Mental Health Facts
1 in 5 adults have a mental health condition. That’s over 40 million Americans.
African Americans and Hispanic Americans each use mental health services at about one-half the rate of Caucasian Americans and Asian Americans at about one-third the rate.
Youth mental health is worsening. Rates of youth with severe depression increased from 5.9% in 2012
to 8.2% in 2015. Even with severe depression, 76% of youth are left with no or insufficient treatment.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., the 3rd leading cause of death for people aged 10–14 and the 2nd leading cause of death for people aged 15–24. Each day an estimated 18-22 veterans die by suicide.
Most Americans still lack access to care. 56% of American adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment.
Shame related to stigma decreases early identification and intervention. Many times people may not realize that their symptoms are being caused by a mental health condition or feel ashamed to pursue help because of the stigma associated with mental illness.
Mental health conditions are not only common, they are treatable.
Citation: Mental Health America
