- Mental illnesses are common in the United States, with an estimated 18.7% of adults having some form of mental disorder.
- Genetics, medical conditions, or exposure to traumatic events or environments can cause such disorders.
- Common mental health issues include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, eating disorders, and more.
- Mental health issues can have a significant economic impact on communities due to decreased productivity and absenteeism.
- Social support networks are necessary for those suffering from serious mental disorders, but many individuals lack access to such resources due to stigma.
Mental disorders are a common issue in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 18.7% of adults have some form of mental illness. Unfortunately, this means that 1 out of every five people could be dealing with an undiagnosed mental disorder, and the number is growing. Here’s why mental disorders are so prevalent in the U.S. and how it affects individual communities.
What Causes Mental Illness?
Mental illness can be caused by various factors such as genetics, exposure to traumatic events or environments, or as a result of medical conditions. It is important to note that there is no single cause for all mental illnesses; each person might have a different experience with their diagnosis. The critical thing to remember is that these issues are treatable and manageable with the right support network.
Types of Mental Disorders
Mental disorders include a wide range of conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to eating disorders and schizophrenia. When left untreated, these conditions can have serious consequences on our physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Depression is one of the most common mental health issues facing Americans today. It affects more than 16 million adults annually and can lead to feelings of sadness or hopelessness that interfere with daily life. Anxiety is another common disorder that affects nearly 40 million people in the US each year. Symptoms may include excessive worry, racing thoughts, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or insomnia. Other mental health disorders include bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, personality disorders like borderline personality disorder (BPD), substance abuse disorders such as alcoholism or drug addiction, and schizophrenia.
Mental Disorders and Your Community
Mental disorders are a pervasive issue, especially in the U.S. Here are different ways it can affect your community.
Economic Impact
Mental health issues cost the United States an estimated $193 billion in lost earnings yearly. This cost is often due to decreased productivity and absenteeism among those suffering from mental health issues and increased healthcare costs associated with treating the disorder.
In addition, those suffering from mental disorders may be less likely to find employment or maintain steady employment due to their condition. This can lead to economic strain on communities as those affected by mental health struggles struggle to make ends meet.
Legal Issues
Those suffering from mental illness are disproportionately likely to commit criminal offenses and become involved in the criminal justice system. This can put a strain on local law enforcement resources as they attempt to deal with an influx of new cases related to mental illness and create a sense of fear within the community about potential violence perpetrated by mentally ill individuals.
Additionally, prisons often lack adequate resources for treating inmates with mental health conditions, which can lead to recidivism rates remaining high in communities where many prisoners have untreated psychiatric issues.
Social Effects
Those suffering from a severe mental disorder often require social support networks to manage their condition and lead entire lives effectively. Unfortunately, without proper care and support, many individuals may become isolated or ostracized from their local community – leading them further down a path of instability and distress.
Furthermore, families with loved ones dealing with mental disorders may experience additional stress due to the demands of providing additional care and support for their family members – potentially leading them into financial ruin if they do not receive adequate assistance from government agencies or community organizations. One way to deal with this is by building a digital community. This can ensure those in need get the support they require without worrying about being judged or stigmatized.
Educational Issues
Children with a severe mental disorder may face educational difficulties due to their condition – including difficulty concentrating on tasks and completing assignments on time – thus putting them at risk for falling behind in schoolwork or even dropping out entirely before graduating high school or college level courses.
Schools may be unprepared or ill-equipped to adequately address students’ needs related to their disorder – leaving many students struggling without access to necessary therapeutic interventions or accommodations that could otherwise help them succeed academically.
Furthermore, parents of children with serious mental illnesses may miss work more often to provide additional care for their child – resulting in missed wages that could otherwise be used for educational expenses such as tuition fees or books supplies.
The prevalence of mental illness in the United States is concerning and increases year after year. Mental disorders can have far-reaching consequences on a person’s life, leading to disruptions in their physical, emotional, social, and economic wellbeing. Thankfully, with the right support network, individuals suffering from mental illness can still lead full and satisfying lives.
