COVID-19 has triggered a myriad of emotional health problems, with a study in June of 2020 finding that:
- 31% of Americans experienced depression or anxiety
- 13% reported increased substance abuse
- 26% experienced stress-related symptoms
- 11% had thoughts of suicide.
Yet, many mental health treatments and care resources are available, including throughout Michigan and the Washtenaw County region. Understanding these resources may help Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti residents manage their COVID-19 emotional troubles.
Michigan and Washtenaw County Mental Illness Statistics
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan’s and Washtenaw County’s mental health statistics have either remained consistent or gotten slightly worse.
General Michigan Depression Statistics During 2020
Michigan’s 2020 mental health statistics found that 19.5% of Michigan residents experienced some symptoms of depression, but the numbers varied by multiple factors, including:
- Age
- 23.9% for ages 25-34
- 8.5% for ages 75 and older
- Gender
- 25% for women
- 13.8% for men
- Ethnicity/race
- 20.2%, White, non-Hispanic people
- 15.6%, Black, non-Hispanic
- 16.9%, Other non-Hispanic
- Education
- 27.4%, less than a high school education
- 20.5%, high school diploma
- 14.8%, college.
About 55% of the general population reported monthly alcohol use during this year, with heavy drinking at approximately 6.8% of the state. This abuse could lead to potential depression and other mental health disorders, as reported by the National Institute of Mental Health.
Washtenaw County Depression and Suicide Statistics
Early in the pandemic, Washtenaw County posted a pamphlet on COVID-19 and behavioral health, prepared by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It provided advice for avoiding common emotional health concerns.
The county also collected depression-related statistics and found suicide rates between 2019 to 2020 remained consistent (44 in 2019 and 37 in 2020), while mental-health-related opioid deaths increased slightly from 2019 (60) to 2020 (61).
Mental Health Treatment Options for Those in the Ann Arbor Area
Washtenaw County has many mental health resources offering professional guidance and management for depression symptoms. Some focus on religious-based care, while others use secular treatment methods to handle mental health issues.
Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County
Catholic Social Services provides mental health treatment for Catholics and non-Catholic individuals. They offer therapy options for people over 18, including individual therapy, group counseling, and family programs. They serve Washtenaw County, including Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, and provide in-person help or digital care for people who can’t travel or who are socially isolated during the pandemic.
Contact Information: 734-926-0155
Corner Health Center
Corner Health Center provides professional counseling options for individuals experiencing mental health problems. Their covered treatments include stress management, sadness and depression, anxiety, ADHD, support for bullying victims, therapy for eating disorders, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals. In addition, sessions may include private or group treatment for people over the age of 12.
Contact Information: 734-484-3600
Eastern Michigan University Psychology Clinic
Eastern Michigan University (EMU) provides community support through a low-cost psychology clinic. There, clinicians offer recovery services and even temporary housing for those experiencing mental health problems. Their experts may treat behavioral, emotional, developmental, and cognitive disorders. Counselors include EMU graduate students practicing their professional skills before earning their doctorate..
Contact Information: 734-487-4987
Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County
The Jewish Family Services center serving Washtenaw County provides many support options for Jewish community members. These include Thrive Counseling, a program with multiple licensed clinicians who can offer professional mental health solutions for many emotional health concerns, like depression or stress. In addition, they can provide mental health education, long-term emotional support groups, and a helpline you may call when experiencing depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
Contact Information: 734-769-0209
Other Groups to Consider
Washtenaw County has other organizations offering mental health support, including:
NAMI Washtenaw County
A local branch of nationwide grassroots organization the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI Washtenaw educates, advocates, and listens to the problems and concerns of those with mental health issues and their loved ones, including support groups for both. Contact information: 734-994-6611
To request help or information from NAMI:
- HelpLine: 800-950-6264, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Email: info@nami.org, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Text: NAMI Crisis SMS Service: Text “NAMI” to 741-741
- NAMI Live Chat: nami.org/help#crisis
SafeHouse Center
SafeHouse Center helps those affected by domestic violence or sexual assault, including the LGBTQIA+ community and any children affected by this abuse.
Safehouse Center services include:
- Emergency shelter for those in danger of being hurt or killed
- Crisis support
- Legal advocacy
- Support groups
- Non-emergency 24/7 Helpline: 734-995-5444.
Use These Resources
These are some of the resources available for people in the Washtenaw County area who are experiencing mental health issues related to COVID-19, but they are not the only ones.
Among other things, you should discuss with your insurance provider what professional services your coverage provides. .
Then discuss your experiences and options with trusted family, friends, or other loved ones. They may have had similar symptoms. Maybe you can support each other or seek help together.
Sources
- nimh.nih.gov – One Year In: COVID-19 and Mental Health
- michigan.gov – Prevalence Estimates for Risk Factors and Health Indicators State of Michigan Selected Tables Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey 2020
- nimh.nih.gov – Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders
- washtenaw.org – Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
- washtenaw.org – Suicide Data
- washtenaw.org – Opioid Data
- washtenaw.org – Local Mental Health Resources
- casswashtenaw.org – Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County
- cornerhealth.org – The Corner Health Center
- emich.edu – Eastern Michigan University Behavioral Health
- jfsannarbor.org – Jewish Family Services
- namiwc.org – National Alliance on Mental Health Washtenaw County
- safehousecenter.org – SafeHouse Center
- sunshinebehavioralhealth.com – Telehealth and Online Mental Health Resources During COVID-19 Pandemic
