Mental Health

Mental health is the state of well-being where individuals can realize their potential, cope with life stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community. In a 2023 study, 21% of American adults are experiencing at least one mental illness. That's roughly 50 million people. 55% of adults with a mental illness have not received any treatment. 5.44% of adults experience severe mental illness.

Despite one in five Americans experiencing mental health issues each year, the stigma around it often prevents seeking healthcare. Maintaining a positive outlook, wellness skills, and healthy habits are essential for managing life's challenges and ensuring overall well-being.

Fast Facts

From Next Steps Solutions

21% of adults are experiencing at least one mental illness. That’s roughly 50 million people.
55% of adults with a mental illness have not received any treatment.
5.44% of adults experience severe mental illness.
Young adults ages 18 to 25 in the U.S have the highest rate of experiencing any mental health concerns (30.6%) compared to adults aged 26 to 49 years, and the highest rate of serious mental illness (9.7%)
Over 12.1 million adults (4.8%) have reported serious thoughts of suicide.

Learn more about mental health

Mental health service shortage for teens creates challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the enormous strain on the mental healthcare system for young Americans. Parents whose children have complex mental and behavioral needs have had to take desperate measures to get their kids treatment. Christopher Booker reports for our series, Early Warnings: America's Youth Mental Health Crisis. A warning, this story includes discussions of suicide and depression.

Stress in America™ 2023: A nation grappling with psychological impacts of collective trauma

U.S. society appears to be experiencing the psychological impacts of a collective trauma in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the results of a new survey by the American Psychological Association. Psychologists warn that a superficial characterization of life being “back to normal” is obscuring the post-traumatic effects on mental and physical health.

2023 State of Mental Health in America report

This is a downloadable file. States that are ranked 39-51 indicate that adults have a higher prevalence of mental illness and lower rates of access to care.

Mental Health Statistics And Facts In 2024

Millions of Americans experience symptoms of a mental health condition each year, and the number of people seeking care is trending upward. While a mental health diagnosis may impact an individual’s daily life, it can also have a ripple effect across families, communities and even economies.

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