Bloomington, Minnesota Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Bloomington, Minnesota

Located just outside of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the city of Bloomington is home to 85,080 residents, the Mall of America and a number of colleges and universities. Residents of Bloomington enjoy convenient access to all the amenities of the state capital and the bustling city of Minneapolis. From the international airport to the variety of Michelin star restaurants, Bloomington can sometimes be lost in the shadow of the twin cities.

The median age of residents is 42.6 years this is slightly older than the Minnesota median age of 37.9 years. The slightly older community of Bloomington also enjoys slightly higher per capita income and other advantages. Almost half of all residents report being currently married, and 90 percent of the population has at least a high school diploma. Despite the robust economy and job prospects, Bloomington also has many residents suffering from mental illness. If you or a loved one is dealing with a mental health crisis, discover how you can find hope and healing in Bloomington.

Mental Illness in Minnesota

Throughout the United States, approximately one in five adults suffer from mental illness. Mental illness covers a broad range of disorders that can affect individuals in a variety of ways. Here are some of the more common mental health issues that can affect adults in America:

• Depression
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Panic Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Phobias
• Schizophrenia

This is just a short list of the many areas of mental illness that can affect individuals in Minnesota. Adolescents in Minnesota are also at risk, with 13 percent of Minnesota residents aged 12 to 17 reporting having at least one major depressive episode in the past year.

One of the most common mental issues is depression. Learn how you can find help if you are experiencing any signs of depression. Individuals suffering from depression typically experience severe feelings of helplessness, have a loss of interest, can be irritable and may have a loss of appetite. If any of these symptoms persists, consider contacting a licensed therapist in your area.

Bloomington has a range of factors that can increase the prevalence of mental illness. Drug overdose can be linked to mental health issues in two ways. First, individuals who are abusing drugs can develop harmful mental illnesses, like depression or anxiety disorders. Second, many individuals who suffer from depression or other mental illnesses may use drugs and alcohol as self-medication. Minnesota has a relatively low drug overdose death rate, at just 12.5 per 100,000 people. Hennepin County, home to Bloomington, has a slightly lower excessive drinking rate than surrounding counties, coming in at 21.6 percent of the adult population.

Throughout both Bloomington and Eden Prairie, 40.6 percent of individuals reported having at least one day where their mental health wasn’t good. While these self-reports aren’t proof of mental illness, these poor mental health days can quickly lead to more in a downward spiral of depression, anxiety or other mental illness.  It can also lead to self injury or suicide. Residents experienced 12.25 deaths per 100,000 from 2006 to 2011.

Poverty Rates in Minnesota

The vibrant city of Bloomington may have higher average household incomes than the national average, but there are still many individuals and families who are struggling with poverty, particularly families who identify as ethnic minorities. Only 21 percent of African Americans own a home, and 56 percent of African American children are living in poverty, compared to the average 14 percent for all children in Bloomington. Whether depression leads to poverty or poverty leads to depression is unclear, but it is clear that both are strongly linked.

In 2012, the unemployment rate for residents of Asian descent was particularly high. 17.7 percent reported being unemployed, in contract with the unemployment rate of non-Hispanic residents of 7.4 percent. Unemployment can affect any individual, and can lead to thoughts of hopelessness, anxiety and even thoughts of self-harm.