St. George, Utah Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in St. George, Utah

Home to over 78,000 residents of the happiest state, St. George, Utah enjoys a young median age, multiple universities, and a strong homeownership percentage. This warm and sunny town is a great place to take a trip to Zion National Park and is known by many locals and visitors as Utah’s Florida. Of course, even residents of picturesque cities with stunning landscapes also struggle with mental health challenges. Learn how you or a loved one can find the help and resources needed in times of a mental health crisis.

Mental Health Statistics in St. George, Utah

In St. George, approximately 20 percent of the adult population has been diagnosed with a form of depression. Depression comes in a variety of forms and can create a myriad of challenges to daily life. If you or someone you know has suffered from a depressive episode, you know how destructive these thoughts and feelings can be.

Depression isn’t the only challenge facing residents of St. George. Throughout Utah, a higher percentage< of residents suffer from a mental illness than the national average. This report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration includes several striking statistics, including:

• 12 percent of adolescents experienced a depressive episode in the past year
• 60 percent of those adolescents didn’t receive treatment
• Over 5 percent of adults in Utah had serious suicidal thoughts in the past year
• 6 percent of adults in Utah experienced serious mental illness, which is higher than the national average

All of these factors mean that residents of St. George may be facing more mental health difficulties than average. To understand some of the causes of these issues, discover some of the common challenges faced by St. George residents who are experiencing mental illness.

Mental Health Challenges

Mental illness affects individuals in a variety of ways. It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of any mental health issue, but the effects can be seen throughout a person’s life. Some common challenges faced by individuals with mental illnesses can include poverty, alcohol abuse, and drug addiction.

The percentage of individuals living in poverty in St. George is 15.6 percent. This is significantly higher than the national average, which is 14 percent. Poverty can be both a cause and a symptom of mental illness. Individuals who are experiencing the stress of poverty can be more likely to deal with depression and anxiety, and these feelings can cause individuals to miss work days.

The excessive drinking rate in Washington County is 10.8 percent. While Summit County has the highest rate of excessive drinking in the state, St. George still faces a high percentage of drinking. Another challenge often connected with mental illness is drug overdose. Out of 100,000 people, Utah experienced 22.4 deaths in 2016. Many individuals who are dealing with depression or anxiety may choose to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, which can quickly lead to abuse. Don’t hesitate to seek help for yourself or a loved one if you feel any prescription or illegal drugs are being abused.

Divorce Statistics in Utah

Another challenge that is often linked to mental health issues is divorce. Thankfully, as a state, Utah has one of the lowest divorce rates in the United States. A low rate means that fewer residents of St. George will experience the heartache and emotional distress of a divorce, but that does not mean there aren’t any individuals going through a divorce. Divorce can cause a lot of emotional turmoil, feelings of depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide. Children of divorced parents can also be at risk.

A unique risk factor in Utah is the young average marriage age. Because citizens of Utah tend to get married younger than the national average, this means they have more time and are slightly more likely to become divorced at a young age. Many mental health challenges also arise in adolescence, which can add additional mental health stress during a divorce.