Mental Health in a Pandemic

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THE PANDEMIC AND MENTAL HEALTH

Resources Are Available for Other Health Concerns By SCott CzaJa, Cpa

You can hardly go a day without seeing a report on the The study also broke down people’s responses by income internet, in the broadcast media or the traditional level. As people earned more money they became more newspapers that does not discuss the effects of the insulated from anxiety or depression, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the mental health of our society. pandemic. However, the incidence of substance abuse and Jeff Marrott is the public information officer for the State suicidal thoughts increased with people earning higher of Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. incomes. He reported that the increase in people seeking assistance with mental health issues has steadily increased since the The survey showed a similarity when it came to income pandemic was identified. Many nonprofits work specifically levels and education. About 38% of people with a high on issues such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and school diploma had symptoms of anxiety or depression. suicide. This is at the center of their mission statements. The survey showed that 25% of people with a professional These nonprofit agencies complement and work closely degree of some sort had symptoms of anxiety or with state programs in this ongoing battle. The State of depression. Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health has many free programs to assist the general public when trying to cope with these issues. The worst job was not having a job at all. Those who were responsible for taking care of an adult at home in some way during the pandemic had the highest prevalence for The Salt Lake Tribune reported that researchers from the mental disorder symptoms (56%), substance use (33%) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harvard suicidal thoughts (31%). Medical School, and Melbourne, Australia partnered with Qualtrics a Utah Company to survey about the mental health impact of the pandemic. The survey produced some interesting results. The survey said that 41% of all Americans had some sort of mental health symptoms. There’s also well-documented research indicating that, in general, the mental impact of anxiety over something bad that has yet to happen is often worse than the mental impact of the actual occurrence of the event. Men and women had similar numbers when dealing with What should you do if you, or someone you love, is facing anxiety and depression symptoms. For men, 30% reported significant mental health consequences as the result of the symptoms of anxiety or depression, while 32% of women pandemic? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the same. More men turned to substance abuse has set up a site with resources, including hotlines with than women — 14% to 12%. Men also considered suicide people to talk with, tips and tricks on lowering stress levels at a higher rate than women — 13% to 9%. and more. n The breakdown by age categories provides some interesting Scott Czaja, CPA, is a tax partner at WSRP, results. Individuals between the ages of 18–24 saw more LLC where he specializes in nonprofit, mental health problems than those 25–44, who, in turn, pension, and profit sharing plans. He has saw more than those 45–64, with the lowest affected group more than 43 years of experience and is being the elderly 65–plus. currently the treasurer of the Catholic Foundation of Utah as well as the Mountain West Mothers’ Milk Bank.