Mental health issues are prevalent in New Jersey. Nearly 28% of adults in the state reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, or both in early 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified many people’s mental health conditions or caused new issues to arise.
Feelings of isolation, job loss, financial troubles, and health concerns have all taken a massive toll. For those already dealing with mental illness, the added stress and disruption of the pandemic likely exacerbated their symptoms.
Depression and Anxiety Predominate
The most common conditions in New Jersey are depression and anxiety. Depression involves feelings of hopelessness, sadness, worthlessness, and a loss of interest in activities. Anxiety refers to excessive feelings of worry, fear, and dread that are disproportionate to the situation. Both of these can range from mild to severe.
Additional Disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are other prevalent mental illnesses affecting New Jersey residents. PTSD causes disturbing flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety after a traumatic experience.
OCD involves unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Schizophrenia refers to a group of psychotic disorders featuring delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking. Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings between depression and mania.
Statistics on Anxiety and Depression in the State
According to recent surveys, New Jersey residents are struggling with their mental health. Many adults in the state reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, though rates have thankfully declined from earlier in the pandemic.
From February 1 to 13, 2023, 27.7% of adults in New Jersey reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, compared to 32.3% of adults across the U.S. While lower than the nationwide rate, over a quarter of New Jerseyans experiencing these issues is still extremely concerning.
Some of the hardest-hit groups in New Jersey include younger adults, women, essential workers, and minorities. Over a third of New Jersey adults ages 18 to 29 reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. Women were also more likely to report these symptoms, at 32.1% compared to 23.2% of men.
Essential workers have faced immense stress and health risks during the pandemic. It’s no surprise that nearly 3 in 10 essential workers in New Jersey reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. Similarly, Hispanic adults and non-Hispanic Black adults were more likely to report these symptoms at 36.1% and 29.4%, respectively, compared to 25.8% of non-Hispanic White adults.
Suicide Rates and Mental Health Issues in N.J.
Depression and suicide are serious issues affecting many in the Garden State. New Jersey’s suicide rates have been increasing over the last decade, especially among certain at-risk groups.
According to recent statistics, nearly 600 New Jerseyans died by suicide in 2020 alone. While the state’s suicide rate of 8.1 deaths per 100,000 people is slightly lower than the national average, it has been steadily climbing over the past ten years. Tragically, suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death in New Jersey.
Some of the groups experiencing the fastest rise in suicide rates are young people, racial minorities, and those living in rural and suburban communities. New Jerseyans aged 15 to 34 have a higher suicide rate than other age groups.
Suicide deaths among Black, Hispanic, and Asian residents have also been increasing at a faster pace. Individuals in more isolated, less populated areas of the state tend to have higher risks of suicide, likely due in part to reduced access to mental health resources.
The most common means of suicide in New Jersey is firearms (38% of all suicide deaths), followed by suffocation (including hanging) at 31%. While the state has strong gun laws, many advocate for even stricter regulations and waiting periods to help curb suicide deaths. Improving mental health support and reducing stigma around seeking help are also critical to reversing this disturbing trend.
Reach Out To New Jersey Recovery Solutions
If you or someone you know in New Jersey is struggling with a mental health disorder, help is available. New Jersey Recovery Solutions provides compassionate, comprehensive treatment for various conditions.
Call us today at (908) 913-7399 for a confidential assessment and to discuss treatment options. Our caring staff are here to listen and provide support. You don’t have to go through this alone. New Jersey Recovery Solutions offers personalized treatment plans that may include:
- Individual Therapy: Meet one-on-one with a licensed therapist to address specific issues.
- Group Therapy: Share experiences and gain support from others dealing with similar challenges.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Learn skills to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns. CBT is effective for disorders like anxiety, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and more.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Medication combined with therapy can be the most effective approach for some disorders. Our psychiatrists work closely with clients to find the right medication and dosage.
- Experiential Therapy: Engage in interactive activities like art, music, or recreational therapy to promote healing and growth.
- Trauma Therapy: Evidence-based therapies like EMDR can help process traumatic experiences and find relief from PTSD symptoms.
Mental health issues are legitimate medical problems that often require treatment, just like any physical ailment. At New Jersey Recovery Solutions, we provide integrated, evidence-based care in a safe, compassionate environment. We aim to give you the skills and support to start feeling better and live a healthier, happier life.
