According to the CDC, people who have chronic illnesses such as chronic lung disease, asthma, serious heart conditions, and diabetes are among those with a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19.  mental health disorders are common comorbidities among patients with these and other chronic illnesses. 

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- Being at heightened risk of contracting the disease (elderly, people with compromised immune function, people living in congregate settings)
- Burnout and strain against healthcare workers
- Contracting COVID-19
- Having preexisting medical, psychiatric or substance use condition
- High-risk groups (women, students)
- Job loss and income insecurity
- Poor health
- Social isolation

Mental Health Risk Factors

Panchal, N., &amp; Kamal, R. (2020, April 21). The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use. Retrieved July 24, 2020, from https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/

The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use

5.2 million people filed for unemployment benefits during the week of April 5, bringing the four-week total to a historic 22 million people filing for unemployment.  Additionally, as unemployment rises and a recession nears, suicides may increase. During the Great Recession, the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 10% and was associated with increases in suicide rates.

Risk due to job loss and income insecurity

Burnout is particularly high among young registered nurses or nurses with low nurse to patient ratio.  Physicians also tend to have a high burnout which leads to mental health disorders and substance abuse.  Risk of suicide is also high among physicians.

Burnout and strain against healthcare workers

Risk associated with poor health

Elderly, due to their heightened risk of contracting COVID-19 from their weakened immune systems, are also at higher risk for increased anxiety, stress and fear. 

Psychological attention should be directed on:
- Female seniors
- Low-educated seniors
- Divorced and widowed seniors
- Those living alone
- Those with sleep issues
- Those with mental health issues

Higher risk groups for mental health issues within.the elderly population

Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has brought attention to the widespread experience of loneliness as a public health concern in itself, pointing to its association with reduced lifespan and greater risk of both mental and physical illnesses (Dr. Murthy serves on the KFF Board of Trustees). Social isolation also serves as a potential stressor.


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