Topic Focus

Mental Illness Awareness (U.S.): Facts, Trends, and Help

If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential support in the U.S., call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. If you’re outside the U.S., find local help via iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres.


When 

The first full week of October each year đź‡şđź‡¸

Purpose 

To increase public awareness, reduce stigma, educate about mental illness, and promote resources for support and recovery.

How common is mental illness in the U.S.?

Adults

  • In 2022, 59.3 million U.S. adults (23.1%) experienced Any Mental Illness (AMI).

  • About 5.86% had a Serious Mental Illness (SMI).

  • In 2023, ~58.7 million adults (22.8%) had a mental illness during the past year.

  • Nearly 50% of adults with mental illness go untreated in a given year.

  • State variation: ranges from ~3.3% (Maryland) to ~5.5% (West Virginia) for SMI.

Children & Youth

  • Ages 3–17: 11% anxiety, 8% behavior disorders, 4% depression.

  • Overall, ~16.5% of youth have at least one mental health disorder.



Under‑reporting and untreated cases

  • Many cases remain undiagnosed due to stigma, access barriers, or lack of awareness.

  • Only 39.4% of people with depression have a formal diagnosis.

  • 50%+ of adults with mental illness receive no treatment.

  • There are often significant delays between onset of symptoms and treatment.


By state: prevalence & rankings

  • Range: 19.3% in New Jersey to 29.1% in Utah for AMI prevalence.

  • State rankings consider both prevalence and access to care.

  • Explore state & county dashboards via MHA.


Trends

  • Rising poor mental health days over the past decade.

  • COVID‑19 pandemic worsened anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

  • Young adults (18–25) report the highest AMI prevalence (~36%).

  • Co‑occurring conditions: 7.6% of U.S. adults have both mental illness and substance use disorders.


Causes & risk factors

Contributors: genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, chronic stress, isolation, chronic illness, substance use, socioeconomic factors, stigma.Protective factors: strong support networks, access to care, early screening, coping skills, stable housing, community connection.


Warning signs

  • Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or irritability

  • Withdrawal from activities or friends

  • Sleep, appetite, or energy changes

  • Increased substance use

  • Expressing worthlessness or suicidal thoughts

What we can do

  • Open conversations to reduce stigma

  • Promote screenings and early detection

  • Expand access (telehealth, clinics, insurance parity)

  • Support peer/community groups

  • Advocate for funding and policy change

  • Encourage resilience and mental wellness practices

Resources

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call/text 988, chat at 988lifeline.org

  • NAMI: nami.org — support groups, education

  • SAMHSA: samhsa.gov — treatment locators

  • Mental Health America (MHA): mhanational.org — screenings, advocacy

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

  • NIMH: nimh.nih.gov — research, statistics