In case you haven’t heard, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It seems like everyone is talking about mental health these days. It was recently reported that Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry are creating a documentary about mental health for Apple TV. Celebrities and sports stars are speaking out about their own struggles with mental health issues. A quick search for “mental health news” shows that most major news organizations have a section dedicated to mental health stories. There is good reason for all of this reporting. Mental health issues are on the rise in our modern world and creating awareness and a space for talking openly about them is the first step in getting better treatment.
My Cup of Cocoa is a site dedicated to happiness, gratitude, and favorite things. A post about mental health awareness may seem a little out of place, but taking care of our mental health is vitally important to our overall health and well-bring. It’s hard to have happiness and gratitude when you struggle with anxiety or depression. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, there is help, hope, and happiness ahead.
Mental Health By the Numbers
It helps to start with the basics. How many people are affected by mental health issues? What affect does mental health have on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities? The following statistics were found at the National Alliance on Mental Health website.
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1 in five American adults will experience a mental illness
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Nearly 1 in 25 Americans live with a serious mental illness
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18% of American adults live with an anxiety disorder
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Almost 7% of American adults live with major depression
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Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
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Depression costs the U.S. $193 billion in lost earnings every year.
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Suicide rates in the U.S. have risen 25% in the last 20 years
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20% of American youth (ages 13-18) have a mental health condition
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Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in American youth ages 10-24. It is the 10th leading cause of death for Americans overall.
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The average delay between onset of mental health symptoms and treatment is 10 years
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Almost 60% of American adults with a mental illness did not receive treatment in the last year.
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Minorities are much less likely to receive treatment for mental illness
Mental Health Treatment
It is not always easy to get treatment for mental health issues. One reason is cost. Another is a lack of providers is some areas. Of course, there is also the reluctance of some patients to seek treatment. But seeking help is incredibly important. Mental illnesses can be treated, and those suffering with them can feel better.
Treatment for mental illness can be very expensive and seem beyond the reach of people who are uninsured or under-insured. Some insurance policies have a cap on how many provider visits can be taken annually. As with most situations, if you have the money to pay out of pocket, you are more likely to receive better and more intensive and frequent care. The Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover these expenses, but it is continually being challenged in the courts. Some patients can qualify for Medicare to pay for their treatment. If you are struggling to pay for mental health treatment, check out this page from Mentalhealth.gov. Here you can find several other avenues for payment of mental health services.
If you are struggling to find a treatment provider, there are several good resources. First, if you are insured, ask your insurance provider for doctors and counselors covered by your plan. You can also ask you primary care provider for a referral. Asking a trusted friend or clergy member is also recommended. If those options do not work for you, you can also contact one of the resources listed below. They all have lists of local resources that can help.
Mental Health Awareness Resources
Please note that all of these resources are available at any time of day or night and are all free of charge. If you are struggling or know someone who is, please do not hesitate to reach out. These hotlines are there for the very specific purpose of helping you.
- If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be connected to a trained crisis counselor who will treat you with respect and listen to you. They can help you identify options in your area.
- If texting seems more your speed, you can text NAMI to741-741. This will connect you to a trained crisis counselor. They are available 24/7.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available 24/7. You can reach them at 800-799-SAFE (7233). Victims of domestic violence often suffer from depression and anxiety.
- Victims of sexual assault often struggle with fear, depression, anger, and anxiety. You can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
Favorite Sites For Mental Health Awareness
There are many great websites that focus on mental health awareness. The following are highly recommended.
- National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
- Harvard Medical School – Has great pages focused on mental health issues
- Mental Health America
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Active Minds – specializes in teens and young adults
- Project Semicolon – dedicated to suicide prevention
If you or a loved one are struggling with any type of mental health concern, please reach out to a professional who can offer support, advice, and direction. You are not alone. Millions of other people are facing similar struggles. And millions have faced them and come through the other side wiser, stronger, and healthier. Take the time and effort this May to educated yourself and become more aware of the mental health issues in your range of influence and experience. You never know how or where you can make a difference.
