Unemployment and business/school closure lead to greater isolation and mental health crisis

The Kaiser Family Foundation released a publication on April 21, 2020 about the long and short-term implications of Covid-19 for mental health. Under the current covid-19 pandemic, many people have been experiencing unemployment and business and school closures which increases the mental health burden.

5.2 million people filed for unemployment benefits during the week of April 5, bringing the four-week total to a historic 22 million people, according to the Department of Labor. More than half the people (54%) who lost income or employment experienced negative mental health impacts compared to 40% of those who had not lost income or employment. Losing a job and income insecurity are highly associated with increased depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, substance use, and suicide rates.

About 30 million students, and their parents or guardians have been affected since nearly every state in the US has closed schools. Due to the long-term school closure and fewer engagement with peers, it is not difficult to predict the negative impact on children’s mental health. Many parents also have been experiencing ongoing disruption to their daily routines due to stay-at-home orders and limited access to facilities. The increased need for and limited access to mental health services will likely be exacerbated by the pandemic and will become a long-term problem.