Mental health struggles are rising in Howard County — and not everyone is affected the same way.

In the 2024 Health Assessment Survey, nearly half of adults (49%) said they felt anxious or nervous, one in three (33%) reported depression, and almost 30% said they felt isolated from others. These numbers are all up sharply from just a few years ago. For example, only 36% of adults reported anxiety in 2018; now close to half of adults report anxiety.

The burden is not shared equally. Young adults report the highest rates of anxiety and depression, with 68% of 18–24-year-olds saying they felt anxious. Compare that to 30% of 65-74-year-old residents and only 26% of those older than 75. 

Unemployed residents are also far more likely to be in treatment for mental health concerns (52%) than those who are employed (22%). And African American (48%) and Hispanic residents (49%) report feeling down, depressed, or hopeless at higher rates than Asian (25%) or White residents (31%).

But these groups carrying the heaviest mental health burden are also the ones most likely to face barriers to care. Young adults, unemployed residents, and African American and Hispanic residents are all more likely to be uninsured, less likely to have a primary care or regular provider, and more likely to to go to the emergency room because they couldn't get a timely appointment elsewhere. 

These inequities create barriers for those who may need care the most.

That is why the Health Department runs the Behavioral Health Navigation program. Our navigator helps residents find the right provider, connects them with crisis services if needed, and follows up to make sure they received help. Instead of handing families a list of phone numbers, our navigator guides them through the system and assists them with overcoming barriers.

The survey shows mental health is a growing challenge for our community. Navigation is one tool to make sure help reaches those who need it most.