The coronavirus pandemic has taken a serious toll on mental health, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The study of more than 5,400 American adults 18 and older, conducted between June 24 and 30, found that more than 40 percent of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health status: 31 percent reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder , more than 26 percent reported symptoms of a trauma and stressor-related disorder (resulting from exposure to a traumatic or stressful life event) related to the pandemic, and more than 13 percent reported onset or increase in substance use to relate stress or emotions to COVID-19.
In addition, 11 percent of respondents reported having considered suicide in the 30 days prior to the survey seriously – this was significantly higher among those ages 18 to 24 (25.5 percent), Hispanic (18.6 percent) ) and non-Hispanic Black respondents (15.1 percent)), even reported unpaid caregivers for adults (30.7 percent) and essential workers (21.7 percent).
The study also highlighted how younger adults (18-24 years old), minorities, essential workers and unpaid adult caregivers report “disproportionately less severe outcomes of mental health, increased substance use and increased thoughts about suicide.”
Dr Elinore McCance-Katz, the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, who heads the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Care Administration, told Yahoo Life that the results of the study were “not all unexpected”, adding that “this has been shown in many other places where quarantine has been put in place. “
McCance-Katz notes that a March review of several studies on the mental health effects of lockdowns due to the coronavirus, which was published in the Lancet, found that those who were quarantined for more than 10 days showed significantly higher post-traumatic stress symptoms than those who were quarantined for less time. “What we did not know – and what I was worried about – is that we have never seen quarantine for so long what has been going on in this country,” she says.
Study co-author Rashon Lane, a behavioral scientist at the CDC, tells Yahoo Life: “We have seen in other health situations that symptoms of anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, substance use and suicidal ideation increase. The recent MMWR [Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report] publication shows that these symptoms increased significantly in the United States in April and June compared to the same period in 2019. “
McCance-Katz explains that the isolation and lack of social support during quarantine “can cause a lot of anxiety and depression”. She adds, “Some people will experience this as traumatic and experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. That kind of mental health problem can lead to suicidality, and the CDC data showed that as well.”
“When people lose their daily routines and have no structured time, they will, in too many cases, resort to drugs to dull them from the anxiety, depression and trauma they feel,” she says. notices that the sale of alcohol, including the sale of alcohol delivered directly to people’s homes, has increased during quarantine.
Not knowing how long the pandemic will last will not help. “One of the hardest things for people to deal with is not knowing when it will end,” McCance-Katz says. “When you tell people we do not know when it will end, it’s very, very stressful for people.”
To help people who are struggling or in crisis in the meantime, Colleen Carr, the director of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, tells Yahoo Life that the US “needs a united national response to mental health and suicide prevention” has got.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic is the most serious public health crisis our nation has had in more than a century,” Lane said. “Addressing differences in mental health and preparing systems for reducing mental health consequences are urgent needs with the potential to save lives.”
Lane adds: “To address the concerns of groups disproportionately affected by mental health problems, community-level intervention and prevention efforts must include strengthening economic support to reduce financial tensions, addressing stress by experiencing racial or ethnic discrimination, promoting social connection and supporting persons at risk of suicide. ”
Experts say the CDC study highlights the need to focus on mental and physical health at the same time. “We have prioritized our physical health – washing our hands, wearing a mask and social distance – but this study underscores the importance of also taking care of our emotional needs,” says Carr, “taking care of our own mental health and reaching out to those who maybe they’m having trouble. “
If you or someone you know is experiencing an emotional crisis or have thoughts about suicide, there are several free confidential services available 24/7 that can help:
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For those who are experiencing a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255), or text the Crisis text line (text HOME to 741741).
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For emotional support specifically related to COVID-19, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
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For help with substance abuse, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY 800-487-4889.
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For those who identify themselves as part of the LGBTQ community, call the TrevorLifeline (866-488-7386) or text START to 678-678.
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For veterans who are in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line (800-273-8255 and press 1) or text 838255.
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For frontline workers struggling with anxiety, stress, anxiety or isolation, text FRONTLINE to 741741.
For the latest coronavirus news and updates, follow together to https://news.yahoo.com/coronavirus. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised remain the most at risk. If you have any questions, please refer to the GGD‘s and WHO’s resource guides.
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