CDC report highlights increase in mental health and substance use issues due to COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) titled, “Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic – United States, June 24-30, 2020.” The report notes that, during late June, U.S. adults reported considerably elevated adverse mental health conditions, with 40% of adults reporting that they were struggling with mental health or substance use. Additionally, the study found that the percentage of respondents who reported having seriously considered suicide in the 30 days before completing the survey was significantly higher among respondents aged 18-24, minority racial/ethnic groups, self-reported unpaid caregivers for adults, and essential workers. In response, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released an announcement, noting that the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, has warned of the emergence of increased mental health and substance use issues since the start of the pandemic.