Mental Health Conditions Spiking Right Now: What You Need to Know

Most of us would agree that the last several months have thrown us some curveballs. It seems like the landscape of society has drastically changed and continues to evolve on a daily basis. The emergence of COVID-19, racial inequality and injustice, are major contributors to stress and other mental health problems that are currently on the rise. It's important to be aware of the risks associated with these changes and understand ways to effectively treat these disorders.

Mental Health Today

Mental health problems can include emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders, and as of 2017, 46.6 million adults in the United States were diagnosed with a mental health disorder.

These disorders include mild to severe disorders and can be anything from generalized anxiety disorder to schizophrenia. Stress can trigger underlying mental health disorders and exacerbate symptoms of mental health disorders. RxSaver had a 25% increase from February to March 2020 in antidepressant and anxiety medications.

Anxiety and stress are the mental health disorders that have seen the biggest increase recently. With social distancing and quarantining, people feel isolated and lonely. People are needing to make major lifestyle adjustments with work, parenting, school, and finances. Many people have experienced an increase in financial strain and other added pressures.

Research suggests that the following mental health disorders and behaviors are on the rise.

• Depression

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

• Self-harming behaviors

• Increase in alcohol and drug use

Additionally, limited social support, economic and financial stress, unemployment, a decline in mental health, and reduction in resources are contributing to the rise of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a major social issue and can have devastating consequences including serious injury and death. In fact, studies show that there is an increase in domestic violence across the world due to the impact of the coronavirus, and domestic-violence homicide is a major concern.

Mental Health Changes to Look Out For

There are things to look out for in yourself and in your loved ones. Signs and symptoms of mental health disorders can be covert and obvious. According to the CDC, symptoms can include:

• Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little).

• Weight loss or weight gain.

• Scars, burns, or cuts on forearms, wrists, thighs, and other body parts.

• Talking about suicide or self-harm.

• Difficulty concentrating.

• Increased use of drugs or alcohol.

• Erratic, violent, or aggressive behaviors.

• Restlessness.

Warning Signs of Domestic Violence

The signs and symptoms of domestic violence can be obvious or discreet. You or your loved one may be in an abusive relationship if your partner:

• Threatens physical harm to you or your loved ones.

• Destroys your possessions and things that are important to you.

• Threatens to harm himself/herself if you don’t do what he wants.

• Physically harms you (punches, kicks, slaps, bites).

• Uses verbal aggression to intimidate and coerce you.

• Checks your phone, email, and other personal accounts to “keep tabs” on you.

• Accuses you of being unfaithful.

• Intentionally humiliates you in front of other people.

• Decides how you spend money and what you wear.

• Determines where you go and with whom you spend time.

• Stops you or is resistant to you spending time with friends or going to work.

What You Can Do To Protect Mental Health

If you think you or someone you love may be struggling with any type of mental health disorder, talk to them about it. Despite recent social efforts at reducing the stigma associated with mental health, many people are still hesitant to come forward.

Help is available, and it can come in many forms. Providing a non-judgmental listening ear to someone who is experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression is often an effective first step in alleviating mental health symptoms. There are free hotlines available 24/7 that you can reach out to today.

Other strategies to improve your mental health include:

• Reaching out to a therapist or other licensed mental health professional.

• Talking to your doctor or mental health professional about possible medication.

• Practicing mindfulness on a daily basis.

• Eating healthy foods.

• Getting plenty of sleep.

• Maintaining a consistent exercise regime.

• Staying hydrated.

• Taking medication as directed.

• Following a daily schedule as much as possible.

• Engaging in pleasant activities that bring you joy and happiness.

• Avoiding drug and alcohol use.

• Minimizing exposure to social media platforms and news outlets.

What You Can Do About Domestic Violence

If you think someone may be in an abusive relationship, talk to them about it. Coming from a place of compassion and concern without judgment shows you care and that you can be trusted. It is very difficult for victims of abuse to come forward. If you are being abused, talk to someone you trust. People and programs are out there to help keep you safe and free from your abusive situation.

Helplines are available, and they are both free and anonymous. Some of them include:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

• National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs: 212-714-1141 Other strategies for coping with domestic violence include:

• Creating a safety plan to leave.

• Saving any evidence of abuse through pictures, texts, emails, etc.

• Looking in your community for resources that can help you leave the situation (housing, finances, shelters, etc.).

• Considering filing a restraining order.

• Getting medical care if you are hurt.

With stress at an all-time high, it is not surprising that mental health disorders are on the rise. If you are struggling with mental health issues, you are not alone. Talk to someone you trust. You do not have to live in a state of perpetual stress. Formal and informal help is available to help you get through this difficult time.