Mental Health America’s Top 5 Challenges in America

Mental Health America’s Top 5 Challenges in America

Mental Health America is an advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. With a national office as well as over 200 affiliates and associates throughout America, Mental Health america strives to promote mental health by advocating, educating, researching and providing services. It is non-profit and nonpartisan in its approach.

Stigma can be a major deterrent when seeking help for mental illness, leading to further complications that cause unnecessary suffering. At MHA, we work to reduce stigma through online screening tools for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol/substance abuse issues, early psychosis symptoms, as well as work health concerns.

2. Acquaint Yourself with the Prevalence of Mental Illness in America

The number of Americans diagnosed with mental health disorders is staggering, with 21 million currently suffering from depression, 12 million from PTSD and 3.3 million living with bipolar disorder. Yet these figures don’t even begin to capture the true extent of those living in America who face significant yet undiagnosed struggles.

A CNN/KFF survey found that 38% of adults have had to wait more than one week for mental health treatment, and more than half said they had to make more than an hour-round trip drive in order to access services.

Many therapists report an increase in patients they see, yet most say limited access to therapy is hampering their capacity to meet client demand. They also mention clients being reluctant to ask for help due to stigma surrounding mental illness; even though many of them can offer compassionate and empathetic assistance that empowers individuals, this issue persists.