The COVID pandemic has had a negative impact on almost everyone in some form or fashion, which has shed light on an important issue that effects every one of us — our mental health.
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.
Fast Facts on Mental Health
Individual Impact
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.
Community Impact
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.
Resources
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