Therapists in Westland, MI and Nearby Locations

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, many factors 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% 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% of adults suffered from a major depressive episode in 2011. This rate is slightly above the national average of 6.6%. 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 of understanding the mental health challenges faced by many residents.

Substance abuse in the Detroit metro area, including Westland, was 10.1% 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 the 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%. Low graduation rates and high rates of dropping out are compounded by the 14.9% of poverty in Westland. With a population of over 82,000, this leaves thousands of residents living in poverty.

Divorce Rates in Wayne County

In 2018, the divorce rate in Wayne County was 4.9 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 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.