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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual observance founded by Mental Health America in 1949 to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing, educate the public, reduce stigma and promote support for those affected by mental health conditions. Each year, individuals and organizations come together to raise awareness and advocate for better mental health care and resources.
Despite progress in mental health initiatives, more than 30 million people in the U.S. still lack access to comprehensive, high-quality care. These statistics* highlight the ongoing need for Mental Health Awareness Month and the importance of bringing attention to this disparity:
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1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
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1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.
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1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment.
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50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
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In 2023, 20% of all high school students seriously considered suicide.
*The above statistics can be found on the
National Council for Mental Wellbeing website.
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