Ohio rate of mental illness up slightly in recent years, but experts still concerned. Here’s why
Ohio residents are struggling with mental health more than they have in the past five years, and it seems more aren’t getting help.
Mental health challenges have risen sharply across the country in the last five years, and Ohio is no exception
Legacy Healing Center study analyzing CDC data ranked Ohio in the bottom ten states whose mental health challenges have increased between 2019 and 2014.
Experts and data paint a more complicated picture, saying that number says less about the state’s wellbeing and more about access.
Ohio’s mental health numbers
The Ohio fact sheet from the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) says 18% of Ohio adults are facing a mental health crisis.
The statistics
- 2.1 million Ohio adults experience mental illness annually
- 55.6% of those did not receive treatment in 2023
- 538,000 Ohioans reported experiencing suicidal ideation in 2023
- 86,396 calls were made to Ohio’s 988 crisis line in 2023 alone
- Five Ohioans die by suicide every day
Check in on your own mental health
If you’re struggling, you’re not alone, and it can be hard to know if what you’re feeling is situational or if you need to seek support. Not every mental health struggle looks like a crisis, but there are signs, whether it’s you or someone you love.
You don’t need to check every box, but if any of these feel familiar and persistent, reach out.
Talk to someone if you’re:
- Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most days for two weeks or more
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities you used to enjoy
- Sleeping too much or too little, or major changes in appetite
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or getting through daily tasks
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs to cope
- Feeling like a burden to others, or that things won’t get better
Seek support if:
- Expressing thoughts of not wanting to be here, or statements like “I don’t want to be here anymore”
- Seeing or hearing things others don’t, or having beliefs that feel overwhelming and out of control
- Extreme mood swings, agitation, or behavior that feels out of character
How to find help
- The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health has an online provider directory and can help you find state-funded service near you.
- Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7
- NAMI Mahoning Valley offers free support groups; helpline at 330-727-9268
- Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board can connect you to local services
- The US Department of Health and Human Services can help you find local treatment
Although Ohio may have the one of the smallest increase in mental health crises, meaning 43 states have higher instances, getting care is still an ongoing problem.
Getting support and finding services can be problem in Ohio, so if you need help connecting with available resources, email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.