Mental Health
Stats & Facts
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year (20%)
1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year (4%)
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year (about 17%)
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34
Source: https://www.nami.org/mhstats
Image: https://www.nami.org/mhstats
Suicide
2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 in the U.S.
10th leading cause of death in the U.S.
Overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 31% since 2001
46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition
90% of people who die by suicide had shown symptoms of a mental health condition, according to interviews with family, friends and medical professionals (also known as psychological autopsy)
Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth
75% of people who die by suicide are male
Transgender adults are nearly 12x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population
Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group: 4.3% of all adults, 11.0% of young adults aged 18-25, 17.2% of high school students, 47.7% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual high school students
Source: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions
Image: https://www.thekimfoundation.org/blog/may-is-mental-health-awareness-month/
What is a mental illness/mental condition?
Mental illness: a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood
Examples of mental illnesses/conditions:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Depression
- Dissociative Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Psychosis
- Schizoaffective Disorder
- Schizophrenia
Source: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions
Image: https://www.nami.org/mhstats
How does Pitt County SADD teach its students to handle these issues?
The SADD chapters in Pitt County are determined to change the stigmas associated with mental illness, anxiety, and depression. The leaders in our chapters have tried to normalize things like seeing a therapist and participating in support groups. Two of our SADD leaders did a podcast, where they openly discussed their personal battles with anxiety and depression. They offered suggestions on how to handle stress, and talked about tools such as the Calm App. We have also done anxiety and depression support groups in several of our high schools, as well as anxiety groups prior to exams. In Pitt County, SADD chapters are trying to educate students on the importance of maintaining a healthy mental state.
Hotlines:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: +1 (800) 273-8255
NAMI Helpline: + 1 (800) 273-8255
Anxiety and Depression Association of America: +1 (240) 485-1001
National Institute of Mental Health: +1 (866) 615-6464
For more hotlines regarding mental health: https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/NAMI-HelpLine/Top-HelpLine-Resources