Report: 40% of U.S. adults struggling with mental health or substance use
CDC data reveals a jarring wakeup call for employers. Here’s how wellness pros can—and should—respond.
The COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc on health and well-being around the world.
The mental health toll, in particular, is astounding. According to the CDC, 40% of U.S. adults are struggling with at least one serious mental health issue amid ongoing COVID-19 challenges. Of the CDC’s 5,412 respondents, about 30% reported suffering from anxiety or depression and 26% are dealing with trauma or a stress-related disorder.
Perhaps most alarming is what researchers discovered on the topic of suicidal thoughts. It might seem uncomfortable, taboo or perhaps even inappropriate to discuss suicide awareness with employees, but with September being National Suicide Prevention Month, it’s an opportune time to broach this difficult subject.
The CDC writes, “The percentage of respondents who reported having seriously considered suicide in the 30 days before completing the survey (11%) was significantly higher among respondents aged 18–24 years (26%), minority racial/ethnic groups (Hispanic respondents [19%], non-Hispanic black [black] respondents [15%]), self-reported unpaid caregivers for adults (31%), and essential workers (22%).”
(Image via CDC)
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