This month is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time with mental health experts urge Americans to pay attention to their mental well being. Dr. LaKeisha Gantt is a licensed psychologist and a licensed professional counselor. She addresses the numbers of those affected.
"According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) more than one in five U.S. adults actually live with a mental illness," According to Gantt. "And over one in five young people, between the ages of 13 and 18, at some point during their lives, actually experienced a severe or debilitating mental illness."
She says the figures for severe mental health issues are also high, with one in 25 adults living with a serious mental illness, like schizophrenia, bipolar, or major depression.
Gantt says there are signs to look for that may indicate someone is struggling. They include significant changes in behavior, communication, or their outlook on life, as well isolation.
If you are someone you know is in a crisis, call, or text 988.
