Estimated rates of anxiety and depression among adults have more than tripled across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control's National Center for Health Statistics show.
The loss of loved ones, employment and stability have rocked communities nationwide. But the toll of COVID-19 on mental health has hit some states harder than others, according to a survey of nearly 100,000 U.S households, as of Aug. 31.
In partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Health Statistics launched the Household Pulse Survey in April, to "rapidly monitor recent changes in mental health". Collecting data on an approximately weekly basis, the survey is scheduled to run through late October.
In Tennessee, the latest results show, adults are more likely than their peers in any other state to report " feeling down, depressed, or hopeless" for at least half the week.
Among Tennessee residents who responded to the 20-minute, online survey, 28.3% reported symptoms of depression, between Aug. 19-31. The national estimate during the same time was 24.5%.
Before the pandemic, an estimated 6.6% of people nationally had symptoms of depression, between January - June of 2019.
'It's ok to not feel ok'
Marie Williams, a licensed clinical social worker and commissioner of the Tennessee Dept. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said she wants residents to know they're not alone.
"There are a lot of people out there, dealing with stress, anxiety, fear, and depression, who are hurting right now," she said. "We want people to know that it’s OK to not feel OK right now and that help is available," Williams said.
The CDC also sought to destigmatize mental health care.
"The changes that can happen because of the COVID-19 pandemic...can affect anyone," the agency's website states. A person's response to stress depends on a wide variety of factors, from finances to family, the CDC notes.
Emotional support is available 24/7 for adults, children and youth
In Tennessee, the help that Williams referred to is available in all 95 counties — for free — through nearly $1 million in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, "to support the mental health needs of Tennesseans living through the COVID-19 pandemic."
A separate $2 million federal grant, awarded in April, has also been devoted to boosting the mental health and recovery services available to Tennessee residents, through the middle of 2021.
Partnerships are in place with local organizations who can provide short-term counseling, coping advice, access to COVID-19 testing — and emergency help in the event of a mental health crisis.
To be connected to services for adults, children or youth, anywhere in the state, a spokesperson for the state mental health agency encourages residents to call its helpline at 855-274-7471 or text “TN” to 741-741. A response team is available at all hours, every day of the year.
Providers in select cities are below, with a full list by county available at the Dept. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse services site.
- Memphis: Alliance Healthcare Services, 844-507-0144; serving Shelby County
- Nashville: Mental Health Cooperative, 615-726-3340 or 615-726-0125; serving Davidson County
- Knoxville: Helen Ross McNabb, 865-637-9711 or 865-539-2409; serving Blount, Knox, Loudon, Monroe and Sevier counties
- Jackson: Pathways of Tennessee, 800-587-3854 or 800-372-0693, serving Crockett, Dyer, Haywood, Henderson, Lake, Madison, Obion and Weakley counties
- Chattanooga and Murfreesboro: Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System, 800-704-2651; serving Bledsoe, Bradley, Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Grundy, Hamilton, Jackson, Macon, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Polk, Rhea, Rutherford, Sequatchie, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, Warren, White, Williamson and Wilson counties
- Clarksville: Centerstone, 615-463-6600 or 800-681-7444; serving Bedford, Cheatham, Coffee, Dickson, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Moore, Perry, Robertson, Stewart and Wayne counties
Sarah Macaraeg can be reached at sarah.macaraeg@commercialappeal.com, 901-529-2889 or on Twitter @seramak.
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In mental health survey, TN ranks highest for depression. Here's how to access free help. - Commercial Appeal
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