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Urgent Need for Mental Health Services as US Recovers from Pandemic
Behavioral health concerns should be a major focus in the nation’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers advised in an article published online in Scientific Reports.
“The continued direct and indirect effects of the pandemic alludes to the pandemic hindering improvements in people’s health and overall well-being,” wrote a research team from the Tulane University School of Social Work, New Orleans, Louisiana. “This study supports the urgent need for enhanced behavioral health service capacity moving into the recovery phase of the pandemic.”
The recommendation follows findings from a survey of US residents from more than 30 states during the early months of the pandemic. Respondents represented a wide range of ages, ethnicities, educational backgrounds, and incomes.
According to findings, 33% of respondents reported mental health concerns, compared with 25% before the pandemic. Anxiety increased 37% (from 16% in 2019 to 53% in 2020), depression increased 9% (from 19% to 28%), and alcohol misuse increased 8% (from 6% to 14%).
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Pandemic experiences such as social isolation, working from home, income loss, and closed schools were reported by more than a third of respondents. Those reporting social isolation and effects on personal health had higher levels of anxiety and depression, the study found, as well as lower quality of life. Respondents with suspected or diagnosed COVID-19 reported higher alcohol use and lower quality of life.
“We are seeing issues now and will see more behavioral health issues for years to come,” said Patrick Bordnick, PhD, MPH, MSW, a study author and dean of the school of social work. “Increased rates of relapse and new cases are growing each day.”
“In disaster mental health,” added lead author Tonya Hansel, PhD, LMSW, “when the threat has dissipated and individuals move out of survival mode, behavioral health problems become more apparent, and consequently services, such as psychoeducation, therapy, and brief treatments, are needed.”
Telehealth growth could help increase capacity to support increased behavioral health needs, the paper suggested.
“Prior to the pandemic, we had a shortage of mental health professionals. Now that the need has increased, the shortage is more dire,” said Dr Bordnick. “Our hope is that this data raises awareness around the urgency to fund accessible behavioral health services to address preexisting needs as well the emerging stress and anxiety related to the pandemic.”
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