The study used data on 2,359 adults, a subset of participants across the country who were enrolled in the American Cancer Society-3 cancer prevention study. The researchers compared data between two different time periods (2018 and July to September 2020) to characterize levels of psychological suffering.
They found that 42% of people in the study reported experiencing some mild psychological distress in the pandemic in 2020, compared to only 32% in 2018. Ten percent of participants in the 2020 study presented moderate to severe anxiety or depression. And depression was more common in those with pre-existing health problems, such as cancer.
“If worry is intrusive beyond stress, that’s anxiety,” said Ackrill, who did not participate in the study. “If sadness is a state of mind that can’t be changed beyond the situation, that’s depression.”
The researchers also found that women were more likely than men to report higher psychological distress during the pandemic, especially anxiety.
Women tend to be home caregivers, even when gender roles are more balanced than in the past, said John Duffy, a clinical psychologist and family therapist in Chicago who did not participate in the study.
“They take on not only their fears, worries and anxieties, but also those around them,” Duffy said.
Greater psychological distress before the pandemic was associated with higher levels of discomfort during the pandemic.
They found that, in men, elevated psychological distress before the pandemic was associated with an 11-fold increase in depression. This compared to a 6-fold increase in depression for women who had elevated psychological distress before the pandemic.
“Higher levels of stressors in work-life balance were most strongly associated with depression for women and anxiety for men; however, higher levels of financial stressors were associated. more strongly with depression among men, ”the researchers wrote.
During the pandemic, one or more financial stressors were associated with more than twice the odds of psychological distress.
The importance of seeking help
The researchers said their findings underscore the need for regular assessment of mental health by health professionals.
One technique he recommended is to use your five senses to identify things you can see, hear, taste, smell, touch, and then something that appreciates you.
“The approach that is needed to list each of these things is often enough focus to move our minds away from what is stressing us out and towards the moment,” said Breland-Noble, who did not participate in the study.
It’s also important to participate in activities you used to enjoy before you feel anxious and set aside time for self-care, Duffy said.
Some examples of self-care include journaling, walking with a friend, or watching a favorite TV show, he said.
If someone continues to struggle with their mental health, Duffy recommends that they seek professional mental health support, such as counseling.