Pass And Neglect
January 8, 2026 2026-01-19 9:02Pass And Neglect
Overlook of mental health conditions
Mental health conditions often go unnoticed because they lack visible symptoms. As psychiatrist Anita Red notes, without obvious signs, mental illnesses are frequently overlooked, remaining undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Due to this, in 2025, approximately 42% of American adults with mental illness are undiagnosed. Mental Health Conditions should not be taken lightly, yet most adults or even children are often taken lightly or not even seriously most of the time. This is due to the symptoms being almost invisible; not everyone can notice certain changes, especially mental ones that can’t be noticed physically.
“It is hard not to feel helpless, especially these days. There is so much to stress and worry about. Our future, careers,” said Deerfield Beach High School senior Marissa Maxwell.
Mental Health being overlooked can cause a multitude of problems: worsening symptoms, reduced quality of life, and negative impacts on physical health, relationships, and finances. Though some may say Mental health conditions are usually treated most of the time, the truth is that this is false, as mentioned before, most Americans are undiagnosed, and only 23% of Americans are diagnosed.
“It isn’t all that easy for someone to seek professional help. It takes a lot to tell someone you need help,” said DBHS junior Sarah Parrish.
Mental health should be taken as seriously as physical health. Many people do not realize how bad it gets until they hit rock bottom. Unlike physical conditions, the symptoms of mental health struggles can be subtle and difficult to recognize from the outside. Many people may appear to be functioning well, all while battling internal conflicts that are invisible to others. These ‘ghost’ symptoms aren’t often spoken of, and because these struggles are often hidden, people may delay seeking help, either out of fear, stigma, or simply not knowing where to turn.
