A recent survey conducted by CVS Health® in collaboration with Morning Consult has revealed a growing concern among adults regarding mental health issues, with rates steadily increasing across the nation.
The survey indicates that two-thirds (65%) of adults have expressed worries about their own mental health or that of their friends and family, marking a six-percentage-point rise from 2022 and a notable 15-percentage-point increase from 2020.
Furthermore, a significant majority of adults (77%) view mental health as a top concern in the country, ranking it alongside issues such as the economy (81%).
Of particular concern is the mental well-being of children, with 70% of parents expressing worries about their children’s mental health, surpassing concerns about their physical health (66%).
In terms of seeking care, respondents are inclined towards both mental well-being apps (48%) and therapists (55%).
Dr. Taft Parsons III, Vice President and Chief Psychiatric Officer at CVS Health, commented on the findings, stating, “Mental health became a top concern in 2020 and it has only risen since… Our priority, across CVS Health, remains improving access to quality virtual and in-person mental health care and ensuring we have resources in place to address the unique needs of individuals.”
The survey also highlighted concerns regarding social media’s impact on mental health, with nearly four in 10 adults (37%) believing that social media has negatively affected society. As a result, a third of adults have begun to limit their social media usage by turning off notifications and reducing screen time.
Despite these concerns, over one-third of adults (36%) reported that social media has educated them about mental health issues.
Dr. Parsons emphasized the importance of addressing the limitations of social media’s influence on mental health, advocating for increased awareness and moderation in its usage.
CVS Health remains committed to expanding accessibility to mental health services, both in-person and virtually, across the nation. Initiatives include depression screenings at MinuteClinic® locations, grants to support adolescent mental health services, and resources such as the Beauty Mark initiative promoting positive self-image.
For more information on CVS Health’s efforts to enhance mental well-being services, visit CVSHealth.com.
Methodology: The survey was conducted by Morning Consult from March 19-21, 2024, among a national sample of 2,202 adults. The margin of error for the full sample is plus or minus two percentage points. Interviews were conducted online, and data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, gender, educational attainment, race, and region.
