Business shutdowns and house-arrest orders stemming from the coronavirus have caused a significant spike in self-reported mental-health disorders, The Epoch Times reported.
In the June survey, 10% of respondents said they had considered killing themselves in the past month. In a 2018 survey, 1 in 20 people—only 5%—had contemplated suicide.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report on Aug. 14 that surveyed 5,412 in June, and 41 percent of respondents said they were suffering from “an adverse mental or behavioral health condition.”
Among young adults (18-24), the number of self-reported illnesses is at a crisis level, with 75 percent of people saying that they have a significant mental or behavioral problem.
Almost 31 percent of people reported anxiety or depression. More than 26 percent of people reported trauma or stress. More than 13 percent of people said they increase or initiated substance use “to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID-19.”
Carla Marie Manly, a clinical psychologist who treats patients with stress and anxiety, said she has observed “a huge surge in depression, suicidality, and anxiety during the pandemic.”
Carole Lieberman, a doctor, psychiatrist, and author said citizens’ fear of the virus has been worsened by media.
“We’ve heard about the horrible, lonely deaths that patients with COVID-19 suffer because they’re in quarantine,” Lieberman said.
“Forced isolation through stay-at-home mandates can cause many physical and psychological problems including anxiety, depression, and suicide.”
Nicole Avena, assistant professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City said the response to the virus has created its own set of challenges that “absolutely” constitute a national health crisis.
“People are worried about a possible second wave of the virus, but I can guarantee we will have a second wave of mental health crisis, which is already unfolding with increased suicides, drug overdoses, and alcohol use,” Avena said.
