Mental Health in America 2021

The results from the APA's latest report are in and, no surprise, people are struggling.

  • 46% of Gen Z's and 33% of Millenials have experienced a decline in their mental health

  • 79% of Gen Z's and 75% of Millenials reported that they did not have enough support over the last year and also reported the highest rates of negative impact on their relationships

  • In 2020, suicide was the second leading cause of death for those 10-34 years old

  • 52% of parents with kids between 5 and 7 years old reported increased alcohol consumption to cope with stress

  • 25% of essential workers have been diagnosed with mental illness

  • 67% of Americans have reported an increase in stress over the course of the pandemic

  • There was a record high of 81,000 deaths by overdose between June 2019-May 2020

  • 38% increase in death by synthetic opioids like illicitly manufactured fentanyl

  • Nearly 50% of adults have reported negative changes in their own behavior 

  • Increased tension, 21%

  • Irritability and bursts of anger, 20%

  • Mood swings, 20%

  • Screaming at loved ones, 17%

Additionally, outpatient providers are reporting higher volume of calls and referrals. Emergency departments and hotlines are reporting higher volume of crisis calls. Treatment centers are experiencing significantly higher admission rates and waitlists. This reflects a major spike in mental health issues that our communities are facing.

As Mental Health Professionals, we are Seeing Increases in the Following:

  • Social anxiety

  • General anxiety

  • Health anxiety

  • OCD

  • Grief

  • Depression

  • Substance use and addiction

  • Body image concerns

  • Eating disorders

  • Trust issues

  • Relationship problems

  • Suicidal Ideation

However, the impact from COVID-19 is not all negative. Some individuals who were utilizing mental health treatment and support prior to COVID-19 have shown some improvement in the following areas:

  • Resiliency

  • Independence

  • Comfort with being alone

  • Increased connection with others

  • Improved relationships

  • Increased use of health coping skills and self-care strategies

  • Hope

Large Scale Change is Needed:

  • Increase access to mental health care and treatment

  • Increase use of mental health assessment tools in schools, primary care physicians and pediatricians office, dental offices, and physicians specialized in various areas

  • Increase mental health services

  • Expand treatment centers

  • Increase trauma and mental health training to teachers, police officers, and paramedics

Tips for Parents:

  • Talk with your kids about mental health

  • Ask your pediatrician to conduct mental health screeners at the next check-up

  • Find a therapist for your child

  • Find a therapist for yourself

  • Practice your own self-care

Tips for Teens:

  • Ask for help

  • Talk to teachers, parents, friends, or school counselors about mental health

  • Try journaling, meditation, deep breathing, exercise, or other self-care strategies

Tips for College Students:

  • Build a community of support

  • Ask for help

  • Go to the school counseling center and look into free mental health services on campus

  • Structure your schedule in a way that supports your mental health needs

  • Talk to your parents about the issues you are having

Tips for Young Adults

  • Find a therapist

  • Talk about mental health with your friends

  • Look into group therapy as a more affordable option

  • Find out if you have an HSA or FSA that can help offset the cost of treatment

  • Utilize self-care strategies

  • Build a network of support

  • Find an Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous Support Group

For more resources check out our resource page

Information for this blog was gathered from a variety of resources including the APA, CDC, WHO, Psychology Today, and various news resources. Go to www.apa.org to learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health.