(image via Depositphotos)The number of adults in the U.S. who have sought out mental health treatment has nearly doubled in the past 20 years.
The uptick in demand reflects not only a rise in anxiety/depression, but more openness and honesty about mental health.
From Axios:
By the numbers: 23% of U.S. adults visited a mental health professional in 2022, up from 13% in 2004, according to Gallup polling.
Pandemic-era isolation drove up depression and anxiety among Americans from all walks of life, including teen girls, parents of young kids and retirees.
Numerous studies have linked social media use to deteriorating mental health among young people. In one study, published in the American Economic Review, researchers found that when Facebook hit college campuses, it led to a 7% rise in severe depression and a 20% rise in anxiety disorder.
Amy Wagner, a therapist in Georgia, told Axios, “It’s really heartbreaking having to turn people away.” She added that she had to decline five new patients just this week: “It’s just not slowing down.”
Related: Simone Biles Returns To Competition Overcoming Mental Health Issues
I can admit that during the pandemic, I experienced some cognitive issues and looking for a therapist was one of my attempts to mitigate the issue. After several months of searching, I gave up unable to find a therapist who had room in their practice.