Many of the current trends in mental health and wellness seem staggering as the population reels from the unprecedented stresses caused by the global coronavirus pandemic. As we look at the impact, however, there is a remarkable trend when it comes to the stigma surrounding mental health. Many public figures are sharing their battles with mental illness, making society more accepting and willing to openly discuss mental health issues as common and treatable. Here are some of the trends: 

Huge Jumps in Depression 

The World Health Organization forecasts by 2030, depression will be the largest health risk on earth (not obesity). Mental Health America reports huge jumps in the number of people searching for help managing their anxiety and depression. From January to September 2020, there was a 93 percent increase over the 2019 total number of anxiety screens and a 62 percent increase over the 2019 total number of depression screens.

Youth Mental Health Worsens

Social media and isolation may be culprits for the worsening mental health states of youth in the U.S. According to Mental Health America (MHA), young people ages 11-17 who accessed screening was 9 percent higher than the average in 2019. Further, during the COVID-19 pandemic, youth ages 11-17 were more likely than any other age group to score for moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Additionally, Generation Z and Millennials continue to struggle with anxiety issues, making up 58 percent of anxiety and adjustment anxiety disorder diagnoses in March 2020, compared to 53 percent for the same diagnoses in 2019.

Impact of COVID-19 on Adults Struggling with Mental Health Issues 

Of over 1.5 million people who took a MHA Screening from January to September 2020, thoughts of suicide and self-harm are the highest ever recorded since the MHA Screening program launch in 2014. 37 percent of people reported having suicidal ideations more than half or nearly every day in September 2020. Loneliness or isolation are the top issues contributing to those struggling with mental health. From April to September 2020, among those who screened with moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety or depression, 70 percent reported that one of the top three things contributing to their mental health concerns was loneliness or isolation.

Mental Issues Causing Sleep Disruption

Sleep is interconnected with mental and emotional health and has established links to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other conditions. At the end of July 2020, Ginger observed a 20 percent increase in nighttime conversations with coaches (from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.), indicating stress and anxiety-related sleep disruption. 

Sleeping issues such as insomnia were previously seen as a symptom of depression but new evidence shows poor sleep may exacerbate depression. This could be a vicious cycle—poor sleep worsens depression, which further disrupts sleep. On the flip side, for some people, addressing ways to improve sleep such as meditation, implementing relaxation techniques such as taking calming bath, infusing their home with essential oils, or practicing yoga, can help regulate their body’s circadian rhythm and may have a positive impact on reducing symptoms of depression. 

Behavioral Health’s Effect on Chronic Conditions

Navigant reports between 15 to 30 percent of people with diabetes also have depression, worsening outcomes like higher body-mass index and increased risk of other health problems such as coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and microvascular complications affecting eyes, kidneys, feet and sexual function. Up to 33 percent of those who suffer a heart attack later experience depression. 

Increase in Video Conference Sessions

Telehealth giant Teladoc Health showed growth in mental health services across the board, with a marked increase in virtual visits among those not previously known for embracing mental health care in the past, including men, people who use Medicaid and patients over the age of 65. 

Amwell data reports prior to COVID-19, telehealth utilization in psychiatry was 80 percent; rising to 96 percent in 2020 following the start of the pandemic. With virtual mental health visiting more mainstream, even after it is safe to have face-to-face visits, 62 percent would prefer to keep their mental health visits virtual

Focus on Mental Wellness 

The trend toward integrating behavioral and physical health is seen in a number of ways from things like in-room fitness programming at hotels, wellness retreats and spas, mind-body workout brands, apps that track your mental wellbeing, and schools and workplace health offerings.  In previous posts, we shared how holistic health practices and trends in spirituality can have a positive impact on the mind-body connection, helping boost mental and physical health. 

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