US Is 'Facing A National Mental Health Crisis,' Says American Psychological Association Report

NPR

Published October 26, 2020 at 1:40 PM EDT

A recent report by the American Psychological Association finds 8 out of 10 American adults say the coronavirus pandemic is a significant source of stress in their lives. (Jude Beck/Unsplash)

For more than a decade, the American Psychological Association has issued a report based on extensive surveys called “Stress in America.” This year’s report begins on a somber note: “Our 2020 survey is different.”

It goes on to say that “we are facing a national mental health crisis that could yield serious health and social consequences for years to come.”

Dr. Vaile Wright is senior director of healthcare innovation at the American Psychological Association and one of the report’s authors. She joins host Peter O’Dowd to discuss mental health in America.

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Español: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting 741741.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.