Community Assessment - Health & Quality of Life in San Mateo
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key findings

Mental health is a general term used to refer not only to the absence of mental disorders, but also to the ability of an individual to negotiate the daily challenges and social interactions of life without experiencing cognitive, emotional, or behavioral dysfunction. A large proportion of individuals with mental disorders, including those with depression, do not receive treatment. Early identification and specific treatment and rehabilitation measures can significantly reduce the duration and level of disability associated with mental disorders.

In San Mateo County, mental health indicators addressed in the survey are generally comparable or slightly more favorable than national benchmarks. However, area residents are often uncertain how to access mental health services, or see it as difficult.

Qualitative research (focus group) findings corresponding to this section can be found beginning on the Appendix A: Mental Health page.

mental health status

Survey findings reveal the following data relating to the mental health of San Mateo County residents:

• A total of 5.1% of San Mateo County adults report a history of mental or emotional problems (compared to 5.7% nationwide). This increases among those in households with annual incomes less than $28,000 (11.8%) and among African-Americans (9.4%). ⁷²³

• San Mateo County respondents report an average of 2.0 days in the preceding month on which their mental health was not good (compared to 2.7 nationwide and 3.4 statewide). Higher average days of poor mental health were noted among Hispanics (2.9), those with a high school education or less (2.8), those aged 18 to 39 (2.7), and those in households with incomes less than $28,000 (2.5). ⁷²⁴

• San Mateo County adults report an average of 6.7 days in the preceding month on which they felt they did not get enough rest or sleep. ⁷²⁵

depression

• Nearly one out of five San Mateo County adults (19.5%) reports that he or she has had a period of two years or longer in which he or she was sad or depressed on most days. Nationwide, this prevalence is higher (22.8%). San Mateo County residents expressing higher prevalence of prolonged depression include:

*  Those with annual household incomes less than $28,000(30.4%)
*  Those with a high school education or less (30.1%)
*  Hispanics (25.7%)
*  Women (22.6%) ⁷²⁶

 

• San Mateo County adults report an average of 2.4 days in the preceding month on which they felt sad, blue or depressed. ⁷²⁷

stress

• Nearly one out of ten San Mateo County adults (9%) reports experiencing "high" stress on a typical day (11.2% nationwide). Perceived stress is highest among Hispanics (13.3%), those in households with annual incomes over $78,000 (11.6%), and persons aged 18 to 39 (11.3%).⁷²⁸
• Respondents report an average 4.2 days in the preceding month on which they felt worried, tense or anxious.⁷²⁹

mental health services

• The map on the following page plots the locations of mental health services – both residential and outpatient/counseling treatment services – throughout San Mateo County. ⁷³⁰

In information regarding mental health specifically among seniors, refer to Senior Activity Limitations page.

Community perceptions regarding the ease of access of mental health services can be found on the Health Insurance Coverage page.

730  Peninsula Library System. Community Information Program. January 1999.

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