A Note To Self
Mental Health Awareness Project
General Mental Health Data - source: https://mhanational.org/mentalhealthfacts
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Nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year
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46 percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14
Overall
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Number of US Adults with Mental Illness: 50 million
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Percent of US Adults with Mental Illness: 19.86%
Anxiety
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Lifetime prevalence of any Anxiety Disorder: 31.6%
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Number of US Adults with Anxiety Disorders: 42.5 million
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Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in America
Addiction/Substance Use Disorder
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Percent of US Adults with a Substance Use Disorder in the Past Year: 7.74%
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Number of US Adults with a Substance Use Disorder in the Past Year: 19 million
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Percent of Youth with a Substance Use Disorder in the Past Year: 4.08%
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Number of Youth with a Substance Use Disorder in the Past Year: 1 million
Bipolar Disorder
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Past year prevalence of Bipolar Disorder: 1.8%
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Number of US Adults with Bipolar Disorder: 3.3 million
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An estimated 2.5% of US adults experience bipolar disorder at some time in their lives
Depression
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Percent of US Adults with Major Depression: 8.4%
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Number of US Adults with Depression: 21 million
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Percent of Youth (aged 12-17) with Major Depression: 15.1%
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Number of Youth (aged 12-17) with Major Depression: 3.7 million
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Percent of Youth with Severe Depression: 10.6%
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Number of Youth with Severe Depression: 2.5 million
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Major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Percent of People (ages 13+) in US with PTSD (Lifetime prevalence): 5.7%
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Percent of People (ages 13+) in US with PTSD (One year prevalence): 3.7%
Schizophrenia
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Percent of US Adults with Schizophrenia: <1%
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Number of US Adults with Schizophrenia: ~1.5 million
Suicidal Thoughts
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Percent of US Adults with Suicidal Thoughts: 4.58%
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Number of US Adults with Suicidal Thoughts: 11.4 million
About the Project
This project is to bring awareness and encourage individuals to share their experience with mental health challenges, and to encourage people to have open conversations about mental health. For all who live day to day with mental health struggles, this project is to recognize them with a positive “Note to Self,” to thank them for fighting these illnesses that are still not recognized by many.
What the project will consist of:
(2) black and white headshot style portraits
A paragraph (note) to themselves of gratitude, thanks, and positivity
The portrait and the paragraph (notes) will be shared on our website project page and our social media platforms to bring awareness to mental health.
Participants will be required to be photographed in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
If you are interested in participating in this project, please fill out the form below.
Here is my story:
In September of 2021, I was hit with debilitating anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I had just quit my 9 to 5 job months prior to focus on my business, Klerədē Multimedia, full time. I was enjoying focusing on my business and spending more time with my family because I had the freedom to create my own schedule. I have always had anxiety growing up, but nothing like I had experienced when the anxiety hit. For months I was unable to leave my house and have social interactions with others. When you suffer from a mental illness, it takes over your life. There were times were I felt that I would never be “normal” again, which was NOT TRUE. Everyday is a challenge. My mental health has been a journey, and not an easy one. But with guidance from friends and family, counseling, and doctors, I am in a much better place mentally.
With this project, I want people to know they are not alone in their struggles and suffering. They should be proud of themselves for coming as far as they have with their mental health.
End the stigma!
- Bri