Madeline Ford
May 19, 2021
Updated: Jun 29, 2021
It's more important than ever that we break the stigma associated with mental health, which is why organizations like NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness are so important. NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
20.6% of U.S. adults (51.5 million) experienced mental illness in 2019, of which only 43.8% received treatment.
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, yet less than half receive treatment.
75% of lifetime mental illness begins by age 24.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–34, and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
Transgender adults are 12x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
55% of U.S. counties do not have a single practicing psychiatrist.
3.8% (9.5 million) of U.S. adults experienced both mental illness and a substance use disorder in 2019.
20.5% of people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. have a serious mental health condition.
37% of adults incarcerated in the state and federal prison system have a diagnosed mental illness.
70.4% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a diagnosed mental illness.
41% of Veteran’s Health Administration patients have a diagnosed mental illness or substance use disorder.
We encourage you to visit NAMI's website to learn more about mental health and the valuable resources available to those struggling with mental illness or generally interested in bettering their own mental health.
Monday–Friday, 10am–8pm EST
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
info@nami.org