New Poll: 68% of Americans View COVID-19 as a Severe or Extreme Crisis;
Effects Seen Locally as Sources of Induced Stress, Anxiety, Depression
Survey set out to gain insight into Americans’ level of stress, anxiety and depression since the COVID-19 outbreak, the resources they are using or willing to use to manage these negative feelings, and their outlook for the future.
Greer, SC – August 11, 2020 — The Carolina Center for Behavioral Health shares today the results of a new poll fielded by parent company Universal Health Services, Inc., one of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services. The national survey was commissioned to assess and quantify Americans’ views and perceptions on mental health amidst COVID-19.
Major findings of the UHS survey include:
• 68% of American adults surveyed view COVID-19 as a severe or extreme crisis in the U.S.
• 62% of survey participants report increased stress, anxiety or depression. Of those feeling COVID-related stress, anxiety or depression, 55% report these stressors are interfering moderately, severely or overwhelmingly in their lives.
• Nearly 25% feel COVID-related stress, anxiety and/or depression most or all of the time.
• Concerns about the economy, unknown duration of COVID-19 effects, no ‘normalcy’ in near future, isolation from friends/family and risk of virus exposure are the leading sources of stress, anxiety and depression.
• 1 in 4 surveyed are unclear what action to take if they had a mental health crisis.
• Of those with COVID-related anxiety, stress or depression, most are self-managing these negative feelings; only 15% used online tools and/or sought help from a licensed counselor/therapist.
• Fear of virus exposure was the key barrier to mental health treatment during this time, followed by cost of co-pay and negative perception of telehealth.
• Telehealth: About half of Adults surveyed used Telehealth to treat a mental or physical condition, most of whom had a positive experience.
• Nearly half of Americans expect to regain ‘normalcy’ within a few months; more than 90% are at least somewhat hopeful of their home life in the future
“The impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on our communities and on mental health is unprecedented in most of our lifetimes,” said Jerry Chapman, CEO of The Carolina Center for Behavioral Health. “The results of this survey highlight exactly what we are seeing here in the Upstate of South Carolina. Increased stress, anxiety, and depression is affecting more people than ever as a result of COVID-19.”
“We are seeing the mental health issues of our existing clients worsen,” Chapman said. “And, we are seeing people who have never experienced depression or anxiety reporting these issues. People must not be afraid to seek treatment for their mental health, especially during this pandemic,” he said. “Local facilities such as The Carolina Center and community organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Mental Health America (MHA) continue to provide services and support that can save lives and help people cope with their mental health issues. There is no shame in seeking help.”
Link to multimedia news release: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8744351-universal-health-services-survey-on-mental-health-amidst-covid-19/
“The results of this survey reveal numerous valuable insights into the impact COVID-19 is having on the mental health of Americans, as well as the tools being used to manage the effects,” said Matt Peterson, Executive Vice President, UHS, and President, Behavioral Health Division. “Specifically, our data indicates that few Americans are utilizing the online tools that offer coping strategies or are seeking help from professionals to manage COVID-related stressors. However, it is promising that the majority of Americans surveyed who have used telehealth had a positive experience. Barriers to care – particularly for mental health – still exist and must be addressed. Research studies in this area will give us a better understanding of how to better support the citizens of our country to be resilient during this current pandemic as well as future challenges.”
About The Carolina Center for Behavioral Health
Located at 2700 E. Phillips Road in Greer, South Carolina, The Carolina Center offers a variety of programs to meet the needs of the community. The 138 patient bed facility includes both inpatient and outpatient programs for adolescents, adults, and senior adults who are suffering from mental health and chemical dependency issues. Its Brain Stimulation Center offers Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for clients suffering from chronic depression. For more information call 864-235-2335 or visit thecarolinacenter.com.
About Universal Health Services, Inc.
One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Our operating philosophy is as effective today as it was 40 years ago, enabling us to provide high-quality care to our patients and their loved ones.
Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has 90,000 employees and through its subsidiaries operates 26 acute care hospitals, 328 behavioral health facilities, 42 outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 37 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.
Methodology
This survey was fielded on behalf of UHS by Dynata from May 14-May 20, 2020, using a web-based survey instrument from a demographically representative sample of 1,097 U.S. adults, authenticated to allow one user to complete per IP address. Survey methodology was vetted and approved by Dynata to ensure data and outcomes were considered valid according to research industry norms and practices.
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