Research continues to show that mental illness for both teens and adults is prevalent and increasing in the United Stated. The long-term changes and impact of the COVD-19 pandemic have only exacerbated symptoms and caused more people to struggle with how to cope. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIM) suggests that tens of millions of American’s meet criteria for a diagnosable menta illness, with only half of these people receiving services or reaching out for support. The research also shows that when these symptoms are left untreated that there is an increased chance of suicide and long-term disability.
The most common mental health diagnoses are depressive disorders, anxiety disorders (this includes: panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and phobias (social phobia, agoraphobia, and specific phobia), bi-polar mood disorder and substance abuse disorders. The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) points out that:
People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population. People with serious mental illness are nearly twice as likely to develop these conditions.
18.4% of U.S. adults with mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder in 2019 (9.5 million individuals)
The rate of unemployment is higher among U.S. adults who have mental illness (5.8%) compared to those who do not (3.6%)
High school students with significant symptoms of depression are more than twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers
Students aged 6-17 with mental, emotional or behavioral concerns are 3x more likely to repeat a grade.
With the increased number of people reporting mental health symptoms that are having significant impact on their lives, it is more important than ever to connect them with the necessary support. Connecting with a mental health professional (marriage and family therapist, clinical social worker, professional counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist) can be intimidating and overwhelming. Below is a list of questions that you can ask when calling for help. It may take multiple calls to multiple different mental health providers to find the right match and someone who is available to help. Keep calling and reaching out until you find the support that you need.
Do you currently have any openings for individual therapy session? If so, when is your first available appointment?
Do you accept insurance directly? If not, how much is it per session?
I would like to address ________ in therapy (mood, significant event in the past or current, relationships, etc.). Do you work with people that have these same concerns?
Elevate Mental Health is here to help. Please feel to reach out directly via our online form if you are in California. We would love to work with you or refer you to someone who can. If you are in another state, look through Psychology Today or your local mental health directory.
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