Mental Health Ratings Decline as Americans Seek Professional Help
The mental health of Americans continues to struggle, with a recent survey from Gallup revealing that only 29% of respondents rated their mental health as “excellent.” This figure marks a significant decline, reflecting a broader trend that began during the pandemic. Just five years after the pandemic’s onset, the emotional well-being of the population remains in a precarious state.
According to the Gallup survey, 72% of individuals rated their mental health at least “good,” but both of these statistics represent new lows since Gallup began tracking mental health nearly 25 years ago. Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, 43% of participants reported having excellent mental health. By the end of 2020, this number had plummeted to 34%. The downward trend has persisted, leading to the first recorded rate below 30% this year.
The decline in mental health ratings spans various demographic groups. Both men and women have experienced double-digit drops in their self-assessments compared to pre-pandemic levels. Members of Generation X, baby boomers, and the silent generation report lower mental health ratings, while younger adults, specifically Gen Z and millennials, have seen the most significant decreases, with declines of 14 and 16 points, respectively. Political affiliations also play a role, as both Republicans and Democrats reported worse mental health than before the pandemic, with declines of 13 and 9 points, respectively.
Despite these challenges, the survey indicates more Americans are seeking help. Nearly a quarter of adults have consulted a mental health professional in the past year, with the average number of annual visits increasing from 1.5 twenty years ago to 3.2 today.
Dr. Olivia Tomasco, a primary care physician at Houston Methodist, has observed an uptick in patients discussing their mental health struggles. She describes the pandemic as a pivotal moment for mental well-being, particularly for younger generations who experienced it during their formative years.
The pandemic created an environment rife with financial and health uncertainties, leading to increased isolation. While life may seem to have returned to normal, the trauma from recent events lingers. Dr. Tomasco emphasizes that beneath the surface, uncertainty remains pervasive.
“I think that there’s still a lot of uncertainty underneath the surface,” Dr. Tomasco stated. “Everything might look fine. Yeah, we’re all going out in public now, but people still are turning to social media a lot.”
Bad habits established during the pandemic continue to affect mental health, with Dr. Tomasco noting the negative impact of social media. She highlighted the phenomenon of “doom scrolling,” where individuals are bombarded with distressing news, leading to feelings of hopelessness.
“I have a lot of patients who get on their phones before bed and see something unpleasant, and it activates their fight or flight response,” Dr. Tomasco explained. “Their cortisol goes up, and then they can’t sleep. And then bad sleep contributes to that cycle of negative feelings and stress and anxiety overall.”
To improve mental health, Dr. Tomasco advocates for community engagement and fostering friendships. However, she acknowledges the difficulties some face, especially those who work from home and experience isolation.
“Mindfulness, movement, and connection can help,” she advised, emphasizing the need for mental health services to be more accessible and affordable.
As the nation grapples with the ongoing effects of the pandemic on mental health, it is clear that understanding and addressing these challenges will be crucial for recovery.
