CDC has a new report in MMWR that says that the pandemic has had a seriously deleterious effect on the mental health of Americans. See link below if you want to read the whole report.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932a1.htm
Elevated levels of adverse mental health conditions, substance use, and suicidal ideation were reported by adults in the United States in June 2020.
Salient points:
- During June 24–30, 2020: 9,896 eligible adults invited to completed web-based surveys
- Total participants – 5412 (55%)
- At least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition – 40%
- Anxiety or depression – 31%
- Post-traumatic stress disorder – 26%
- Started or increased heavy drug or alcohol use – 13%
- Seriously contemplated suicide – 11% (Blacks 15%, Hispanics 19%)
- Not being treated for mental disorders prior to the pandemic – >90%
Worst hit with mental problems:
- Young adults
- Racial/ethnic minorities
- Essential workers
- Unpaid adult caregivers
Compared to 2018/2019:
- Anxiety tripled
- Depression quadrupled
- Suicidal ideation doubled
“Addressing mental health disparities and preparing support systems to mitigate mental health consequences as the pandemic evolves will continue to be needed urgently,” the authors of the study said.
But with much of the nation still under lockdown, state and municipal governments strained and people desperately looking for both work and childcare, it is not clear just what a response will look like, or how effective it will be.
What are the implications for public health practice?
The public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic should increase intervention and prevention efforts to address associated mental health conditions. Community-level efforts, including health communication strategies, should prioritize higher risk individuals.
My $0.02:
- Lockdown has caused horrible long term collateral damage to mental health.
- 40% of Americans affected means 130 million or so need help to cope
- 11% suicidal means 35 million could hurt themselves
- These are devastating numbers
- Compared to the morbidity and mortality from the pandemic itself, aren’t we causing more harms with lockdowns?
- Sushant Singh would be alive if we didn’t have the lockdown.
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