Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Highly stigmatized and exceptionally misunderstood, mental illness affects millions of people globally. These conditions have a profound impact on an individual's daily life, but they also affect society as a whole.
People from all walks of life, all ethnic backgrounds, and all socioeconomic statuses are affected by mental illness. However, who suffers from mental illness the most?
Identifying the most affected groups is crucial for tailoring mental health interventions, allocating resources effectively, and reducing disparities in access to care. Take a closer look at who suffers from mental illness the most below.
Demographic Overview
Across all demographics, nuanced differences exist when it comes to who suffers from mental illness. Everything from gender and age to socioeconomic status and cultural belief systems can be factors in mental health disorders.
Gender Disparities
Statistically, differences do exist between men and women when it comes to mental health. While an almost equal number of men and women suffer from mental illness, what conditions affect which genders the most looks very different. For example, women are twice as likely to experience depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
By contrast, men are twice as likely to experience substance use disorders (SUDs) and are four times more likely than women to die from suicide. Men are also more likely to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Unfortunately, men are also much less likely to seek care for any mental illness than women.
Age Groups Affected
Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 are known to have the highest rates of mental illness. Adults between 26 and 49 are slightly less likely to experience mental illness, and adults 50 and older are the least likely.
While there are differences in the rates of mental illness among age groups, it is important to note that mental illness can happen at any age. Additionally, certain illnesses may be most common among specific age groups. For example, clinical depression is common among the elderly.
Socioeconomic Factors
A close link exists between socioeconomic status and mental illness. In particular, a lower socioeconomic status leads to a higher risk of experiencing a mental disability. Socioeconomic status is related to income, housing status, occupational status, and education levels.
Socioeconomic factors may influence the risks of mental illness directly and indirectly. For example, an individual dealing with homelessness may be more likely to struggle with mental illness due to the stress of not having a home. However, this may also indirectly lead to mental illness due to things like stigma and social isolation.
Cultural Influences
Cultural influences significantly shape attitudes toward mental health and the stigma surrounding it. Some cultures also prioritize collectivism, affecting how mental illness is perceived and the likelihood that an individual will seek treatment. Additionally, cultural beliefs can influence coping mechanisms, which can heighten the vulnerability to mental health challenges.
Some studies have shown that Asian Americans may be less likely to seek mental health treatment due to cultural barriers. Additionally, American Indian/Alaskan Natives experience higher rates of mental illness but may be less likely to seek care. Across various diverse cultures, disparities exist in terms of prevalence, risks of certain illnesses, and the likelihood of seeking treatment.
Environmental Influences
Researchers have long established the fact that environmental influences are just as likely to lead to mental illness as other factors. Stress, trauma, health conditions, and other outlying influences can mean an individual is more likely to experience mental illness.
Work-Related Stress
Heavy workloads, working long hours, and job insecurity can be severe sources of stress. The stress can be so severe that it leads to mental illness. Over half of people who deal with high stress at work say that the stress is so high that it bleeds into their home life.
Trauma and Its Effects
Psychological illness and traumatic experiences are closely intertwined. In one study of individuals in a psychiatric hospital, 91 percent had experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. In the same study, traumatic experiences were also closely related to suicidal thoughts.
Individuals who deal with trauma in childhood, whether due to abuse or otherwise, also have a higher risk of mental illness. For example, children who face any level of abuse are more likely to develop substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, and dissociative identity disorder.
Urban vs. Rural Disparities
People who live in urban environments face higher rates of many types of mental illness compared to those who live in rural settings. Urban dwellers are 40 percent more likely to experience depression, 20 percent more likely to develop anxiety, and face higher rates of schizophrenia.
The reasons behind the disparities in mental health between rural and urban dwellers are multifaceted. Some researchers state that people in real areas may face higher stress levels due to lack of privacy, feeling unsafe, and less access to nature.
Health Disparities
Individuals who suffer from physical health challenges are more likely to deal with mental illness. One in three people who have a serious physical health condition will develop a mental illness. The most common comorbid conditions for those with physical health issues are anxiety and depression.
Supporting Those with Mental Illness Starts with Acknowledging Who Is Most Affected
Supporting those with mental illness begins by acknowledging the most affected groups. Doing so highlights the disparities that exist within society that often get overlooked. Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring equitable access to care and resources.
Promoting mental health awareness plays a vital role in reducing stigma and fostering understanding among communities. Furthermore, recognizing these issues lays the groundwork for future research. Knowledge about who is most affected by mental illness guides efforts to develop more effective interventions and support systems for those in need.
Sources
Referenced, not linked
https://www.psychiatry.org/getmedia/aa325a61-5b60-4c71-80f1-dc80cf83c383/Mental-Health-Facts-for-Women.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8684627/
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2005/03/low-ses
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/diversity/education/mental-health-facts
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1858696/
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/physical-health-and-mental-health
https://www.osha.gov/workplace-stress
https://www.urbandesignmentalhealth.com/how-the-city-affects-mental-health.html
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/effects-child-abuse
Linked
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/men-women-statistics
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
