A report from the CDC found that nearly 41% of surveyed adults reported adverse mental health conditions from the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased anxiety, stress, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. Younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and caregivers were disproportionately affected. Mental health professionals have adapted services to teletherapy to continue providing support for those facing challenges to their mental health during the pandemic.

1. Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Lisa Napolitano

2. Introduction
A licensed psychologist with a PhD from Fordham University, Dr. Lisa Napolitano serves as
the Founding Executive Director of CBT/DBT Associates in New York City. Like many other
practicing psychologists, Dr. Lisa Napolitano has recently shifted to remote teletherapy
services to continue offering mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
a significant number of adults in the US have reported adverse mental health conditions
related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, which appeared in the August 21, 2020,
issue of MMWR Weekly, covered the findings of web-based surveys on a group of 5,412
adults who are representative of the US population in terms of age, gender, and
race/ethnicity.

4. Among the respondents, nearly 41 percent reported at least one adverse behavioral
or mental health condition resulting from the pandemic. The survey findings also show
that the pandemic has disproportionately affected the mental health of racial/ethnic
minorities, younger adults, essential workers, and adult caregivers. These groups also
reported disproportionately worse increased substance abuse and elevated suicidal
ideation during the pandemic.

5. Of course, anxiety and stress are natural responses to both threats and uncertainty,
so it isn't surprising that many people's mental health has been affected by COVID-
19. Adding to the stress related to the threat of the virus are changes to daily life that
have people working from home and reducing physical contact with people outside of
their families.

6. These stressful times make it important for everyone to monitor their own mental
health and that of their loved ones, especially those who are isolated or working on
the front lines of the pandemic. Fortunately, mental health professionals have adapted
their services to ensure that professional help is available to those facing mental
health challenges during this difficult situation.