COVID-related depression and anxiety are improving, still higher than pre-pandemic

While Americans reported heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression during the pandemic peaking last winter, their symptoms had improved by this past June, according to a new CDC study (Source: “COVID nearly doubled self-reported anxiety symptoms,” Axios, Oct. 6).

Still, Americans reported their anxiety and depression symptoms are still higher than they were before the pandemic. The average anxiety severity score increased 13% from late August to December 2020 and then decreased nearly 27% from December to late May and early June this year.

About a fifth of U.S. adults still experience high levels of psychological distress, per the Pew Research Center, especially adults under 29, those with lower income or adults with a disability or health conditions.