Louisiana sees decline in mental health issues post pandemic

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — A new study shows that Louisiana residents have seen an improvement in mental health related issues post pandemic.

A group of medical assistants gathered data from around the country on the decline of mental health problems individuals are facing after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Louisiana is not at the bottom of the list and has seen some improvement. The state pulled into ninth place seeing an almost 44% increase in improvement in mental health issues. The same study shows that during the pandemic, over 40 of Louisiana residents suffered from anxiety or depression compared to just under 23% in 2024.

Louisiana was not excluded from the mental and behavioral health impacts of COVID-19. A second study shows that many practitioners and clinicians viewed the original pandemic as a short lives condition, but with the emergence of other variants, there is a lasting impact on the behavioral health system in the state.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought an increase in substance use disorders on top of mental health issues. The pandemic caused social isolation, anxiety, depression, and financial hardship for many people and we are finally seeing the impacts decline.

There are several resources in the state for those who are struggling with substance use or mental illness. The National Alliance on Mental Health has ways to get help for whatever you are going through all across Louisiana.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for help.