Mental illness a growing issue; advocates trying to break down stigma

May 13, 2021 | 12:10 am

Updated May 12, 2021 | 10:50 pm

Mental Health

Each year, one in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness, and one in six youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder. Statistics show 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and officials with RiverValley Behavioral Health are advocating heavily for the issue.

Their goal is to raise awareness of those living with mental and behavioral health issues and break down the stigma of mental illness. 

RVBH is the Commonwealth’s designated regional Community Mental Health Center. They offer a variety of mental health services, including outpatient therapy, case management, substance abuse counseling, and residential services.

“Statistics show that nearly one in five Americans live with a mental health condition,” said RVBH President and CEO  Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta. “RiverValley’s staff and Board of Directors are dedicated to building awareness of mental health and providing support to individuals and families in the seven counties that we serve. As a community, we can help start the conversation surrounding mental health and let others know that they are not alone.”

There are also ripple effects of mental illness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness:

  • People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population. People with serious mental illness are nearly twice as likely to develop these conditions.
  • 18.4% of U.S. adults with mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder in 2019.
  • High school students with significant symptoms of depression are more than twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers
  • Students aged 6-17 with mental, emotional or behavioral concerns are 3x more likely to repeat a grade.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, estimates suggest that only half of people with mental illnesses receive treatment. Access to treatment continues to be a challenge for many families due to stigma, economic factors, stress, transportation, and lack of trained clinicians.

Mental health advocates also want to make sure that people are aware that suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 34 in the U.S. The overall suicide rate has increased 35% since 1999, and it’s the 10th leading cause of death overall in the country.

According to statistics provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 46% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, and 90% experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

“Talking with our friends and loved ones about mental health is a great way to reduce the stigma,” Figueroa-Peralta. “We want to encourage people to seek help when they need it. There is no shame in reaching out.”

To access RVBH services, contact 270-689-6879 or 1-800-769-4920 for TDD-Hearing Impaired. For those in crisis with a non-medical emergency, call or text the Crisis Line at 1-800-433-7291.

May 13, 2021 | 12:10 am

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