Mental Health Impact of COVID-19

COVID-19 brought a lot of devastation with it. It is already responsible for more than 600,000 deaths in the United States, and has made it’s way to every continent, mutated, and brought on multiple waves. But, what isn’t talked about enough, is the mental health impact that COVID-19 brought along with it. From being in lockdown for a year, to isolation, to job loss, there were lots of reason COVID-19 could have taken a significant impact on an individuals mental health.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), one in ten adults in June 2019 reported some symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders. KFF states, “During the pandemic, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder.” This is something that is quite baffling, considering that is about a 30% increase in one year. It’s not quite the majority of people, but it is a large fraction of people that have been experiencing poor mental health because of COVID-19.

KFF states, “A KFF Health Tracking Poll from July 2020 also found that many adults are reporting specific negative impacts on their mental health and well-being, such as difficulty sleeping (36%) or eating (32%), increases in alcohol consumption or substance use (12%), and worsening chronic conditions (12%), due to worry and stress over the coronavirus.” With the country beginning to reopen, hopefully we start to see these numbers declining.

The data has not yet been released, but it is predicted that there was also a spike in suicides and attempts in 2020. If all other mental health statistics increased, it is likely that the did, as well.

It is important to check up on the people around us. Be kind to somebody today.