In the greater Philadelphia area, more than 17% of adults over the age of 18 have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, with the highest percentage in Philadelphia County (20.8%).
In 2021, about 40% of adults reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, which is four times the level of reports from 2019. Much of this increase can be attributed to the pandemic, but the trauma and fear surrounding gun violence also played a major role.
Mental health is often overlooked in conversations surrounding public health, but it’s just as vital for the overall well-being of our city.
Let’s explore some ways that we as a community can support mental health in Philly.
Continuation of Amberella’s inspiring art piece. (Brittany Valentine/City Cast Philly)
🤝 Volunteer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI is seeking individuals who can assist with language interpretation, social media, speaking to youth, facilitating support groups, administrative work, and more. Fill out this interest form to find a good fit for you.
💰 Donate to The Bridge Philadelphia. This organization provides residential treatment to adolescents struggling with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health conditions.
It also offers educational and skill building programs such as art and gardening, weekly therapy, and vocational training. Your donation will help provide materials and other resources to help these youth recover.
💚 Join the Take 5 Campaign from Mental Health Partnerships. Sign up to receive just one email per week with a five minute advocacy activity, such as learning about a policy issue, signing a petition, or contacting a legislator. All activities are voluntary.
