Mental Health Crisis Among Americans

In the United States, nearly one in every five people (47.1 million) suffers from a mental illness. This figure has risen by nearly 1.5 million since the previous year’s report. Around 10% of young people in the United States suffer from serious depression. At 12%, this was highest among youth who identify as more than one race.
The prevalence of mental disorders and suicide-related outcomes among teenagers and young adults has increased dramatically. Adolescent and young adult mental health problems are on the rise, and social media may be a contributing factor.
15.08 percent of youth had a major depressive episode in the previous year, a 1.24 percent rise from the previous year’s data. In the lowest-ranking states, up to 19% of youth aged 12 to 17 reported serious depression.
4.58 percent of adults report having serious suicidal thoughts, an increase of 664,000 people from the previous year’s dataset. From 2011-to 2012, the nationwide rate of suicidal behavior among adults has risen year after year.
More than 60% of adults with serious depression do not receive any mental health therapy. Even in the states with the best access, about one-third of people do not receive treatment.
Nationally, fewer than one in every three young people suffering from severe depression receives consistent mental health care. Even among kids who receive some treatment for severe depression, only 27% receive continuous care.
Americans realize that mental health disorders are common, that they are just as significant as physical conditions, and that patients with mental health conditions can benefit from effective treatment.
According to the APA study, nearly 8 in 10 Americans (78 percent) say the coronavirus epidemic is a significant source of stress in their lives, while 3 in 5 (60 percent) say the number of problems America faces is overwhelming to them.
Loneliness and uncertainty about the future are big pressures for teenagers and young adults trying to find their positions in the world, both socially and in terms of school and employment.

The pandemic and its economic effects are upending the social life and plans of today’s youth. If we don’t take action today to minimize stress, it will have major health and social effects. We’re already seeing this with some of our country’s youngest citizens.
The following are some ideas for how the government, legislators, educators, and parents may help those who are most affected:

• The government must seek to give this generation social, emotional, and mental health support, as well as much-needed financial aid and educational and employment opportunities. Both present comfort and future hope are crucial for this generation’s long-term well-being.
• We must use our resources as a society to assist teens and young adults. We must stand with them in their struggle against structural injustices, which can be a source of stress reduction, while also assisting them in developing resilience.
• The government should assist this group of young adults with creative education, work, training, and employment possibilities. They must seek out fresh possibilities and hobbies that will allow them to chart their course.
  There should also be new and safe ways for people to connect with their families, cultures, and communities. These interactions are critical to the growth and well-being of young people.

References:

1. Caitiline. (n.d.). “America’s Shadow Epidemic” Retrieved from Axios.com: https://www.axios.com/mental-health-pandemic-shadow-epidemic-51f98123-ae6b-429f-8d40-4c2c8270e7de.html?deepdive=1

2. Nami. (n.d.). “Mental Health By The Numbers”. Retrieved from Nami.org: https://www.nami.org/mhstats

3. TheConversation. (n.d.). “The Mental Health Crisis Among America’s Youth Is Real – And Staggering”. Retrieved from Theconversation.com:

https://theconversation.com/the-mental-health-crisis-among-americas-youth-is-real-and-staggering-113239