The Mental Health Crisis in America: A Nation in Distress ... The First in a Series of Articles

As the United States grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a more insidious crisis has been unfolding beneath the surface: a mental health epidemic that threatens to upend the very fabric of our society.

According to a recent report, approximately 1 in 5 American adults experience a mental health condition each year, with a staggering 50 million individuals affected. The pandemic has only exacerbated this crisis, with rates of anxiety and depression soaring among marginalized communities.

But this is not a new problem. The roots of our mental health crisis can be traced back to a complex web of historical, social, and economic factors. The stigma surrounding mental illness, perpetuated by a lack of understanding and inadequate treatment options, has long been a major obstacle to seeking help.

In recent years, however, there have been glimmers of hope. Advances in psychotherapy, medications, and neurotherapeutic procedures have expanded treatment options. At the same time, telehealth and artificial intelligence innovations have increased care access. Yet, despite these advancements, significant barriers remain. Financial constraints, limited availability of services, and a lack of cultural competence among mental health professionals continue to hinder access to care.

The consequences of this crisis are far-reaching. Untreated mental health conditions can lead to decreased productivity, increased healthcare costs, and a heightened risk of substance misuse and social problems.

But there is hope. Treatment options for mental health conditions have never been more diverse or effective. Psychotherapy, for example, has evolved to include a range of evidence-based approaches, from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Medications, too, have become more targeted and effective, with options ranging from antidepressants to mood stabilizers. And for those who have not responded to traditional treatments, neurotherapeutic procedures like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offer new avenues for relief.

In addition, innovative technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are used to create immersive, interactive therapies to help individuals confront and overcome their fears and anxieties. And telehealth, which has become increasingly popular during the pandemic, allows individuals to access mental health services from the comfort of their own homes, reducing barriers to care and increasing access to treatment.

One of the most promising new developments in mental health treatment is Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS), a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that could revolutionize the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). tACS uses a gentle, alternating current to stimulate specific areas of the brain, promoting neural plasticity and potentially leading to long-term changes in brain function. Early studies have shown promising results, with tACS demonstrating efficacy in reducing symptoms of depression and improving cognitive function.

However, perhaps the most promising is the growing recognition of the importance of self-care and lifestyle adjustments in mental health treatment. By incorporating healthy habits like exercise, meditation, and mindfulness into their daily routines, individuals can take a proactive role in managing their mental health and reducing their risk of developing mental health conditions. As we move forward, we must prioritize these holistic approaches, recognizing that mental health is not just the absence of illness but the presence of wellness.

The Cost of Mental Illness

When someone has a mental illness like depression, it not only affects them but also their loved ones. Caregivers, such as family members or friends, often take on many responsibilities to help the person with their daily needs. However, the impact of this on caregivers is not well understood.

The cost of mental illness, including depression, suicide attempts, and suicide, is very high. In 2013, the estimated cost to the U.S. was over 58 billion. This number is even higher when you account for the fact that many suicide attempts and deaths are not reported. When you add this in, the total cost is almost 94 billion.

Most of this cost is not from direct medical expenses but from the economic impact. When someone with a mental illness dies or is unable to work due to their illness, it can have a significant effect on their family and community, including loss of the ability to work, which is the main reason for the high cost.

As we emerge from this crisis, our society must fundamentally shift its approach to mental health. We must recognize that mental health is not a personal failing but a public health issue that requires a collective response. We must invest in evidence-based treatments, reduce stigma, and prioritize prevention. We must empower individuals to take control of their mental health, providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. Doing so can build a brighter, healthier future where mental health is valued, respected, and prioritized.

I invite you to join us in our next article, where we'll explore the critical topic of US military, veterans, and law enforcement mental health. In the final installment of this series, I'll sit down with Kelly Roman, the CEO of Fisher Wallace, to discuss tACS and what his company is doing to accelerate novel treatments for mental wellness. 

Kathryn Munoz, PhD, MPH is a leader in the fields of public health, the pharmaceutical industry and natural solutions to health problems.  She offers transformational coaching on professional development to leaders in the pharmaceutical industry and in other industries.  Her website is https://www.biopharmacoachpro.com/.