Let’s Be FR About Mental Health Awareness
The Facts:
About 1 in 4 adults experience mental illness at some point in their life
25% of adults ages 18-25 experience mental illness in a year**
The most common mental health disorders are anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse
Yet only 51% of adults with mental illness receive treatment
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition. 90% of people who die by suicide may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition
Primary Stressors For Some Young Black Adults That Contribute to Mental Illness:
Systemic racism and discrimination within education, the workforce, and healthcare
Obtaining financial security
Lack of access to quality education and career opportunities
Lack of access to quality healthcare
Police Brutality and the criminal justice system
Familial and community support
Stigmas and Barriers That Often Prevent Care and Treatment:
Beliefs that mental illness is a sign of weakness and feelings of shame
Fear of discrimination or bias from healthcare providers due to historical traumas
Lack of trust in the healthcare system
Lack of cultural competence by some healthcare professionals
Cost and limited access to care and resources
Lack of awareness and support
How The Pandemic Made an Impact
Due to the pandemic, many individuals experienced higher levels of stress and anxiety
Safety measures such as social distancing and quarantining increased social isolation, which contributed to depression
Many lives were lost due to COVID-19, causing grief across the nation and globally
The pandemic also caused significant financial hardship for many
**Due to the significance of major life transitions like starting and graduating college, securing a corporate job, undertaking entrepreneurship, and experiencing romantic relationshipsNIMH. 2023. “Mental Illness” https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
CDC. 2020. “Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic” https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932a1.htm
AFSP. 2021. “Suicide Statistics” https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/
