Portland, Oregon – The COVID-19 pandemic served as a turning point for Tamalyn Paredes, a 43-year-old addiction counselor working at a methadone clinic. Previously residing in California, she found herself struggling with her mental health while working in a challenging environment. Paredes, who has battled depression and suicidal thoughts for years, faced additional hardships following a surgery that worsened her condition in 2019.
In her quest for prioritizing her mental well-being, Paredes made the decision to seek medical treatment upon relocating to Oregon in October 2021. Following a diagnosis of ADHD, she was prescribed medication that significantly improved her quality of life. Currently, she relies on three medications to manage her mental health, citing enhanced sleep, emotional regulation, and increased focus at work as key benefits.
A recent analysis of Medicaid data highlighted a notable trend in the increased demand for mental health treatment and medication throughout the pandemic. The analysis revealed a marked rise in mental health-related prescriptions in 2022, indicating a growing need for mental health support among the population. Notably, prescriptions for ADHD medications like Concerta and generic Adderall saw a significant uptick since 2019.
The surge in mental health prescriptions is reflective of a broader societal shift towards destigmatizing mental health conditions and promoting greater access to treatment options. Against the backdrop of the pandemic-induced mental health crisis, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health care and the need for comprehensive support systems to address these challenges.
Experts, such as Amy Werremeyer, president of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists, emphasize the critical role of destigmatization in facilitating access to mental health care. By normalizing discussions around mental health and advocating for increased support, society can better address the mental health needs of individuals during times of crisis and beyond.