Mental illness is more common than we realize.

In a society where mental health is stigmatized and often looked down upon, it can be hard to put things in perspective and see mental illness for what it really is: a condition that impacts people around us every day.

The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that:

• 51.5 million adults (20.6% of the adult population) aged 18 and over had suffered from AMI (Any Mental Illness). That’s 1 in 5 adults. 

• 13.1 million adults (5.2%) aged 18 and over experienced SMI (Serious Mental Illness). That’s 1 in 20 adults. 

• Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

• In 2017, Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in the United States.

To put that into perspective. In 2019:

• The Influenza (flu) season report estimated 38 million influenza illnesses. 

• An estimated total of 34.2 million (10.5%) people were diabetic.

• 25.13 million people (7.8%) suffered from asthma.

• There were 2.5x as many suicides (47,511) as there were homicides (19,141).

All this to show that mental illness is just as prevalent as some  situations that we see and encounter on a daily basis. Despite the ubiquity of mental illness, stigma and lack of knowledge prevents many from seeking help when it is desperately needed. 

These numbers become even more staggering if you consider the Christian community. In addition to integrating spiritual care with mental healthcare,OakHealthCenter seeks to educate those who may still see mental health as a “taboo” topic in their church communities. But the Gospel and mental healthcare are not mutually exclusive.

If you are interested in learning more or sharing the message of integrative care, please join us for our Anchor of Hope sessions or consider booking members of our team to speak to your community HERE.