Millions of people worldwide quietly battle mental health issues each year. Around 1-in-5 people globally have a mental health disorder at any given time. Mental health disorders include those which are familiar to most people, such as depression and anxiety, but include others as example, ADHD, impulse disorders and PTSD.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the five most frequently diagnosed mental disorders in American adults are:
- 18.2%-Anxiety disorders. Including but not limited to: Panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias.
- 9.5% -Mood disorders. Including but not limited to:Major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, bipolar disorder.
- 9.1%-Personality disorder. Including but not limited to: Antisocial, borderline personality disorder.
- 4.4%-Eating disorders. Including but not limited to: Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating.
- 1.1% Schizophrenia
The National Alliance on Mental Health (N.A.M.I.), published the following mental health facts for children and teens:
- 20% ages 13-18 live with a mental health condition
- 11% have a mood disorder including, but not limited to: major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder
- 10% have conduct or behavior disorder
- 8% have an anxiety disorder
- 1 in 5 youth, ages 13-18 experience at least one severe mental health event during their life time
- Half of all chronic mental illness begins by age 14, three quarters begin by age 24.
Many people do not seek treatment due to the public stigma or self stigma associated with this illness. Stigma has harmful consequences to those in need of medical care, support, and understanding, potentially making their journey to recovery longer and more difficult. Harmful effects of stigma include:
- Delayed treatment or help
- Lack of understanding or assistance by family, friends and coworkers.
- Breakdown of relationships
- Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities
- Beliefs that improvements in the condition will not be possible
- Isolation
It is important to speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about your health or well being. Remember, it is called mental HEALTH. Take care of it as you would any other medical illness.
Be Healthy!