seeking to provide people with help they need, your role is vital in changing the numbers. Continue reading to deep dive into the statistics and discover where there are opportunities to improve.
Ready to help solve the dilemma? Sign up to learn about Ravel Mental Health today.
Prevalence of Mental Health Issues in America
According to data from NAMI, approximately one-fifth of adults in America experience mental illness in a given year, and 1 in 20 adults experience a serious mental illness. Mental illness has a high prevalence among youth between the ages of six and 12, with about 1 in 6 children and adolescents experiencing a mental health disorder per year.
Over the course of the last five years, the number of people experiencing mental health issues has grown steadily. Between 2017 and 2018, there was an uptick of 1.5 million in the number of adults of experiencing a mental illness. Among adults, anxiety disorders are the most common, affecting about 19.1% of Americans, or 48 million people. This is followed by 7.8% percent of people having had a major depressive episode, 3.6% with post-traumatic stress disorder, and 2.8% with bipolar disorder.
The prevalence of mental health issues has increased for people of all races in the country. The rate of mental illness in the past year was highest among people who identify as multiracial at 24.9%. This is followed by 22.7% for American Indians or Alaskan Natives, 19% for white Americans, and 16.8% for black Americans. People who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual experience disproportionally high rates of mental illness, with more than 44% experiencing a mental illness in a year.
Mental Health Statistics on the Barriers to Receiving Care
Many struggling Americans are going without the care they need, but it can be difficult to identify the reason. While the barriers to mental health care vary from individual to individual, there are several factors that impact these numbers.
Financial Difficulties
Not having the financial resources to pay for mental health care is a major reason Americans are not receiving treatment. Insurance can help cover the costs of counseling or other mental health services, but the 2019 census revealed that approximately 26.1 million people are uninsured. According to the demographic information, the population most likely to be uninsured include:
- Working-age adults between the age of 26 and 55
- Males, making up 54.6% of the uninsured
- Minorities, which consist of 60% of uninsured people
- People living in the South
Unfortunately, while people living in poverty are twice as likely to experience stress and major mental illness, financial barriers make it increasingly difficult for this population to find treatment.
Lack of Access
A shortage of mental health professionals can stop people from getting treatment. Statistics from the 2020 Physician Specialty Data Report show that 61.3% of practicing psychiatric physicians are over 55.
People living in rural areas and heavily populated urban areas often have even more difficulty locating a mental health provider. For those who live outside major cities, the nearest mental health professional may be a long drive away, making seeking regular care a major inconvenience. For densely populated areas, especially those with high levels of poverty, there simply are not enough physicians to treat everyone. It’s not uncommon for someone to reach out for help only to get turned down due to a lack of availability or experience a several-month waiting period before seeing someone.
Across the states, the availability of mental health providers varies greatly. Massachusetts ranks first for mental health workforce availability in 2021, with a ratio of one provider per 160 people. California, which ranks 12th in the nation and is the most populated state, has ratio of one to 280. Alabama ranks last with only one provider in the area for every 990 people.
Stigma and Limited Knowledge
A stigma surrounding mental health continues to be a primary reason people with mental illness are not receiving the help they need. Even among people who have the financial resources and access to mental health care, embarrassment about seeking treatment can prevent them seeking care. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 25% of people with a mental illness fear what others will think about their condition and believe it can limit their career opportunities.
Unfortunately, there is much statistical and anecdotal evidence to support this anxiety. Discrimination and misconceptions surrounding mental illness are still a major issue, especially for certain conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.
Additionally, not knowing what resources are available to help can create a gap for people who need treatment. From the Suicide Prevention Lifeline to other local and national resources, not knowing where to turn to in a time of need can be devastating.
How Mental Health Professionals Can Help
The consequences of not receiving treatment for mental illness can be profound:
- Incarceration: A 2014 study by the National Research Council found that 45% of federal prisoners, 64% of jail inmates, and 54% of state prisoners have a mental health concern.
- Divorce and relationship issues: Mental illness can create a wedge in relationships. A 2011 study found a correlation between mental illness and rates of both divorce and never marrying. This association was highest among those with a phobia, major depression, or alcohol abuse.
- High school and college dropouts: For teens and younger adults, mental illness, especially depression and anxiety lead to a higher likelihood of dropping out of school.
- Substance abuse disorders: There is a very strong link between serious mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. SAMHSA reported that about 25% of people with a serious mental illness also have a substance abuse disorder. Other negative outcomes can result from an untreated substance abuse disorder, such as overdose or job loss.
- Suicide: In 2018, suicide was the 10th cause of death in the nation overall and second for youth and young adults between the age of 10 and 34. This rate has risen steadily since 1999.
- Physical health issues: Whether living with chronic stress, dealing with a substance use issue, or experiencing depression, mental illness can have severe negative effects on physical health.
While the outlook for people living with untreated mental illness are very negative, the benefits of receiving treatment have been well documented. Across age groups, gender, and race, seeking help can reduce negative outcomes and allow individuals to experience a better quality of life. Seeking counseling services can reduce risk of suicide and decrease the need for psychiatric hospitalization. For patients who receive medication for a mental illness, combining psychotherapy with medication has produced more positive results than pharmaceutical treatment alone.
The mental health crisis in America is overwhelming, but awareness surrounding the issue is growing rapidly. As a therapist, it can be difficult knowing how you can best reach people who need your services and help them feel healthier, both mentally and physically. Ravel Mental Health was created with one main goal in mind: to bridge the gap between those who need mental health services and providers.
Want to get involved? Sign up now to learn more about Ravel Mental Health.