You’re Not Alone — Confronting COVID-19 And The Holidays

The holiday season can be stressful in a normal year. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to compound the anxiety, stress, isolation and loneliness many Missourians experience.

In late 2021, 35.2% of Missourians reported anxiety and depression. Only 34% say their mental health is excellent — down from 43% before the pandemic. Approximately 20% of adults in the U.S. suffer from some form of mental illness, with one in 25 experiencing a serious mental illness. As many as 10 million Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, which influences mental health, primarily in the winter.

“The 2021 holiday season will again be influenced by the pandemic,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “Help is available. Missourians needing behavioral health care should contact the hotlines to access support.”

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