The Alarming State of Mental Health in America: Is It Getting Worse?
As the world continues to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, people’s mental health has come into sharp focus. The United States of America has been grappling with a mental health crisis for decades, but the pandemic has only exacerbated the issue.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Mental health is a critical issue in the United States, where one in five people suffers from a mental illness. In addition, recent studies reveal that approximately 47.6 million US citizens experienced mental health issues in 2018, which is nearly 20% of the adult population. Furthermore, 56% of these individuals do not receive treatment, leading to increased suicide rates, drug addiction, and homelessness.
The Pandemic’s Impact on Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on people’s mental health, and the effects will linger for years to come. According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 40% of US adults experienced a rise in mental health symptoms since the pandemic began. The factors contributing to this increase include job losses, school closures, isolation, anxiety, and depression.
Systemic Issues in Mental Health Care
The challenges caused by the ongoing pandemic have revealed the systemic failings of the mental health system. Budget cuts and insurance limitations have led to a lack of access to mental health care for many Americans. The cost of mental health care in America is often predicted to be one of the primary reasons for the lack of access to care.
Conclusion
The alarming state of mental health in America is a critical issue that must be addressed as a priority. Mental health care should be considered as vital as physical health care, and access to it should be made more comfortable for those who need it. Improving the availability of mental health resources and reducing associated stigmas would promote a healthier population with a better quality of life.
