Minding your mental health in May | Editorial
Journal of the San Juan IslandsMay 22, 2021
There is no denying that for most people around the world 2020 was a very difficult year to live through. As a society, humans are largely social creatures, prone to large gatherings in tight quarters. Last year, however, COVID-19 caused the world to stop in its tracks, forcing nearly everyone into a state of social isolation.
Since 1949,
According to MHA's 2021 "State of Mental Health in America" publication, before COVID-19, 19% of adults in
Mental illness in children is rising as well, with 9.7% of the youth in
Utilizing 1,560,288 replies to its online screening program, the MHA concluded the number of people seeking help for anxiety and depression has "skyrocketed." Between January and
The number of people who were revealed to have severe symptoms of depression and anxiety in MHA's screenings also increased throughout 2020 and remains higher than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you're experiencing anxiety and depression brought on by the pandemic, you're not alone. You're also not alone if you've experienced these or any other mental illness prior to the pandemic. If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
Visit coronavirus.wa.gov/information-for/you-and-your-family/mental-and-emotional-well-being for more information or call a number below.
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• If you need someone to talk to about stress due to COVID-19, call Washington Listens at 1-833-681-0211, Monday–Friday,
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• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
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• Crisis Connections is a 24-hour crisis line that connects people in physical, emotional and financial crisis to services. Call 866-4-CRISIS (866-427-4747)
• Teen Link: call or text 866-833-6546
• National Disaster Distress Helpline: 800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746.