In recent years, mental health awareness has taken center stage in public health conversations—and for good reason. Data from counties across the United States reveal concerning trends in mental distress, with many communities, including those in Washington County, Maryland, and surrounding Pennsylvania counties, experiencing a rise in mental health concerns.
At M.I.N.D. Health and Wellness, we believe in addressing these challenges head-on with compassion, data-driven care, and a commitment to understanding the unique needs of our local community. In this post, we dive into local statistics, interpret what they mean, and explore how individuals and communities can respond to rising mental health needs.
What is “Mental Distress”?
Before diving into the data, it’s important to clarify the term “mental distress.” While it’s often used interchangeably with mental illness, mental distress encompasses a broader range of emotional discomfort and psychological strain. It can include symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional disturbances—even if a person hasn’t been formally diagnosed with a mental health condition.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) measures mental distress through two primary lenses:
- Frequent Mental Distress (FMD): Reporting poor mental health (stress, depression, emotional problems) on 14 or more of the past 30 days.
- Serious Mental Illness (SMI): A diagnosable mental disorder that significantly interferes with daily functioning, such as major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.
These metrics enable public health experts to estimate the number of people in a given area who are experiencing persistent psychological strain, even if they haven’t sought formal treatment.
National Context: A Mental Health Crisis
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults lives with a mental illness. That equates to over 57 million Americans—a staggering number that highlights the widespread nature of emotional and psychological distress.
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)—a large-scale CDC initiative—tracks mental health indicators across states and counties, providing an essential snapshot of where the most urgent needs lie. These reports serve as a valuable baseline for comparing local areas, such as Washington County, MD, and nearby Franklin and Fulton Counties in Pennsylvania.
Washington County, Maryland: Mental Health by the Numbers
Washington County, located in Western Maryland, is home to a diverse population with both rural and urban features. While its picturesque settings and historical significance are noteworthy, the county also reflects some of the mental health challenges seen nationwide.
1. Frequent Mental Distress Rates
According to the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute’s County Health Rankings, the rate of adults in Washington County who report frequent mental distress has hovered between 14% and 16%, slightly above the national median. This suggests that approximately 1 in 6 adults regularly experiences symptoms like anxiety, sadness, or emotional burnout.
2. Depression Diagnoses
State health department data reveal that 19% to 21% of adults in Washington County have been diagnosed with depression. This figure mirrors national rates but raises concern in a county with limited access to psychiatric care.
Additionally, youth depression—especially among adolescents aged 12 to 17—has been rising. The Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey reported in recent years that over 30% of high school students in the county felt “persistently sad or hopeless” for two or more weeks, often a precursor to clinical depression.
3. Suicidal Ideation and Attempts
Tragically, suicide rates in Washington County have also climbed over the past decade. Between 2015 and 2022, the county consistently reported suicide mortality rates between 13 and 16 per 100,000 residents, higher than the state average. Young adults and men aged 45–64 are among the most affected groups.
Surrounding Counties in Pennsylvania: A Rural Lens on Mental Distress
Just across the Mason-Dixon line lie Franklin County and Fulton County, both of which are predominantly rural and are served by limited behavioral health resources. Yet, mental health challenges in these areas are just as pressing—if not more so.
1. Franklin County, PA
Franklin County’s population of approximately 155,000 reflects growing concern over access to mental health care.
- Frequent Mental Distress: Reported by 17% of adults, a figure notably higher than both the state and national averages.
- Suicide Rate: Approximately 15 deaths per 100,000 residents, higher than Pennsylvania’s state average of 13.9.
- Provider Shortage: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) designates a significant portion of Franklin County as a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (MHPSA). Many residents face long waits or must travel considerable distances for psychiatric care.
2. Fulton County, PA
Though sparsely populated (under 15,000 residents), Fulton County faces disproportionately high mental distress levels:
- High rates of untreated depression are due to a severe lack of providers.
- Residents frequently rely on neighboring counties for specialized care.
- Youth and elderly populations are particularly vulnerable, with school districts reporting spikes in anxiety-related absences and behavioral issues.
Social Determinants: Why Are These Rates Rising?
Understanding mental health data means looking beyond the numbers. In many cases, social determinants of health—the conditions in which people live, learn, work, and age—play a significant role in shaping mental wellness.
In Washington County and surrounding PA counties, several factors contribute to high mental distress levels:
1. Economic Instability
- Washington County has a poverty rate of nearly 12%, and Franklin County is not far behind at 11%. Economic uncertainty can drive chronic stress, insecurity, and feelings of hopelessness.
- Job insecurity, especially in post-pandemic recovery phases, affects residents’ emotional health and family dynamics.
2. Healthcare Access Barriers
- Psychiatric care deserts are common in rural areas.
- Many counties rely on a small number of psychiatric providers to serve large populations.
- Long waitlists, lack of insurance, and transportation issues exacerbate access barriers.
3. Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders
- High rates of opioid use, alcohol dependency, and methamphetamine abuse impact both individual and community mental health.
- Overdose deaths have surged in Washington County, often involving fentanyl and prescription drugs, many of which co-occur with untreated mood disorders.
4. Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- Washington and Franklin counties report above-average ACE scores, particularly for experiences such as parental substance use, domestic violence, and incarceration.
- These early life stressors have been shown to increase the likelihood of mental distress later in life.
The Impact of Isolation and Stigma
While access and economics play a significant role, social stigma continues to block many individuals from seeking help. In close-knit, rural, or faith-based communities, the fear of being labeled “mentally ill” or “unstable” discourages vulnerable individuals from opening up.
In Fulton County, for instance, only 1 in 3 people reporting frequent mental distress say they’ve talked to a mental health professional in the past year. This is a sobering reminder of the silent battles people are fighting behind closed doors.
Additionally, older adults in the tri-county area often face isolation due to mobility issues, lack of social support, or bereavement—all of which can manifest as undiagnosed depression or cognitive decline.
Local Solutions: Meeting the Need with Empathy and Access
Addressing mental distress in Washington County and surrounding Pennsylvania regions requires a multi-tiered approach—one that includes public education, increased provider availability, and stigma reduction. Here’s how change is taking root:
1. Community Behavioral Health Coalitions
Coalitions like Healthy Washington County and Franklin County Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention are working to expand services, improve awareness, and reduce suicide rates. Programs include:
- Mobile crisis units
- School-based mental health counselors
- Free screening events and peer support networks
2. Telepsychiatry and Digital Access
One silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic is the normalization of telehealth for mental health care.
- Telepsychiatry is now being used to connect patients in Fulton County to licensed providers statewide.
- M.I.N.D. Health and Wellness offers HIPAA-compliant virtual appointments, removing geographic barriers to care.
3. School-Based Interventions
Public schools in both Washington and Franklin counties are expanding mental health curricula, hiring social-emotional learning coordinators, and partnering with local clinics to reach students early.
4. Faith-Based and Culturally Sensitive Support
Given the strong religious presence in the region, several congregations are now hosting mental health awareness events, grief groups, and partnerships with clinicians who understand spiritual trauma and pastoral care, an area M.I.N.D. Health and Wellness specializes in.
What You Can Do: Moving from Awareness to Action
Understanding the data is the first step. But you can be part of the solution in simple, meaningful ways:
- Check in on friends and family, especially those who live alone or seem withdrawn.
- Advocate for increased funding for behavioral health at the local and state levels.
- Educate yourself and others about the signs of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
- Normalize mental health discussions in your workplace, at home, and within your faith community.
- Seek help if you’re struggling. At M.I.N.D. Health and Wellness, we offer evidence-based, compassionate care tailored to your personal and spiritual needs.
Final Thoughts: A Community Worth Healing
The mental distress statistics in Washington County, Franklin County, and Fulton County aren’t just numbers on a chart. They reflect the real experiences of our neighbors, friends, and loved ones. Behind every data point is a story—a life impacted by stress, isolation, trauma, or illness.
Yet within this challenge lies a powerful opportunity: to come together as a community that sees, supports, and uplifts those struggling with mental distress. Through open dialogue, increased access to care, and compassionate interventions, we can turn the tide.
If you or someone you know needs support, M.I.N.D. Health and Wellness is here to help. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life, you deserve care that meets you where you are—body, mind, and spirit.
Need help now?
📞 Call 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)
🏥 Contact M.I.N.D. Health and Wellness for appointments
Let’s build a healthier Washington County—together.
