Youth in America have high rates of mental health concerns, survey finds

According to a new survey by the Kaiser Family Fund and CNN, American youth are struggling with their mental health. The research, which was based on a poll of more than 2,000 American adults, finds that young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 are more likely to report a range of mental health issues than those aged 30 and older. For instance, while only 19% of adults 30+ report their mental health was fair or poor, that number nearly doubled to 34% amongst those aged 18 to 29. Likewise, young adults report higher levels of loneliness, depression, and anxiety than older adults, with more than half saying they often or always felt anxious over the past 12 months.

These mental health issues have inhibited young people’s ability to go about their daily lives. Some 35% of those aged 18 to 29 report a mental health condition has prevented them from carrying out work or other activities, according to the report. That number was more than double the figure of 16% for those 30 and older.

The survey also investigated mental health crises within families. According to the data, 51% of families have faced a mental health crisis at some point, and some 46% of people whose families have faced a mental health crisis say their own mental health was impacted. It also affected relationships and finances for many families, survey respondents say.

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Other key findings of the report were:

• More than 1 in 5 adults say their mental health is fair or poor.
• Some 56% of adults have never heard of the new 988 suicide prevention helpline.
• 27% of adults say they lacked appropriate mental health treatment within the past 12 months, a figure that is even higher amongst low-income families. Top reasons for not getting care include not being able to afford professional help, being too busy to see a professional, and being too embarrassed to ask for assistance.
• Top stressors listed by survey respondents include personal finances, politics and current events, relationships with family and friends, and work.