From Phoenix Candle Company

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Let’s Be FR About Mental Health Awareness

The Facts:

  • About 1 in 4 adults experience mental illness at some point in their life

  • 25% of adults ages 18-25 experience mental illness in a year**

  • The most common mental health disorders are anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse

  • Yet only 51% of adults with mental illness receive treatment

  • Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition. 90% of people who die by suicide may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition

Primary Stressors For Some Young Black Adults That Contribute to Mental Illness:

  • Systemic racism and discrimination within education, the workforce, and healthcare

  • Obtaining financial security

  • Lack of access to quality education and career opportunities

  • Lack of access to quality healthcare

  • Police Brutality and the criminal justice system

  • Familial and community support

Stigmas and Barriers That Often Prevent Care and Treatment:

  • Beliefs that mental illness is a sign of weakness and feelings of shame

  • Fear of discrimination or bias from healthcare providers due to historical traumas

  • Lack of trust in the healthcare system

  • Lack of cultural competence by some healthcare professionals

  • Cost and limited access to care and resources

  • Lack of awareness and support

How The Pandemic Made an Impact

  • Due to the pandemic, many individuals experienced higher levels of stress and anxiety

  • Safety measures such as social distancing and quarantining increased social isolation, which contributed to depression

  • Many lives were lost due to COVID-19, causing grief across the nation and globally

  • The pandemic also caused significant financial hardship for many

**Due to the significance of major life transitions like starting and graduating college, securing a corporate job, undertaking entrepreneurship, and experiencing romantic relationships

NIMH. 2023. “Mental Illness” https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness

CDC. 2020. “Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic” https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932a1.htm

AFSP. 2021. “Suicide Statistics” https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/