Mental health looks different for everyone, but for millions of Americans, anxiety and depression are frequent companions. In 2021, about 21 million adults faced major depression,³ and nearly 1 in 5 lived with an anxiety disorder,⁴ from generalized worry to PTSD. Often, mental health and substance use challenges go hand in hand, with ~7.6% of adults managing both.

Mental health care isn’t one-size-fits-all—and that’s a good thing. While traditional talk therapy still plays a big role, newer approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused methods like EMDR are helping people in powerful, personalized ways. Medication is also part of the picture for many. Millions rely on antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, or mood stabilizers to manage symptoms and feel more like themselves.⁶ Sure, there’s a public conversation around overprescribing - about 1 in 8 Americans takes an antidepressant - but for many, these medications are not just helpful, they’re life-changing.

Digital tools have really opened up new doors in mental health. From meditation apps and mood trackers to AI-powered therapy chatbots, there’s something for nearly everyone. Not all of them are created equal, but many have helped folks dip their toes into self-care when traditional therapy felt out of reach.

Thanks to teletherapy, even folks in the most remote corners can connect with a therapist miles away - no long drives, no awkward waiting rooms. And peer support? It’s finally getting the spotlight it deserves. People who’ve been through mental health struggles themselves are now trained to support others—whether in person, on hotlines, or through online forums. Their stories offer something no textbook can: real hope.