A Devastating Effect
Our home, Los Angeles County, is once again under stay-at-home orders and our thoughts, as always, are on the population we serve. While, obviously, there are no longitudinal studies yet available, there are plenty of clinical samples, surveys, and industry news pieces pointing to the devastating effect this kind of social isolation has on people already struggling with their mental health. We’d like to share some of the statistics that we’re seeing to drive this point home. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we take care of our mental health and be ready to help those who may be struggling.
The Pandemic, Social Isolation, and Mental Health
All the way back in May, a headline for the Washington Post read, “[t]he coronavirus pandemic is pushing America into a national health crisis.” They offered a number of examples that echoed many of the trends we had been and are continuing to see in our work at Creative Care. A Kaiser Family Foundation poll revealed that nearly half of Americans reported that COVID-19 and social isolation have been adversely affecting their mental health. Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced that texts to their Disaster Distress Line had increased by 1000% compared to the same time the year before. Finally, online mental health therapy company TalkSpace reported a 65% jump in clients between mid-February and May.
Some Troubling Numbers
The US Census Bureau, along with five other federal agencies, conducted a 90-day 40,000-person study. According to the New York Post, the study found that one third of American adults are showing signs of anxiety or depression during the pandemic. Furthermore, almost 48% of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 are displaying signs of mental illness. While anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health disorders, compare those percentages to the 3.1% of the population who experience anxiety disorders and 6.7% who struggle with major depressive disorder in a normal year.
Know the Signs
A future blog will offer some strategies for staying connected. In the meantime, please consider the well-being of those around you. This is especially important if they have struggled with mental health disorders in the past. Know the warning signs:
- Emotional outbursts
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Difficulties with concentration
- Unexplained or unexpected pains and headaches
- Loss of enjoyment in activities they have enjoyed in the past
- Increased sadness or worry
Innovative, Creative Care
Creative Care remains open and committed to serving clients with mental health conditions at our Mental Health Treatment Program in Calabasas and our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program in Woodland Hills. If you or someone you love is struggling with a mental health disorder or co-occurring condition, please consider giving us a call today. We treat each client holistically from admissions to aftercare with an individualized treatment plan that may include:
- Individual and group counseling
- Medications
- Family or couples therapy
- Art therapy
- Nutrition group
- Equine group
- Yoga and other relaxation therapy
We work as a team to give you the tools for a new life of happiness and fulfillment. Please don’t suffer in isolation. Start the recovery process today by calling Creative Care at 855-954-0762.