01 Feb 2020 MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS DATA: THE STORY!

16,078 screenings in 2020!

That’s record-breaking.

The entirety of 2019 had 4,773 screenings. This is a 234% increase in screenings in a single year.

What does it mean? People are thinking about and checking on their mental health more than ever. And they’re turning to MHA Kentucky to do it.

Three-quarters of people screened positive for moderate to severe symptoms of a mental illness. More than half were not receiving any kind of treatment when they took the screening.
People are waiting too long to seek or receive treatment, even a mental health screening.

These screenings are reaching our youth in Kentucky in ways no other efforts have. 11-17 year olds were the most common takers of our screenings, making up 33% of them. 18-24-year-olds are the second most common at 29% of takers. These groups are more likely to research information online and to experience mental health issues for the first time. Thankfully, our screenings have good self-help information and link them to hotlines, care providers in their area, and more.

Over 9,000 people reported “Loneliness and Social Isolation” contributed to their poor mental health.
We must find new and engaging ways to connect with each other, especially for students and young adults.
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The COVID-19 pandemic and its related issues have hurt our collective mental well-being. Now is the time to have awkward conversations with our kids, our loved ones, even ourselves. Help is always available at 1-800-273-8255 or text “MHA” to 741741.

Resources to start:
Talk to Kids
When Is It Time To Talk
Talking to Adolescents
MHFA “Awkward Conversation” Archives

Kentuckians want access to mental health resources. We’re responding to that need by providing even more materials in the coming months. We’re also advocating for funding and regulatory to changes that improve the mental health system. We’re elevating best practices and evidence-informed interventions at all stages. You’re a part of all of it.

You can continue to help by spreading the word, taking a Mental Health First Aid course, joining us for QPR training (registration to come), and staying engaged. See the many ways below you can get involved this week.