Bradenton, Florida Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Bradenton, Florida

The 56,508 residents of Bradenton, Florida, have much to be proud of. The city, which runs along the picturesque Manatee River, has many cultural and entertainment-based points of interest, including museums and miles of beaches that draw thousands of tourists each year. However, despite all Bradenton has to offer, some of its residents are suffering from poor mental health and struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression and personality disorders. These problems can lead to a variety of secondary difficulties that disrupt daily life and relationships with friends and family. While genetics might play a part in their illness, environmental factors may also influence the progression and severity of poor mental health.

Population and Mental Health in Bradenton

Bradenton is densely populated; in fact, it is 1161 percent more populated than the rest of the state. This concentration of people continues to grow, and in 2017, over 10,00 people migrated to the area.  As people continue to flood into Bradenton and the city continues to grow, this could trigger or worsen several mental health issues that may include:

• Social anxiety
• Heightened feelings of aggression
• Agoraphobia/fear of leaving one’s home
• Chronic depression

Because those who live in populated cities are more likely to develop these problems, many individuals in Bradenton may be struggling with these feelings without understanding why. However, not all will seek help or treatment.

Poverty and Mental Health in Bradenton

More than 22 percent of residents in Bradenton live at or below the poverty line, a percentage that is slightly higher than the state’s levels. Single mothers, the unemployed and disabled female individuals are most at risk. Poverty can have a severe impact on mental health, and in some cases, mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can affect an individual’s ability to hold down a job or maintain positive relations with coworkers and managers.

Unemployed individuals who spiral into poverty may develop severe depression or anxiety as their expenses and overdue bills mount. They may even become homeless, and single parents may no longer be able to care for their children properly. This vicious cycle of poor mental health and poverty can be difficult for the majority of the affected populace to handle, as young and middle-aged adults in Bradenton are the least likely to have health coverage in general. For those living in poverty, it is even less likely they will have the means to seek treatment.

Crime and Mental Health in Bradenton

Bradenton is not as safe as other major cities in Florida, and its crime rate is higher than the state average in both violent and property crimes. Shootings and other incidents are not always directly related to poor mental health; however, some criminals who commit theft do so to fuel addictive behaviors that could stem from untreated mental disorders. Others who take part in criminal behavior may do so as a result of mental illness that makes them unable to make good decisions. Theft, violent crimes and other offenses may stem from mental illnesses that include:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Personality disorder

This behavior may be compounded if affected individuals are under the influence of drugs, alcohol or other controlled substances.

Divorce and Mental Illness in Bradenton

Divorce is a common occurrence in Bradenton. 14.1 percent of the population is divorced, and this can trigger or worsen certain mental health problems, particularly anxiety and depression. Divorced individuals who are left with the bulk of the responsibility for their children may suffer episodes of anxiety when they do not have the finances to cover expenses or when their spouses refuse to pay alimony or child support.

The rate of divorce in Bradenton may also be related to the number of white middle-aged women living in poverty. Their situation may also make it difficult for them to reach out for help or afford treatment for their mental health problems, especially if they were previously on their spouse’s insurance plan and now cannot afford coverage of their own.