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 relationships

NIMH. 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/