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We often think mental health challenges only happen to other people. The reality is many people will experience mental health challenges sometime in their life. Because of COVID-19, more and more people are concerned with taking care of their mental health. Scroll for more.
1 in 5
Americans experience a mental illness
1 in 20
Americans experience a serious mental illness
1 in 6
American children (age 6–17) experience a mental health challenge each year
19%
or 45 million Americans have experienced a mental health challenge.
In 2020, that number increased by 1.5 million.5
In 2020, that number increased by 1.5 million.5
Mental Health Challenges
Affect Many People
A mental health challenge is any condition that affects thinking, emotions, behaviors, or mood. They can affect our day-to-day living and how we interact with others. A serious mental illness (SMI) is a diagnosable emotional, behavioral, or mental disorder that interferes with or limits major life activities. Just like with physical health, mental health challenges and SMIs are varied and more common than you may think. Since COVID-19 began, many people who had not experienced mental health challenges before reported symptoms. For those among us already living with SMI, the stress of COVID-19 made symptoms worse.
In 2020, many people reported additional stress due to a range of factors, from isolation and fear, to job loss, distance learning, and finances. However, mental health challenges are usually not caused by just one thing. Stress from work or relationships, trauma, brain structure, and chemistry can all affect mental health.
Mental health challenges are no one’s fault. There are many resources that can support you through treatment and recovery.
Resources That Help
If you see the signs of mental health challenges in yourself, don’t wait to reach out for help. It’s Up to Us has a wide range of resources to fit your needs, from information and apps to support groups and counseling.
Use Our Resource ToolThe Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240 provides support 24/7. Experienced counselors can answer questions about mental health and substance use, provide referrals, offer support and crisis intervention. In the case of a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
& Substance Use Disorders
1
Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, SAMHSA 2019
2
Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, SAMHSA 2019
3
Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, SAMHSA 2019
4
Mental Health By the Numbers, NAMI, https://www.nami.org/mhstats, Retrieved July 2021
5
Mental Health By the Numbers, NAMI, https://www.nami.org/mhstats, Retrieved July 2021
