Mental illness is a physical condition much like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. But because it is misunderstood, people are sometimes embarrassed and do not seek the treatment they need. We're taking a look at the symptoms of mental illness, efforts underway to address the problem in Lancaster County, and resources available for people in crisis or those who feel lonely, depressed or anxious and just want to talk.
Signs of Mental Illness
Like many other physical conditions, emotional suffering has some common symptoms people may experience. It is important to be able to recognize these symptoms in yourself and others you so you can seek help.
- Personality changes
- Agitation
- Withdrawal
- Poor self-care
- Feelings of hopelessness
Prioritizing Mental Health
Our community prioritizes mental health as an essential piece of overall health and well-being. The importance of mental health became even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people began to experience higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety.
There is broad understanding in our community that there is a clear connection between mental health and substance use. And there is growing awareness of the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and traumatic events on physical and mental health. We take a comprehensive approach toward behavioral health to address both of these important topics.
The Statistics Are Alarming
Deaths from suicide and drug overdose have been trending higher in Lancaster County in recent years. Drug overdose deaths have a disproportionate impact on the Black and Hispanic/Latino communities.
- More than 1 in 3 adolescents report feeling sad or depressed most days in the last year.
- Nearly 1 in 4 adults (23%) in Lancaster County have been told they have a depressive disorder, and 31% of adults have had at least one poor mental health day in the past 30 days.
- People who experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (such as neglect, abuse, substance use, domestic violence) are at higher risk for a wide range of health issues. Fifty percent of people in Pennsylvania have experienced one ACE, and 13% have experienced four or more.
According to the statewide Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, people of all ages in Lancaster County say their mental health was not good one or more days in the past month:
- Ages 18-44: 39%
- Ages 45-64: 29%
- Ages 65 and older: 19%
The 2021 Pennsylvania Youth Survey determined that Lancaster County youth are struggling. Consider this breakdown of youth who responded that they “felt depressed or sad most days in the past 12 months.”
- 6th graders: 37%
- 8th graders: 38.7%
- 10th graders: 43.8%
- 12 graders: 40.5%
Many of these students considered committing suicide. Incredibly, 13.3% of Lancaster County sixth graders, 18% of eighth graders, 19.4% of 10th graders and 20.1% of 12th graders responded that they considered suicide one or more times.
What Can We Do?
In 2014, using local, state and national health statistics and goals as guides, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health identified mental health as one of three community health priorities to address with our partners. No one organization can solve the complexities of this issue. It requires a collaboration among businesses, faith-based organizations, schools, health providers, insurers, and many others.
Through the Let’s Talk, Lancaster coalition, LG Health brings together behavioral health and medical providers for thoughtful dialogue and develop goals to improve the community’s mental health. Partners are working on goals to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness, increase screenings for suicide and depression at the primary care level, and assess policies to enhance access to services.
What You Can Do
Resources to Help
For people suffering from severe depression, it may feel like there is nowhere to turn. But there is. You are not alone.
- If you or someone you know is suicidal, contact the Lancaster County Crisis Intervention’s 24-hour hotline at 717-394-2631.
- The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, along with prevention and crisis resources. Just call 988.
- Mental Health America of Lancaster County offers free support groups. For more information, call 717-397-7461.
- For substance use disorder, you can call Compass Mark at 717-299-2831, 9 am-5pm, Monday through Friday, or visit their website anytime.
- For non-urgent support if you are feeling lonely, depressed or anxious and just want to talk, a warm-line offers 24-hour support.
Together, we can enhance the health and well-being of every resident in Lancaster County.