December 7, 2020

COVID-19 Is Increasing Mental Health Disorders and Addiction – Here’s What You Need to Know

The direct physical illness caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is, of course, an extreme threat to public health. But the impact on everyday life that the pandemic is having is also causing a secondary crisis – a significant increase in mental health problems, addiction and suicidal ideation.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that COVID-19 has been associated with mental health challenges related to the illness and death caused by the pandemic, as well as the measures that have had to be taken to try and contain the virus, such as social distancing, the need to limit public activities and the resulting loss of employment.

A survey conducted by the CDC in June, 2020 found that:

• prevalence of symptoms of anxiety disorder was approximately three times higher than reported in the second quarter of 2019 (25.5% versus 8.1%);
• prevalence of depressive disorder was approximately four times higher than reported in the second quarter of 2019 (24.3% versus 6.5%);
• approximately one quarter of respondents reported symptoms of a trauma- and stressor-related disorder (TSD) related to the pandemic;
• approximately one in 10 reported that they started or increased substance use because of COVID-19; and
• approximately twice as many respondents reported serious consideration of suicide in the previous 30 days than did adults in the United States in 2018, referring to the previous 12 months (10.7% versus 4.3%).

The survey also found that “mental health conditions are disproportionately affecting specific populations, especially young adults, Hispanic persons, black persons, essential workers, unpaid caregivers for adults, and those receiving treatment for preexisting psychiatric conditions. Unpaid caregivers for adults, many of whom are currently providing critical aid to persons at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, had a higher incidence of adverse mental and behavioral health conditions compared with others.”

How to Reduce Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health

As difficult as this pandemic and its social and economic fallout is on mental health, there are things we can all do to try and reduce the impact. The most effective measures are those that can be taken on an individual, family and community level to support ourselves, our loved ones and those in our communities, especially those most at risk of mental health disorders and addiction, during this difficult time.

To that end, we at Harrington HealthCare will be sharing tips and insights on maintaining mental health and sobriety on a regular basis in the coming weeks. Together, we can get through this.

To get started, here are some very helpful resources:

For Mental Health:

Local resources at Harrington HealthCare

• Psychiatric Emergency Services
• Adult Outpatient Behavioral Health Services
• Child and Family Behavioral Health Services

Tips and Resources from the CDC

• Coping with Stress During COVID-19
• Coping with Job Stress
• Coping for Healthcare Personnel and First Responders
• COVID-19 Parental Resources Kit
• Talking with Children About COVID-19
• Helping Children Cope
• Support for Teens and Young Adults

For Substance Use:

Local Resources at Harrington HealthCare

• Harrington HealthCare: Addiction Immediate Care Center
• Harrington HealthCare: Addiction Recovery Services

Tips and Resources from the CDC

• CDC Tips & Resources: Alcohol and Substance Use 

For Those Experiencing Abuse:

• Local Resources
• Resources from the CDC

Responding to Grief and Loss:

• Grief and Loss resources from the CDC
• Funeral Guidance from the CDC

Local resources for food, housing, and utility assistance, education and employment, in-home services for the elderly and disabled, and more >