There are millions of people in the United States who are affected by mental illness, making it a widespread problem affecting the country. There is no exception to this rule, since the state of Tennessee is consistently ranked among the highest in the US for the prevalence of mental illness. Cheatham County is one of the counties in Tennessee that stands out due to the very high number of children and adults who suffer from mental health problems.
Characteristics of the Mental Illness Prevalence in Cheatham County
According to information provided by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health, the rate of mental illness in Cheatham County is the highest one seen anywhere in the state of Tennessee. When compared to the average for the state, which is 13.7%, the percentage of adults in Cheatham County who reported having experienced a mental illness in the previous month was expected to be 19.3% in 2019. Cheatham County is home to roughly one in five adults who are afflicted with a mental illness, as indicated by this statistic.
| County | Mental Illness Rate | Poverty Rate |
| Cheatham County | 19.3 | 18.5 |
| Davidson County | 14.5 | 14.3 |
| Hamilton County | 14.2 | 13.8 |
| Knox County | 13.8 | 14.1 |
| Shelby County | 13.5 | 13.6 |
Causes of the High Rates of Mental Illness and Their Contributing Factors
The high prevalence of mental illness in Cheatham County may be attributed to a variety of variables, and these factors add to the problem. One contributing reason is the high poverty rate in the county. The United States Census Bureau reports that Cheatham County has a poverty rate of 18.5%, which is much higher than the average poverty rate for the state, which is 15.3% inside the county. As a result of the fact that it can result in stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues, poverty is currently recognized as a risk factor for mental illness.
One of the factors that contributes to the high incidence of mental illness in Cheatham County is the restricted access to mental health care that is available within the county. The county is experiencing a scarcity of mental health providers, and there are only a few facilities that are available for provide mental health services. Due to the lack of access, it may be difficult for individuals to obtain the assistance they require in order to effectively manage their mental health.
The Effects of High Rates of Mental Illness on Society
The high prevalence of mental illness in Cheatham County has a profound influence on the lives of the people who live there as well as on the community as a single entity. A higher likelihood of experiencing homelessness, unemployment, and jail is associated with individuals who suffer from mental illness. Not only are they more prone to attempt suicide, but they are also more likely to suffer from substance misuse.
Cheatham County is experiencing a significant economic impact as a result of the high incidence of mental illness that are prevalent in the county. On an annual basis, mental illness is predicted to cost the state of Tennessee $13.2 billion in lost productivity and other costs associated with medical care.
Cheatham County’s Efforts to Address Mental Health Concerns in the Community
In order to address the high rates of mental illness that are prevalent in Cheatham County, there are a number of organizations and individuals working collectively. Included in these endeavors are:
- Cheatham County citizens are provided with mental health care services when they need them.
- Facilitating greater access to mental health care by increasing the number of mental health caregivers who receive training and by increasing the number of facilities that are available for mental health care.
- Promoting awareness of mental illness and working to reduce stigma are two goals.
- I am advocating for policies in Cheatham County that will promote mental health care.
Final Thoughts
Cheatham County is experiencing a huge problem that is having a substantial influence on the lives of its residents as well as the community as a whole. The high rates of mental illness in the county are responsible for this. On the other hand, there are a number of organizations and individuals who are attempting to find a solution to this problem.
Through our sustained efforts, we have the potential to make a positive difference in the lives of those in Cheatham County who are afflicted with mental illness.
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