Demand for Mental Health Treatment on the Rise

Those who have just been diagnosed with mental health or substance abuse disorders, as well as those who were diagnosed before the pandemic, may require mental health and substance abuse treatment, but they may encounter additional challenges as a result of the pandemic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many people are seeking mental health treatment.

According to a new poll conducted by the American Psychological Association, 84 percent of psychologists who treat anxiety disorders have noticed an increase in demand for treatment since the increasing levels.

As per 72 percent of psychologists who treat depressive disorders, the need for depression treatment has increased.

The number of psychologists reporting more referrals this year nearly doubled from last year, and 68 percent of those with a waiting list said it had grown longer since the pandemic began.

Depression, Stress, and Anxiety

Health professionals have stressed the significance of monitoring rates of depression, stress, and anxiety among vulnerable populations, especially health workers, since the start of the pandemic.

Associated with a variety of symptoms ranging from the common cold to more serious disorders. A Coronavirus infection causes fever, chills, cough, sore throat, myalgia, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. Men with underlying problems are more prone to get the virus and have lower outcomes. Acute respiratory syndrome, as well as cardiac and respiratory failure, can occur in severe cases of the illness. COVID-19 can have substantial mental health consequences in addition to its physical effects.

COVID-19 may harm the mental health of people at all levels of society, from infected patients and health care workers to families, children, students, patients with mental illness, and even workers in other sectors, due to the virus’s toxicity, rapid transmission, and high mortality rate.

Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder Prevalence During the Pandemic

A pandemic is a widespread occurrence that provokes anxiety. COVID-19 has been related to the emergence of new mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. PTSD, anxiety, and depression affect many healthcare employees.

The COVID-19 infection can potentially lead to mental health issues. Within three months of their diagnosis, 18 percent of COVID-19 patients had a mental health concern, such as depression, anxiety, or dementia, according to one study.

Other underlying medical factors connected to an increased risk of severe COVID-19 include mental health concerns. A comprehensive study discovered that having a prior mood disorder increased the likelihood of COVID-19 hospitalization and death.

Previous epidemics have prompted widespread anxiety and led to new mental health and substance abuse issues. Diverse populations are at a higher risk of mental illness as the COVID-19 epidemic continues, and they may find it harder to seek the help they need.

Invest in Prevention and Conditions that Promote Health

• Reduce traumatic experiences in children, families, and communities, and build resilience. Economic security programs, such as a living wage, and the creation of affordable housing, serve to strengthen families and prevent childhood trauma.
• Support and strengthen crisis intervention programs.
• Reduce the availability of illegal opioids as well as unnecessary prescriptions.
• Limit access to lethal suicide methods, such as medications and guns.

Violence is always unacceptable.  Diagnosing and Treatment for Violence in Mental Health to prevent violence that may be associated with symptoms of mental illness, encourage and support people to access effective treatment as early as possible.

It is important to understand that mental illness is not a choice. Mental illness can occur in anyone.