In the Tampa Bay region, residents face significant mental health challenges. Depression is one of the most common issues, affecting approximately 1 in 6 members of the community. Additionally, substance use disorders are also a major concern, with 1 in 12 residents struggling with the issue. Suicide rates have increased alarmingly, rising 36% nationally from 2000 to 2021, with Tampa’s suicide rate in 2021 exceeding the Florida average. Additionally, an average of 326,000 people age 12 and older in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area have tried illegal drugs in the past year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, propelling the opioid crisis to unprecedented levels and creating an unprecedented crisis in mental health, substance abuse and overdoses. Tampa Counseling Place founder Natalie Rosado highlighted the severity of these challenges, saying, “We’ve seen an increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially among those with unemployment in the home, economic circumstances, young people and women.”
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of our communities. With our healthcare system undergoing major changes, access to behavioral health care is both a challenge and an opportunity. Rosado has seen a notable increase in anxiety and depression, especially among those facing unemployment at home, young people, and women. Additionally, alcohol-related deaths have also increased, with the most notable increases among people of color and rural residents.
“Even before the pandemic, many people already faced barriers to receiving mental health and substance use disorder services due to factors including cost, limited provider options and lack of insurance acceptance, particularly among younger adults, Black adults, men and the uninsured,” Rosado said.
Tampa has also seen an increase in opioid deaths, reaching 30 deaths per week in the first half of 2020, a 61.62% increase from the previous year. However, with these challenges comes innovation, such as the adoption of behavioral telehealth services and other digital solutions to meet the growing demand for mental health support.
Tampa Bay Mental Health Resources
Assessing the mental health landscape in the Tampa Bay region is essential to understanding the broader context. According to Mental Health America’s most recent report, Florida ranks eighth in the nation for prevalence of mental illness, but 48th for access to mental health care. These numbers represent a critical reality on the ground: in Florida, nearly 30% of adults with mental illness do not receive appropriate treatment, and 61.8% of young people suffering from depression do not receive the care they need.
“High costs and a lack of mental health treatment options often prevent individuals from getting the help they need. Our state is severely short of mental health treatment centers, and a significant percentage of adults with mental illnesses do not receive treatment at all,” she said. Additionally, we face challenges with insurance coverage, with a significant percentage of young people lacking insurance coverage for mental or emotional issues. These issues are exacerbated by challenges within the provider community where increased demand for mental health services depletes resources, leading to issues such as inconsistent care, inadequate compensation, and high rates of provider burnout.
The employer’s role in supporting mental health
Employee mental health is another issue Tampa employers must address head-on, Rosado said.
About 14% of Tampa residents report having missed work due to mental illness. However, what is concerning is the trend of fewer people seeking specialized medical care, now at 23% compared to the past. This could be due in part to the fact that about 11.67% of the population is uninsured and disproportionately high medical costs impacting personal budgets.
“It is essential that employers step in and offer proactive support,” Rosado said. “By recognizing and addressing the mental health needs of their employees, employers can provide resources, services and assistance, not only reducing absenteeism but also ensuring individuals can seek treatment without fear of stigma or financial burden.”
Employers have a range of effective strategies they can consider to offer mental health support to their employees, including flexible working arrangements, workplace wellbeing activities, employee support groups, management training and fostering a supportive workplace culture.
The Importance of Mental Health
Mental health is an essential component of everyone’s overall well-being. Recognising and addressing mental health issues can not only improve your quality of life, but also prevent more serious complications.
“It’s so important that people understand the importance of mental health and seek help when they need it,” Rosado said. “Mental health affects every aspect of our lives, from personal relationships to work performance.”
Symptoms of poor mental health can vary, but common signs include persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, excessive anxiety, noticeable changes in mood or behavior, and social isolation. “If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help – early support can make a big difference in managing and improving their mental health,” Rosado said.
Symptoms of poor mental health
Recognising the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in yourself and others is important for early intervention and support. Common symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, excessive worry or anxiety, and noticeable changes in mood and behaviour. Social withdrawal, impaired performance at work or school, and changes in sleeping and eating patterns may also be observed.
For this reason, Rosado emphasizes that “physical symptoms such as unexplained pain can also indicate mental health issues. Additionally, you should also be on the lookout for signs such as increased irritability, difficulty concentrating on daily activities, and expressing feelings of being overwhelmed or trapped.” If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help. Early support can make a big difference in managing and improving your mental health.
