A recent survey commissioned by the Hawai‘i Department of Health showed more than half of Hawaiʻi residents have experienced a mental health condition that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of those who experienced a mental health condition prior to the pandemic, 35% felt that their symptoms worsened during the pandemic.

The survey, conducted by Anthology Research between December 30, 2020 and January 11, 2021, included 445 adult Hawaiʻi state residents.

In a State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health statement, Amy Curtis, chief administrator of the Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Adult Mental Health Division, said “we’re all being affected by the pandemic, this is a real issue that calls attention to the need to be vigilant about meeting the needs of our neighbors, friends, co-workers and others in the community. We encourage everyone to continue to confide in family or friends, seek support from a therapist or to call the Department of Health’s Hawai‘i CARES hotline.”

When asked about specific mental health experiences such as anxiety, loneliness, depression, and panic attacks, 68% of respondents said they experienced feelings of anxiety over the past six months, 61% have felt loneliness, 57% have felt depressed at some point, and 33% have suffered a panic attack.

Total household income is another factor affecting mental health. Among those who live in households that earn less than $50,000, 91% have experienced one or more of the mental health issues over the last six months. By contrast, 75% of those who live in households with combined incomes exceeding $100,000 are affected by mental health issues.

Age also makes a difference when it comes to mental health. Among young adults under the age of 35, 93% have experienced a mental health condition in the last six months, while 65% of seniors had the same experience.

For more about the survey, view the survey report.

The Hawaiʻi Cares Hotline can be reached at  1-800-753-6879.