U.S. adolescents and young adults are in the midst of a mental health crisis - especially our girls.
Dr. Jean Twenge, a professor at San Diego State University, has documented a concerning correlation between the rise in technology use and increased rates of suicide, self-poisoning, and depression - particularly among U.S. girls aged 12 to 15 (see chart) - in her publication ‘Increases in Depression, Self-Harm, and Suicide Among U.S. Adolescents After 2012 and Links to Technology Use: Possible Mechanisms.’
It is increasingly clear that mental health challenges are prevalent around us. Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reveals that over 30% of adults in the US reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in February 2023. Considering Jean Twenge's findings alongside the pervasive role of technology in our daily lives, it's evident that the mental health crisis shows no signs of diminishing in the near future.
Then there's the issue of accessibility to mental health support (psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists).
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), 47% of the U.S. population in 2022 was living in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, with some states requiring up to 700 more practitioners to eliminate this designation.
While it’s disheartening to share these statistics, it is crucial to highlight them to foster change. At Berries, we are committed to enhancing the efficiency of mental health providers, saving them time and allowing them to focus solely on patient care, hoping our efforts will positively assist in overcoming this crisis.