Healio (3/25) reports, “Nearly half of Americans are anxious about the possibility of getting COVID-19, and nearly 40% are anxious about dying or becoming seriously ill due to the virus, according to results of a national poll released” March 25 “by the American Psychiatric Association.” What’s more, “a significant majority of Americans (62%) are anxious about the possibility of family and loved ones getting COVID-19.” Poll data were collected “between March 18 and 19 through an online survey with a nationally representative sample of 1,004 adults.” In a press release, APA president Bruce Schwartz, MD, said, “During this time, it is important to do what we can to maintain self-care and manage the stress.”
Psychiatric News (3/25) provides more “takeaways from the poll,” including that “more than a third of respondents (36%) reported that coronavirus is having a serious impact on their mental health, and more than half (59%) feel that coronavirus is having a serious impact on their day-to-day lives.” In the press release, Saul Levin, MD, MPA, APA CEO and Medical director, said, “In the disruption COVID-19 is causing, everyone needs to make sure they are taking the time to take care of their own physical and mental health, [along with that of] their families, friends and work colleagues.”
Related Links:
— “APA poll shows high anxiety among Americans during COVID-19 pandemic, Healio, March 25, 2020