Yesterday was National Mental Health Day. It was also World Mental Health Day. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilize professionals and communities to become more engaged in supporting mental health care.
A few months back, I lost a very close, long-term friend to a mental health crisis and suicide. He had suffered for years with on and off again depression and anxiety. He was brilliant and a wonderful man who simply could not overcome his depression, even with medical and psychological help. My own regret was that I could not find a way to help him overcome, to be there with him when he needed someone most.
As readers and followers know, I have spent most of my career in and around health care – all sides. I’ve consulted for and been an executive in, almost all industry segments (senior living, SNFs, pharmacies, home health, hospice, medical clinics, and yes, even mental health). I’ve seen the devastating effects of untreated mental health ravage families and take lives, like the life of my friend.
Geriatric mental health is one of the most underserved care elements within health care, yet depression among the elderly is widespread. Most geriatric depression is situational versus acute or chronic. Chronic illness, loss (all kinds), and isolation serve as depressive triggers. Likewise, alcoholism and drug use are escalating among seniors. Fortunately, resources are available for help, just not enough.
Just know, depression is not a normal part of aging and left unchecked, it can become progressively problematic. A good resource is available here: Depression in Older Adults_ Signs, Symptoms, Treatment
In the U.S., mental health is often viewed as a taboo subject. We want to deny its associated diseases and/or, hide the signs and symptoms as they are often associated with “craziness” or “psychoses”. The reality is that mental health issues are common and among certain groups, prevalent. Veterans and first-responders often suffer from PTSD, the same all too often, untreated.
Homelessness in the U.S. is a byproduct of mental illness and then, self-treatment via illegal drug use or chronic alcohol use. Again, access to adequate and plentiful care, such that treatment and support could and should be available, is often lacking.
So, on this Hump Day, the day after National Mental Health Day, I want to leave everyone with a few statistics and then, a report on Mental Health in the U.S. It is a serious issue and one that I am close to and care deeply about. I hope to continue to support folk suffering from mental health challenges and to raise awareness of the prevalence of various mental illnesses, but also the hope that exists for care.
- 21% of adults are currently experiencing mental illness issues – about 1 in 5 Americans.
- 15% of adults had a substance abuse disorder last year and 93.5% did not receive treatment.
- 55% of adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment.
- 16% of youth report having at least one major depressive episode last year. This number has escalated since the pandemic.
- In the U.S., there are an estimated 350 individuals for every one mental health provider. However, these figures may actually be an overestimate of active mental health professionals, as it may include providers who are no longer practicing or accepting new patients.
The full report, State of Mental Health in American is available here: 2023-State-of-Mental-Health-in-America-Report
Happy Hump Day and if you or someone you love, know, care about is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out. There are free resources and support available from SAMHSA (substance abuse and mental health services association) at 1-800-662-4357 or at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline