November 23, 2020. Written by Dr. Krista Anderson-Ross.
Doctor’s Data Insight Newsletter
Life in the midst of COVID-19 has been stressful for all, to say the least. Experts worry about the toll that quarantine, job loss, and school closure will take on the emotional, physical, and nutritional health of people of all ages.
According to a CDC report, in June, three months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic, 40% of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, including symptoms of anxiety disorder or depressive disorder. 26% reported symptoms of trauma associated with the pandemic, 13% reported starting or increasing substance use to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID-19, and 11% reported seriously considering suicide in the 30 days leading up to completing the survey. 18-24 year-olds were the age group hit the hardest with 75% of respondents reporting at least one adverse mental or behavioral health symptom in the past 30 days.1 These are terrifying findings.