Therapists in Brockton, MA and Nearby Locations

Mental Health in Brockton, Massachusetts

Brockton, Massachusetts is home to a diverse population of over 94,000. This Plymouth County city is home to a wide array of small businesses, colleges, and a healthy economy. However, the household median income is slightly lower than the national average, and Brockton residents can suffer from several mental health crises. Find out how you or a loved one can benefit from mental health resources in Brockton.

Types of Mental Illness

Mental illness is prevalent throughout the United States, and the National Institute of Mental Health shows that only half of all people who experience mental illness receive treatment. There are a diverse number of signs to look for. Here are a few of the common mental illnesses in the United States:

• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Eating Disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorder

Find out all the current statistics for Brockton, Massachusetts, as well as some resources available to anyone experiencing mental illness.

Mental Health Statistics for Brockton, Massachusetts

Many factors can lead to mental health issues. From financial to personal, many events can indirectly or directly affect your mental health. From substance abuse to depression, these issues can be dangerous and severely affect your quality of life. Here are just a few mental health issues that residents of Brockton, Massachusetts can face:

• Depression: While Massachusetts has, on average, lower rates of depression among high school students, approximately 14% of residents aged 12 to 17 experienced at least one depressive episode, which is slightly higher than the national average. 12% of high school students in Massachusetts have considered attempting suicide in the past year.
• Excessive Drinking: Plymouth County, home to Brockton, has the second highest excessive drinking rate in Massachusetts, at 7%. This percentage shows the number of adults who report drinking to excess. Excessive drinking can not only be damaging to your health but can also lead to alcohol use disorder and depression.
• Opioid Overdose: In 2017, there were 1,938 deaths related to opioid overdose. Opioid addiction is strongly correlated with mental health issues. Whether you or a loved one became depressed before abusing opioids or became addicted after experiencing a depressive episode, both are issues that can dramatically affect your mental health.

Divorce Rates in Massachusetts

Divorce is often linked with mental illness. Many mental health issues, like depression and panic disorders, can cause higher rates of divorce. At the same time, divorce can lead to individuals experiencing greater levels of anxiety and depressive episodes. This is particularly true of children of divorced parents. Specifically, 18 types of mental illness are positively linked with divorce. Consider consulting a therapist today if you’re experiencing marital conflict, or are married and experiencing high levels of anxiety or depression. Any of these signs could lead to higher levels of divorce.

In 2015, the national divorce rate was 3.1 per 1,000 of the population. The Massachusetts rate was slightly lower, at 2.6 per 1,000 of the population.

The Challenge of Finding Mental Health Resources in Brockton

It can be challenging to find the right mental health resource for you or your loved one. Although there are many resources available for individuals and families to receive mental health counseling and resources, Brockton experiences several factors that make it challenging to connect with the proper services.

With a poverty rate of 18.2%, many individuals struggle to find access to resources. Whether it’s affording transportation or insurance challenges, poverty can provide many hurdles to connecting with the right resources. Brockton has a median income of $49,956, which is less than the national average. A diverse population can bring many benefits to the city, but it also can increase instances of discrimination and racial injustice.