The Affect the Pandemic Has Had on People’s Mental Health
Has the Pandemic led Us into a Mental Health Crisis?
It is no doubt that the world has changed dramatically over the past three years. The isolation, loss of jobs, and fear of safety have led many to struggle with their mental health. So much so, that according to a CNN survey conducted with 2,000 adults, over half the participants claimed a mental health crisis among children, adolescents, and adults.
At the beginning of the pandemic, adolescents ages 12 to 17 were visiting the emergency room at an alarming rate. Also, drug overdoses, as well as suicides, have skyrocketed as of 2021 (Deidre McPhillips of CNN). About 1 in 5 adults rated their mental health as “fair” or “poor” and often claimed to be “always depressed or lonely” (Deidre McPhillips of CNN).
According to the CDC, mental health treatment has grown over the course of the pandemic, from about 19% in 2019 to 22% in 2022 (Deidre McPhillips of CNN). However, many have not been able to get the care that they need.
Why are People’s Mental Health Issues Going Untreated?
There is a multitude of reasons why Americans have not been able to access mental health care. 55% of people claim there aren’t enough mental health professionals and 75% say insurance does not cover it.
This crisis caused President Joe Biden to team up with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and create a three-digit code that is accessible. However, the stigma behind mental health is still strong, allowing this gesture to go unnoticed by too many (Deidre McPhillips of CNN). About half of the people in the survey did not know about the hotline (Deidre McPhillips of CNN).
The Shortage of Mental Health Professionals
According to Christina Caron of The New York Times, after the pandemic, many people have been put on waitlists, turned away, or unable to attain care due to the cost. This issue has gotten so out of hand that even clinicians are baffled by it. Brooke Huminski, a licensed social worker stated, “Never at any time in my practice have I had a five-person waiting list” (Nobody Has Openings’: Mental Health Providers Struggle to Meet Demand).
Is There a Bright Side?
Yes, although the pandemic has brought many hardships it also jumpstarted the movement toward online therapy apps and telehealth. According to Christina Caron of The New York Times, the platform MDlive has seen services increased “fivefold” in 2020 compared with 2019. Other applications such as Talkspace and BetterHelp have also provided an increase in access to many who could not originally obtain the care they needed.
Need Access to Help During the Pandemic?
It is important not to give up hope when struggling to find a mental health professional. Your mental health should never be overlooked because of the uncertainties of the pandemic.
According to Dr. Brown, the director of an outpatient psychiatry clinic, there are many actions to ensure you get the help you need (Christina Caron of The New York Times).
Ask if your mental health provider knows of anyone taking new patients
Ask your primary care provider for referrals or treatment
Call local colleges/universities and ask to see a clinician in training
Broaden your search – seek out different types of professionals and therapy: move away from psychologists or try group therapy
Look for support groups – National Alliance of Mental Illness, National Eating Disorders Association, Alcoholics Anonymous, or Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s three-digit dialing code: 988