You’re not alone—millions of Americans face mental health and substance abuse challenges each year. It’s estimated that more than 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness, with 23.1% or about 59.3 million experiencing a mental illness in 2022. About 48.7 million or 17.3% of the population aged 12 or older had an alcohol and/or drug use disorder that same year.
Mental illnesses include many different conditions varying in severity, from mild to severe. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition, affecting 42.5 million adults in 2022. An estimated 31.6% or nearly a third of U.S. adults will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. About 8.8% or 22.5 million Americans experienced major depression in 2022, another significant challenge many face nationwide.
The struggle with mental health and substance abuse challenges is real but so is hope. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. It’s not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. Effective treatment is available and with the right support, recovery is possible.