GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – A new poll from West Health-Gallup Healthcare found the way Americans view their own mental health is dropping.
For the first time, the poll found adults who describe their mental health as excellent fell below 30 percent. That’s a 13 percent drop over the past six years.
Researchers say the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be a turning point in how Americans view their mental health. Before the pandemic, the way people viewed their mental health was stable.
Americans gave their mental health a 42 percent excellent rating between 2001 and 2019. That rating fell nine points to 34 percent in 2020, about eight months after the pandemic began. Americans’ view of their mental health has dropped since then.
Holiday mental health tips
Mental health experts recommend several strategies, especially during the holidays:
Prioritize self-care with the understanding that you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first. Set realistic boundaries and learn to say no.
Acknowledge your feelings and stay connected with loved ones. Remember to be kind to yourself and manage your screen time while helping your kids do the same.
If your sadness or anxiety is persistent, reach out for help. You can dial or text 988 for crisis support 24/7.
Local resources are available at WBAY.com/suicideprevention.
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