Mental Health Statistics in Massachusetts: Facts & How to Get Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you’re not alone.
In Massachusetts, about 1,555,000 adults live with a mental health condition. These issues can affect everyday life, but the good news is that most mental health problems can be treated. Let’s look at some key facts and learn how you can get support.
If you or a love one are struggling with a mental health disorder, our mental health treatment in Massachusetts can help. Call us now at 508-794-4400 or verify your insurance.
Mental Illness in Massachusetts
Recent Massachusetts mental health statistics tell us that:
- Many adults suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety
- In 2020, about 260,000 Massachusetts adults had a serious mental illness. Serious mental illnesses include conditions that make it hard to work, study, or take care of yourself. These conditions include:
- Major depressive disorder (depression)
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
People with serious mental illnesses are at a higher risk of homelessness. For example, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 of the nearly 18,000 homeless people in Massachusetts have a serious mental illness.
Many other adults deal with milder forms of mental illness, such as mild depression or anxiety. Young people are also affected – for example, 66,000 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 face depression.
Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic made mental health challenges even worse. Many residents of all ages felt more isolated, lost jobs, or suffered from grief. This added stress led to:
- New or worsened mental health problems
- Increased substance abuse as people tried to cope
- More drug overdose deaths. Between 2011 and 2021, overdose deaths in Massachusetts went up significantly, with most deaths involving opioids.
- A rise in suicidal thoughts. In 2020, 268,000 residents thought about suicide, and 740 died by suicide. In 2021, the suicide rate was 8 per 100,000 people. Factors like isolation, poverty, and physical health problems also play a role.
Signs of Poor Mental Health
It can be hard to know when to ask for help. Here are some signs that you or someone you love might be struggling:
- Mood swings or unusual behavior
- Frequent feelings of anxiety
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Having trouble concentrating or keeping up with work, school, or home tasks
- Feeling isolated or withdrawing from friends and family
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
How To Get Mental Health Support In Massachusetts
If you notice these signs, it’s important to reach out for help. Effective treatment options include:
- Therapy: Talking with a professional can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors.
- Medications: These can ease symptoms and make it easier for you to recover.
- Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand your struggles can be very helpful.
- Wellness Activities: Activities like journaling, meditating, or exercising can improve your mental health.
Most people in Massachusetts get help through outpatient care. This means they visit a therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor regularly while continuing to live at home. Others may need inpatient care if they are in a mental health crisis, such as having strong suicidal thoughts.
Barriers To Getting Help
Even though help is available, many people in Massachusetts still have trouble accessing mental health care. Barriers include:
- High costs and lack of adequate health insurance
- Limited access to care in rural areas
- Challenges faced by people of color
In 2021, about 363,000 adults who needed help did not receive it. For 30% of these people, cost was the main problem.
Available Resources to Support Mental Health in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has set up many resources to connect people with affordable mental health care:
- Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL): This free and confidential service is available 24/7. You can call or text (833) 773-2445 or use the online chat.
- Massachusetts Network of Care: A directory with over 5,000 treatment programs and organizations across the state.
- NAMI Compass: An information and referral helpline from NAMI Massachusetts. You can reach them at 617-704-6264 or 1-800-370-9085 (available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm).
- SAMHSA National Helpline: A 24/7 helpline for help with substance use and other mental health issues at 1-800-662-4357.
If you have private insurance, check the number on your insurance card to find in-network mental health services.
For those insured by MassHealth (Medicaid) or Medicare, you can also contact your primary care physician or use the member services numbers on your card. If you don’t have insurance, you might find affordable coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector.
Find Help For Mental Health in Massachustts Today
Understanding Massachusetts mental health statistics shows us that mental health issues affect many people in the state.
Whether you are dealing with a serious mental illness or milder problems like anxiety or depression, help is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support. Contact a mental health professional or use one of the resources listed above to take the first step toward feeling better.
If you want to learn more or need immediate help, Lake Ave can help. Call us now at 508-794-4400 or verify your insurance.