An Increase In Mental Illness: How Destigmatizing Mental Healthcare Has Led To Increased Visibility

Mental healthcare and the visibility of mental illness statistics have increased over the decades, allowing more people to access statistics online and connect with a growing body of research. With the most recent publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), several changes have been made to allow therapists to make more accurate diagnoses and serve clients to the best of their ability. 

Understanding these changes and working to destigmatize mental health can help you and your community continue to improve access to and usage of mental healthcare and increase the visibility of treatment options. 

Has mental illness increased in recent years?

It can be difficult to know how many people lived with mental health conditions in past decades and centuries as mental health was not always taken seriously and the population was significantly lower. However, looking at how mental health statistics compare throughout time can be helpful. 

Mental health statistics across the decades

In 2021, over 41.7 million people saw a therapist. In 2002, that number was 27.2 million. In almost 20 years, the number of people seeing a provider for mental health conditions has increased by one and a half times what it was. This trend shows that more people are seeing therapy as a useful tool. Researchers also found that the most common reason people attended therapy in 2021 was to cope with anxiety or an anxiety disorder. 

One study found that when mental healthcare was first developed in the 1800s, people with mental illness were often labeled "insane" or "idiotic." These labels put a stigma on reaching out for help, and many people were institutionalized for showing symptoms. In the early 1900s, mental health hospitals were standard, but, due to public fear and stigmatization, people who may have needed support may not have asked for it. 

According to the same study, independent mental healthcare and community mental health centers increased from 125 centers in the US in 1965 to 691 in 1980. Many of these centers started to offer outpatient care to clients with mental illness, offering them the choice to ask for help and receive it without being put into inpatient care.  

Outside the number of available resources, the number of people with mental illness was less concrete. From the 1990s to 2003, the prevalence of mental illness was estimated to be about 29.4% to 30.5%  in the US. In the 90s, only 12.2% of the US population received mental health services.

In one study, rates of depression were studied worldwide. In 1990, 172 million people were diagnosed with depression. In 2023, over 280 million people and up to 300 million are estimated to be living with depression. However, it may be helpful to note that the population in 1990 was 5.2 billion. In 2023, the world population is estimated to be around 8 billion.

Youth mental health statistics

In 2023, Mental Health America reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders in youth than in previous years. The most common mental illnesses among adolescents and youth were major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Young adults are faced with similar challenges. 

Destigmatizing mental healthcare: Increasing mental health issues

Although rates of mental illness have risen to an extent, some statistics may be due to a rise in population. Below are a few other reasons mental illness may be more commonly diagnosed. 

Open conversations about mental health issues to avoid stigma

In the past, mental health information may have only been shared by mouth or through a doctor's referral. With the invention of the internet, more people can discuss topics online with people around the world. News can be shared, and trends are created to allow people to connect wherever they are. Trending topics on mental health can become more popular, and as people share mental health facts online, more people are destigmatizing mental illness and feeling validated in the words of others.

Influencers are often involved in marketing and selling products. However, they can also be significant in spreading mental health information. When someone with millions of followers talks about the benefit of reaching out for support, others can see someone they admire advocating for them. 

Increased access to self-help resources

In addition to the access to influencers and social media presence, access to self-help resources has increased with both the publishing industry and online resources. Mental health blogs, YouTube channels, and online tests allow people to learn about mental health at home. In addition, people can access many studies on mental health through professional resources like Google Scholar. 

Destigmatization of mental healthcare

According to research in the Global Mental Health Journal, the destigmatization of mental health conditions and treatment is an ongoing and serious challenge. The researchers report that mental health treatment programs are often not prioritized over physical health options. They also state that about half the world's population lives in a country with less than one psychiatrist per 200,000 residents. 

Despite these challenges, many stigmas about mental health have been dissolved or challenged by influencers, online resources, and therapists working to educate people on their mental health. With over 41 million people in therapy in the US, these efforts continue to pay off, and the amount of people receiving support continues to rise. 

Unique stressors and current events

In the 21st century, individuals have gone through unique and often traumatic global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, two recessions (in the US), and a challenging political climate. These events can significantly impact the rate of mental illness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety and depression diagnoses increased by 25% in 2020. Depending on the state of the world at any given time, there may be more cases of mental illness.  

Generational patterns

Older generations may have experienced a mental disorder while living in the 20th century, where a lack of access to professional support was available. In their families and social circles, these individuals may have been shamed for showing emotions or talking about subjects deemed "socially unacceptable" at the time. 

Although destigmatization occurs in the 21st century, older individuals may hold onto these patterns. Younger people may have seen the impact of these stigmas on their parents and strive to break generational patterns, which can increase the number of young people in therapy but leave many older adults without resources. In these cases, it may be helpful for older adults to look for professional support. 

How to cope with mental health illness and stigma in healthcare

If you're experiencing shame about living with a minor to serious mental illness or mental health concerns, know you're not alone. Millions of people live with mental illness. In addition, you don't have to have a mental illness or diagnosis to feel stressed or uncomfortable. Chronic stress, psychological distress, relationship challenges, and career-related concerns can also make handling your mental health challenging.

Ways to cope

Below are a few ways you can cope with this shame and destigmatize mental health for yourself. 

Practice self-care

Self-care involves activities that improve your mental, physical, spiritual, social, and psychological health. Common self-care activities can include: 

• Taking a walk in nature 
• Taking a hot bath 
• Writing in a journal
• Spending time with your pets
• Writing a story or poetry 
• Eating a healthy snack
• Exercising
• Swimming 
• Taking a day to relax after a hard week 
• Spending time alone if you don't often get alone time 
• Setting healthy boundaries with others 

Follow positive mental health accounts on social media

If you often see negative news on your social media platforms or posts by people that increase your concern about your mental health, consider unfollowing those pages. You can replace them with positive mental health accounts like therapists and influencers who share mental health and self-care tips. These positive accounts may help you destigmatize mental health for yourself. 

Destigmatizing mental healthcare for all

In some cases, the stigma surrounding mental health exists due to a lack of knowledge of mental health. Look at recent studies on mental illness, therapy, and self-care. If you have a specific symptom about which you feel ashamed, read about it from other people who have experienced it. You're not alone; research can remind you that what you're experiencing is often shared with others. 

You might join a support group online or in your area if you want further information. Support groups are made up of peers and are often free to join. Although they don't replace a licensed professional, they can be an area to learn more and destigmatize mental disorders. 

Reach out to a therapist

If you continue to struggle with shame, embarrassment, or difficulty asking for help, consider taking the first step by talking to a therapist. You can consult with various providers to find one with whom you feel comfortable. If you are uncomfortable meeting in person, discreet options like online therapy can be beneficial. 

Online therapy

Online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp allows clients to talk to a therapist via phone, video, or chat. If you are nervous about therapy, a chat session can allow you to talk to the therapist without showing your face. In addition, you can add a nickname instead of your real name if you prefer. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

Studies show that online therapy can be as effective as in-person options. One study indicated that participants found chat therapy effective, allowing them to talk to their provider more comfortably and reducing symptoms of major depressive disorder and anxiety.