I’m a little late in publishing Mental Health in 2022; I’d planned on posting at the start of 2023, but then… life happened. Anyway, I think it’s worth the wait, and I hope you enjoy this article as part of an ongoing post series that highlights the major findings and stories in mental health each year.
MENTAL HEALTH IN 2022: THE YEAR IN REVIEW
In a USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll, 1,000 American voters were asked to describe the state of the U.S. in 2022.
“Some Americans feel bad about the state of the country today. Most of the rest feel even worse.”
The most common response, provided by 31% of those polled was:
“TERRIBLE”
Here’s the total breakdown:
Terrible (31%)
Chaotic (20%)
Divided (16%)
Depressed/angry (6%)
Encouraging (5%)
Decline (4%)
Improving (3%)
Disgusting (2%)
(Compare the 2022 stats on the state of America with the results of USA TODAY‘s 2021 poll.)
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, nearly 40% of adults reported symptoms of depression and/or anxiety in 2022. Younger adults, as well as racial minorities, LGBTQ individuals, and persons with disabilities were disproportionally impacted, consistently reporting higher rates. In comparison, only 11% of adults reported experiencing anxiety or depression in 2019.
What’s more, nearly 2 in 5 Americans rated their mental health as “poor” or “fair” in 2022, and were anticipating more stress at the start of 2023 according to a news release from the American Psychiatric Association.
What are Americans the most stressed about? 64% are worried about personal finances, 55% are concerned about uncertainty in 2023, 49% are worried about their physical health, and 41% are worried about their mental health. Other major stressors include relationships, job security, and traveling.
What word would you use to describe the state of America in 2022? What about your own state of mind this past year?
Mental Health in 2022: A Few Stats
The latest stats from Mental Health America indicate that the most “unwell” states, ranking high in rates of mental illness/substance use and low in access to treatment services, are (with Kansas being the most “unwell” state in the U.S.):
5️⃣ Idaho
4️⃣ Alabama
3️⃣ Arizona
2️⃣ Oregon
1️⃣ Kansas
The most “well” states, ranking low in rates of mental/substance use disorders and high in access to care, are (with Wisconsin being the “wellest” state in the U.S.):
5️⃣ Connecticut
4️⃣ Delaware
3️⃣ Massachusetts
2️⃣ Pennsylvania
1️⃣ Wisconsin
A WalletHub study examined additional wellness factors, such as physical health, work, community, and environment to rank states on overall happiness.
The bottom 5 ranking states for happiness (with West Virginia being the unhappiest state in America):
⬇️ Alabama
⬇️ Kentucky
⬇️ Arkansas
⬇️ Louisiana
⬇️ West Virginia 😞
The top 5 ranking states for happiness (with Hawaii being the happiest state in America):
5️⃣ New Jersey
4️⃣ Utah
3️⃣ Minnesota
2️⃣ Maryland
1️⃣ Hawaii 😀
What state do you live in? Do you consider your state a happy place to live?
Mental Health in 2022: Research & News
JANUARY
January 1, 2022
A law goes into effect in Tennessee, requiring beauty professionals to complete training on how to recognize and respond to signs of domestic violence.
January 3, 2022
An article published in The Hill informs that New York will establish public health vending machines (PHVMs) throughout the city that will dispense sterile syringes, naloxone (an opioid overdose reversal drug), and other medical supplies as a harm reduction method to combat the opioid epidemic.
January 14, 2022
The DEA proposes placing five new substances in schedule I of controlled substances. The compounds are chemically classified as tryptamines (i.e., serotonin, melatonin), naturally occurring amino acid metabolites, some of which produce hallucinogenic effects.
January 19, 2022
Researchers find racially discriminating language in electronic health charts by analyzing medical documentation from January 2019 to October 2020. “Compared with White patients, Black patients had 2.54 times the odds of having at least one negative descriptor in the history and physical notes.” Stigmatizing language persists, even in medical and professional communities; these biases contribute to systemic racism in America.
January 20, 2022
The Biden-Harris Administration awards $103 million to reduce burnout and improve retention of healthcare workers. COVID-19 drastically impacted stress levels and wellbeing, especially for frontline responders and hospital staff.
FEBRUARY
February 1, 2022
A study suggests that medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder reduces recidivism in individuals who are incarcerated. These findings highlight the need for treatment (versus punishment) as a more effective method for reducing crime.
February 1, 2022
Researchers discover a novel treatment that may play a major role in the treatment of alcoholism. The study, published in Cell Metabolism, illustrates how a liver-to-brain circuit is interrupted to significantly reduce alcohol consumption.
February 2, 2022
A third of Americans say social media does more harm than good to their mental health, and nearly half say that social media has hurt society at large, according to a national poll.
February 11, 2022
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration publishes research indicating that a lower legal blood alcohol content level for drivers reduces fatalities and fatal crashes. Since Utah enforced a .05% BAC limit (the strictest limit in the U.S.), the fatality rate fell by 18.3%. (In comparison, the rest of the U.S. saw only a 5.9% decrease during the same time period.)
February 15, 2022
A woman who received an umbilical cord blood transplant becomes the third person in the world to be cured of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The implications for both physical and mental health are far-reaching.
February 15, 2022
Psilocybin, the psychoactive property in magic mushrooms, continues to show promise as a treatment for depression. A study looked at efficacy and safety over a 12-month period and found that not only were the antidepressant benefits long-lasting, there were no adverse reactions or consequences to psilocybin-assisted therapy.
February 24, 2022
The president of the American Psychological Association releases a statement condemning Texas governor for calling on members of the public as well as licensed professionals to report parents of transgender minors. He calls the directive “ill-conceived” and asserts that it will put high-risk children at an even higher risk.
February 25, 2022
The American Psychological Association expresses solidarity with Ukraine.
“We are gravely concerned about the immediate and long-term trauma and psychological impacts on people of all ages, families, communities, and the environment. We deplore the human cost of such aggression, including violations of human rights, adverse humanitarian consequences, deep psychological distress, and the loss of dignity and freedom. We stand in solidarity with all who are raising their voices and working tirelessly to protect and safeguard human life.”
American Psychological Association
MARCH
March 2, 2022
The American Psychiatric Association releases a statement on the impact of the war in Ukraine, asserting that “the war in Ukraine will have adverse mental health effects on individuals and communities around the world.”
“The American Psychiatric Association sends our support to all who are experiencing pain and suffering from these deeply troubling events, including those directly exposed to armed conflict, those displaced from their homes and country, those providing care and protection to civilians, friends and family of Ukrainian citizens, and the Ukrainian diaspora around the globe.”
American Psychiatric AssociationMarch 7, 2022
The American Psychiatric Association finds that nearly half of Americans reported that the pandemic didn’t have a major impact on their daily habits, with 26% reporting their habits had changed for the better. However, approximately 1 in 5 Americans reported smoking or drinking more since the pandemic.
March 14, 2022
President Biden signs the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization of 2022 to establish and support comprehensive, cost-effective responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
March 18, 2022
The American Psychiatric Association releases the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) to include a new diagnosis (prolonged grief disorder), codes for suicidal behavior as well as non-suicidal self-injury, and a redesigned diagnosis classification system. (More info here.)
March 21, 2022
In a news release, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) asserts that non-suicidal self-injury shares commonalities with addiction, including craving, tolerance, escalating severity, getting “clean,” “relapsing,” and being in “recovery.” Researchers came to this conclusion based on an extensive analysis of posts and comments on a Reddit self-harm forum. More research in this area is needed to explore self-injury as a behavioral addiction.
March 27, 2022
During the Oscars, Will Smith slaps Chris Rock, who was presenting an award on stage, after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. Pinkett Smith, who struggles with hair loss due to an autoimmune disorder, has been outspoken about her condition since 2018. Since the famous slap, she’s had guests on her talk show share about the devastating effects of alopecia, bringing attention and awareness to the issue.
March 31, 2022
The CDC publishes a press release illustrating the impact of COVID-19 on adolescents’ mental wellbeing. Over a third (37%) of highschoolers reported poor mental health during the pandemic, and nearly one third reported current substance use. Over half (55%) experienced emotional abuse. Over a third (36%) of teens of all races reported experiencing racism, with the highest rates among Asian (64%), Black (55%), and multiracial (55%) students. What’s more, prior data suggests that the worsening mental health of teens is a trend.
APRIL
April 1, 2022
The House passes a bill (first introduced May of 2021) decriminalizing marijuana. The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act would remove marijuana from the federal list of controlled substances and “eliminate criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana.”
April 12, 2022
Researchers find that women who were exposed to poverty and crime during pregnancy gave birth to infants with smaller, underdeveloped brains compared to newborns whose mothers were not living in poverty or exposed to crime during their pregnancy.
MAY
May 6, 2022
Researchers find that taking a break from social media for only one week significantly reduced participants’ symptoms of depression and anxiety while improving their overall wellbeing.
May 9, 2022
Asian (21%), Hispanic (14%), and Black (32%) Americans are more likely to worry about being threatened or attacked than White Americans (4%), according to the Pew Research Center.
May 9, 2022
Research published by the American Psychological Association reveals, “People around the world experienced an increase in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, which, although small, could have implications for people’s long-term mental and physical health, longevity and well-being.”
May 15, 2022
After SNL spoofs the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation trial, sex and culture critic Ella Dawson tweets, “Domestic violence is not a joke. Rape is not a joke. Abusers using the legal system to continue to terrorize their victims is not a joke. Abusers using accusations of defamation to silence their victims is not a joke.” The trial was widely followed, and the social media response was generally sympathetic towards Depp while critical of Heard, who had multiple emotional outbursts in the courtroom.
“Domestic violence is not a joke. Rape is not a joke. Abusers using the legal system to continue to terrorize their victims is not a joke. Abusers using accusations of defamation to silence their victims is not a joke.”
Ella DawsonMay 16, 2022
The president of the American Psychological Association releases a statement in response to a mass shooting in Buffalo, NY, calling it a horrific hate crime, and asserting that the APA stands against racism and hate in all forms.
May 23, 2022
According to the American Psychological Association, “People who deny the existence of structural racism are more likely to exhibit anti-Black prejudice and less likely to show racial empathy or openness to diversity.” It was also found that those who denied structural racism were “more likely to endorse stronger beliefs that societal inequality is acceptable” and were less concerned with social justice.
May 27, 2022
Firearms are the leading cause of death in children and adolescents ages 0-19, according to a commentary published in Lancet Child and Adolescent Health. Nearly two thirds of youth firearm deaths are homicides.
JUNE
June 1, 2022
The American Psychiatric Association “condemns the senseless loss of lives from firearm violence… most recently in mass shootings in Uvalde, Buffalo, Houston and more than 200 other locations across the country in 2022 so far.” The APA’s position is that gun violence is a public health crisis, and one that is preventable.
“We implore our elected officials to act on meaningful, common-sense measures and begin to heal the divisions that have prevented progress in this area of public health for far too long. This senseless loss of life must end, and as a nation, we should expect action from federal and state legislative and executive leaders. Our children and communities deserve better.”
APA StatementJune 1, 2022
In Depp vs. Heard, Amber Heard was found liable for defamation, the jury ruling her accusations of “sexual violence” and “domestic abuse” false. In a statement, Amber told the New York Post, “I’m heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence and sway of my ex-husband.”
“I’m heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence and sway of my ex-husband. I’m even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women. It is a setback. It sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated. It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously.”
Amber HeardJune 6, 2022
Apple announces a new Safety Check feature for iOS 16, aimed at individuals in abusive relationships. The feature provides users with an enhanced ability to control their communications and privacy.
June 22, 2022
The American Psychiatric Association applauds the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act (H.R. 7666). The legislation will address the nation’s mental health crisis, including high rates of overdose and suicide deaths and the impact of COVID-19.
June 23, 2022
Research indicates that fewer youth attempt suicide in states with hate crime laws protecting LGBTQ individuals. This is true for both highschoolers who identify as LGBTQ as well as those who identify as straight.
June 24, 2022
The Supreme Court overturns Roe vs. Wade. The ramifications of this are varied and far-reaching; one prediction is that there will be a significant increase in maternal mortality. Additionally, according to The Turnaway Study (University of California San Francisco), researchers found that being denied an abortion was linked to serious health and wellbeing consequences, including an increased risk of poverty, a greater likelihood of staying in an abusive partnership, anxiety, loss of self-esteem, decreased motivation for life goals, poorer physical health, and serious implications for both the unwanted child as well as existing children in the family.
June 24, 2022
Biden signs into law federal gun safety legislation. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (S. 2938) includes several gun violence prevention provisions in addition to improving access to mental health care. Notably, it closes the “boyfriend loop,” banning anyone who is convicted of a domestic violence crime against someone they have a “continuing serious relationship of a romantic or intimate nature” from having a gun.
June 24, 2022
The American Psychiatric Association commends Congress for passing “the first meaningful gun safety legislation in 30 years.”
June 27, 2022
The findings of a JAMA Open Network study indicate that young adolescents who experience cyberbullying are more likely to report suicidal thoughts and/or attempt suicide, even more so than students who are victims of “traditional” (offline) bullying.
June 28, 2022
Americans have complex views surrounding gender identity and transgender issues, according to a Pew Research Report. While a majority of Americans (64%) believe transgender individuals should be protected from discrimination, only 38% believe gender identity can be different from sex assigned at birth. What’s more, approximately 40% of Americans expressed that society has gone “too far” in accepting transgender individuals. Many Americans feel uncomfortable with nonbinary concepts of gender as well as the fast pace of change surrounding gender issues in society.
“The issue is so new to me I can’t keep up. I don’t know what to think about all of this new information. I’m baffled by so many changes.”
Pew Research Survey Responder on Gender Identity and Transgender Issues
JULY
July 1, 2022
A largescale retrospective study indicates that medical cannabis use is associated with significant and lasting improvements in individuals with depression and anxiety. Previous research in this area has yielded mixed results; the implications of such a largescale study provide evidence to support cannabis as an effective treatment for depression/anxiety in some individuals.
July 6, 2022
According to a Pew Research Report, 62% of Americans believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases. 57% of Americans disapprove of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade while only 41% approve.
July 16, 2022
The 988-suicide lifeline is launched. This new, nationwide easy-to-remember phone number helps Americans in crisis connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors as an alternative to dialing 911.
July 20, 2022
Researchers discover a neurotransmitter responsible for assigning either positive or negative emotions to events. By targeting this molecule, PTSD and related disorders may be treated more effectively.
AUGUST
August 4, 2022
The American Psychological Association adopts the Racial Equity Action Plan “to utilize racial equity as a critical lens to drive APA’s strategic priorities and measure the magnitude of APA’s impact.” This follows their formal apology issued October of 2021 for their role in and contributions to systemic racism.
August 11, 2022
The American Psychiatric Association reports that most Americans believe mental health programming is needed in schools, including education, staff training, and connecting students to providers. Parents’ top three concerns for K-12 students are gun violence, mental health, and cyberbullying/social media.
August 22, 2022
Researchers find that the brains of children with autism, which is typically not diagnosable until age 2 or 3, appear to diverge from other infants’ brains as early as between 6 and 12 months of age. These findings point to a need for early testing and may one day lead to improved prognoses or even prevention.
August 24, 2022
The American Psychological Association calls upon U.S. courts to ban the death penalty for anyone younger than 21, citing scientific research that shows adolescents’ brains continue to develop in their early 20’s.
August 24, 2022
According to a study published in Health Communication, individuals who obsessively check the news are more likely to suffer from stress, anxiety, as well as poor physical health.
SEPTEMBER
September 1, 2022
According to a Pew Research Report, “Americans’ ratings of the Supreme Court are now as negative as – and more politically polarized than – at any point in more than three decades of polling on the nation’s highest court.” Positive ratings fell sharply after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade in June.
“Americans’ ratings of the Supreme Court are now as negative as – and more politically polarized than – at any point in more than three decades of polling on the nation’s highest court.”
Pew Research CenterSeptember 20, 2022
A National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) news release outlines a promising treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Researchers found that spironolactone, a medication prescribed for heart and blood pressure problems, significantly reduced alcohol consumption. Currently, there are only three approved medications for AUD; new pharmacological treatments are needed to improve outcomes.
September 21, 2022
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) releases the NIDA 2022-2026 Strategic Plan for advancing scientific research and educating federal agencies; state and local health, education, and human services; and the legal system, as well as policymakers on addiction.
September 23, 2022
The FDA clears a new protocol, named the Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT), for fast and effective treatment of depression. In clinical trials, participants experienced relief after only 5 treatments.
September 28, 2022
A large-scale observational study published in JAMA Psychiatry confirms a link between folic acid and reduced rates of suicide attempts and self-harm, implicating the B vitamin as a potential tool for suicide prevention.
OCTOBER
October 6, 2022
An American Psychiatric Association poll finds that 79% of Americans believe mental health is a public health emergency and warrants more attention from lawmakers.
October 10, 2022
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that 4 in 10 Americans surveyed were dishonest about having COVID-19 and/or didn’t comply with preventive measures during the height of the pandemic. Most commonly, survey participants reported misrepresenting their COVID-19 status, breaking quarantine rules, telling others they were taking more precautions than they actually were, and saying they were vaccinated when they weren’t.
October 17, 2022
In an American Psychiatric Association national poll, only 1 in 5 Americans believe individuals who are incarcerated receive the mental health care they need. What’s more, 75% of Americans believe mental health treatment should be available in prisons and jails. (Note: It’s estimated that nearly half of persons who are incarcerated have a mental disorder.)
October 19, 2022
Homicide is found to be a leading cause of death in pregnant women and in women who had recently given birth. Most of these deaths were associated with the lethal combination of domestic abuse and firearm violence.
October 19, 2022
An American Psychological Association nationwide poll reveals that 27% of Americans are stressed to the point where they can barely function. The top stressors were inflation, violence/crime, the current political climate, and the racial climate. What’s more, 76% of Americans reported having a stress-related health issue.
October 25, 2022
Adidas finally drops Kanye West in response to increasingly troubling behavior and antisemitic comments, taking a major financial hit. West’s comments have been linked to at least 30 antisemitic incidents and to the slogan “Ye is Right.” West has spoken openly about his bipolar diagnosis, including what it feels like to have a manic episode. While some of his erratic behavior can be attributed to mania, his antisemitic beliefs cannot, and are indicative of something deeply rooted and far more troubling.
“Ye is Right.”
Antisemitic Campaign Slogan Inspired by Kanye “Ye” West’s CommentsOctober 26, 2022
A promising study published in Pharmaceutics validates a highly effective vaccine for fentanyl use disorder. This groundbreaking vaccine essentially blocks fentanyl from entering the brain, eliminating the drug’s euphoric (and lethal) effects. Once approved by the FDA, the vaccine will be tested in human subjects in clinical trials.
October 27, 2022
In the largest ever analysis conducted on mass school shootings, researchers find that of the nearly 100 mass killings examined, the shooter/killer did not have a severe mental illness. In academic settings, most mass killings were U.S.-based and involved firearms. Perpetrators were primarily white males. In the mass killings where psychosis was a factor, the killer most often used a weapon other than a firearm. Nearly half of the killers died by suicide. This analysis lends to a body of research that will help policymakers and law enforcement officials better identify risk factors and prevent mass shootings from occurring. This research also supports the American Psychiatric Association’s stance on violence and mental health.
“It is important to note that the overwhelming majority of people with mental illness are not violent and are far more likely to be victims of violent crime than perpetrators thereof. A vast majority of firearm violence is not attributed to mental illness. Rhetoric that argues otherwise will further stigmatize and interfere with people accessing needed treatment without addressing the root causes of firearm violence. Although there is no single cause of firearm violence, individuals can and have been emboldened to act violently by inflammatory public discourse and provocative, hateful and destructive rhetoric.
American Psychiatric Association
NOVEMBER
November 1, 2022
Researchers find that nearly 30% of kratom users showed signs of addiction (i.e., increased use, cravings, tolerance, impairment in major life areas, withdrawal, etc.). The DSM-5-TR does not recognize kratom use as a disorder, and previous studies indicate that kratom may be a harm-reduction measure for opioid users. This highlights a need for more research.
November 3, 2022
An American Psychiatric Association Healthy Minds poll finds that nearly 40% of Americans face declining mood in the upcoming winter months.
(Learn more about seasonal affective disorder here. If you’re considering light therapy, go with a research-proven [backed by the Yale School of Medicine] lamp such as the Carex Day-Light Classic, the North Star 10,000, or the BOXelite.)
November 4, 2022
The CDC releases new guidelines for prescribing opioids. The new guidelines are aimed at reducing the risk of opioid addiction.
November 10, 2022
Researchers aim to better understand the factors that contributed to physician burnout during the height of the pandemic; the most frequently cited stressors were concern related to exposure, the burden of patient deaths, workload volume, medical uncertainty on how to provide care for COVID-19 patients, caring for patients with no family or outside support, and dealing with mistrust or skepticism for COVID-19.
November 15, 2022
An increased demand for mental health treatment places a strain on providers who are already at capacity. The 2022 COVID-19 Practitioner Impact Survey revealed that 6 in 10 practitioners had no openings for new patients, with nearly half reporting being unable to meet current demands. Meanwhile, compared to pre-pandemic years, providers reported an increase in patients seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma.
November 15, 2022
Researchers find that individuals who have a higher sense of meaning in life also have a lower risk of death… from any cause.
(For tips on how to find purpose, see 37 Simple Things You Can Do for a More Meaningful Life.)
November 21, 2022
In a press release, the American Psychiatric Association condemns the shooting at Club Q Nightclub in Colorado Springs, asserting, “Bias toward LGBTQI people, whatever form it takes, hurts mental health. We stand opposed to laws and rhetoric that discriminate against this community, whether it is promoting dangerous conversion therapy or restricting provision of health care services to trans or gender-diverse individuals.”
DECEMBER
December 8, 2022
In a press release, the American Psychological Association applauds Congress for passing the Respect for Marriage Act.
“APA has long been a strong advocate for marriage equality, based on the psychological research indicating that marriage provides substantial psychological and physical health benefits due to the moral, economic and social support extended to married couples. Conversely, empirical evidence has illustrated the harmful psychological effect of policies restricting marriage rights, particularly for same-sex couples.”
Frank C. Worrell, APA PresidentDecember 22, 2022
Research suggests that the AI driving ChatGPT may one day be able to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s by identifying speech patterns and/or features associated with early stages of dementia.
Mental Health in 2022: A Few (22) Numbers
- 48,252 suicide deaths 1
- 19,472 homicide deaths 2
- 40,358 firearm deaths 3
- 1,060 people shot and killed by the police 4
- 647 mass shootings 5
- 32% parents of K-12 students who are either very or extremely worried about a shooting happening at their child’s school 6
- 23% workers worldwide who say they’ve experienced violence or harassment (including psychological harassment, i.e., bullying, intimidation, etc.) in the workplace 7
- 80% Americans who say they enjoy the work they do 8
- 5% young Americans who say their gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth 9
- 61% Americans who say they believe the legalization of same-sex marriage is good for society 10
- 88% Americans who say that marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use 11
- 63% Americans who say they drink alcohol 12
- 36% Americans who say they are “total abstainers” 13
- 12% Americans ages 18-29 who smoke cigarettes (down from 26% in 2012) 14
- 26% Americans ages 18-29 who smoke marijuana 15
- 107,000 drug overdose deaths in a 12-month period ending August 2022 16
- 2.46 billion substance abuse funding by the National Institutes of Health 17
- $169,242 total debt owed by the average American family 18
- 25% U.S. parents who say they’ve struggled to afford food or housing in 2022 19
- 58% young adults who experienced high levels of psychological stress during the pandemic (2020-2022) 20
- 51% Americans who say they are thriving in life 21
- 83% Americans who say they are somewhat/very satisfied with their personal lives 22
- Dead or Kicking. (n.d.). United States Deaths in 2022. Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://deadorkicking.com/death-statistics/us/2022/
- Dead or Kicking. (n.d.). United States Deaths in 2022. Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://deadorkicking.com/death-statistics/us/2022/
- Dead or Kicking. (n.d.). United States Deaths in 2022. Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://deadorkicking.com/death-statistics/us/2022/
- Dead or Kicking. (n.d.). United States Deaths in 2022. Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://deadorkicking.com/death-statistics/us/2022/
- Brownlee, C. (2022, December 30). Gun violence in 2022, by the numbers. The Trace. https://www.thetrace.org/2022/12/gun-violence-deaths-statistics-america/
- Boschma, J., Merrill, C., & Murphy-Teixidor, J. (2023, January 24). Mass shootings in the U.S. fast facts. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/24/us/mass-shootings-fast-facts/index.html
- Hurst, K. (2022, October 18). About a third of K-12 parents are very or extremely worried a shooting could happen at their children’s school. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/10/18/about-a-third-of-k-12-parents-are-very-or-extremely-worried-a-shooting-could-happen-at-their-childrens-school/
- Crabtree, S. (2022, December 14). Global study: 23% of workers experience violence, harassment. Gallup Blog. https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/406793/global-study-workers-experience-violence-harassment.aspx
- Clouet, B., & Lai, A. (2022, November 3). Global study reveals most workers enjoy what they do. Gallup Blog. https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/404495/global-study-reveals-workers-enjoy.aspx
- Brown, A. (2022, June 7). About 5% of young adults in the U.S. say their gender is different from their sex assigned at birth. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/06/07/about-5-of-young-adults-in-the-u-s-say-their-gender-is-different-from-their-sex-assigned-at-birth/
- Borelli, G. (2022, November 15). About six-in-ten Americans say legalization of same-sex marriage is good for society. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/11/15/about-six-in-ten-americans-say-legalization-of-same-sex-marriage-is-good-for-society/
- Van Green, T. (2022, November 22). Americans overwhelmingly say marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/11/22/americans-overwhelmingly-say-marijuana-should-be-legal-for-medical-or-recreational-use/
- Saad, L. (2022, December 29). What percentage of Americans drink alcohol? Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/467507/percentage-americans-drink-alcohol.aspx
- Saad, L. (2022, December 29). What percentage of Americans drink alcohol? Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/467507/percentage-americans-drink-alcohol.aspx
- Jones, J. M. (2022, November 28). Cigarette smoking rates down sharply among U.S. young adults. Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/405884/cigarette-smoking-rates-down-sharply-among-young-adults.aspx
- Jones, J. M. (2022, November 28). Cigarette smoking rates down sharply among U.S. young adults. Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/405884/cigarette-smoking-rates-down-sharply-among-young-adults.aspx
- ABC7 Chicago. (2023, January 11). Drug overdose deaths continue to trend down but remain high, CDC says. ABC7 Eyewitness News. https://abc7chicago.com/drug-overdose-deaths-2022-per-year/12690986/
- Mikulic, M. (2022, November 2). Total substance abuse funding by the National Institutes for Health (NIH) from FY 2013 to 2023 (in million U.S. dollars). Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/713359/substance-abuse-funding-by-the-national-institutes-for-health/
- Issa, E. E. (2023, January 10). 2022 American household credit card debt study. NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/average-credit-card-debt-household
- Braga, D. (2022, December 7). One-in-four U.S. parents say they’ve struggled to afford food or housing in the past year. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/12/07/one-in-four-u-s-parents-say-theyve-struggled-to-afford-food-or-housing-in-the-past-year/
- Pasquini, G., & Keeter, S. (2022, December 12). At least four-in-ten U.S. adults have faced high levels of psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/12/12/at-least-four-in-ten-u-s-adults-have-faced-high-levels-of-psychological-distress-during-covid-19-pandemic/
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Mental Health in 2022: Conclusion
To conclude, 2022 was the beginning of the end of the pandemic, leaving Americans feeling uncertain about the future. Burnout, higher rates of mental illness and substance use, increased overdose deaths, and firearm deaths were common themes in 2022. Tragically, 2022 was the year that gun violence became a leading cause of death in children.
While many adults and children experienced mental distress in 2022, at the same time, measures were put in place to help Americans heal as well as feel safe again. The Biden Administration awarded over $1 million in funds to reduce burnout and improve retention in healthcare workers impacted by the pandemic, and the House passed the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act to address the nation’s mental health crisis. A nationwide suicide hotline was established for individuals at risk for suicide or bystanders to quickly get the help they need.
In 2022, President Biden also signed the Violence Against Women Act and the Safer Communities Act to reduce gun violence. Controversially, the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade. It remains to be seen what the repercussions will be.
Regarding the opioid epidemic, while overdose deaths skyrocketed in 2022, groundbreaking research led to a vaccine that can prevent fentanyl addiction and overdose. This vaccine, which may be available as early as next year, will be a gamechanger.
To close, while many Americans expressed feeling mental distress and uncertainty about the future, a majority also reported feeling satisfied with their work and in their personal lives. Half of Americans, in fact, said they were not just satisfied but thriving! Despite some of the tragedies and the setbacks of the year, it appears that 2022 is the light at the end of the tunnel.
“Fear never builds the future, but hope does.”
Joe Biden
