Exclusive poll: Overwhelming majority says the US faces a mental health crisis

WASHINGTON – An overwhelming majority of Americans believe the U.S. is in the grips of a full-blown mental health crisis, according to a new USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll. 

Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought a rise in depression, anxiety, stress, addiction and other challenges, almost 9 in 10 registered voters believe there’s a "mental health crisis" in the nation, the poll found. 

Though it may be rare to find such agreement in a nation divided over so many issues, mental health experts said they’re not surprised.

Shelli Avenevoli, deputy director for the National Institute of Mental Health, said mental health is top of mind for people. Even if someone isn't experiencing problems themselves, they know someone who is, she said.

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