GA rate of mental illness up slightly in recent years, but experts still concerned. Here’s why

Georgians are struggling with mental health more than they have in the recent past, and it seems more aren’t getting help.

Mental health challenges have risen sharply across the country in the last five years, and while Georgia saw one of the smaller jumps in the national data, the big picture is still serious.

A Legacy Healing Center study analyzed CDC data from 2019 to 2024 and ranked Georgia in the bottom 10 states whose mental health challenges have increased in that time.

Even though it may seem like a positive position, experts and data paint a more complicated picture, saying that number says less about the state’s wellbeing and more about access.

GA mental health numbers

The Georgia fact sheet from the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) says the population of adults in Georgia that has a mental health condition is twice the size of Atlanta.

The statistics

• 1.4 million Georgia adults experience mental illness.
• 29% of those were unable to get counseling or therapy.
• 44% report symptoms of anxiety or depression.
• 5.9 million residents live in a community that does not have enough mental. 
• 13% of Georgia residents are uninsured.

Check in on your own mental health

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone, and it can be hard to know if what you’re feeling is situational or if you need to seek support. Not every mental health struggle looks like a crisis, but there are signs, whether it’s you or someone you love.

You don’t need to check every box, but if any of these feel familiar and persistent, reach out.

Talk to someone if you’re:

• Feeling sad, empty or hopeless most days for two weeks or more
• Withdrawing from friends, family or activities you used to enjoy
• Sleeping too much or too little, or major changes in appetite
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions or getting through daily tasks
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs to cope
• Feeling like a burden to others or that things won’t get better

Seek support if:

• Expressing thoughts of not wanting to be here or statements like, “I don’t want to be here anymore”
• Seeing or hearing things others don’t, or having beliefs that feel overwhelming and out of control
• Extreme mood swings, agitation or behavior that feels out of character

How to find help

• The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health has an online provider directory and can help you find state-funded service near you.
• Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7
• NAMI Georgia offers free support groups; helpline at 1-800-950-6264
• The Community Service Board of Middle Georgia can direct you to local behavioral services
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can help you find local treatment

Although Georgia may have the smallest increase in mental health crises, meaning 42 states have higher instances, getting care is still an ongoing problem.

Getting support and finding services can be problem in Georgia, so if you need help connecting with available resources, email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

This story was originally published February 21, 2026 at 6:00 AM.