The (mental health) state of the union.

There's no doubt that the U.S. is in the midst of a mental health crisis. By nearly every measure, rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorders, and suicide are all rising. In 2021, the number of adults reporting a mental health condition increased to nearly 23% and one third of adults reported symptoms of depression or anxiety, a 3x increase from 2019. 

Vivek Murthy, The U.S. Surgeon General has declared a “devastating” national mental health crisis, focusing the nation’s attention on issues like loneliness and isolation and teen social media use. He has stated that loneliness and isolation are a public health crisis that have harmed both individual and societal health and that we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders.

Murthy has also stated that social media can pose a risk of harm to the mental health of children and adolescents, urging families to set limits and governments to set tougher standards for use.

How did we get here?

The mental health crisis today is multifaceted, influenced by a number of factors that span individual, societal, and global domains. These factors interact in myriad of ways, sometimes amplifying one another. Here’s a look at some of the critical contributors:

• Social isolation: As we continue to live in increasingly fragmented communities, and spend more and more time online,  feelings of loneliness and disconnection are at an all time high. Being wired for belonging, it’s no surprise that the lack of meaningful social connections can lead to a number of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and suicide. Extreme loneliness and disconnection from others can be very distressing and make it difficult to cope with stress and other challenges in life and when we are isolated, we may not have a trusted person to talk to or to support us through treatment.

• Social media and digital dependency: The ability to broadcast curated highlights of one’s life can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy in others, leading to envy, lowered self-esteem, and depression. Constant exposure to news, often negative, can cause anxiety and feelings of helplessness, and over-reliance on tech can lead to addictive behaviors, affecting sleep, focus, and real-world social interactions.

• Financial insecurity: Many face challenges from student loans, unemployment, underemployment, or the unpredictability of the gig economy, leading to chronic stress. Perceived disparities in wealth and opportunity can lead to feelings of hopelessness and societal resentment.

• Workplace demands: Overwork not only impacts job performance and satisfaction but also reduces the opportunity for restorative activities like hobbies, family time, and adequate sleep. Over time, this imbalance can contribute to extreme stress, burnout and even depression.

• Stigma and lack of access: In many cultures, there remains a stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues, exacerbating the problem. In addition, many regions, communities, or individuals lack access to proper mental health care, due to both worker shortages and lack of awareness.

What’s being done

Earlier this year, the Biden-Harris Administration announced its plan to tackle the nation’s mental health crisis, including increased funding for 988, the nationwide suicide and crisis lifeline and new resources for school-based mental health services. Here is a snapshot into the mental health action action plan, its key pillars and initiatives.

• Strengthen the mental health workforce and system capacity by increasing and diversifying the behavioral health workforce, expanding access to peer support, and enhancing crisis response.

• Connect more Americans to care by making care more accessible, meeting people where they are (at schools and at work), and reduce stigma for all, including service members and veterans. 

• Create healthy and supportive environments by promoting social connection, investing in early childhood mental health, and improving overall employee wellness. 

Additionally, state and local governments, non-profits, and other mission-driven organizations are working to:

• Reduce stigma around mental illness: This includes public education campaigns, training for frontline workers, business and HR leaders, and changing the way that mental illness is portrayed in the media.

• Expand access to mental health care: This includes expanding Medicaid coverage for mental health services, creating more affordable mental health clinics, and providing more funding for mental health research.

• Promote social connection: This includes investing in community programs, supporting social enterprises, and making it easier for people to connect with each other online and offline.

• Creating a more just and equitable society: This includes reducing economic inequality, addressing racial and gender disparities, and investing in education and opportunity.

Connect with us

What else is happening in the world of mental health

• Joe Biden’s taking on insurers to address America’s mental health crisis

• 988 launches American Sign Language services

• Modernizing the mental health system in CA

• Gen Z v. Millennials: mental health edition

Your wellness microdose

• 9 smart ways pause and be present

• Simple brain hacks from a hypnotist

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Meg + the Here fam