Mental Health in 2023

In an era where data reigns supreme, understanding the landscape of mental and behavioral healthcare is vital. Without reliable information, we are left in the dark when it comes to tackling the pressing issue of mental health. Fortunately, organizations like Mental Health America (MHA) have stepped up to provide in-depth behavioral health data for both the youth and adults in the United States. In this article, we, Addiction and Psychiatric Care, delve into the 2023 State of Mental Health in America survey by MHA, shedding light on the prevalence of mental health issues and the challenges faced in accessing care.

Key Takeaways from the 2023 Study

Let’s start by examining some of the key findings from the 2023 MHA survey. It reveals that a staggering 21% of adults in the United States are grappling with at least one mental illness. That’s approximately 50 million individuals. Shockingly, 55% of these adults have not received any treatment, leaving them to battle their mental health issues alone. Moreover, 5.44% of adults experience severe mental illness, and over 12.1 million adults (4.8%) have reported serious thoughts of suicide. This distressing statistic becomes even more alarming when surveying adults who identify as two or more races, where the figure more than doubles. The states facing the most significant challenges include Kansas, Arizona, and Oregon, all of which report high percentages of adults with mental illness and thoughts of suicide.

Current Trends in Adult Mental Health

The 2023 MHA survey findings align with a concerning trend seen over recent years: a rise in mental health conditions coupled with increasing difficulties in accessing care, particularly among marginalized groups.

One noteworthy trend is the surge in the prevalence of mental illness. While comparing numbers from the 2023 survey to previous years is challenging, researchers unanimously agree that Americans from all walks of life reported heightened distress and mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a separate survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a staggering 40% of Americans reported symptoms of anxiety and depression in 2020, compared to just 11% in 2019. The pandemic’s uncertainty and fear undoubtedly played a significant role in this increase.

However, it’s not limited to anxiety and depression. In this year’s survey, more than 12 million adults reported serious thoughts of suicide. People have understandably struggled when removed from the stability of friends and family and subjected to new and unusual stressors, and we’re seeing that in the data.

Untreated Substance Use Disorders

Another concerning aspect illuminated by the survey is the surge in untreated substance use disorders. In the absence of care, many individuals resorted to substances like alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms. The survey reveals that almost 11% of adults reported abusing alcohol, while 6.82% reported abusing illicit drugs. Shockingly, less than 7% of this combined number are seeking treatment for their substance use disorder. Several factors have contributed to this rise in untreated substance use disorders, including interruptions in harm reduction programs, isolation, worsening economic conditions, and growing mental health concerns. Sadly, this rise in untreated substance use disorders has also led to an increase in overdose risk factors, with more than 93,300 overdose deaths occurring in the United States in 2020.

Difficulties in Accessing Care

Perhaps one of the most troubling findings from this year’s survey is the stark reality that, while more people are reporting mental health concerns, only 28% were able to find the care they needed. Common barriers to accessing mental health care services include the lack of affordable options, as reported by 42% of respondents, a lack of awareness about where to go for services (27% of respondents), and not having the time to seek treatment (19% of respondents). Nationally, this leaves over 14 million individuals who recognize the need for help but cannot find the right behavioral healthcare provider or agency. The challenge is even more pronounced in states like Indiana, Nevada, and Arizona, where between 36% and 39% of the population cannot access care.

Mental Health In America – Variations by State

Nationwide, there is a growing demand for mental health services, but there is insufficient workforce availability. Significant disparities exist in how various states handle mental health care. On average, there is one mental health provider for every 350 people in the United States. However, in states like Massachusetts and Alaska, there is one mental health provider for every 140 to 160 citizens. In contrast, states like West Virginia, Texas, and Alabama have one clinician for every 670 to 850 individuals. These areas with low workforce availability tend to have the highest number of mentally unhealthy adults who cannot afford to see a doctor. This frequent, untreated mental distress has been associated with poor outcomes, including chronic illnesses and increased mortality.

To address this inequity, addressing workforce reimbursement is paramount. Lower reimbursements have led to inadequate wages, causing mental health providers to leave these lower-paying jobs for other fields. Redressing this balance is crucial to retaining talent in high-demand mental health professions.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the data presented in the 2023 State of Mental Health in America survey underscores specific areas that require our attention and advocacy. When examining adult outcomes, it is evident that states with easier access to care, such as Vermont, Massachusetts, and Illinois, tend to have lower prevalence rates of mental illness. This highlights the critical importance of access to affordable mental health care, regardless of where one resides. Clinicians can play a pivotal role in widening access to their practices through increased outreach and partnerships with primary care physicians for easier referrals. Implementing briefer interventions, which have shown promising outcomes, can also help bridge the gap.

The demand for mental health treatment is projected to remain high for the foreseeable future. If you find yourself suffering from a mental health disorder or feel as though you may be suffering from a mental health illness, Addiction and Psychiatric Care is here to assist you. Contact us today to discover how the professionals at Addiction and Psychiatric Care tools and technology have supported the behavioral health community, ensuring that quality care is within reach.

In this rapidly evolving landscape of mental health, we must continue to address the growing demands for mental and behavioral health services. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.