The BridgeWay Hospital in North Little Rock has released the results of a large poll from Universal Health Services, Inc., to assess and quantify the American public’s perception of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of May 20th, when the survey conducted by John Hopkins University ended, researchers found that the United States had 1,539,633 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 92,645 COVID-related deaths, 289,392 recoveries, and 12,233,987 million total test results.
The survey revealed several major findings. 68 percent of American adults viewed COVID-19 as a severe or extreme crisis in the United States, while 62 percent of survey participants reported increased stress, anxiety or depression. Of the 62 percent of people enduring COVID-19 related stress, anxiety or depression, 55 percent reported these stressors interfered moderately, severely or overwhelmingly in their lives.
Nearly 25 percent of the participants reported feeling COVID-related stress, anxiety and/or depression most or all of the time, brought on by concerns about the economy, unknown duration of COVID-19 effects, no ‘normalcy’ in near future, isolation and risk of virus exposure.
One in four individuals surveyed are unclear what action to take during a mental health crisis.
Of those with COVID-related anxiety, stress or depression, most used self-management; only 15 percent use online tools and/or seek help from a professional.
The survey also revealed that fear of virus exposure was the key barrier to mental health treatment, followed by cost of copay, and negative opinions about the technological access many offices offer.
Nearly half of Americans expected to regain ‘normalcy’ within a few months and more than 90 percent were at least somewhat hopeful that things will get better in the future.
The BridgeWay Hospital in North Little Rock is the only psychiatric hospital in Arkansas with distinct programs for seniors 55 and older, adults 18 and older, adolescents, ages 13-17, and children, ages 4-12. They offer a multitude of services for people who are experiencing behavioral, emotional, or addictive problems that can lead to fractured lives.
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