If you’ve been feeling mentally strained due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you’re not alone. In an online nationwide survey conducted by a multi-institutional team of researchers more than 90% of respondents reported increased feelings of worry, frustration, boredom and anxiety.

The study, called the U.S. National Pandemic Emotional Impact Report was conducted by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital, the UNC School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

The survey was designed to investigate how individuals are responding to the stressors of isolation and quarantine, record unemployment levels and the virus’ threats to their health, according to an article in MedicalXpress earlier this week. The team is also hoping the results will inform future efforts to address mental health needs.

Here are five things to know:

The study consisted of an online survey of 1,500 people during the second half of May. Researchers asked about a broad range of emotional effects. The survey sample was designed to be representative of the US population in terms of sex and age group, region, ethnic groups and educational level.

Nearly 80% of respondents expressed frustration that they are unable to resume their normal activities, while a similar number said they were worried about their health. Approximately 90% of respondents said they were more worried about the health of their loved ones since the pandemic began. Those who knew someone who died of COVID-19 had higher average distress scores overall.

The researchers believe that the mental health issues brought on by the pandemic could have long-term implications on individual health and well-being. The impact could be greater in vulnerable populations who have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic.

The team is welcoming collaboration and information sharing with other researcher working on topics related to the pandemic and mental health. They have developed a 16-question Pandemic Emotional Impact Scale (PEIS) that is available for download on their website.

“Our survey findings indicate that anxiety and depression related to the emotional impact of these events are pushing more and more people into the clinical category of what is diagnosable as a mental health condition, says co-investigator Sarah Gray, PsyD, a psychologist at Mass General and Spaulding Rehabilitation. “Our team urges people not to wait and to reach out for the care they need.”

COVID-19 Research at Mass General
Researchers and clinicians at Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute are mobilizing to develop new strategies to diagnose, treat and prevent COVID-19. Learn more.