Nearly 60 million adults in the United States face mental illness, highlighting a need for better access to services.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As Mental Health Awareness Month marks its 75th anniversary this May, nearly 60 million American adults are experiencing mental illness, with one in five youth reporting at least one major depressive episode in 2024, according to data from Mental Health America.
“We know that there’s been an epidemic of loneliness and despair, we know that suicide is now a leading cause of death for youth,” Schroeder Stribling, president and CEO of Mental Health America, said.
The organization established the awareness month in 1949.
Stribling points to various contributing factors impacting mental wellbeing.
“It’s also the case that there are pressures in the world right now, certainly since the pandemic, or other pressures, economic pressures and things that people are feeling in the environment around them which are affecting mental health,” Stribling said.
Despite increased public discussion about mental health issues, Stribling emphasized that access to services remains a significant challenge for many communities.
“There are an awful lot of mental health vulnerabilities and especially for communities that might be a mental health desert,” Stribling said. “They might not have as much access or availability maybe in a rural community or remote in some way.”
Mental Health America offers online screening tools on its website and operates local affiliates throughout the country to help connect people with necessary resources.
For those struggling with mental health concerns, Stribling offers a message of hope.
“It is really important to know there’s hope, there’s help, and if at all possible, find a trusted other, someone with whom you can discuss these things where you know you’ll be met with compassion and kindness,” Stribling said.
Stribling hopes this message will transform awareness into meaningful action during this year’s observance.
Contact Lisa Washington at lisawashington@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
