According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in five American adults live with a mental illness. Mental health impacts every aspect of our lives, yet we often overlook or shy away from discussing it due to stigma and fear of discrimination.
More than 200 types of mental illness have been identified, and understanding them can help us show more empathy and hopefully feel more empowered to seek help when we need it. Let’s learn more about the most common mental health challenges for all age groups.
What Are the Most Common Mental Health Challenges?
- Anxiety challenges. These are most prevalent in the U.S., affecting roughly 30% of adults. They include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and specific phobias. Anxiety illnesses also affect children, particularly from ages 3-17. People with high levels of anxiety typically experience excessive worry and fear, and they tend to avoid behaviors that interfere with daily activities.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Nearly 10% of U.S. children and teenagers have been diagnosed with ADHD, making it one of the most common mental health challenges among younger Americans. Lack of attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are key indicators that can ultimately impact academic performance and risk-taking behaviors, such as substance use.
- Depression. People of all ages deal with depression, which is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness. It can result in a loss of interest in activities and changes in sleep, appetite and concentration. In certain cases, it can also lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This mental illness can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
- Bipolar Disorder. Almost 3% of U.S. adults are diagnosed with bipolar disorder each year, which involves a range of mood swings. During elevated moments, individuals experience increased activity and potentially risky behavior, while depressive lows bring severe sadness and a lack of energy.
- Schizophrenia. This mental illness involves hallucinations, delusions and cognitive difficulties that can impair a person’s ability to function. Symptoms often stabilize with treatment, but they continue to impact daily life.
- Eating Disorders. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder are common among younger individuals, especially women. But eating disorders affect adults as well. These illnesses are characterized by extreme attitudes and behaviors related to food and weight, leading to serious physical and mental health consequences.
How to Help Someone with a Mental Health Challenge
Friends, family and loved ones play a critical role in helping people navigate their mental health journeys. Social support often provides a sense of belonging, improves self-esteem and significantly reduces feelings of isolation.
You can start by listening to your loved one without judgment and offering to help them with daily tasks. But most importantly, encourage them to seek professional help, if they haven’t already. Offer to help them find suitable mental healthcare or accompany them to appointments. Treatment may include therapy, medication or both.
Envision Unlimited is a certified Community Mental Health Provider, offering behavioral health services to people with a variety of mental health concerns. If you or someone you know has a mental health challenge and would like to talk, call our Mental Health Services intake coordinator at 773-506-3161.
Navigate Mental Health Challenges with Envision Unlimited
Envision Unlimited is a full spectrum of care organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness, regardless of age, gender, background or ability. Since 1948, we have built a legacy of evolving care delivered with empathy, every time and everywhere. Our innovative services are offered across Chicagoland and Central Illinois and include novel day programs, community living options, behavioral health services, employment programs, respite for families and foster care for children with disabilities.