Philippians 4:7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
May 2017 is the annual Mental Health Awareness Month, and American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) sends their thoughts and prayers to those who are suffering from mental illness. Mental illness affects millions of people in America each year, and AUHS encourages you to learn about mental disorders, become aware of the treatments and mental health screenings that are available, and spread the word about mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month has been celebrated since 1949 by Mental Health America and its affiliates across the country, according to Mental Health America (MHA). Here is a list of 10 facts that you should know about mental illness.
- What is mental illness? Mental illnesses are “health conditions involving changes in thinking, emotion or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities,” according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
- There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness, according to Mental Health America (MHA). Some of the more common disorders are clinical depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Symptoms may include changes in mood, personality, personal habits, and/or social withdrawal.
- 1 in 5 adults in America—43.8 million people—experiences mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
- Among the 20.2 million adults in the U.S. who experienced a substance use disorder, 10.2 million adults (50.5%) had a co-occurring mental illness, according to NAMI.
- The mental health of youth in America is getting worse. Rates of youth depression increased from 8.5% in 2011 to 11.1% in 2014, according to Mental Health America (MHA).
- 70% of youth in America’s juvenile justice systems have at least one mental health condition and at least 20% live with a serious mental illness, according to NAMI.
- An estimated 26% of homeless adults staying in shelters live with serious mental illness and an estimated 46% live with severe mental illness and/or substance use disorders, according to NAMI.
- Serious mental illness costs America $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year, according to NAMI.
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in America, according to NAMI. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for people aged 10–24 and the 2nd leading cause of death for people aged 15–24.
- Adults in the U.S. living with serious mental illness die on average 25 years earlier on average than others, largely due to treatable medical conditions, according to NAMI.
About American University of Health Sciences
AUHS is a Christian based, minority-serving university, which educates students for careers in the healthcare professions. AUHS emphasizes the values of faith in God, love of humankind, and belief that all people have a right to healthcare and deserve a good quality of life based on wellness of body, mind and spirit. The university celebrates diversity, and reaches out to groups currently underrepresented in healthcare and research. AUHS provides the undergraduate and graduate curriculum, hands-on practical training and supportive environment required to create competent and compassionate healthcare professionals.
American University of Health Sciences is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510.748.9001.
Connect with our social networks
AUHS Facebook
AUHS Instagram
AUHS Twitter
