Did you know that one in five people will be affected by mental illness in their lifetime? This statistic may surprise you, but it shows just how important mental health is to each and every one of us.
To better inform you about the importance of speaking up about mental health struggles, let us share with you some information and resources that you, or a person you love, can take advantage of if needed.
Sadly, approximately 46.6 million adults in the United States manage a mental illness every day.
This number continues to rise each year, showing the extent to which American adults are struggling with their mental health. Unfortunately, despite the gravity of this situation, individuals with mental health conditions face an 11-year delay between being diagnosed and seeking treatment.
You may wonder why the numbers for those seeking treatment for their mental health are so low.
It is an unfortunate reality that many people suffering from a mental illness do not feel comfortable asking for help or participating in treatment because of the stigma surrounding mental health. People struggling with their mental health often experience rejection, isolation, and discrimination as some people view them in a negative light because of their mental illness. If you or someone you love feels this way, it is important to open up to a close friend or trusted advisor. Sometimes, talking through your struggles can be a useful outlet, and knowing you have a strong support system behind you can help you feel more comfortable asking for help.
Above all, if you are struggling with a mental health condition, it is crucial that you seek help and treatment. It is important that you know you do not have to struggle alone. There are a wide variety of treatment centers, licensed therapists, and local support groups in your community that can provide you with a strong support system as you work through your challenges. If you would prefer to speak to a mental health professional on the phone or online, we encourage you to reach out to the National Alliance on Mental Illness by calling 800-950-NAMI or texting “NAMI” to 741741.
We understand that navigating life with a mental health condition can be particularly challenging, especially when negative stigma surrounding mental health can create feelings of isolation and shame. It is essential, however, that you reach out and seek treatment when you feel you need it. If you have questions about anything discussed in this article or need to be connected to resources, we are the community law firm here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.