More than half of essential workers said they've relied on unhealthy coping habits over the past year. (Photo: Getty Images)
Americans have turned to various coping mechanisms during the pandemic that the American Psychological Association believes could lead to a "secondary crisis" as they exit the isolation caused by the pandemic with long-term behavioral changes and poorer mental health.
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"We've been concerned throughout this pandemic about the level of prolonged stress, exacerbated by the grief, trauma and isolation that Americans are experiencing. This survey reveals a secondary crisis that is likely to have persistent, serious mental and physical health consequences for years to come," Arthur C. Evans Jr., Ph.D., APA's chief executive officer, said in a statement. "Health and policy leaders must come together quickly to provide additional behavioral health supports as part of any national recovery plan."
Americans have reported unintended weight changes, sleep disturbances and increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic, APA found.
- 67% of respondents are getting too much or too little sleep.
- 42% of respondents reported gaining more weight than they wanted, with an average 29-pound gain.
- 18% of respondents reported losing more weight than they wanted, with an average loss of 26 pounds.
- 23% of respondents are drinking more than they used to.
The paper also identified how different groups are impacted to different degrees by the pandemic.
Parents
Moms were more likely to report higher stress than nonparents or fathers, according to the report. Thirty-one percent of all respondents and 30% of fathers whose children are remote learning said their mental health has suffered during the pandemic. Meanwhile, 47% of moms with remote learners at home said their mental health has suffered.
However, parents have been more proactive than nonparents about taking care of their mental health. Almost a third of parents have seen a mental health professional, compared to 12% of nonparents.
Essential workers
More than half of essential workers said they've relied on unhealthy coping habits over the past year, the report found. Eighty percent reported sleep disturbances and 74% reported unwanted weight changes. Meanwhile, 39% were drinking more and almost 30% reported a decline in their mental health.
People of color
Hispanic respondents were particularly affected during the pandemic, APA found. They reported higher levels of stress, and were more likely to report sleep disturbances, weight changes and limited physical activity than other groups.
The survey also found that more than half of Black respondents were uncomfortable about returning to pre-pandemic social norms, including in-person interactions. White people were the most comfortable with a return to normal.
"It's clear that the pandemic is continuing to have a disproportionate effect on certain groups," said APA President Jennifer Kelly, PhD. "We must do more to support communities of color, essential workers and parents as they continue to cope with the demands of the pandemic and start to show the physical consequences of prolonged stress."
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