An Overview of Mental Health in Roswell, Georgia
The beautiful Chattahoochee River passes through Roswell, Georgia. Natives and tourists alike enjoy the recreation areas, parks, and nature surrounding the flowing water. Besides the beautiful outdoors, there is a lot of history to explore in the old city, including Bulloch Hall, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center, and Archibald Smith Plantation Home.
Despite the beauty of the area, many of the almost 94,000 citizens suffer from mental and emotional health problems. With a median income of $85,000, but a cost of living 38 points over the national average, poverty is a problem in the city. Those living in poverty are at an increased risk for mental disorders, a reality that is visible in Roswell.
Moreover, Mental Health America (MHA) ranked Georgia number 34 based on several factors surrounding access to health care, insurance, and incarcerations. Many disorders frequently affect the citizens of Roswell, Georgia.
- Depression
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Substance abuse disorder
- Suicide
Unfortunately, psychological struggles are rampant among youth. Relatedly, drugs have become a problem in the entire state, especially among children and teens. Diversity and sex also contribute to the mental concerns of the city. Lastly, though resources are available, there is a lack of treatment among the individuals who most need help.
Youth, Drugs, and Suicide
The numbers continually rise for youth with mental struggles in Roswell, Georgia. Alongside the increasing psychological problems, 6 out of 10 young people with major depression do not receive any treatment.
Aside from depression, the young people of Roswell and the state of Georgia battle drugs and addictions. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that almost 9% of the youth aged 12 to 17 in Georgia used illicit drugs in the past month. The state is also one of the top eleven places in the United States for opioid deaths. Atlanta, the major city in the same county as Roswell, has a larger percentage of illicit drug use, substance use disorder, and binge alcohol use than Georgia as a whole.
In 2010, suicide was found to be the second leading cause of death among children aged 12 to 17. Later, in 2014, over 10,000 people committed suicidal behaviors in Georgia, resulting in death, hospitalization, or an emergency room visit. Most recently, over 25,000 students in Georgia reported that they attempted suicide and over 55,000 reported that they considered taking their own lives.
Diversity and Sex
Health disparities increase the mental health concerns among minority groups in the state. Georgia is very diverse; however, different races are disproportionately affected by poverty, suicide, health behaviors, and care.
- Poverty: The rate of poverty is over 23% for African Americans and over 21% for Hispanic/Latinos, versus only 8% for white Americans.
- Suicide: Almost 4.5% of deaths were caused by suicide among Hispanic/Latino men, whereas only about 2.5% of deaths were caused by suicide among white Americans.
- Health behaviors: White Americans receive more recommended exercise than Hispanic/Latino children. A lack of physical activity increases depression risk.
- Care: The largest group of uninsured Georgians is the Hispanic/Latinos at 20%, and the next largest group is the African Americans at 13% uninsured. A lack of insurance increases the difficulty of receiving treatment.
Additionally, a study found that female sex contributes significantly to the risk of post traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in Georgia. In Roswell, males earn 1.55 times the income of females, a possible mechanism for increased poverty and mental health concerns among women in Georgia.
Lack of Treatment and Consequences
Though there are many resources and therapists eager to treat psychological disorders, various barriers make it difficult for the people who need help to get it. Barriers include low perceived need and a desire to handle problems alone. Of adults with a diagnosable disorder, less than 1/3 receive treatment. Half of mental illnesses begin at age 14, yet only about 50% of children with mental and emotional concerns received mental health services in a given year.
One result of lack of treatment is a concern that is already rampant in Roswell: suicide. Suicide correlates strongly with preceding mental illness, especially in children. A look at the past life of youth who have committed suicide reveals a preexisting mental condition in over 90% of children who took their own lives.
Changing the Outcome
Mental health struggles do not have to end in suicide and death. E-Counseling’s therapist directory provides a comprehensive list of trusted professionals in Roswell, Georgia. Therapists are licensed in depression, addiction, ADHD, and more. Find an affordable counselor in Roswell, today.
