Mental Health Month

 

Understanding Mental Wellbeing and the Growing Crisis in the United States
Mental wellbeing encompasses several interconnected dimensions that are vital for leading a balanced, fulfilling life. Emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing are central components of our overall mental health, each playing a unique role in how we respond to life’s challenges and connect with the world around us.

Emotional Wellbeing: Navigating Feelings and Challenges
Emotional wellbeing is about recognizing, accepting, and managing your emotions, feelings, thoughts, and moods—especially during times of stress, uncertainty, or significant change. It involves understanding your emotional responses and learning healthy ways to cope, adapt, and find balance, even when circumstances are difficult.

Social Wellbeing: Building Meaningful Connections
Social wellbeing focuses on how we relate to others and contribute to our communities. Developing strong, healthy relationships and having a sense of belonging are key aspects. Whether through friendships, communication, or acts of service, social wellbeing enhances our life satisfaction and supports our overall health. When we feel connected to others and our community, we are more resilient in the face of adversity.

Psychological Wellbeing: Realizing Your Potential
Psychological wellbeing is about striving to become the best version of yourself. This includes building resilience, discovering a sense of purpose, and embracing self-acceptance, including your imperfections. Psychological wellbeing allows us to find meaning in life, maintain a hopeful outlook, and navigate setbacks with strength and self-awareness.

A Nation in Crisis
Despite growing awareness around mental health, the United States continues to face a widespread mental health crisis affecting individuals of all ages. Although this trend began before the COVID-19 pandemic, the crisis has been significantly intensified by the social, economic, and emotional fallout of the pandemic.

• In 2023, one in five American adults experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Nearly 1 in 10 Americans reported experiencing depression between 2020 and 2023.
• Even prior to the pandemic, rates of depression were rising among those aged 12 and older.
• In 2021 alone, 5.8 million emergency department visits were primarily related to mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Deaths caused by drugs, alcohol, and suicide have more than doubled between 2000 and 2017 and continue to climb—leaving lasting emotional, social, and economic impacts on families and communities.

The Impact on Youth
Young people are among the hardest hit by the mental health crisis. Their developing minds and social environments have been especially vulnerable to the pressures and uncertainties of recent years.

• In 2023, two in five high school students reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
• In the decade prior to the pandemic, these feelings increased by approximately 40% among high schoolers.
• Suicide among youth and young adults (ages 10–24) has surged by 52% since 2000, making it the second leading cause of death for this age group.

Looking Ahead
The data paints a clear and urgent picture: promoting emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing is more important than ever. Supporting mental health at every stage of life requires awareness, accessible resources, and a commitment to reducing stigma. Whether through individual support systems, schools, workplaces, or broader public health efforts, prioritizing mental wellbeing is essential to the health and resilience of individuals and communities alike.