More Options MENU Search Side Navigation San Diego Unified School District / About / Mental Health Awareness MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Fact: Mental health problems are actually very common. In 2014, about: One in five American adults experienced a mental health issue One in 10 young people experienced a period of major depression One in 25 Americans lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It accounts for the loss of more than 41,000 American lives each year, more than double the number of lives lost to homicide. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry report suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for children, adolecents, and young adults ages 5 to 24. Centers for Disease Control reported suicide death rates in children ages 10 to 14 have doubled since 2007. Fact: Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns. These mental health problems are often clinically diagnosable, and can be a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old, and three quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24. Unfortunately, less than 20% of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need. Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with other developmental needs. Fact: Studies show that people with mental health problems get better and many recover completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before, and they work. Fact: Friends and loved ones can make a big difference. Only 44% of adults with diagnosable mental health problems and less than 20% of children and adolescents receive needed treatment. Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by: Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help Helping them access mental health services Learning and sharing the facts about mental health, especially if you hear something that isn't true Treating them with respect, just as you would anyone else Refusing to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as "crazy" Fact: Prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders focuses on addressing known risk factors such as exposure to trauma that can affect the chances that children, youth, and young adults will develop mental health problems. Promoting the social-emotional well-being of children and youth leads to: Higher overall productivity Better educational outcomes Lower crime rates Stronger economies Lower health care costs Improved quality of life Increased lifespan Improved family life These facts and many others can be found at MentalHealth.gov Understanding the Impact & Prevlence: Mental Health by the Numbers by NAMI.ORG Mental Health Facts in America Infographic by NAMI.ORG Mental Helath Multicultural Facts Infographic by NAMI.ORG 4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103 Main Office: (619) 725-8000 Hours & More Information Accessibility Nondiscrimination Statement Report Bullying SDUSD Systems Status Stay Connected