A new survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly 41% of respondents struggle with mental health issues arising from the coronavirus pandemic – both related to the pandemic itself and the measures that are in place to contain it, including physical distance and orders to stay home.
“Remarkably increased incidence of reported adverse mental and behavioral health conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the broad impact of the pandemic and the need to prevent and treat these conditions,” the study authors wrote.
The findings were reported Thursday in the journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the CDC.
In an online survey of more than 5,400 adults living in the U.S., conducted in the last week of June, 40.9% of respondents reported at least one mental or behavioral health status:
- 31% said they have symptoms of anxiety or depression
- 26% said they experienced symptoms of trauma or stressor-related disorder
- 13% said they started using drugs
- 11% said they have committed serious suicide in the last 30 days
But the issues for mental health were not shouldered by everyone.
For example, at least one adverse symptom of mental or behavioral health was reported by 75% of 18-24 year olds, 52% of 25- to 44-year-olds, 52% of Hispanics, as well as 54% of essential workers, 67% of unpaid caregivers for adults, and 66% of those with less than a high school diploma. The percentage among those with pre-existing mental health conditions was even higher.
And the percentage of those who reported having seriously considered suicide in the 30 days before the survey was completed was significantly higher among respondents ages 18-24 (25.5%), Hispanics (18.6%), and Blacks (15.1). %), even reported unpaid caregivers for adults (30.7%), and essential workers (21.7%).
In all, while symptoms of mental or behavioral health conditions differed significantly among subgroups, unpaid care for adults was the worst.
“Unpaid caregivers for adults, many of whom are currently providing critical care to individuals at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease, had a higher incidence of adverse mental and behavioral conditions compared to others,” the authors wrote. of the study.
These findings are consistent with previous studies, which found symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders increased in the US between April and June of 2020 significantly, compared to the same period in 2019.
The authors of the study concluded: ‘Periodic assessment of mental health, substance use, and suicidal ideation should evaluate the prevalence of psychological anxiety over time. Addressing differences in mental health and preparing systems for mitigating mental health consequences as the pandemic evolves will be urgently needed. “
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