Mental Health in the COVID Era

Header image taken from: https://media.giphy.com/media/26u47FfzZ6GeufHtC/source.gif

The past eleven months have forever revolutionized our every way of being - especially regarding our mental health

Brian Boston, Faiza Rafi, Mariya Semchuk

Macaulay 2021 Science and Technology, Professor Alexis Brewer, Macaulay Honors College, CCNY

Introduction:

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, it continues to take a great toll on the physical and mental well-being of individuals worldwide. The effects of the virus on the health of the American people have been exacerbated by a convoluted response from the United States government; characterized by contradictory regulations from the local to federal levels, continuous public outcry, virus denial, and very high hospitalization/death counts in comparison to other large nations (Pera, A). In addition to virus concerns, the economic and social tumult of the year 2020 has worsened any mental health strain. Global protests over civil rights and political issues, mass shuttering of businesses, lack of economic stimulus, and the growing surge in unemployment claims are only a few of the other stressors unique to 2020 (Panchal et al.).

Public health organizations in the United States routinely collect and publish data on mental health, specifically on anxiety and depression. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Early Release Program estimated that 6.7% - 11.0% of the nations population reported suffering symptoms of mental health disorders in the year 2019. The percentage of populations reporting these symptoms has increased twofold - fourfold in the year 2020, signifying that COVID-19 has caused some decline in health with disparities across differing age groups.

Question: How has mental health of the American public changed over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic and does age play a factor in the mental health response to the pandemic?

Hypothesis: The onset of COVID-19 has had a significant decline on the mental health of individuals within the United States, varying across different age groups.

Methods

The indicators of anxiety and depression data set by the CDC collected the responses to the household pulse survey, a which focused on the impact of the pandemic on mental health. The data set compiled the percentages of the population indicating either anxiety, depression or symptoms of both on a weekly basis. The dataset organized the data into various categories including age group, state, race, gender, and education.

The indicators of anxiety and depression was compiled to include the data from age groups of 18-29 and 60-69 year olds.

The data from the daily Covid-19 tracker was compiled to include a weekly count of cases in the U.S. (new and preexisting).

Percentages of anxiety and depression among 18-29 and 60-69 year olds were compared to the weekly case count.

CDC Household Pulse Survey collecting reports of anxiety and depression

Daily count of Covid-19 cases in the U.S.

Compile data to include specific demographics

Statistical Analysis

Results

Statistical analysis indicates that an increasing number of cases of COVID-19 coincides with a significant decline in mental health across both age groups chosen. However, data indicates that 18-29 year olds are more significantly affected than 60-69 year olds. The percentage affected for the 18-29 group ranges from about 48-52% of their population, whereas only 27-32% of the 60-69 population reported the same effects.

Correlation between COVID cases and mental illness indicators in 18-29 Year Olds

Correlation between COVID cases and mental illness indicators in 60-69 year olds

Results for F-test for linear regression analysis for comparison between COVID cases and mental illness indicators in selected age groups

Weekly report of anxiety and symptoms between 18-29 year olds and 60-69 year olds.

COVID cases and COVID related deaths between the age groups in the U.S.

https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#demographics

Discussion

Based on the results of our data analysis, it is evident not only that cases of depression and anxiety positively correlated with new cases of COVID-19 but that the 18-29 age-group had higher numbers of depression and anxiety cases than the 60-69 age-group. Although the percentage of total cases was greater within 18-29 population (23.6% vs. 14.05%), the percentage of deaths due to COVID-19 was greater within the 60-69 population (17.9% vs 0.5%).

Upon comparison of the mental health data and COVID-19 case data, the p-value calculated for the younger and older age groups are 0.068 and 0.003 respectively. This suggests that there is likely a positive correlation between COVID-19 cases and mental health, supporting the hypothesis provided at the beginning of the study, that the COVID-19 pandemic has a significant effect on the mental health of the public. In addition, F-statistic values for both tested age groups were high enough to reject the null hypothesis that the onset of COVID-19 did not have a significant decline on the mental health of individuals within the United States varying across selected age groups.

In this study the 18-29 age group was focused on to provide a better understanding of the mental health state of a population largely assumed to be less affected. Also, it may provide insight into the student experience during the pandemic. In addition to the general worries of the population, students are responsible for their adapting their educations and future careers to entirely new methods of learning and working (Kecojevic et al.). Disparities exist within the student population in not only being able to handle the setbacks of virtual learning (lack of in-person interaction, fewer educational resources, etc), but also considering those without the proper resources or space to do so (low-income students, disabled students, etc).

The 60-69 age-group is considered part of the vulnerable population for COVID-19 and is presented with other unique challenges beyond health concerns. Elder abuse and ageism have put older populations at a disadvantage, stemming from health administrations and the general public alike (Mansoor et al.). Many 60-69 year olds are preparing for retirement if not already retired. Any loss of a job due to the pandemic may lead to financial pressures, however, older persons are at a disadvantage in the current job market. Economic constraints brought on by an abrupt and unsuspected job loss can especially cause worry for the older population who may have more expenses/responsibilities such as medical bills or housing. Modern-day reliance on the internet is second nature to age-groups raised online (Millennials and Generation Z), but poses a roadblock to age-groups that are less familiar with the internet and due to government restrictions now lack the ability to receive in-person aid.

There may be inconsistencies in the study following the lack of data collection for frequency of anxiety and depression between July 21- August 18. Discrepancy in the data may also involve difference in each age-groups both knowledge and openness to mental health disorders. The findings of this study could enlighten the public of how widespread the effect of this pandemic is and inform on how detrimental its consequences could be to one's mental health. It dismantles some of the common misconceptions of how various age groups are handling the virus, such as the narrative that younger populations don't have as much regard for the pandemic. This study could also become a part of a bigger study on how historical and future pandemics influenced populations mental health and well being or contribute to current literature on similar topics.

Resources for Mental Health Help:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline :

800-273-8255

NYC-WELL 24-crisis line:

https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/

1-888-692-9355

OR text WELL to 65173

Mental Health and Wellness Center at Macaulay :

https://macaulay.cuny.edu/student-life/student-well-being/mental-health-and-wellness-center/

Time: Thursdays from 4:00pm-5:00pm

Where: To retrieve Zoom link, please email wellness@mhc.cuny.edu from your Macaulay email address or refer to weekly Macaulay Monday email

CCNY Counseling Center:

https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/counseling

Time: Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm

Where: call (212) 650-8222 OR email at counseling@ccny.cuny.edu (include your phone number) OR connect with virtual Zoom front desk http://ccny.zoom.us/j/2126508222 meeting ID 2126508222

References