Mental health issues range from mild to severe, difficult to recognize and hard to ignore. This article takes a look at mental health statistics, starting in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began and finishing up mid-2021 where countries are starting to open up again.
How did we fare mentally through these unusual times?
2020 Mental Health Figures
- One in six youth (age 6-17) experience a mental health disorder.
- 40% of adults are struggling with a mental health disorder.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for people ages 10-34. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. Transgender adults are 12x more likely to commit suicide.
- Half of all mental illnesses begin by age 14.
- Many suffer from more than one mental disorder.
- The most common mental illness is anxiety which afflicts over 18% of the US adult population (40+ million people).
Not terribly encouraging, but who ever expected this pandemic to be so severe and drag on for so long! Let’s fast forward to 2021, vaccines, and communities re-opening.
2021 Mental Health Figures
What does this year look like now that we are emerging from lockdowns? We can only hope these numbers will be trending downward as life returns to some level of normalcy. Early in the year, the trend was consistent with last year, but as we continue to vaccinate and open up our communities, many reports are encouraging:
- Youth mental health disorders are now at 9.7% or less than 1 in 10.
- Adults who have completed their vaccination sequence are reporting a positive impact on their mental health.
- Many are returning to fitness regimes which will support their mental well-being as well.
- Anxiety symptoms are on the decline as business re-open, jobs become available, and options for social return.
- Unfortunately, the pandemic has caused a significant increase in substance abuse. Without treatment, these numbers will continue to remain high.
Feeling Better? Feel Your Best!
We appreciate how challenging this past year and a half have been. We are all ready for uplifting news and an uplifted mental outlook. Every person with mental health challenges deserves an opportunity for help. We are here for you. Reach out to us for personalized counseling and therapy at one of our convenient locations, or via text, video, or phone. Let us help you start your journey to better (and best) mental health!!!
ACT Family Counseling
6 Locations to Serve You
Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville
This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com
CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video
For many of us, May is a beautiful spring month full of blossoms and renewal. In this spirit, we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. We use this time to raise awareness about mental health and the stigma associated with mental illness. We acknowledge mental health problems small and profound and send healing thoughts to all those in need.
You Are NOT Alone!
And so many of us are in need. One in five people will experience mental illness during their lifetime and nearly everyone will be subjected to the influences and challenges in life that threaten our mental health. By raising awareness during the month of May, we hope to encourage everyone to embrace positive attitudes, show empathy to those who are suffering, and seek mental health care if needed.
Mental Health Affects Physical Health
Mental health is delicately balanced with your physical health. When we are physically healthy, we are more likely to be able to withstand the conflicts and challenges that lead to mental health problems. And likewise, when we are mentally healthy, we are probably taking good care of our physical bodies. However, should either mental or physical health decline, it is fairly likely that both will suffer. While it may be easy to make a clear distinction between the mind and the body, the two are definitely not inseparable.
Celebrating Mental Health Awareness
Whether you are challenged with mental health issues or not, you probably know someone who is. Here are some positive ways you can celebrate Mental Health Awareness month and make a difference in your life and with someone else.
- First, and most importantly, prioritize YOUR mental health.
- Reflect on your own mental health. Are you getting enough rest? Exercise? Healthy meals?
- Take time for yourself
- Acknowledge your accomplishments large or small
- Start a conversation
- Offer a random act of kindness…or forgiveness
- Enjoy a family member or friend’s company
- Stop to enjoy some small detail
- Just smile
- Hug your dog, pet your cat, treat your special animal; they are often a positive influence
We believe that Mental Health matters. Like our physical health, we sometimes need the help of a trained professional to get us back on track. If you are looking for a mental health counselor, reach out to us for personalized counseling and in-person therapy, and now available by text, video, or phone. Let us help you get back on track, one that moves you along your journey to better mental health!!!
ACT Family Counseling
6 Locations to Serve You
Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville
This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com
CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.
Mental health issues can have many different signs and symptoms. They are as unique as people are. There are some common underlying themes, but how well we hide it, how we deal with it, if or how we share it with others, varies tremendously from person to person.
Here are a few common attributes:
- Anxiety
- Changes in Mood
- Changes in Perception
- Changes in Behavior
- Fears
- Obsessions
BUT… Let’s NOT give it a LABEL
Who really cares if your mental health problem is called ADHD, Bipolar, Depression, Anger, or some other Psychosis? The important fact is that you are not yourself. Normal daily activities are no longer normal or comfortable. You struggle with simple things or get overly upset for no apparent reason.
You don’t need a fancy label for your mental disorder to tell you things are not right. You need someone to listen, someone trained who can make sense of the noise in your head, someone without judgement who will gently guide you out of the darkness.
With all the craziness in today’s world, maybe it’s just an overwhelming time in your life and you need a helping hand. Maybe you were not well before, and the whole COVID mess has made it worse. Whatever it is, we are glad to be there for you.
We will connect with you however is best for you. Unsure of how it all works? Just reach out to our call center for help getting started. 800-801-8777 or Contact Us and we will be happy to reach out to you!
ACT Family Counseling
6 Locations to Serve You
Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville
This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com
CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.
We all face challenges in our lives that can impact our mental health. This is especially true now as we face a myriad of issues from pandemic lockdowns, loss of loved ones, loss of jobs, stress over finances…the list goes on.
The past 10 months have been like no other and dealing with all the mainstream issues can be particularly overwhelming, especially for the younger generations. As we work from home and school remotely, it becomes even more important to remember to find time to take care of our health. Parents are constantly juggling a ton of competing priorities their lives, but mental health is one that should not be ignored.
Here are a few signs that counseling may be needed:
- Trouble coping with everyday tasks
- Excessive worry, anxiety
- Mood swings, impulsiveness
- Trouble concentrating
- Drinking or drugs to dull the pain
- Overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, sadness
Make a Mental Health Resolution
If you haven’t found a reason to smile, let us help you find one.
Our counseling couldn’t be easier to access or more affordable. We take most major insurance types. Yes, we accept insurance. Most of the insurance companies want to help during the pandemic and are waving co-pays. This is a win-win for you. We’ll help you determine your costs and get you started.
It Couldn’t Be Easier
Reach out to us for personalized counseling and therapy via text, video, or phone. Let us help you start the New Year with an important resolution…
YOU and your mental health!!!
ACT Family Counseling
6 Locations to Serve You
Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville
This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com
CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.
