Mental health trends are something that organizations like SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) track and report. This makes sense so that we can prepare for upcoming challenges in treating mental illness and is something that we do at Rose Hill Center as well. Paying attention to trends has helped us implement evidence-based treatments to meet the needs of our ever-changing client population. For example, when we found that a large portion of our residents had a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, we began training our clinicians, followed by the entire staff in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Similarly, we recognized the need for specific treatments targeting high functioning autism and substance use disorders, as co-occurring diagnoses to a mental illness, which prompted additional services for those clients.
A 2020 study published in The Lancet Regional Health-Americas, reported that depression rates jumped to 30%. This was expected due to additional stress and isolation caused by the pandemic. What may not have been anticipated is that this increase has persisted and continued to climb through 2021. This contrasts with previous traumatic events such as a hurricane where depression levels peak immediately following the traumatic event and then lower over time.
New research from Boston University School of Public Health reveals that the elevated rate of depression has persisted into 2021, and even worsened, climbing to 32.8% and affecting 1 in every 3 Americans. This is an increase from 8.5% in 2019 and 27.8% in 2020.
Increased rates of serious depression rising to the level of requiring residential care has been observed by clinicians at Rose Hill as well. In 2019 only 5% of Rose Hill’s residents had a primary diagnosis of a depressive disorder. That number rose to 23% in 2020 and 30% in 2021, very much in line with recent research.
Experts generally agree that a combination of psychotherapy and medication are most effective in treating depression. Rose Hill Center’s Clinical Director, Shawn Bryson, stated that, “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medications management done by our highly-trained psychiatrists are important in treating depression.” Shawn also believes the beautiful campus and ample opportunities for our residents to get outside and enjoy nature is helpful. Shawn went on to explain that adding Spravato treatment as part of the medication plan has been beneficial for some of Rose Hill’s residents.
It is normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed during uncertain times, and stress has been closely linked to the recent rise in depression. remember, Rose Hill Center is here to help. If you feel that you or a loved one may be in need of residential care, please reach out to one of our admissions coordinators at 866-367-0220.
