The Rise of Mental Illnesses

Why It Can Be a Good Thing   The world is going mad, and this time, literally. The World Health Organization has recently stated that 25% of the world’s population has experienced a form of mental illness. Out of every four adults, one has had to struggle with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or something even more perplexing.   According to other data, in the USA alone, the number of people who have had mental issues has increased by 40% from 2019 to 2025. While many blame this increase on the COVID pandemic and the harsh economic climate, a more optimistic view tells a different story. Today, more than ever, people are taking their mental health seriously.   In this story, one thing remains certain: people seem to be more mentally ill than ever before. If we want to look at some relevant numbers, it is important to pinpoint alcohol abuse. Compared to fifty years ago, alcoholism has been on the rise. More people are consuming alcoholic beverages—more of them. If in the 1980s, people would drink about five cans of beer when partying, right now, most teens get wasted by abusing alcoholic beverages.   Alcoholism is a serious issue that requires the supervision and treatment of a licensed psychiatrist. Too many people suffering from this condition do not even realize that they have a problem. On the bright side, more people are becoming aware of this fact, seeking professional help to quit drinking.   Also, the number of people calling the suicide hotline has increased by approximately 50% each decade. In the USA, in 2025, over ten million people have dialed the suicide hotline. Negative voices in society will boldly claim that this is proof of the rise of mental illness. People with a more positive outlook will point out that people are becoming more comfortable with discussing serious issues such as suicide.   But the biggest proof, at least according to some, of the rise of mental illnesses stems from the increase of prescription pills, not only in the USA but all over the world.   More people than ever are taking psychiatric drugs to cope with the world around them. Xanax and Prozac, two of the most popular psychiatric drugs for decades, have become mainstream, along with aspirin and paracetamol.   As with mental-health issues, negative voices tend to claim that the increase in psychiatric drugs is proof of a grave issue. On the other hand, people with more positive views on the situation argue that today, individuals have more courage to seek help.   Final Thoughts   According to numerous studies, mental health appears to be on the rise. More people fall victim to anxiety and depression, while an increasing number of people abuse drugs or take them to heal.   No matter the truth, that mental illness is on the rise can be a positive thing. Why? From a more negative perspective, if mental illness is on the rise, then knowing this can be of enormous help in fighting the war on mental illness.   From a more positive perspective, mental illness is on the rise because people are more aware. They are becoming more interested in their issues and are trying to find solutions to their problems.   No matter what the rise of mental illness means, the outcome can be viewed as a positive one. Either we must tackle health issues more than ever before, so it is a good thing that we have more accurate numbers, or we are becoming more aware of the importance of mental health in society. Either way, people who seek and need help are the real winners of this rise of mental illnesses.