Prolonged Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Collective Trauma Among U.S. Adults Revealed in 2023 Survey

 Prolonged Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Collective Trauma Among U.S. Adults Revealed in 2023 Survey

A new survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) sheds light on the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing a "collective trauma" still affecting the U.S. population nearly four years after its onset. Stress in America 2023, a nationwide survey, gathered insights from over 3,185 U.S. adults regarding their physical and mental well-being. This article presents the key findings of the survey, focusing on the changing health conditions, mental health challenges, financial stress, and coping mechanisms among different age groups.

Chronic Health Conditions:

The survey found a notable increase in chronic health conditions among adults aged 35 to 44 since the pre-pandemic period, rising from 48% in 2019 to 58% in 2023. These conditions included high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. The 35-44 age group experienced the most significant surge in mental health issues, while those between 18 and 34 years old maintained the highest rate of mental illness at 50% in 2023.

Perception of Health:

Despite the prevalence of chronic health conditions, a striking contrast was observed in how individuals perceived their health. A majority of adults, 66%, reported having chronic illnesses, but 81% of them considered their physical health as "good, very good, or excellent." A similar pattern was observed with mental health, with 37% reporting a diagnosis while 81% rated their mental health positively.

Stress Levels:

The survey unveiled that, despite a semblance of normalcy returning post-pandemic, Americans are grappling with increased stress levels and a surge in physical and mental health challenges. The loss of over a million lives and substantial disruptions in daily life, from workplaces to schools, have taken a toll on mental health, as reported by Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, APA's chief executive officer. People now report more chronic health conditions, including anxiety and depression, compared to the pre-pandemic era.

Financial and Economic Concerns:

Money-induced stress and economic worries also saw a substantial rise, particularly among adults aged 35 to 44. Money-related stress surged from 65% to 77%, and concerns about the economy rose from 51% to 74% since the pandemic. Parents reported higher levels of financial strain and increased disagreements about money, with 46% facing financial strain compared to 34% before the pandemic.

Coping Mechanisms:

Despite high stress levels, many respondents downplayed their stress, with 67% believing their problems were not "bad enough" to be stressed about, and 62% avoiding discussing their stress with others to prevent burdening them.

Parents' Struggles:

Parents of children under 18 seemed to be the most affected, with 48% describing their stress as "completely overwhelming" on most days, compared to 26% in 2019. The share of parents who reported that stress hindered their daily functioning rose from 20% pre-pandemic to 41% in 2023.

Impact of Stress:

Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, pointed out that the rise in chronic and mental illnesses among adults aged 35 to 44 can be attributed to the stress and anxiety caused by lockdowns, mandates, fear of the virus, and societal divisiveness. This age group, in particular, faced uncertainty about their future due to business closures and economic instability.

Moreover, sedentary lifestyles, reduced exercise, poor diets, increased use of tobacco and alcohol, and heightened stress during the pandemic contributed to a higher incidence of health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, cancer, diabetes, lung disease, and depression. Long COVID was also cited as a potential factor, impacting multiple organs, including the brain.

Conclusion:

The findings of the Stress in America 2023 survey underscore the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental well-being of U.S. adults. As the nation grapples with collective trauma, it is imperative to acknowledge the seriousness of these issues and seek support and solutions to mitigate their long-term effects. Nurturing healthy relationships and providing social support are essential strategies to enhance mental wellness during these challenging times.