An Overview of Mental Health in Westland, Michigan
Located on the west side of the Detroit metropolitan area, Westland, Michigan is in the heart of the Great Lakes state. Westland enjoys all the advantages and disadvantages of being part of the largest metro area in Michigan. The area has historically relied heavily on the automotive industry, and manufacturing still accounts for nearly 7,000 employees in the city limits. However, despite there are many factors that contribute to mental health issues in the area. Learn about the typical challenges in Westland and Wayne County, and learn how you can find an experienced therapist in the area.
Located on the west side of the Detroit metropolitan area, Westland, Michigan is in the heart of the Great Lakes state. Westland enjoys all the advantages and disadvantages of being part of the largest metro area in Michigan. The area has historically relied heavily on the automotive industry, and manufacturing still accounts for nearly 7,000 employees in the city limits. However, despite there are many factors that contribute to mental health issues in the area. Learn about the typical challenges in Westland and Wayne County, and learn how you can find an experienced therapist in the area.
Mental Health Challenges in Westland and Wayne County
Nationwide, approximately 26 percent of American adults suffer from a mental illness every year, and many mental disorders are reported at even higher percentages in Michigan. These challenges can not only severely affect your quality of life, but are typically paired with other harmful behaviors and addictions. Common mental health issues in the nation include
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Phobias
Michigan, home to 7.8 million adults, is estimated to have approximately 171,000 individuals who live with bipolar disorder, and 86,000 who live with schizophrenia. The entire state is falling behind in the number of psychiatric beds available to the public, ranking only 47 out of all 50 states. It is recommended that each state provide a minimum of 50 beds for every 100,000 people in the state. Michigan falls far below that standard, so it can be difficult to receive treatment in the event of severe mental illness requiring hospitalization.
In the Detroit metro area, 6.9 percent of adults suffered from a major depressive episode in 2011. This rate is slightly above the national average of 6.6 percent. Depression can be linked to a large variety of factors, including low income, substance abuse and alcohol dependency. These additional challenges can either be signs that an individual is experiencing major depression, or they can lead to a depressive episode. Understanding how these additional factors affect Westland is a key part in understanding the mental health challenges faced by many residents.
Substance abuse in the Detroit metro area, including Westland, was 10.1 percent in 2011. In addition, the number of drug overdose deaths reached over 24 out of 100,000 individuals throughout the state. If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug addiction, don’t wait to contact a licensed therapist in your area. Getting help for an addiction, as well as depression or any other mental illness, can dramatically improve your quality of life.
Two important factors that are linked with the mental health of Westland are the graduation rates and rate of poverty. Dropping out of high school or living in poverty are two situations that are strongly correlated with having difficulties with depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges. The Wayne Memorial High School, serving both Wayne and Westland, has a graduation rate of 86 percent. Low graduation rates and high rates of dropping out are compounded by the 14.9 percent of poverty in Westland. With a population over 82,000, this leaves thousands of residents living in poverty.
Divorce Rates in Wayne County
In 2017, the divorce rate in Wayne County was 4.7 out of every 1,000 residents, or over 4,000 divorces that year. Thankfully, the divorce rate has been steadily dropping throughout the state. There are a variety of factors that contribute to a divorce, and many strong emotions that surround both individuals going through a divorce. If you or a loved one are experiencing a divorce, or have gone through a recent divorce, a trained mental health worker could help. Depression and high levels of anxiety can be common, not only in the individuals going through the divorce, but also in friends and family members.
Westland, Michigan Mental Health Resources
If you have felt any strong feelings of depression, anxiety or thoughts of suicide, look for mental health resources in your area. Thanks to the E-Counseling directory, you’ll be able to find highly trained mental health workers in Westland, Michigan. Whether you’re experiencing these emotions or are undergoing some challenges often associated with mental health issues, talk to a trained counselor, and learn how you can improve your mental and emotional health.
