A Mental Health Crisis is Our Next Pandemic


While many of us were sheltering in place to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, another massive new health crisis was brewing — a mental health crisis. The instability we face every day has made it easy for many to become overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. Like COVID-19, no one is immune – anxiety and depression has increased by 400% since the pandemic began.


The impact of the pandemic on mental health is significant and unknown, plus it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Even before the pandemic, far too many were burdened with unaddressed mental health issues. The mental health fallout from the pandemic will likely continue to grow for years to come.


What’s shocking is that our children, teens and young adults are suffering the most. The U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on mental health among youths, calling it an “urgent public health crisis” that will require an all-hands-on-deck effort to address.


Where do we, as individuals, parents and community members, go from here?

If this is a true emergency, do not wait; call 911 or go the nearest emergency room. 

I Want to Help. image
I Want to Help.

In the next several years, we will face many unforeseen challenges – like today’s mental health crisis. While our community begins its recovery, the collateral damage of the pandemic will come into focus and your gift to The Associated will set us on the right track to build back a healthier and stronger Baltimore Jewish community.

I Need Help for Myself or Another Adult. image
I Need Help for Myself or Another Adult.

No one needs to be alone in this struggle. The Associated and our agencies are here to help – from experienced, licensed social workers, psychologists and psychiatric providers to substance use services … from prevention education to programs dedicated to mental wellbeing.

I Need Help for a Child, Teen or Young Adult. image
I Need Help for a Child, Teen or Young Adult.

Their mental health matters – COVID-19 has weighed heavily on our children, teens and young adults, and it’s affected their ability to succeed at home, school, work, on the sports field and with their friends. Recognize the signs and help them cope during these emotionally challenging times.

Building Back, Stronger and Healthier


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