We frequently believe that the brain regulates mental wellness. In actuality, though, it is dependent upon a complex interplay between experiences, heredity, pressures in life, physical health, and brain chemistry.
“The brain, its structure, and its connections can be altered by our experiences and physical well-being. Debra Kaysen, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University Health Care, describes it as “like a dialogue between our behavior and what we learn.”
Mental disease can arise when any one of the components of our mental health is out of balance. It’s not the product of flaws or someone’s weaknesses. Many people deal with difficult situations in their lives, according to clinical psychologist Lindsey McKernan, an associate professor in the Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s psychiatry and behavioral sciences department and clinical psychologist. “Your risk of developing mental illness may be increased by a genetic vulnerability or by repeated exposure to trauma or violence.”
Numbers for Mental Illness
In the US, mental illness is incredibly prevalent. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 57.8 million adults in the United States in 2021—or 1 in 5—will have a mental illness.
Based on 2020 statistics, which is the latest available information, the National Alliance on Mental Illness
Anxiety disorders affect 48 million Americans, or 19.1% of the adult population.
Major depressive episodes affect 21 million adults in America, or 8.4% of the population.
Of adult Americans, 3.6% (about 9 million) suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Of adult Americans, 2.8% (about 7 million) suffer from bipolar disorder.
Of adult Americans, 1.4% (3.5 million) suffer with borderline personality disorder.
Of adult Americans, 3. million, or 1.2%, suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder.
In America, 1.5 million adults, or less than 1% of the population, suffer with schizophrenia.
The COVID-19 Pandemic’s effects
Mental health problems are more common now than they were in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic started. For example, according to the American Psychological Association, “between April 2020 and August 2021, rates of anxiety and depression among U.S. adults were about four times higher than they were in 2019.”
During this time, there was an upsurge in substance usage, which for some has had disastrous consequences. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation research from March 2023, the number of drug overdose deaths rose by 50% during the epidemic. Compared to White people, these gains were more noticeable for people of color.
Similarly, binge drinking rose during the pandemic, leading to a 38% increase in alcohol-related fatalities, according to KFF. The American Indian and Alaskan Native communities have been particularly badly struck by these increases.
Lastly, there was a rise in suicide deaths, especially among teenage girls. In 2021, compared to 14% of their male contemporaries, 30% of adolescent females seriously pondered trying suicide, according to KFF. Suicide deaths increased as well; some may have been mistakenly reported as overdoses.
Certain communities seem to be impacted by the recent rise in mental illness, including:
Individuals who have contracted COVID-19, especially those who required hospitalization or intensive care because of severe symptoms.
healthcare professionals.
youthful grownups.
those who identify as Black or Hispanic.
Adult carers without pay.
The cost of all of this is significant; estimates of missed work production nationwide range from close to $200 billion to $300 billion yearly. According to a 2019 study, a person with major mental illness may spend $1.85 million on treatment over their lifetime.
