In the United States, nearly 20% of American adults experience symptoms of a mental illness every year. However, this number only recognizes those who reported symptoms and reached out for help. The reality is that millions of Americans experience mental illnesses but do not get the treatment they need. Mental illness statistics help us recognize the prevalence of mental illness and destroy stigmas so that everyone can begin their recovery journeys.
Depression and Bipolar Disorder Statistics
Many often confuse depressive disorders with feeling depressed. While it’s common, normal, and healthy to feel depressed after unfortunate events, depressive disorders are different. Depressive disorders involve prolonged feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness that can last weeks, months, or even years. These feelings can interfere with a person’s quality of life and make it difficult for them to complete daily tasks.
According to mental illness statistics, nearly 7% of the adult U.S. population struggles with major depressive disorder. That being said, depression can occur in people of nearly all ages. Teenagers, adults, and senior citizens can all develop depression. There’s no such thing as being too old or too young to develop a depressive disorder. These stigmas are what prevent many people from finding the depression treatment program they need.
In addition to depression, bipolar disorder also affects a large percentage of the population. This is also another mental illness that can occur in individuals of all ages. While many people see the first symptoms of bipolar disorder in childhood, most experience an onset of symptoms around age 25. Similar to depression, those with bipolar disorder experience periods of extremely low moods and energy. However, these low moods are complemented by periods of mania, which involve high energy and feelings of recklessness. This mental illness can be extremely difficult to manage and often requires medication, so a bipolar disorder treatment program is essential.
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Mental illness statistics reveal that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the United States. Every year, over 40 million American adults report feeling symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders cover a broad range of mental illnesses, including:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Phobias
Of course, anxiety disorders all cause unwanted feelings of stress, uncomfortable physical symptoms, and fear. Subsequently, these conditions can inhibit a person’s ability to live their life to the fullest. Knowledge of mental illness statistics can help the public realize how common these conditions are and enable those suffering to come forward to find an anxiety treatment program. However, with the right help, individuals with anxiety disorders can learn to manage their symptoms and live lives that aren’t plagued by anxiety.
How Mental Illness Statistics Move Us Forward
Mental illness statistics are necessary for helping everyone understand the importance of mental health treatment. At Crestview Recovery, we take a comprehensive approach to addiction and dual diagnosis treatment. Some of our addiction therapy services include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
Finally, to learn more about how Crestview Recovery can help you begin your recovery journey, call us today at 866.262.0531.
