Mental Health Awareness Month in May is an annual opportunity to promote mental health resources and educate Americans on the importance of maintaining mental wellness. The COVID-19 pandemic helped destigmatize mental health issues and brought greater attention to the need for mental health care. Still, 1 in 5 adults are currently living with a mental illness, and the number of people who experience anxiety or depression remains twice that of pre-pandemic levels.
This national crisis is only more pronounced among America’s younger population, including one-third of young adults (18-25) who experience a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder.
The myriad psychological impacts of social media platforms, geopolitical issues, and climate-related global events continue to contribute to conditions of isolation, anxiety, and depression.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for enhanced access to treatment. New digital mental health solutions, advancements in programs to promote workplace mental health and mental health equity, and tools for prescription transparency and savings are among some of the methods that can offer support for greater mental health care.
SingleCare, the free prescription savings service, recently surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. respondents to determine current perspectives on mental health, including behaviors and experiences regarding accessing care. Related to its survey, SingleCare analyzed its prescription fill data and found that when comparing January - March 2024 to the same time period last year, SingleCare saw a 42% increase in fills for antidepressant medications.
The majority of Americans are concerned about their mental health and are using resources for care
According to SingleCare’s survey, 62% of U.S. respondents said that they are concerned about their mental health. This comes as nearly half (42%) are currently receiving mental health treatment via talk therapy with a psychiatrist, or psychologist.
The survey also revealed that 79% feel as though they have the resources they need in order to maintain good mental health. To help manage their mental health, respondents said they use the following:
49% breathing exercises
48% mindfulness exercises
35% professional coaching
31% yoga
27% mental health apps
13% employer assistance programs
12% government programs
10% advocacy organizations
43% of U.S. adults are currently taking medications for their mental health
SingleCare’s survey found that 43% of U.S. respondents are currently taking medication for their mental health. Of those taking mental health medications, 56% said that they’ve skipped their medicine due to price.
Adherence to a prescription regimen is incredibly important as it helps patients improve and maintain a healthy life. For those struggling to afford their medication, SingleCare offers savings upwards of $600 a year or $152 per script on antidepressant medications, such as generic Lexapro, when using its savings card at the pharmacy.
“Effective management of mental health conditions often involves a combination of medications and supportive therapies tailored to each individual's unique needs,” said Jennifer Bourgeois, Pharm.D., Pharmacy and Health Expert at SingleCare. “While medications can play a crucial role in symptom relief, it's essential to approach their use holistically, considering factors such as lifestyle, nutrition, and therapy, to optimize overall well-being and treatment outcomes.”
Barriers to mental healthcare remain
Although survey respondents used certain resources to address mental health, U.S. adults still feel as though there are still barriers to care. When asked which barriers stopped them from getting the care they need, respondents said the following:
64% the cost of therapy/doctor’s appointments
45% the cost of medication
38% difficulty finding the right therapist/doctor
35% lack of health insurance
34% accessibility to care
28% making time for therapy/doctor appointments
24% difficulty finding a therapist/doctor who is taking new patients
24% they don’t know where to start with finding care
23% negative stigma
16% culturally responsive care
U.S. parents feel that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted their children’s mental health
In a report published by Pediatrics, since the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States in March 2020, the dispensing rate for antidepressants increased nearly 64% faster than normal for those between the ages of 12-25.
SingleCare's survey noted that 28% of U.S. respondents said their children currently take mental health medication. Among those who said their child takes mental health medication, the overwhelming majority (80%) said they feel as though the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative and long-lasting impact on their child’s mental health.
Current events are weighing negatively on the mental health of Americans
The current political, social, and economic events happening now in the U.S. are weighing heavily on the minds of many Americans. When asked what has had a negative impact on their mental health over the past year, U.S. respondents said the following:
SingleCare’s survey also revealed that the majority (69%) said that the cost of living and inflation rates have had a negative impact on their mental health. Additionally, as the country gears up for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, over half (54%) said that the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election will have a negative impact on their mental health.
Mental health methodology:
Survey methodology: SingleCare conducted this mental health survey online through SurveyMonkey on Apr. 15, 2024. This survey includes 1,047 United States residents, adults ages 18+. Age and gender were census-balanced to match the U.S. population in age, gender, and U.S. region
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