May is Mental Health Month. It serves as a reminder to take time to check in with ourselves and our loved ones. Simply starting conversations about mental health can help build a healthier future.

About half of Americans will meet the criteria for a DSM-IV disorder sometime in their life.

In 2019, 11% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. By 2023, this number had jumped to 32.3%. Nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year. Additionally, over 4.8 million youth in the United States are experiencing severe major depression, with 59.8% of these youth not receiving mental health treatment.

We are facing an increasing number of people struggling with mental health challenges, while 122 million Americans live in areas with mental health professional shortages. As demand for mental health services continues to rise and provider shortages persist, more Americans with mental health disorders will continue to face difficulties in accessing the care they need.

Rising Psychiatry and Mental Health Provider Shortages:

The United States is projected to see a shortage of 42,130 psychiatrists and 62,490 psychologists by 2036. Currently, it is estimated that there is only one mental health provider for every 350 individuals. That number may even be an overestimate as it can include providers who are no longer practicing or accepting new patients.

More than 70% of psychiatrists are 50 or older. The mental health provider shortage is largely due to population growth combined with increased retirement rates of healthcare providers and various societal factors. A few ways to address the gaps in coverage include leveraging telemedicine, increasing the number of psychiatrists in residency training, educating primary care providers, and leveraging locum tenens for communities in need of care.

During this Mental Health Awareness Month, the U.S. Department of Education announced new actions to increase access to school-based mental health services. These latest actions included nearly doubling investments in school-based mental health grant programs, releasing additional funding through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), and providing new mental health and well-being training and resources for schools and educators.

Where to Start When Taking Care of Your Own Mental Health:

This year's Mental Health Month theme, "Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World," emphasizes the ongoing evolution of our surroundings and its impact on mental well-being. In our rapidly changing world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant flux of events, societal pressures, and technological advancements.

To effectively address mental health concerns, it's crucial to understand the multifaceted factors influencing our mental state. These can range from personal choices like managing screen time to broader societal issues such as economic disparities, access to resources, and the influence of current events. Recognizing how these factors intersect can provide insight into the complexities of mental health.

Loneliness, technological dependence, and the uncertainty bred by global events can all take a toll on our mental health. However, there are proactive steps we can take to mitigate these effects. Engaging in meaningful connections with others, practicing mindful screen usage, and seeking support when needed are all vital components of self-care.

Although society is becoming more comfortable with discussing and recognizing mental health issues, many people still find it challenging to know where to begin when it comes to taking care of their own well-being. As we navigate the challenges of a changing world, let's remember that no one has to face mental health struggles alone. By starting with self-awareness, education, and self-care, we can pave the way for a healthier, more resilient future.

Light up Green for Mental Health Month:

Green represents the color of Mental Health Awareness Month. Be seen in green for the month and join over 100 landmarks across the nation that are lit in green to encourage learning about mental well-being.

Join in and see who is lighting up green for Mental Health Month here.

Get The Help You Need and Deserve:

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available:

  • Call or text 988 or chat at org.
  • To learn how to get support for mental health and substance use conditions, visit gov or call or call 800-662-HELP (4357).

Remember that seeking professional help for your mental health when self-help efforts aren't working is a sign of strength, not weakness; you do not ever need to go through struggles alone.

If you are looking to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, take a mental health test via MH here: Take a screen.

Celebrate Those Who Provide Mental Health Care!

There is so much to learn and celebrate during Mental Health Month. Be sure to remember to recognize those around you who provide mental health care to patients! Their work improves individual lives and communities. Share your admiration via social media or send a note to a colleague telling them that you appreciate their work. At Medicus, we appreciate all mental health care providers this May and throughout the year and are proud to provide locum tenens psychiatry support to health systems throughout the country.

If you're interested in working locum tenens psychiatry with Medicus, view our open jobs here!