Facing Serious Mental Health Disorders
A Path to Healing Begins With Housing, Stability, and Support
Facing Serious Mental Health Disorders
Mental health and neurological disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting an estimated one in eight people globally—more than 970 million individuals. These conditions include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). PTSD and TBI often co-occur, particularly following exposure to violence, accidents, or combat, and together they can significantly impair emotional regulation, cognition, and daily functioning.
Veteran-focused Neurostress Research is essential to better understand the long-term neurological and psychological effects of trauma, repeated head injury, and sustained operational stress. Advancing this research enables the development of earlier detection methods, targeted interventions, and integrated care models designed specifically to improve outcomes, resilience, and quality of life for veterans and their families.
Globally, mental health challenges contribute to over 14% of the global burden of disease, with depression alone being a leading cause of disability. Despite this prevalence, more than 70% of people with mental health conditions in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment, often due to stigma, limited resources, or lack of access to care.
The consequences extend beyond health — mental illness reduces productivity, increases poverty risk, and destabilizes families and communities. Worldwide, the economic cost of mental health disorders exceeds $1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for integrated, compassionate, and accessible mental health systems that prioritize prevention, treatment, and recovery — aligning with the Wendellman Foundation’s mission to promote housing stability, wellness, and dignity for individuals living with serious mental illness.
World Health Organization - Global Overview
Globally, mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being — yet it remains one of the most neglected areas in public health. According to WHO, more than one billion people worldwide are living with a mental health condition, with depression and anxiety among the most common. Mental health disorders account for one in six years lived with disability and carry significant social and economic consequences. (Source – World Health Organization)
Despite the prevalence, treatment and resource gaps persist — especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to mental health services is extremely limited. WHO emphasizes that there is no health without mental health, and calls for integrating mental health care into all levels of health systems, expanding community-based services, and addressing social determinants such as housing, education, and employment. (Source – World Health Organization)
- More than 1 billion people worldwide are living with mental health conditions.
- In 2019, around 970 million people globally were living with a mental disorder — with anxiety and depression being the most common.
- Mental disorders account for 1 in 6 years lived with disability globally.
- People with severe mental health conditions may die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population.
- Each year globally, the economic cost of depression and anxiety alone is estimated at US$ 1 trillion in lost productivity.
- The median number of mental health workers globally is approximately 13 per 100,000 people, with extremely low ratios in many low- and middle-income countries.
- Globally, mental health expenditure remains low: median spending on mental health is still about 2% of total health budgets, with huge disparities between high-income and low-income countries (up to US$ 65 per person vs as little as US$ 0.04 in some low-income countries).
- Suicide claimed an estimated 727,000 lives in 2021 and is a leading cause of death among young people. (Sources – Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization)
Overview of Serious Mental Health Disorders in the United States, Florida, and Maryland
Serious mental illnesses (SMI) are mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders that cause significant functional impairment and interfere with major life activities. Common SMI conditions include major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
These disorders can profoundly impact daily functioning, employment, relationships, and housing stability. Veterans and trauma survivors are especially vulnerable, as PTSD and co-occurring conditions often lead to challenges such as social isolation, unemployment, and homelessness.
Addressing these complex needs requires integrated solutions that combine safe housing, clinical support, and community connection—the core of the Wendellman Foundation’s mission to restore dignity and stability to those living with serious mental health conditions.
United States Statistics
United States Statistics and Treatment Gaps
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In 2022, approximately 15.4 million U.S. adults (6% of adults) experienced serious mental illness (SMI).
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SMI prevalence by age:
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18–25: ~11.6%
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26–49: ~7.6%
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50+: ~3.0%
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Gender prevalence: ~7.1% of females and ~4.8% of males had SMI.
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Among veterans, PTSD is a significant concern: approximately 11–20% of veterans from recent conflicts (e.g., Iraq and Afghanistan) experience PTSD, and many also have co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. (source – veterans administration)
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Treatment gap: About one-third of adults with SMI, including veterans with PTSD, did not receive treatment in the past year.
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Implications: Many individuals with SMI — particularly veterans living with PTSD — face functional impairments, housing instability, and unmet treatment needs. This underscores the critical role of safe, stable housing and supportive services in facilitating recovery and stability.
Florida Statistics
Florida Statistics & Treatment Gaps
- It is estimated that about 17% of Florida adults experience any mental illness, and approximately 4.8% (~648,000 adults) have a serious mental illness (SMI).
- Florida faces a significant shortage of mental health professionals, with many counties designated as federal mental‑health professional shortage areas.
- Treatment gaps are substantial: more than 60% of adults with any mental illness in Florida receive no treatment. Barriers include cost, provider shortages, stigma, and system access issues.
- Veterans in Florida are a key population: Florida has nearly 1.4 million veterans, one of the highest concentrations in the country. floridavets.org+2namiflorida.org+2
- Among veterans, PTSD is prevalent: data indicate that up to 29% of veterans (depending on service and deployment) may develop PTSD at some point in life. mynews13.com
- Veteran suicide rates are also elevated in Florida: rates among veterans in Florida have been documented at approximately 40.4 per 100,000 population, which is at least 2.6 times higher than the general population suicide rate in the state. Florida Department of Health
- Consequences: Many individuals with SMI, including veterans with PTSD, face heightened risks of homelessness, incarceration, or prolonged instability in Florida due to insufficient supportive care, stable housing, and system navigation.
Maryland Statistics
Maryland Statistics & Treatment Gaps
- Approximately 4.55% of adults in Maryland have a serious mental illness (SMI), while about 19% of adults experience any mental illness.
Barriers to care include out-of-network access for behavioral health services, reimbursement disparities where behavioral health providers are paid less than other medical providers, and a shortage of psychiatric beds and specialty services.
Among youth in Maryland, roughly 50% with a mental illness do not receive treatment.
For veterans in Maryland: an estimated 5.1% of veterans are living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). North American Community Hub+1 In addition, among veterans who served in recent conflicts (e.g., OIF/OEF), about 14% have PTSD, and about the same proportion (≈14%) have major depression. Maryland General Assembly+1
Implications: Many Maryland residents with SMI or PTSD — including veterans — face housing instability, insufficient access to treatment and supportive services, and an increased risk of incarceration or chronic homelessness.
Key Takeaways & Implications for the Wendellman Foundation
Serious mental illness remains a pressing public health challenge across the United States, with particularly high needs in Florida and Maryland. Veterans and trauma survivors are among those most affected, often living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring conditions that increase vulnerability to housing instability and social isolation.
Significant treatment gaps persist, leaving many individuals without access to consistent or effective care. Those living with SMI frequently face functional limitations, systemic barriers, and limited pathways to recovery.
The Wendellman Foundation stands at the intersection of housing and healing — providing safe, stable homes and trauma-informed, person-centered support. Through this integrated approach, the Foundation addresses the root causes of instability and empowers individuals and veterans affected by serious mental heath disorders, to rebuild their lives with dignity, resilience, and hope.
Mental Health Disorders
What is Serious Mental Health Illness?
A diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder that substantially limits major life activities or self-care
Common SMIs include major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia disorder—conditions that often require ongoing, person-centered care to support recovery.
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Symptoms & Warning Signs
May include extreme mood changes, withdrawal from others, confusion, persistent sadness, paranoia, or difficulty functioning in daily life.
Early recognition and timely treatment are crucial for managing symptoms and supporting recovery
More Info Treatment & Support
Serious mental illness typically include a combination of therapy, medication, and community-based services to promote recovery and stability.
Designed to help individuals manage symptoms, maintain daily functioning, and achieve stability.
More Info Housing & Stability
Safe and stable housing offer a consistent environment that serves as the foundation for recovery and personal well-being
A stable environment allows individuals to focus on their health, well-being, and long-term recovery
More Info Coping Strategies & Wellness
Equip individuals with practical tools, techniques, and healthy routines to manage stress, regulate emotions, and navigate life’s challenges
By fostering self-awareness, resilience, and positive coping skills, these strategies support overall mental well-being, enhance daily functioning, and promote long-term recovery and personal growth.
More InfoSafe Homes, Stronger Futures
Your contribution goes beyond meeting basic needs—it empowers individuals to reclaim their independence and dignity. By supporting vital programs like safe housing, education, job training, and mental health services, you’re helping individuals build a sustainable future.
Living With Serious Mental Illness
Living with a serious mental health Illness (SMI) can profoundly affect daily life, relationships, employment, and housing stability. Conditions such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — particularly among military veterans and trauma survivors — often create significant challenges to independence and well-being.
Veterans with PTSD face unique barriers, including social isolation, difficulty accessing care, and an increased risk of housing instability and homelessness. Many individuals with SMI also experience functional impairments, while systemic treatment gaps leave far too many without the consistent support they need.
The Wendellman Foundation recognizes that safe, stable housing is the cornerstone of recovery. Through trauma-informed, person-centered housing and support services, the Foundation empowers both civilians and veterans to regain stability, restore dignity, and rebuild their lives with resilience and hope.
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Safe Homes, Stronger Futures
Hope In Action Center News
Discover stories of change, updates on our work, and key milestones from our foundation — where every step moves us closer to providing stability, dignity, and hope for those living with serious mental health disorders