10/30/2026
Mirror, mirror on the wall what's the most pervasive barrier of them all? - Stigma.
Stigma surrounding mental health and different diagnoses along with structural, community and cultural limitations, differences and beliefs in relation to mental health, creates the biggest barrier to seeking treatment and prevents those suffering with mental health concerns from finding professional help.
1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 experience serious mental illness
1 in 7 youth experience mental health concerns
2 in 5 incarcerated people suffer from mental illness, with them being booked in jails over 2 million times per year
Women 2x as likely as men to report mental illness
70% of youth in the system
55% of veterans jailed reported experiencing mental illness
1 in 4 individuals shot and killed by police were suffering from a mental health condition.
Only 52% of adults sought treatment
Non-Hispanic Asian: 32.5%
Non-Hispanic Black or African American: 38.5%
Hispanic or Latino: 44.1%
Multiracial: 52.0%
Non-Hispanic White: 57.9%
Along with identified areas with shortages of mental health professionals for over 120 million people, especially those in rural areas with reduced access to virtual care as well, stigma additionally prevents reaching out for help in the first place, with the average person seeking treatment 11 years after onset of symptoms.
Managing mental health alone is challenging, and it not only impacts the individual on every system and functional level, it also effects family, friends and the community. Knowing that you are not alone and that seeking help is a strength is an important step in breaking the cycle of stigma and moving towards a healthier self and society and we are here for you along the way.
sccmich.org / 248-474-4701
*https://www.nami.org/mental-health-by-the-numbers/*
*https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12228425/*
*https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination/*
*https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/stigma/index.html*