Depression during the pandemic is hitting hardest in the poor and those with increased risk.
Depression during the pandemic caused by coronavirus was studied and researchers reported their findings in JAMA this week. Depression during the pandemic has tripled when compared to pre-pandemic prevalence in adukts. The rise of depression during the pandemic occurred in all levels of severity from mild to severe depression symptoms (see figure 1).
The increase isn’t occurring at the same rate across all socioeconomic groups. Risk factors for increasing depression include:
- Low income
- Less than $5,000 savings
- Having multiple COVID related stressors
- Losing a job
- The death of a loved one from the virus
- Financial difficulty
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, suicidal, or other mental health crisis please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for 24/7 support.
Call or chat for help.
1-800-273-8255
References
- Ducharme J. Depression Has Skyrocketed During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Study Says. Time. 2020. Published September 4, 2020: https://time.com/5886228/depression-covid-19-pandemic/
- Ettman CK, Abdalla SM, Cohen GH, Sampson L, Vivier PM, Galea S. Prevalence of Depression Symptoms in US Adults Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(9):e2019686. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.19686
- News Release. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Published September 4, 2020: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf
- Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions To Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Published September 4, 2020: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/04/2020-19654/temporary-halt-in-residential-evictions-to-prevent-the-further-spread-of-covid-19
