COVID 19 posed both a physical and mental threat to Americans. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22% of adults in the U. S. received psychiatric treatment in 2021, a 3% increase from 2019. Some health officials say the COVID 19 experience led more people to take better care of themselves on various levels.
The report also showed women were more likely than men to seek help. The findings were based on data gathered by the National Center for Health Statistics. Earlier this year the Department of Health and Human Services launched a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, called 988, for those in severe distress. Calls to that number have been staggering with some locations, including the in Lawrence, reporting a 900% increase in calls.
