Mental health issues are common in the United States. An estimated 22.1 percent of Americans ages 18 and older—about 1 in 5 adults—suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. When applied to the 1998 U.S. Census residential population estimate, this figure translates to 44.3 million people. Many of us will be confronted with a mental health issue at some point in our lives.

Mental health issues are common in the United States. An estimated 22.1 percent of Americans ages 18 and older—about 1 in 5 adults—suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. When applied to the 1998 U.S. Census residential population estimate, this figure translates to 44.3 million people. Many of us will be confronted with a mental health issue at some point in our lives.

Anxiety and depression are the two main mental health issues facing Americans. Frequently depression and anxiety disorders occur together, or with another disorder, such as substance abuse. Overall, depression is the second leading cause of disability in the United States, behind only heart disease. For women, depression is the leading cause of disability, and the rate of depression is twice as high in women as in men. In addition, 90% of those people who commit suicide have another mental health disorder that contributes to their suicide, such as depression or alcohol and drug abuse.

If you or someone you know is experiencing some of the signs of depression, such as loss of interest in life, sleep problems, low energy and self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, or feelings of hopelessness, counseling services may be helpful. Depression and other mental health problems do not have to control your life.

In 2000, suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death for young persons between the ages of 15 and 24. Our young people show rates of mental disorder that are very similar to those found in the adult population, with anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and disruptive behavioral problems being most common in this age group.

With proper recognition and prompt care, many mental health problems, such as depression, can be effectively treated, and the suffering and distress they cause can be reduced. It is important that mental health services be provided in a timely manner by qualified professionals who have the training and experience necessary to respond to the complex nature of many mental health problems.

At the Family Behavioral Health Center (FBHC), our staff of dedicated professionals is here to work alongside you and your family to help you regain your enjoyment in life, and to manage the problems that can become serious obstacles to life if left uncared for. Our services are designed to meet your unique needs and include individual, family therapy, psychological and psychiatric assessment, as well as medication management. The staff at FBHC has the breadth of training and clinical experience to work with a wide age range of clients and problems, from young children with behavior or attention problems through older adults dealing with relationship and vocational concerns.