Each year, approximately 59 million people in the U.S. (about 23% of adults) receive treatment for some form of mental illness, and about one in 20 adults are dealing with a serious mental illness such as chronic depression, panic and bipolar disorders, phobic anxiety, and PTSD.

Fully 6% report that their condition significantly interferes with or limits important life activities.

Unfortunately, in 2023 only a little more than half of adults with a mental illness received treatment such as prescription medications (16%), outpatient care (14%), or telehealth (12%), as well as support through groups, peer specialists, recovery coaches, and emergency services.

That leaves a lot of people having to deal with a variety of emotional and physical challenges on their own — and opening themselves up to an increased risk for heart disease and death.

According to a new report out of Emory University, unmanaged depression increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 72%, and phobic anxiety boosts it by 70%. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and panic disorders increase the cardiovascular risk by 50% to 61%.

It may seem difficult to acknowledge your need for medical treatment, but remember that mental illness is just that: a medical condition.

You wouldn't avoid treatment for cancer, would you?

A combination of stress-reducing practices such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and exercise combined with talk therapy and if necessary medication can transform your todays and tomorrows.

For support with managing stress, explore all the latest research outlined in "The Great Age Reboot," and visit findtreatment.gov for information on treatment available near you.