Statistics

Statistics on mental health

In recent years, the rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide have drastically risen among adolescents. 3.2 million (13%) of US adolescents said they had experienced at least one major depressive episode, and of that, nearly 2.4 million are girls (one in five girls). Furthermore, the adolescent suicide rate has risen by 34% for boys and 82% for girls, making it the 3rd leading cause of death among the group.

Around 30% of adolescents have engaged in non-suicidal self-harm, according to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Percentage of adolescents in the US aged between 12 and 17 that suffered at least one major depressive episode. (AAU.edu)

Scarce help resources

There is a severe and escalating shortage of mental health providers in the US.

Only 17% of attempts to get an appointment for a therapist were successful, while the waitlist time ranged from weeks to months, to even a year.

It was estimated that by 2025, the US would have a shortage of over 15,000 professionals.

59% of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health care or treatment.