Mental illness is isolating. Personally, that is the scariest thing about suffering from mental illness.
The good news is that you are not alone. Although anxiety might makes us feel alone, it’s probably something you have in common with almost everyone you meet. We just never know, because it’s not a common conversation starter. However, anxiety is the most common mental illness in the world.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA),Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older every year (That’s 18.1% of the population). Anxiety disorders affect 25.1% of children between 13 and 18 years old.
Even on a global scale, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that 1 in 13 globally suffer from anxiety. Further, depression, an anxiety disorder, is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
One of the most tragic facts about anxiety is that most people do not recognize that it is an illness. Consequently, the majority of those affected by anxiety don’t receive help. The ADAA says that although anxiety disorders are highly treatable, only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment. According to WHO, almost 75% of people with mental disorders remain untreated in developing countries with almost 1 million people taking their lives each year.
Below are some compiled facts about those suffering from anxiety who do not receive help:
- Each year, approximately 20% of children in the USA and 10 to 20% of youth worldwide struggle with a mental disorder which significantly impacts their daily functioning (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
- In the USA, less than one third of children with mental health needs receive professional intervention (National Center for Children in Poverty).
- Youth who are initially identified with mental health disorders do not typically receive ongoing psychological treatment, nor do their families receive the support to adequately address mental health needs (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
- Children who are considered at greater risk for struggling with mental health challenges are also the least likely to seek and receive services (CDC).
- Furthermore, the vast majority of existing mental health services are reactionary rather than preventive and proactive. Sadly, mental health problems are typically addressed when individuals are in crisis, often placing the afflicted individuals and others in volatile and dangerous situations (WHO).
The light in this dark fog is that there is help available and it is everywhere. Resources have never been easier to find.