Covid-19 stress

Obviously Covid-19 has an impact on the lives of all of us. None of us gets off scott free. Who would ever think that something could change the world in such a short time period? The effects of this virus will negatively impact our mental health. We will be feeling this for years to come. This study provides information for policy makers and health professionals. The purpose is to determine the needs of people and to help improve the mental health of our nation and those suffering.

Stress in America Study

Every year APA (American Psychological Association) conducts a Stress in America study. Because Covid-19 has been a stressor like none other, the focus of this survey is on the impact of this virus. The study took place between April 24 and May 4^th. There were 3013 participants in the study, which was done, online. All subjects live in the U.S. and are 18 years old and older.

Parental stress

It should be no surprise that parents with children under the age of 18 are experiencing greater levels of stress than those without children. On a scale of 1(low stress)-10 (high stress), the stress level of those without children was 5.5, those with children was 6.7. This is the first time that there was a significant increase in stress in adults since the Stress in America study began (2007).

The greatest stressors for parents in the time of Covid-19, are fear that one of their children will get the virus, the way the government is handling the virus, and the changes in our daily routine. These were all equal at 74% of parents feeling this way. Seventy-three percent of the parents were afraid of getting the coronavirus themselves. Seventy-one percent, had concerns regarding their kids online learning, and 70% had worries about meeting their basic needs such as food and shelter. Feelings of isolation were next on the list of stressors, followed by availability of medical services and all the important life events that they won’t celebrate. I can’t even imagine how difficult it would for all the parents out there needing to take care of  these things and manage their own mental health.

Some other significant differences between parents and nonparents regarding their stressors was basic needs. Seventy percent of parents said food and housing was a major stressor, compared to 44% of nonparents. Sixty-six percent of parents had health-care worries vs. 44% of those without children. Sixty-three percent of parents had concerns about missing major life milestones compared to 43% of non-parents.

Government response

Just about 7 out of 10 adults said that the way the government is responding to the pandemic is a great source of stress. This was greater for those who were parents, than non-parents.

When we break this topic down by political party, 73% of Democrats, 67% of Independents, and 63% of Republicans, say this is a significant stressor. There is not much difference when we look at the various regions across the US regarding the ways the government is handling the pandemic.

Economy

When looking at the economy as a source of stress, 70% of the participants said it was a stressor. During last years Stress in America study, 46% said the economy was a stressor. That is a huge difference. The last time the economy was a major source of concern was during the recession in 2008, where 69% of adults said it was a stressor.

Racial differences

Especially with all the racial inequality and systemic racism that many Americans are starting to understand, it should be no surprise that people of color are experiencing greater levels of distress. People of color (71%) have greater concerns about contracting the virus vs. whites (59%). For getting basic needs met, 61% of the people of color said it was a stressor vs. 47% of white people. Fifty-nine percent of people of color had fears of health care, vs. 46% of whites.

My guess is that you can relate to many of these concerns. It should be no surprise that so many people are struggling on many levels due to Covid-19. Sometimes it helps to have someone to talk to and process all that is going on. Obviously no one has the power to change what we have no control over. Thus you may be struggling with the uncertainty of all of this. Give me a call at 713-304-6554 and we can help you deal with these crazy times.

Take care,

Debbie