An Overview of Mental Health in Kennewick, Washington
The Tri-Cities metropolitan area includes Pasco, Richland and Kennewick. With approximately 300 days of annual sun, these cities stand in contrast to the rainy and overcast qualities of Seattle. With picturesque views, excellent vineyards and incredible golf courses, it can be difficult to see the number of mental health issues that Kennewick faces. Discover some of the common challenges faced by residents of Kennewick, and learn where you can turn to find the assistance you need if you’ve experienced any mental health issues.
Home to over 77.000 residents, this Benton County city has more than its share of challenges. Like the rest of the United States, there are certain mental issues that are more common in Washington. When compared with other states, Washington is ranked 42 out of 50 states. This low rating is caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug abuse
- Residents with serious suicidal thoughts
- Residents who have experienced a major depressive episode in the past year
- Any diagnosed mental illnesses
Serious suicidal thoughts are particularly concerning throughout the state. The number of suicide deaths in Washington was 15.7 per 100,000 in 2016, which was higher than the national average. A large percentage of suicides deaths are older men.
By far the most common mental health issues facing Americans today are anxiety disorders. With over 40 million adults nationwide having these disorders, only about one-third receives treatment. Other common mental illnesses include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder. There are many signs and symptoms of these mental illnesses, so contact a professional if you or a loved one is experiencing difficult emotional issues that affect the overall quality of life.
Contributing Factors of Mental Illness
There are many factors that can contribute to the challenge of experiencing a mental illness. Often, these challenges are cyclical. In order to avoid a downward spiral of mental illness and other challenges, learn how you or a loved one can avoid these factors and find help.
Poverty has been strongly linked to mental health challenges. From depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and divorce, individuals with lower income and facing other financial hardships are far more likely to experience mental health issues. Individuals who are experiencing mental health issues are more likely to struggle with finances, and individuals who are in poverty are more likely to experience episodes of depression and anxiety-related disorders.
In Kennewick, 17.6 percent of the population is living in poverty. The median household income is less than the national average, and the number of individuals who earn over $200,000 is far less than the rest of the nation. The percentage of homeownership is also lower than the rest of the state and nation. This translates to more individuals struggling with financial issues and all the mental health challenges that often accompany them.
The largest group living in poverty in Kennewick is females aged 25 to 34. The percentage is far higher than males in the same age category, and in almost every age category more women struggle with poverty than men. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t any men struggling with poverty at all ages, and anyone can face emotional hardship due to financial strain.
Divorce Rates in Washington
Whether you or a loved one is experiencing a divorce, the emotional impact can be devastating. Divorce not only affects the couple but also a wide range of people in their life, from friends and neighbors to parents and children. In the United States, over 787,000 divorces and annulments were performed. Washington alone had 3.4 divorces per 1,000 individuals.
Don’t let a divorce or thoughts of separation cause emotional damage to you and your loved ones. Look for a trained marriage therapist or other mental health worker in Kennewick who can help you discover the best path forward.
Find a Trained Counselor Today
Anyone living in the Tri-Cities area knows the importance of a local, qualified mental health professional. Discover the best therapists and licensed counselors in your area with E-Counseling’s directory. You’ll be able to search for relevant services in your area based on a variety of factors, and get to know your mental health professional before making a call. Find hope in Kennewick for you and your loved ones today.
