Therapists in Hempstead, NY and Nearby Locations

An Overview of Mental Health in Hempstead, New York

Good mental health is vital to how people interact with their loved ones and how they perceive words, actions, and relationships with others. However, when mental illness encroaches, it can hurt almost every facet of a person’s life, both personal and professional. Mental illness does not discriminate and can strike anyone, young or old, wealthy or poor. However, before affected individuals are treated, it is a good idea for their loved ones to understand the symptoms of mental illness. Anxiety, depression, and other types of mental disorders can be found in every area of the United States, including Hempstead, New York, a town with a wide array of ethnicities, nationalities, and languages

How Do Demographics Affect Mental Health in Hempstead?

55,806 people live in Hempstead, which is located in Nassau County, New York. Not only is this one of the largest towns in the area, but it is also one with a dense population. In fact, the density is a whopping 4,096 percent higher than the rest of the state, which means people in Hempstead are likely living shoulder to shoulder with their neighbors. This may be affecting the residents’ mental health in several ways, and these might include:

• New or increased feelings of anxiety
• A reduced desire to leave one’s home
• Depression over the increasing press of new real estate

While those born in the area may not experience these problems, 27.5 percent of foreign-born individuals may develop mental illness from the culture shock of moving into such a heavily-populated area.

There is a unique mix of people living in Hempstead. It is a diverse town, with African-Americans, Caucasians, Hispanics, and Asians all residing in the area. The largest racial group is those of black or African-American descent. While this area enjoys a melting pot of different ethnicities, those who do not have a large community surrounding them may feel depressed or disconnected from their culture, especially if they have recently arrived there.

Is There a Connection Between Crime and Mental Health in Hempstead?

Crime rates in Hempstead are generally on average with the rest of the nation, with one exception being the high rate of violent crimes that take place there. While there is no specific explanation for this statistic, it may call back to the density of the town’s populace. Generally, the more people that live in one area, the higher the risk that the populace includes mentally-ill individuals who may be more likely to commit violent crimes due to mental problems such as:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Untreated mood disorders that cause extreme mood swings
• Hallucinations brought on by undiagnosed mental illness

While not all crimes in Hempstead are related to mental illness or perpetrated by those who suffer from poor mental health, the two are often connected.

How Does Poverty Affect Mental Health in Hempstead?

The poverty level for Hempstead is considerable at 20.2 percent. While employment grew in the area over the past several years and there are many sectors to choose from, the poverty levels for this town have remained the same. Lack of education, language barriers, and other factors may be affecting the poverty level; however, the circumstances of the impoverished in the city may be having an even significantly harder impact on their mental health.

Individuals living below the poverty line are generally at greater risk of not receiving treatment for mental disorders. A lack of transportation, healthcare, support, and resources are all factors in this situation, with females aged 65 and over having the least access to healthcare overall. Impoverished individuals may not also be aware of low-cost mental health treatments in and around the area that may benefit them, as awareness programs may not reach their neighborhoods.

Who Else Is At Risk in Hempstead?

Young adults in Hempstead are at risk for suicidal thoughts and actions. Suicide rates for the Long Island and Nassau areas have risen over the past ten years, with young white and Hispanic females being the most vulnerable.