Mental health resources for patients and colleagues

December 21, 2021   |   Evidence in Integrative Healthcare

Levels of anxiety and depression have increased in the US approximately 10% from pre-COVID-19 numbers.1Anxiety and depression levels are the lowest since the pandemic began. 2021; https://usafacts.org/articles/anxiety-and-depression-levels-are-the-lowest-since-the-pandemic-began/ Current estimates suggest that although rates are trending down from a peak of 43% in November 2020, 30% of US adults are still experiencing anxiety and/or depression.1 Looking closer at the US population, current CDC Data (May 2021) suggest that some demographics report higher rates of anxiety and/or depression than others.2Cai C, et al. Trends in Anxiety and Depression Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from the US Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. J Gen Intern Med. 2021;36(6):1841-43

Rates of Anxiety/Depression by Demographic:

  • Young Americans (18-29): 45%
  • Hispanic Americans: 36%
  • Black Americans: 34%
  • Non-Hispanic White Americans: 28%
  • Asian Americans: 25%
  • Women: 29%
  • Men: 22%
  • Did not Complete High School: 37%
  • Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 24%

While there are many resources available across the spectrum of interventions, two simple and accessible resources for those in need of assistance include:

Safe+Strong Oregon

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon-based nonprofit Lines for Life launched the Helpline, offering free, 24-7 emotional support and resource referrals.

Callers are connected with a counselor who can provide emotional support, mental health triage, drug and alcohol counseling, crisis counseling, or just human connection. This statewide program offers services in 12 languages.

Visit SafeStrongOregon.org or call 800-923-HELP (4357); info and services are also offered for community resources and COVID-19 vaccine/safety information.

Washington Recovery Help Line

The Washington Recovery Help Line is a program of Crisis Connections. They offer an anonymous, confidential 24-hour help line for Washington State residents experiencing substance use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge. Their professionally-trained volunteers and staff provide emotional support and can connect callers with local treatment resources or more community services.

Visit Washington Recovery Help Line or call 866-789-1511 or text the same number.

Crisis Text Line

Free 24/7 support; simply Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. Services are available in English and Spanish. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds quickly by text message, using Crisis Text Line’s secure platform. The Crisis Counselor can help the person who initiated the text move from a hot moment to a cool calm moment to stay safe and healthy using effective active listening and suggested referrals.