Illinois has seen the largest improvement in mental health of any state since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study.
DocVA, which offers virtual medical assistants, looked at data on anxiety and depression from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
The information showed Illinois saw a 50.34% drop in anxiety and depression symptoms from 2020 to 2024. In 2020, 37.12% of people in Illinois reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. That number fell to 18.43% in 2024.
After Illinois, states with the most significant improvement in mental health include New Jersey, Hawaii, New York and California. Each state saw an improvement of over 45%.
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The NCHS began the Household Pulse Survey – which tracks the percentage of adults with anxiety and depression symptoms – after the COVID-19 pandemic began. Respondents were initially asked about symptoms over the past seven days. In 2021, the survey began asking people about symptoms over the last two weeks.
DocVA analyzed this information to determine which states showed the most improvement in mental health from 2020 to 2024.
Nathan Barz, DocVA founder and CEO, said the U.S. saw a surge in mental health issues during the pandemic. He said:
“Post-pandemic, we see the lingering effects of being shut off from each other, and more than ever we realize the urgent need for human connection, support systems, and the freedom to experience normal life.
“These things are vital for us to survive, as the findings clearly show mental health issues improving since restrictions lifted. Human beings need each other, and as more people recognize the importance of mental well-being, the challenge remains to bridge the gap between awareness and action, ensuring everyone has the support they need to thrive.”
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Editor’s note: If you are experiencing depression or thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois and NJ show best improvement in mental health since COVID
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Publish date : 2024-08-25 22:23:00
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