COVID-19 Consequences: Takeaways from a Mental Health Survey of US Adults

Overall, 59% of survey participants said COVID-19 has impacted their mental health and 48% reported they are concerned that quarantining/sheltering-in-place has affected their mental health. Furthermore, 29% of adults reported feeling lonely; 35% reported feeling depressed; 37% reported feeling isolated; 48% reported feeling anxious; 49% reported feeling stressed out; and 20% said they were not affected.

Thirty-six percent of survey participants reported experiencing weight gain as a result of COVID-19. Compared to increased anxiety and stress levels, weight gain was the third most common "symptom" of COVID-19 listed by participants.

Activity changes before vs during COVID-19 pandemic. The survey found a decrease in participants who reported walking outside during the pandemic (48%) vs before (59%) as well as those who were exercising before the pandemic (45%) vs during (38%). There was also a decrease in adults who reported getting enough sleep before the pandemic (32%) vs during (24%). Calls and/or video chats increased with 25% of respondents who said they participated in that activity before the pandemic vs 33% during the pandemic.

Approximately 32% of respondents said they have sought treatment or take medication for their mental health. One-third of participants said they think the cost of therapy/doctor's appointments is the biggest barrier to mental health care; 14% said finding the right doctor is a barrier to getting help; and 15% said there's a stigma surrounding mental health that prevents people from seeking help when needed.