Mental Health Facts

Mental health issues are a significant problem in society. Unfortunately, there are many misperceptions about mental health problems. One of the major myths is that only adults can experience mental health disorders.

Here are some of the facts:

• One in five American adults experienced a mental health issue
• Between 20% and 30% of adolescents have one major depressive episode before they reach adulthood.
• Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old.
• The vast majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. Most people with mental illness are not violent and only 3%-5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults.
• Between 25% and 33% of adolescents forgo needed care.

Drug Addiction Facts

Drug abuse and addiction in America has been significantly worsening. Those facing addiction are younger, the addictions have become more complicated and the types of drugs being abused have become more potent.

Here are some drug abuse facts:

• The estimated cost of drug abuse exceeds $190 billion.
• The most commonly used and abused drug, after alcohol, is marijuana.
• In 2013, an estimated 24.6 million Americans aged 12 or older—9.4 percent of the population—had used an illicit drug in the past month.
• Excessive drinking is responsible for more than 4,300 deaths among underage youth each year, and cost the U.S. $24 billion in economic costs in 2010.
• In 2015, the Monitoring the Future Survey reported that 10% of 8th graders and 35% of 12th graders drank during the past 30 days, and 5% of 8th graders and 17% of 12th graders binge drank during the past 2 weeks.
• The United States represents 5% of the world’s population and 75% of prescription drugs taken. 60% of teens who abuse prescription drugs get them free from friends and relatives.

Information from: MentalHealth.gov, NCCP, DrugFacts.gov,