I continue to talk about mental health on my blog because mental health touches every aspect of our lives. It plays a role in how we think, how we feel, in our perception of the world, of what is going on around us, and how we respond to what is going on.
The Stats on Mental Health
This makes for sombre reading. There is an estimated 18.1% (or 43.6 million) adults in the United States deal with issues pertaining to mental health. Around 4.2% (9.8 million) adults in the US have a mental health condition that is severe and debilitating, with neuropsychiatric disorders being the leading cause of disability in America. (Source: https://www.mentalhealthhotline.org)
These stats are alarming, considering mental health issues take time to manifest over a number of years. It unfortunately also suggests there is very little being done to help those with mental health issues. Where mental health begins to affect how you live your life, how you think, feel and act, then you know you're dealing with mental health issues, which inevitably can get worse if those are not addressed.
Mental Health relies on our 'Mental Health Status'
Mental health plays a role in how we cope with life. Our challenges tend to rely on our mental health status. Where we choose not to deal with our mental health there can be a domino effect. Ignoring mental health, ignoring how we feel can lead to hopelessness, depression, stress, feelings of guilty, anxiety, worthlessness, and a feeling that we lack the control, which for many can culminate in suicide attempts and suicide.
Stigma and Mental Health
There is still a stigma around mental health. For those who continue to deal with mental health issues, they may still continue to carry the stigma. But stigma has been attached to mental health issues for hundreds of years with people being involuntary institutionalised. When institutions eventually closed in the 1980 and the 1990’s, In the UK, they were replaced by 'Care in the Community.'
Although stigma associated with mental health hasn’t gone, there is more acceptance now. The more the world begins to understand the importance of mental health, the more people will start to be proactive, and the more they will begin to reach out to get the help they need.
In my own case, although I was aware I didn't feel right, I went with my gut instincts and that led me into exploring more about my mental health. I never stopped trying to find the answers, to feel better about what I had to deal with.
Not everyone knows they are vulnerable
The reality is that not all of us will initially recognise whether we are vulnerable to mental health issues, but it is important not to take our eye off the ball. Knowing we are, highlights the risk factors. It is important to take preventative measures to make sure we deal with our mental health.
Why wait until it's too late to act? It's never too late to start to educate yourselves on mental health and why it is important to be proactive. For many it is sometimes the last thing they address.
If you're interested in picking up a copy of my books that deal with mental health, you can order Kindle or paperback copies on Amazon through the following link https://linktr.ee/Ilana_Estelle
Those statistics are alarming, Ilana. I can't quite believe the numbers you are quoting.
We all have mental health as we do physical health and in the same way, at times we can struggle with both.
Unfortunately the stigma and discrimination around mental health isn't going away and this makes mental health difficulties worse.
Being proactive is the best advice you can give and I know from my own experience anyone can benefit from reading your story, going through your blog and reading its messages of positivity.
Yes, alarming stats and I'm not sure what it's going to take for people to think about their mental health and choose to deal with how they feel, their childhood and their trauma if that is what they have had to deal with.
These are the mental health stats that have been recorded. I also wonder how many more people have mental health issues who have not sought professional help through their doctor.
I've just finished watching a film called 'Luckiest Girl Alive.' The film was about a teenager who was raped by a fellow student, but never talked about it, until her past caught up with her and she felt compelled to talk about it.
Mental health issues don't go away. These stats, although alarming, remind us why it is important to deal with our mental health. It's not something you can never escape. More people need to do it.
I am sure we will all know someone, who knows someone who deals with mental health issues. As these stats show, no one is free of mental health issues. I wish more would deal with their mental health.