Mental Health Awareness Month: COVID-19 impact on mental health in America and 6 tips to support loved ones

Every year, the U.S. observes Mental Health Awareness Month in May, a time dedicated to raising awareness, and identifying help and resources to those living with  mental illness. Commonly underdiagnosed, mental illness is often stigmatized, even though nearly 1 in every 5 U.S. adults live with it. The importance of mental health has become even more prominent across all age groups due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and correlated rise in mental health related illnesses. According to a recent SingleCare survey, 60% of U.S. respondents said that the pandemic has impacted their mental health, while nearly 70% said they never experienced mental health issues prior to the pandemic. 

For the past six years, SingleCare has been proud to partner with Mental Health America, the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing mental health needs and promoting the overall mental health for all. With Mental Health Awareness Month in May,  SingleCare has shared survey results reflecting the impact the pandemic has had on mental health in the U.S., and tapped Mental Health America  for tips for how people can provide support to their loved ones in need of help.

SingleCare’s survey: The COVID-19 impact on mental health 

When asked how the pandemic is impacting their mental health… 

• 47% said they’re feeling stressed

• 41% said they’re feeling anxious 

• 38% said they’re feeling depressed 

• 34% said they’re feeling lonely

• 33% said they’re feeling isolated

When asked what’s the greatest stressor during the pandemic…

• 40% said lack of social contact due to social distancing

• 25% said monotony of day-to-day

• 14% said the struggle of a work-life balance

Fourteen percent said that the pandemic has impacted their child’s mental health.  When asked how the pandemic is impacting their child’s mental health… 

• 26% said child is feeling lonely

• 20% said child is feeling isolated 

• 20% said child is feeling anxious 

• 18% said child is feeling stressed 

• 17% said child is feeling depressed 

When asked what’s impacted their child’s mental health the most…

• 50% said the inability to see family and friends due to social distancing 

• 34% said remote schooling 

• 24% said increased screen time 

• 21% said after-school activities being canceled 

• 10% said their child has started taking a prescription for mental health within the past year as a result of the pandemic

6 tips for supporting a loved one with a mental health concern 

As an advocate for mental health, Mental Health America provided SingleCare with tips on how people can better support themselves or a loved one who might be struggling with mental health. For more information on Mental Health America’s Mental Health Month toolkits for 2021, visit: https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month. 

1. Practice active listening. 

Active listening is different from just hearing what a person has to say. Good active listeners put everything aside and give their complete attention to the person who is talking. They ask open-ended questions to get more details about the topic that is being discussed (e.g., “And how did that make you feel?”), and they take moments throughout the conversation to summarize what they’ve been told and make sure they understand clearly.

2. Ask what you can do. 

It can be tempting to assume what would be helpful to someone who is struggling, but it’s always better to ask them what they need from you. If you ask and get a response like, “Nothing, I’m fine,” offer up a few suggestions for things you would be willing to do (without being pushy). For instance, you could offer to come to sit with them and watch a movie, cook them a meal, or pick up a few things for them at the store.

3. Don’t compare. 

If a friend or loved one is going through a challenging situation and comes to you for support, you might feel tempted to tell them about something that happened to you and how you could get through it. It’s okay to share about similar experiences, but be careful not to compare because it can make someone feel like their pain isn’t valid. For instance, if they tell you about a breakup, don’t mention how you had a much harder divorce. Focus on what you did to cope with feelings of loss or loneliness.

4. Offer to join them. 

When someone is going through a time of sadness or uncertainty, their emotions can take over and leave them feeling paralyzed and unable to take care of life’s obligations. Offering to go with someone to help them take care of responsibilities like walking the dog, going to the grocery store, attending doctor appointments, or picking up the dry cleaning can help them feel a sense of accomplishment and lift their spirits.

5. Keep your word. 

If you have offered your support to someone and told them you would do something, keep your word. When a person is struggling, the last thing they need is to feel abandoned by someone else. If you absolutely can’t honor your promise, make a sincere apology and offer another time that you can do what you said you would.

6. Know when more serious help is needed. 

Sometimes the support that you can offer won’t be enough. If you notice that your friend or loved one continues to struggle after weeks or months, they may be showing warning signs of a mental health condition and likely need professional help. Don’t be afraid to encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional and offer to help them find a healthcare provider if needed. If someone you care about is in immediate danger of taking suicidal action, seek help by calling 911 or going to the closest emergency room. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 by texting “MHA” to 741-741 or calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Survey methodology

SingleCare conducted this mental health survey online through SurveyMonkey on Feb. 26, 2021. This survey includes 1,060 United States residents adults ages 18+. Age and gender were census-balanced to match the U.S. population in age, gender, and U.S. region.