What is mental health? In the briefest definition, it concerns your psychological state. While good mental health is desirable, poor mental health can be debilitating. Understanding the reasons behind mental health disorders can make it easier for individuals to seek help.
Most Mental Health Concerns Develop in Youth
Many people mistakenly think of mental illness as something that only impacts adults. In reality, the opposite is true. More than half of all mental illnesses appear by 14. In fact, 75% of mental illnesses appear by 24. Early treatment and recognition is key to preventing undiagnosed and problematic mental illness later in life.
What Is Mental Health Treatment?
While mental illness impacts millions, most people won’t ever get the right support and treatment through professional mental health services.
Only 40% of individuals who struggle with mental illness get professional care. That means millions of people are struggling with diagnoses like bipolar disorder, depression and suicidal thoughts, and they don’t have access to the appropriate treatment.
Connecting Mental Illness and Crime
Crime happens for countless reasons, but there’s no question that mental health plays an important role. For instance, statistics reveal that the majority of inmates in state prisons suffer from some form of mental illness. According to the Bureau of Justice statistics, over 55% of male inmates and around 73% of female inmates suffer from a mental health disorder.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
It’s impossible to ignore the interconnected nature of mental illness and substance abuse. Half of all those who struggle with mental health also struggle with substance abuse. The opposite is also true: half of all those with a drug or alcohol abuse also struggle with their mental health.
One way to treat substance abuse is to address the root cause. Often, that root cause is mental illness. Mental health treatment can be an effective way to combat substance abuse, perhaps even before it becomes an issue at all.
The Scope of Mental Illness in America
Mental health isn’t a small problem. In fact, mental illness impacts as many as one out of every five adults in the United States. Physicians, teachers, parents, and individuals need to learn to recognize the symptoms of mental illness and seek professional treatment as soon as possible.
At Rose Hill Center in Holly, Michigan, our comprehensive mental health services, and compassionate professionals can help you achieve a new beginning. If you’re ready to gain lasting stability and independence, call us at 866-367-0220.
