Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder

Preliminary research indicates that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the existence of an emotional epidemic curve and a high probability of an increased burden of mental health issues in the post-pandemic era is certain. The current evidence and published literature related to previous epidemics suggest that mental health issues may arise after the peak of the pandemic, with increased prevalence among the vulnerable population and people with risk factors.22 The following data indicate the percentage of adults who reported poor mental health at least 14 out of the past 30 days.23

This is a large and growing challenge to Central Florida. Approximately one in eight service area adults reported notable mental health challenges in 2019; this number likely skyrocketed in 2020 and 2021. This appears to be a significant and ongoing challenge – especially noting the rapid population growth rates. A higher percentage of the population struggling with mental health issues, married with population growth, implies an accelerated number of men, women and families in need of mental health support.

Exhibit 24: Adults Who Had Poor Mental Health 14 + of Past 30 Days

% of Adult Population 20% 18% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 12.7%

11.5%

0% 2013 Florida Seminole County

11.4%

7.2%

2016 13.8%

11.0%

2019

Source: Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Although Seminole County rates are lower than those in the State, there has been an increase in the percentage of adults reporting mental health challenges in Seminole County.

22BJM Journal. Mental health in the post-COVID-19 era: challenges and the way forward, 2020. 23Note: For terminology, Behavioral Health is the promotion of mental health, resilience, and well-being; the treatment of mental and substance use disorders; and the support of those who experience and/or are in recovery from these conditions, along with their families and communities. Behavioral health conditions and the behavioral health field have historically been financed, authorized, structured, researched, and regulated differently than other health conditions.