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4 Reasons behind the Deteriorating Mental Health Situation in the US
Updated: Jun 16
A report* in JAMA Health Forum has noted that there has been a significant 38% increase in the number of individuals in the US seeking mental health care compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Several factors contribute to this troubling trend, including societal pressures, economic uncertainties, increased reliance on technology, and inadequate access to mental healthcare services. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial in addressing the worsening state of mental health across the nation.
Four Major Causes for Mental Health Issues
Let's delve into four potential reasons behind the deteriorating state of mental health in the USA.
1. Social Media Use
Approximately 72% of Americans are active users of social media platforms. While these platforms have facilitated connections with loved ones, research has highlighted certain adverse effects on mental health associated with social media use. Unhealthy behaviors associated with social media use include:
• Cyberbullying
• Experiencing the fear of missing out (FOMO)
• Comparing oneself excessively to others
A systematic review* revealed that prolonged engagement with social media correlated with heightened levels of anxiety, depression, negative body image, and psychological distress.
“Roughly three in 10 (28%) parents of teens told PEW Research Center in 2022 that they are extremely or very worried that their teen’s use of social media could lead to problems with anxiety or depression and a similar percentage (27%) said it could lead to lower self-esteem.”
A study* surveying over 5,000 individuals found that certain types of social media usage, notably on platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, and YouTube, were associated with increased self-reported depressive symptoms.
2. Isolation & Loneliness
Isolation can compound feelings of loneliness, which in turn are linked to various physical and mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Studies indicate that societal shifts, such as reduced community engagement and declining rates of marriage and childbirth, were already contributing to increased isolation prior to the pandemic. However, the pandemic further intensified this isolation, exacerbating its negative effects on mental wellbeing. Despite extensive research focusing on loneliness among older adults, it's crucial to recognize that young adults also grapple with this issue.
Surprisingly, a study revealed that individuals aged 16 to 24 were the most affected by loneliness in Western countries, surpassing even older age groups. This phenomenon existed prior to the pandemic and was partly attributed to excessive social media usage as highlighted by the researchers. Immigrant and LGBTQ+ populations are also at higher risk of experiencing loneliness, as they often face unique challenges and societal barriers that contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
“According to a 2022 Statista report, 21% of US adults reported feeling lonely often or always in the previous year. As of February 2023, 17% of adults reported feeling lonely a lot of the day.”
3. COVID-19
Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, research indicated that the prevalence of serious psychological distress (SPD) among U.S. adults remained relatively stable, typically ranging between 3% and 4%, affecting over 8 million Americans. However, the global landscape shifted dramatically during the pandemic's first year, with anxiety and depression rates soaring by 25%. This stark increase underscores the profound impact of the pandemic on mental health worldwide. In the U.S. alone, one in five adults reported that the pandemic significantly negatively impacted their mental health.
Social isolation has been closely associated with factors such as unemployment, diminished support from family and friends, and reduced social interactions. These conditions were exacerbated during the pandemic, which brought additional stressors such as the loss of loved ones, fear of contracting the virus, and financial uncertainties.
This confluence of challenges underscored the profound impact of the pandemic on individuals' mental well-being.
4. Lack of Access to Care
In 2021, NPR reported that roughly two-thirds of Americans diagnosed with a mental health condition struggled to access treatment, despite having health insurance. By 2022, a joint survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and CNN revealed that one-third of respondents faced barriers in obtaining necessary mental health services, with cost being the primary concern for 80% of individuals, and shame and stigma cited by over 60%.
More than 25 million rural Americans reside in regions facing a deficit of mental health professionals, presenting a significant barrier to accessing care. Even if individuals have the financial means to seek professional help, the shortage of providers often leaves them without available options. This scenario highlights a critical issue: individuals may possess insurance coverage for mental health services, but if such services are not accessible, their insurance benefits become effectively nullified.
The Way Forward with Technology
The path forward in leveraging technology to address mental health challenges is marked by innovation and collaboration. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine, and digital platforms, we can revolutionize mental healthcare delivery. AI algorithms can assist in diagnosing conditions, personalizing treatment plans, and predicting patient outcomes, while telemedicine offers accessible and convenient avenues for therapy and support.
Digital platforms provide resources for education, self-management tools, and peer support networks, fostering a holistic approach to mental well-being. Clinicians, therapists, and researchers are recognizing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as a valuable tool in mental healthcare provision. A study published in JAMA Psychology demonstrated that deep learning techniques can validate the efficacy of CBT as a treatment modality, offering the potential to minimize the prescription of medication for select patients.
Embracing these technological advancements holds the promise of improving access, efficiency, and effectiveness in mental healthcare, ushering in a new era of support and empowerment for individuals worldwide.
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