Mental Health in the U.S.: A Growing Threat
Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the urgent challenges our communities face that call for collective action.
By: Diana Bello Aristizábal
The United States is grappling with a clear mental health crisis. According to the latest annual report from Mental Health America (MHA), released in June 2024, nearly 60 million adults—or about 23% of the population— experienced a mental health condition in the past year. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) also reports that more than one in every five Americans is currently living with some form of mental illness.
What’s most alarming is how early mental health issues are now surfacing as children and young people are dealing with challenges that were unheard of in previous generations. The crisis is so severe that, by 2030, depression is projected to become the leading cause of reduced life expectancy globally, surpassing even conditions like high blood pressure.
This projection aligns with what we’re already witnessing: one in five teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Yet over half of them—56.1%— didn’t get any kind of treatment, according to MHA. Even more troubling is the fact that untreated or poorly managed depression is the leading cause of suicide, which claimed 49,449 lives in 2022—the highest number ever recorded in the U.S.
“Mental health is on red alert,” says Erika Monroy, a clinical and educational psychologist. She explains that at a recent conference she attended, experts discussed how children as young as four already have access to technology, a known risk factor for mental health, while adding she’s seen patients as young as nine being prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.
Adolescents and men over 45: the most at-risk groups
Although the current mental health crisis is widespread, adolescents (ages 13 to 19) form the group that is most severely impacted, followed by men over 45, who also require urgent attention.
“During adolescence, 80% of mental health-related disorders develop,” says Erika. In this group, depression and anxiety are the most prominent, followed by suicide, which is the second leading cause of death among adolescents; eating disorders, addictions, and self-harm.
These issues are becoming increasingly serious compared to the past. For example, children as young as nine are exposed to pornography, a factor that can alter their body image and, thus, help with the development of eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
Another triggering factor is social media, as it creates pressure to conform to an image-driven environment focused on external validation. Furthermore, its addictive nature, fueled by instant gratification, leads to anxiety, lack of focus, fatigue, and a growing apathy in everyday activities that require more effort. It also diminishes social and communication skills, known to be crucial for maintaining good mental health.
In contrast, the greatest battle men over 45 face is suicide. According to Erika Monroy, this is due to the existential crisis they often experience between this age and 50, during which their main concern tends to be financial problems.
They are also more prone to falling into addictions driven by the desire to escape reality through fleeting pleasures. “You are an addict when you need something external to your body to create a mental state, like a glass of wine or a cup of coffee in the morning to wake up. It’s not always about drugs or alcohol,” says Erika.”
It’s important to note that both men and teenagers — and the population at large — have lost the ability to be present in the moment, and that seems to be the root cause of the mental health crisis we’re living in. Slowly and increasingly humans are forgetting how to wait and feel comfortable with themselves without resorting to external stimuli.
“Anxiety stems from uncertainty about the future, because as humans, we need to feel in control,” says Erika. She believes the most effective remedy against this — simple as it may sound — is learning to manage time by creating daily routines that give the mind a clear sense of direction.
She also suggests switching phone screens to grayscale, aiming to reduce sensory stimulation, silencing notifications, and taking regular breaks from electronic devices. These small changes can help boost attention span, improve frustration tolerance, and reduce the inner disconnect that often leads to emotional distress.
“Happiness is the process of becoming aware and reconnecting with ourselves — something that’s nearly impossible to do in a world full of noise and constant stimulation. We need to make space for silence, breathe, and approach life with intention instead of running on autopilot,” says Erika.
Self-care also plays a key role and shows up in everyday habits like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, staying active, meditating, and using relaxation techniques. These daily practices are what ultimately make the difference between strong and fragile mental health.
When it comes to children, setting clear and strict limits on screen time, cutting down on sugary and processed foods, which has been proven to contribute to the onset of depression and anxiety, making sure they sleep enough, and encouraging real-life social interaction and outdoor play can go a long way in supporting their mental well-being.
Finally, it’s essential to recognize the significance of seeking help promptly and whenever needed. Individual therapy, support groups, and free resources can be lifesaving. Key resources to have on hand include the helpline 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), 1-800-662-HELP (4357), and websites like jedfoundation.org, teenline.org, psychologytoday.com/us/therapists, and crisistextline.org.