Hi, fam.

Today we’re digging into the reality of how long it takes on average for someone in the U.S. to seek mental health care. Spoiler alert: It is far too long. The good news is, with growing awareness and a clear understanding of what changes are needed, there’s hope for a better future.

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Latest happenings in mental health

• The World Health Organization issues new and updated recommendations on mental health treatment 

• NYC partners with Talkspace to address teen mental health crisis

• The number of employees who are angry, stressed, and disengaged is rising 

Your mental wellness microdose

• Looking for a trip but not into drugs? Check out psychedelic breathing

• If you’re struggling to come up with things to be grateful for this szn, try making an anti-gratitude list

• When you don’t feel like meditating, try handwashing your dishes

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• Connect with others committed to mental health transformation in our growing Slack community

• Bring mental health training to your community or org

The silent decade

On average, Americans take 11 years to seek help for mental health issues. This delay, deeply rooted in many contributing factors but still largely not understood, has far-reaching implications. It not only affects personal well-being but also has a profound impact on our economic and public health landscape.

Often referred to as the “silent decade” by mental health professionals, this gap in care represents a complex mix of stigma, lack of awareness, and systemic barriers to mental health care access. During this time, symptoms typically worsen, relationships strain, and opportunities for early intervention are missed.

Breaking down the barriers

Stigma surrounding mental health remains a pervasive barrier to seeking treatment, and its impact is evident in recent studies. Despite growing awareness and acceptance of mental health issues, the shadow of stigma still looms large, influencing individuals' decisions to seek help.

In addition to stigma, cost and access have been found to be major barriers to care.  

A recent survey shows 42 percent of U.S. adults who needed care in the previous 12 months did not receive it because of costs. This barrier is compounded by often inadequate insurance coverage.

This silence is also expensive for organizations. According to a report by the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. In the U.S., untreated mental health conditions significantly contribute to absenteeism and reduced productivity.

As of March 2023, 160 million Americans live in areas with mental health professional shortages. This shortfall in mental health care access and the historical underinvestment in mental health services highlight a critical need for reform. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, including increasing the number of mental health professionals, enhancing insurance coverage for mental health care, and ensuring that mental health services are adequately reimbursed.

Significant change for a better future

Without significant changes in these areas, the gap between the need for mental health services and the availability of care is likely to continue, impacting the well-being of millions of Americans.

The 11-year wait is more than a statistic; it's a reflection of a society still grappling with how to effectively support mental health. But as awareness grows and attitudes shift, there's hope that this silent decade can become a thing of the past, replaced by a culture of timely, compassionate care.

Read more about the silent decade here

That’s all for now.

Let us know how you’re doing and check out resources available. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call or text 9-8-8.

Meg + the Here fam