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Data from a recent survey shows that a growing number of American adults have serious concerns about their mental health.
According to CVS Health, the health solutions division of the pharmacy giant, more than two-thirds of Americans have experienced concerns about their own mental health or that of a family member or friend.
Data shows this is a 6% increase from 2022 and a 15% increase from 2020.
Seventy-seven percent of those surveyed said national mental health was one of their top concerns, about the same percentage as those whose main concern was the economy, according to CVS Health.
Children's mental health is also a cause for concern among Americans. Researchers found that 70% of respondents who expressed concern about their child's mental health were slightly more concerned than 66% who were more concerned about their child's physical health.
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The survey also found that 37% of adults believe social media is “harming society as a whole.”
“As a result, one-third of adults have started turning off notifications on social media apps to reduce the amount of time they spend on social media,” CVS Health said. “About half of parents feel that social media influences their children's worldview and perceptions. [their] development. ”
“Meanwhile, more than one in three adults reported being taught about mental health issues through social media,” the researchers added.
The study found that almost half (48%) of respondents use mental wellbeing apps for care, while others consult therapists.
“Mental health became a top concern in 2020 and has only grown since then,” said Dr. Taft Parsons III, Vice President and Chief Psychiatric Officer at CVS Health. “Uncertainty about the future, current events and social media continues to cause anxiety among adults.”
Dr. Parsons added that while new technology is allowing more people to access mental health care, social media and health apps can be difficult to navigate.
“The increased use of technology has increased access to mental health care and created ways for people to talk openly about this topic.” [and reduced] It’s a stigma,” he said. “But as we move beyond the impact of social media on mental health, it is increasingly important to highlight its limits and set guardrails for ourselves and our children.”
You can read the full survey results here.
