Showcasing the increase in mental health issues in the United States from the year 2019 to 2021 that leads to Suicides
Why? Suicide is the tenth-leading cause of death in the United States
With focus on 4 factors
Depression, Obesity, Unemployment & Physical Inactivity
The trend is going upwards.
Mental Health Hotline Number
1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255
Prominent Measures States Wise
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The states with most prominent mental health measure(s) that further lead to suicide in United States
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This is observed that Unemployment and Depression are leading factors for worsening health conditions
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The focus is on 4 measures that related to mental health issues are Depression, Obesity, Physical Inactivity and Unemployment
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​The Deaths due to intentional self-harm per 100,000 population
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Healthiest State:
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New Jersey: 8.4
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Cause Depression
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Least-healthy State:
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Wyoming: 29.8
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Cause Unemployment
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Depression
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There was an increase in the rates of depression in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began
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The rates jumped to 19.9% in 2020 as opposed to 19.6% and 19.5% in 2019 and 2021, respectively
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Since the rates of depression are within 0.1% in other years, the jump in 2020 is significant. Therefore, it can be assumed the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns had a significant impact on the mental health of Americans
Lower the Value, higher the rank
Depressed States
2021
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Highest : West Virginia 26.6
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Lowest : Hawaii 12.71
2020
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Highest : West Virginia 28.8
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Lowest : New Jersey 11.8
2019
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Highest : West Virginia 26.6
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Lowest : New Jersey 11.8
Obesity
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There is an increase in obesity rates in year 2020 and for the year 2021 it remained unchanged
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In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began, along with federal and state lockdowns
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The correlation between the pandemic, its subsequent government lockdowns, and obesity rates in the US is clear
Lower the Value, higher the rank
Obese States
2019
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Highest : West Virginia 39.5
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Lowest : Colorado 22.9
2020
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Highest : Mississippi 40.8
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Lowest : Colorado 23.8
2021
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Highest : Mississippi 39.7
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Lowest : Colorado 24.2
Physical Inactivity
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From the graph, it is clear obesity and physical inactivity are indirectly proportional: as people become sedentary, they gain weight, and thus, become obese
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There was a decrease in exercise and an increase in obesity in 2020, when, early in the year, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns began
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This suggests the pandemic and lockdowns have had a negative effect on the physical health of Americans.
Lower the Value, higher the rank
Physically Inactive States
2019
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Highest : Colorado 16.4
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Lowest : Kentucky 32.4
2020
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Highest : Mississippi 37.7
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Lowest : Utah 18.5
2021
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Highest : Kentucky 30.6
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Lowest : Utah 15.9
Unemployment
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In 2019 we saw a rapid downfall in unemployment with the hit of COVID-19, one of the major factors that contribute is the layoffs due businesses being shutdowned
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For the years 20-21, it shows a stagnant behaviour as there were no changes in the situation due covid lockdown
Lower the Value, higher the rank
Unemployed States
2019
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Highest : DC 7.7
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Lowest : North Dakota 2.9
2020
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Highest : Mississippi 6.8
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Lowest : North Dakota 2.8
2021
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Highest : Mississippi 6.8
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Lowest : North Dakota 2.8
Produced by Group 9 : IE6600 : Ibrahim Haleem Khan, Jessica Kriensen & Shachi Doshi for Project 1 IE6600 Northeastern University
Source: American Health Ranking
References: American Health Ranking
Conclusion
After carefully analysing the graphs, we conclude that Covid-19 had a negative impact on the people of the United States of America. Due to this, people suffered a lot. Some lost their jobs; many had to face financial losses to pay hospital bills leading to unemployment, and not being able to step out caused physical inactivity and people to become obese. Not being able to interact with the surroundings was a severe reason for depression.
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Mental health disorders and substance use disorders are the most significant risk factors for suicidal behaviors.
In addition, environmental factors such as stressful life events and access to lethal objects such as firearms or drugs may increase the risk of suicide.
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Redemptive Measures for Suicide
A lonely environment houses scary and repressive thoughts in our subconscious. Talking to our loved ones or to any stranger in order to make our heart and mind believe that there is someone who is listening to us will help to cope with suicidal thoughts. Sharing, talking and making yourself an active part of this live environment would prevent us from giving up the precious life gifted to us.
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United States Government has set a goal to reduce the suicide rate from 14.2 to 12.8 suicides per 100,000 population is in the Healthy People 2030 as an Objective.
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