A recent Gallup survey indicates a significant decline in Americans’ mental health, with only 29% of respondents rating their mental well-being as “excellent.” This figure marks a new low in Gallup’s records, which span nearly 25 years. The survey highlights a troubling trend since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with mental health ratings plummeting from 43% in 2019 to 34% in 2020, and now below 30% for the first time.
The survey reveals that the decline in mental health assessments is pervasive across various demographic groups. Both men and women have reported double-digit drops since before the pandemic began. Among younger adults, Gen Z and millennials experienced the steepest declines, with mental health ratings falling by 14 and 16 points, respectively. Older generations, including Gen X, baby boomers, and the silent generation, have also noted significant decreases in their mental health evaluations.
Political affiliation appears to play a role in mental health perceptions, as both Republicans and Democrats report declines, with Republicans seeing a drop of 13 points and Democrats a decrease of 9 points since the pandemic began.
Despite the grim statistics, the survey also indicates a growing willingness among Americans to seek help. Nearly a quarter of adults have visited a mental health professional within the past year, an increase from an average of 1.5 visits two decades ago to 3.2 visits today.
Dr. Olivia Tomasco, a primary care physician at Houston Methodist, notes an uptick in patients discussing their mental health struggles. She attributes this rise to the pandemic’s impact, particularly on younger generations who faced unique challenges during their formative years. “The pandemic generated a lot of financial and health uncertainty for people,” Dr. Tomasco explained. “Many became isolated, turning to social media for human connection.”
While daily life may appear to have returned to normal, Dr. Tomasco emphasizes that the collective trauma from the pandemic persists. “There’s still a lot of uncertainty underneath the surface,” she said. “Everything might look fine, but people are still turning to social media a lot.”
The negative effects of social media on mental health are increasingly evident. Dr. Tomasco highlights the phenomenon of “doom scrolling,” where individuals consume a barrage of negative information that can lead to feelings of hopelessness. “Patients often check their phones before bed and encounter distressing content,” she noted. “This triggers their fight-or-flight response, increasing cortisol levels and disrupting sleep, which in turn exacerbates anxiety.”
Addressing mental health challenges requires proactive community engagement, according to Dr. Tomasco. “It’s essential to get out in your community and make friends,” she advised. However, she recognizes that this can be difficult for those working from home and experiencing isolation.
Dr. Tomasco advocates for “mindfulness, movement, and connection” as strategies for improving mental health. She also stresses that mental health services must become more accessible and affordable to cater to a broader audience.
As mental health continues to be a pressing concern, the insights from this Gallup survey underscore the importance of addressing the ongoing effects of the pandemic and fostering a supportive environment for those struggling with mental well-being.
