An Overview of Mental Health in Battle Creek, Michigan
Commonly known as Cereal City, Battle Creek is home to 51,000 residents, Kellogg Community College and an economy centered on manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Residents of Battle Creek face a number of factors that contribute to mental health issues. Find out how these factors relate to mental health and how you can access local mental health services for you or a loved one today.
Mental Health in Michigan
Battle Creek and all of Calhoun County face a number of mental health challenges. Here is a quick overview of mental health throughout Battle Creek, Calhoun County, and Michigan:
- 24% of residents in Calhoun County reported experiencing a depressive disorder
- 16% of Calhoun County residents reported poor mental health
- 18% of Calhoun County reported binge drinking at least once in the previous month
- 4% of Calhoun County high school students felt sad or helpless every day for two weeks in a row
- 5% of residents in Michigan had serious thoughts of suicide
- 4% of Michigan residents experienced a serious mental illness
These percentages are all above the national average. Unfortunately, there are approximately 431 patients throughout Michigan for every mental health provider, so it can be difficult to connect with qualified resources in Battle Creek.
There are many factors that contribute to these local and statewide mental health issues. Find out how to spot the signs of mental illness in you or a loved one and discover contributing factors in Battle Creek that relate to mental health issues.
Contributing Factors
There are many mental health conditions that can affect your health and quality of life. Here are just a few factors that can increase the risk of mental illness:
- Traumatic experiences
- Poverty
- Stressful situations
- Alcohol and drug use
Approximately 22.6% of residents in Battle Creek live at or under the poverty level. Living in poverty can not only increase anxiety and depression but can also restrict access to mental health services. There are many factors that relate to poverty in Battle Creek. The median household income is $39,679, which is far below the national average of $60,336. The median property value in the area is $80,700, which is also below the national average. These factors can create stressful situations, particularly if an individual is already dealing with a mental health issue.
18.6% of adults in Calhoun County report drinking to excess. Throughout the state, there were 24 deaths per 100,000 people in 2016. Alcohol and drug use are linked with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. If you or a loved one is drinking to excess or using illegal substances, connect with a crisis service immediately to seek professional assistance.
Divorce and the loss of a job or home are all common stressful situations that are linked with mental health disorders. These stressful situations not only affect the individuals involved but also friends and family. Divorce is a painful journey that can be accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression. Thankfully, there are many local and national resources available for individuals dealing with stressful life situations in Battle Creek.
Mental Health Resources in Battle Creek
Contact one of these emergency hotlines immediately if you or someone you love is dealing with a mental health crisis. Domestic violence, substance abuse, depression and thoughts of suicide can all require prompt intervention and protection. Contact one of these services for more information:
Don’t let a lack of local resources or health insurance prevent you from receiving professional guidance and emergency services. Choose a local or national emergency resource to assist you in connecting with a local, long-term mental health resource.
Find a Qualified Mental Health Service in Battle Creek
Connect with a qualified, experienced mental health service or therapist in Battle Creek today. Browse an online database to review a number of local services to determine the best service for you or a loved one. Enjoy professional services that target the specific mental health issue you’re dealing with, or work with a therapist to learn more about possible mental health issues.
