The mental health and well-being of our citizens are compelling concerns, since poor mental health can affect individuals' ability to function successfully at work, at school, and with family and friends. Poor mental health can also be associated with poor health practices, including smoking, alcohol and drug abuse. Overall, our adults report that on an average of 3 days over the past month, their mental health was not good in that they were affected by issues such as stress, depression, or problems with emotions. Children aged 3 to 17 years were reported to be affected by such problems 1.8 days in the past month.

Locally, more than half of adults surveyed reported they experienced a lot or a moderate amount of stress in the past year. More than 12% said they thought they were doing a fair or poor job coping with stress. Those with less than a high school education were much more likely to report they were doing a fair or poor job coping with stress than those at higher educational levels.

In terms of the use of mental health services, 1 in 10 adults reported having seen a doctor or mental health professional for mental health concerns, including stress, alcohol/drug problems, or personal and family problems. About 12% of adults and 15% of children were reported to have mental health, stress, alcohol/drug or personal or family problems that they think could be helped by a mental health professional in the next year.

Stress is a major mental health concern. Inappropriately handled stress can be devastating. It lowers our resistance and makes us more vulnerable to illness and disease. Stress can cause a loss of not only health, but also loss of jobs, poor school performance, loss of families, even loss of life.

Summary: Mental Health

• More than 9% of adults reported they had used illicit drugs in the past year

• About 5% of those surveyed reported at one time they thought they might have a drug problem

• About 9% of parents believe their children (age 10-17) abused drugs within the past year.