Is this surprising to anyone?

I think this issue also has to do with the lack of universal, quality social services - or at least services that actually do what they aim to do. The article mentions mental health, but it really encompasses much more than that: access to quality education, particularly in poor areas; access to quality healthcare (including mental health), particularly in poor areas; access to safe and quality housing; and access to quality, healthy food. Without these things, it becomes extremely difficult to be successful in our society. How can you go to school and do well when you don't have adequate shelter or food or if you're chronically sick? Just making it through high school is a challenge. College is an unachievable dream. When you're unable to get quality education, your job prospects are poor, making it difficult to earn enough to support yourself and possibly your family while living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Thus begins the cycle of poverty and crime.

Politically I just don't think this kind of reform is possible. The segment of the US population that believes in zero social safety nets and limited government-provided services is too large for that to happen.