The COVID-19 pandemic has created stress on many levels, from disruptions to schools, travel and the economy, financial hardship and loss of employment, and all of the massive public health impact from the physical effects of the virus itself.
Recent data from two large surveys confirm these escalating stresses and also point to rapidly increasing mental health concerns. Here’s a quick review of this important information.
APA – Stress in America
The American Psychological Association (full disclosure: I’m a member) has published a “Stress in America” report for several years, which examines sources of stress that American are experiencing.
The “Stress in America” findings are quite concerning. They indicate that 78% of adults believe the COVID-19 pandemic is a significant source of stress in their lives. Additionally, 60% say the number of issues America faces is overwhelming to them.
Nearly half (49%) report their behavior has been negatively impacted, including increased tension in their bodies (21%), “snapping” or getting angry very quickly (20%), unexpected mood swings (20%), or screaming or yelling at a loved one (17%).
19% of the survey respondents view their mental health as worse than it was one year ago. By generation, 34% of Gen Z adults report worse mental health, followed by Gen X (21%), millennials (19%), boomers (12%) and older adults (8%). Gen Z adults are also the most likely to report experiencing common symptoms of depression.
MHA – The State of Mental Health in America
Mental Health America (MHA) issues an annual report on “The State of Mental Health in America.” While this report contains a vast amount of information on access to mental health care and lack of treatment across America, I want to focus on the portion of the report which specifically addresses the more recent effects of COVID-19 on mental health.
MHA conducts online mental health screenings through its website. From January to September, 2020, over 1.5 million people completed a screening and accessed resources and supports. From this data, MHA found:
- The number of people looking for help with mental health concerns has increased 93 percent over 2019.
- Self ratings of moderate to severe anxiety or depression have increased throughout 2020 and are higher than pre-COVID ratings.
- More people are reporting frequent thoughts of suicide and self-harm at the highest ratings since the screening program began in 2014.
- Youth ages 11-17 are struggling with significant anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide or self-harm, particularly LGBTQ+ youth.
- Of people reporting moderate or severe anxiety or depression, 70 percent said isolation and loneliness is a top concern.
- Ethnic minority groups, are reaching out more for mental health services (particularly Asians and Pacific Islanders) and are showing increased rates of mental health issues (Blacks – anxiety and depression; Native Americans – suicidal thoughts).
Taken as a whole, these two important reports reflect the growing toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on our collective mental health. More than ever, our advocacy is needed to continue to fight for increased access to appropriate and effective mental health services and to encourage people to come forward when they need help.
We will also need to address how to fulfill the anticipated increased demand for mental health care in the months ahead. Finally, remember to share and promote the use of mental health crisis lines, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). And please check out my other recent articles on the pandemic and resources for coping.
Here’s a question: What mental health concerns have you been experiencing due to the pandemic? Please leave a comment. Also, please subscribe to my blog and feel free to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, “like” my Facebook page, or connect on LinkedIn. Finally, if you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend.