What Percent Of The Population Receives Treatment For Anxiety In America 2018?

Unraveling the Web of Anxiety in America: A 2018 Snapshot and Beyond

In the hustle and bustle of the modern world, the whispers of anxiety are turning into loud calls for help. As we zoom into the state of mental health in America in 2018, a question that often pops up is, what percent of the population actually sought out and received treatment for anxiety? Well, let’s dive into this pressing issue, shall we?

Breaking Down the Numbers

In 2018, America found itself facing a rising tide of mental health challenges, with anxiety disorders proudly wearing the crown of the most common mental illnesses across the nation. Reports from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) suggest that anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the United States aged 18 and older, or about 18.1% of the population every year. Yet, despite its widespread grip, only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment. Let that sink in for a moment.

The Ocean Beneath the Iceberg

Why, you might ask, is the percentage seemingly low? Well, my curious reader, the answer is as layered as it is complicated. Stigma, lack of access, cost, and simply the lack of awareness all play their part in this convoluted drama. Many individuals suffering from anxiety often whisper to themselves, “It’s all in my head, I should just get over it,” not realizing that their nemesis is as real as any physical illness and deserves treatment.

Barriers to Seeking Help

1. Stigma: Let’s talk turkey; the stigma around mental health still has its ugly tentacles wrapped around society, making it hard for many to step forward.
2. Access and Availability: In many areas, especially rural ones, mental health services are as scarce as hen’s teeth.
3. Cost: Even with insurance, the cost of therapy sessions or medication can be as high as a cat’s back, putting it out of reach for many.
4. Awareness: There’s still a significant chunk of the population that, due to lack of awareness, doesn’t recognize the symptoms of anxiety as a sign that it’s time to seek help.

Looking Forward: A Glimmer of Hope on the Horizon

As we saunter into the future, there’s a glimmer of hope. The conversation surrounding mental health is getting louder, prouder, and more mainstream. There’s an uptick in mental health advocacy and an increasing number of initiatives aimed at shattering the stigma, improving access, and making treatment more affordable. Teletherapy, for instance, has emerged as a beacon of hope for many, offering a more accessible and oftentimes less expensive way to receive therapy.

Moreover, society is gradually warming up to the idea that mental health is just as important as physical health. Celebrities and public figures opening up about their own struggles have added much-needed wind beneath the wings of the mental health movement.

The Bottom Line?

While the path ahead is still fraught with challenges, the tide is slowly but surely turning. The year 2018 may have shown us that only a fraction of those wrestling with anxiety sought and received treatment, but as we inch forward, armed with better awareness, resources, and a collective will to change, there’s hope that more individuals will find the help they need.

It’s a long road ahead, but with each step forward, we’re moving closer to a society where seeking help for anxiety isn’t just accepted — it’s encouraged. After all, in the grand tapestry of life, ensuring our mental well-being is not just a personal victory, but a societal triumph. Let’s keep the conversation going and ensure that everyone knows they’re not alone in their battle.