Utahn's are Resilient
The Utah Department of Health recently released a report examining the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In short, initial evidence indicates Utah is strong! The full report can be accessed at: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/mental-health/
The Utah Health Department regularly receives information about disease and mortality to monitor and address the health and wellness of residents of the state. Using this information, we can compare health problems and health care use across time. This report also examined this information within the challenging year of 2020, looking at different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Pre-COVID-19 Intervention – prior to large numbers of infections in our state
- During COVID-19 Intervention – implementation of the “Stay Safe, Stay Home” Directive
- During the COVID-19 Surge – increased numbers of infections across the state
Findings
- Overall, there were no differences in report of mental distress among Utah adults, when compared to the prior year.
- However, there were subgroups who did endorse worsening mental distress. Females between the ages of 18-34 and 50-64 years were more likely to report mental distress as compared to their male counterparts.
- Unfortunately, more than 1 in 10 of Utah adults reported they did not believe they could seek help for mental health problems without judgment or discrimination.
- Suicide attempts per 10,000 emergency department visits remained stable across 2020 and deaths by suicide were similar to recent years.
- Deaths related to substance use overdose were also similar to recent years.
- Fewer Utahns pursued MH and substance use services during the COVID-19 intervention period (“Stay Safe, Stay Home”), though calls to the Utah Crisis Line increased in 2020.
Most people are still coping with the effects of the pandemic and will continue to do so for some time. We don’t know the lasting effects of the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as financial insecurity, long-term complications of COVID infection, or long-lasting mental health impacts. It is imperative we continue to care for our mental health and care for our neighbors.
We’re in this together Utah. Challenges create opportunities growth and build resilience.
To access the full report and see additional information regarding health coping strategies, check it out at: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/mental-health/
As well as these additional resources:
- https://ucoa.utah.edu/blog/posts/2020/all/loneliness.php
- https://ucoa.utah.edu/blog/posts/2020/all/covidcoping.php