When we are facing a health crisis, it can feel like the world has turned upside down. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, depression, and grief. Everyone experiences a health crisis differently, and how you respond to it depends on your unique situation. The most important thing is that you are safe, and that you receive the support you need.
Health crises are more common than many people realize. In the United States, one in five adults have experienced a mental health crisis. More than half of those with severe mental illness (SMI) are not receiving care. A major risk factor for SMI is poverty, and a lack of access to affordable healthcare services can lead to financial distress and other factors that contribute to mental health problems.
Noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, are responsible for over 70% of deaths worldwide, with more than 85% of those premature deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Risk factors include tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol use and air pollution. In addition to health impacts, these factors also exacerbate the burden of mental illnesses that can be caused by various circumstances and often go undetected and untreated.
A significant number of adults report being worried about the cost of health care and unexpected medical bills for themselves or their families. This can be particularly challenging for low-income individuals, those with chronic conditions, and those living in areas affected by conflict or natural disasters.