Survey Shows Half of Americans Struggling with Mental Health Amid Social Distancing

As a pharmacist during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is crucial to monitor the mental health of patients. With great uncertainty surrounding the immediate future during this public health crisis, many Americans are feeling more anxious and are lonelier due to the social distancing and shelter in place measures throughout the country.

The findings of a recent survey from ValuePenguin found that 55% of the 1200 respondents said their mental health is suffering because of COVID-19, more specifically in millennials (63%) and parents with younger children (64%). Only approximately 18% of respondents said their mental health state has not changed at all, according to the survey.

The survey sought to ascertain the state of Americans' mental health and to help better understand how they are coping with the lack of social interactions. Women, those who live alone, singles, and childless Americans cited higher instances of loneliness compared with their peers.

The top reason for COVID-19 negatively affecting mental health was the fear of the respondent or a loved one contracting the virus (58.95%), followed by anxiety around the overall state of uncertainty from the virus (58.18%), and worries about loss of income (52.16%).

Only half of Americans said they speak to their loved ones daily. However, 1 in 10 said virtual video chats and phone calls only exacerbated feelings of loneliness, according to the survey.

More than 1 in 5 want to try out a virtual therapist but have yet to do so due to concerns regarding insurance coverage. With this, 59% of respondents do not know where to find free mental health resources to access from home.

REFERENCE

Nearly half of Americans are struggling with loneliness amid social distancing, and many don't know where to find help. Value Penguin. https://www.valuepenguin.com/coronavirus-loneliness-survey. Published April 28, 2020. Accessed May 4, 2020.