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- Written by: DANIEL J. PEREZ-LOPEZ
More U.S. adults are now reporting symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder than before the pandemic, according to a comparison of recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s experimental Household Pulse Survey, or HPS, and data from the National Center for Health Statistics from 2019.
Even so, the data also show that the share of adults reporting these symptoms is lower now than it was a year ago. However, frontline workers working outside the home are more likely to be experiencing these symptoms than all other workers.
The most recent data show that unvaccinated adults in surveyed househods reported experiencing these symptoms at a higher rate than adults who are vaccinated.
Concern over mental health
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been concern that hardships associated with the pandemic could exacerbate mental health problems in the United States.
A recent U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report stated that the “… effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic crisis — such as increased social isolation, stress, and unemployment — have intensified concerns about the number of people in the U.S. affected by …mental health …disorders.”
In order to provide measures of self-reported mental health symptoms, the HPS includes questions about anxiety and depression developed with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Two questions asked respondents if they had experienced symptoms of anxiety recently and if so, how often.
The questions offered the following choices that carry a certain value: not at all (0), several days (1), more than half the days (2), and nearly every day (3).
If a respondent’s answers to the two anxiety questions totaled “3” or higher, they were categorized as reporting symptoms of anxiety disorder. The same methodology was applied to two questions about depression to determine symptoms of depressive disorder.
These categories are in line with benchmarks developed by the NCHS for 2019. In HPS data collected in January 2021, respondents were asked if they’d experienced these symptoms “during the last 7 days”. In HPS data collected after August 2021, the period was expanded to “during the last 2 weeks”.
Reported symptoms of anxiety and depression during the pandemic
HPS data show that reports of symptoms of anxiety and depression are higher during the pandemic than they were pre-pandemic but that reports of these symptoms have declined over the past year.
Data from the HPS collected in January of 2021 showed that 41% of adults reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder at that time.
That was higher than the NCHS data that showed 11% of adults reported experiencing these symptoms in 2019.
The most recent HPS data, however, showed a significant decline in the prevalence of reports of these symptoms from a year ago: In the first half of January 2022, 32% of all adults reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in the previous two weeks.
Where you work makes a difference
HPS data show that in January of 2022, individuals who worked at home were less likely to report symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder than those who worked in-person in the last week, 30% vs 34%, respectively.
The survey also shows that among in-person workers, there was a difference in the likelihood of reporting these symptoms.
The HPS identifies 17 in-person job settings that are often considered “frontline” workplaces in terms of risk of COVID-19. These include medical settings, first responders, K-12 schools, food manufacturing, and food retail, among others.
“Frontline” workers were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders. For in-person workers in one of these frontline workplaces, about 35% reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, but for all other in-person workers, the share that reported these symptoms was about 31%.
In fact, in-person workers in non-frontline jobs were no more likely to report symptoms than people who worked at home.
Vaccination status also matters
Increased vaccination may help explain why anxiety and depression have declined over time.
In January of 2021, 33% of vaccinated adults were experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression but 42% of unvaccinated adults experienced those symptoms. However, a very small share of adults had been vaccinated at that time.
The CDC’s COVID data tracker shows that on January 10, 2021, just over 10 million adults in the United States had received at least one shot.
Over the course of 2021, COVID-19 vaccines became more available. By January 20, 2022, the CDC tracker shows that 225 million adults had received at least one dose of a vaccine against COVID-19.
The share of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression in January continued to be lower for adults who had received at least one shot than for unvaccinated adults.
While the share of vaccinated adults reporting these symptoms remained constant year to year, the share of the unvaccinated reporting anxiety or depression declined.
That could be because the vaccinated and unvaccinated populations have changed. In 2021, the unvaccinated included people who wanted the vaccine but could not get it.
In January 2021, the HPS data show that there were 173 million unvaccinated adults who said they would get a vaccine when available. By January 2022, only 37 million remained unvaccinated and 24 million of them reported they probably or definitely would not get a vaccine.
"Vaccinated" here refers to adults who have received at least one dose of any COVID vaccine, and "unvaccinated" refers to adults who have not received any.
About the Household Pulse Survey
The HPS is designed to provide near real-time data on how the pandemic is affecting Americans’ lives. Information on the methodology and reliability of these estimates can be found in the source and accuracy statements for each data release.
Data users interested in state-level sample sizes, the number of respondents, weighted response rates and occupied housing unit coverage ratios can consult the quality measures file available at the same location.
The latest data analyzed for this story were collected from December 29, 2021-January 10, 2022, during week 41 of the survey. The Census Bureau sent invitations to 1,044,701 households and received a total of 74,995 responses, for a weighted response rate of 7.2%.
Data collected from January 6-18, 2021, during week 22, are also referenced. In that data cycle, the Census Bureau sent invitations to 1,037,972 households, and received a total of 68,348 responses, yielding a weighted response rate of 6.4%.
Daniel J. Perez-Lopez is a survey statistician in the Social, Economic and Housing Statistics Division.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
On Monday, Feb. 14, at 8 a.m., Registrar of Voters Maria Valadez and her team of five staffers will be open for business at a new location — 325 N. Forbes St. in Lakeport.
Many local residents will recognize this space as, “The old PG&E building.”
They are leaving behind the 800-square-foot space on the second floor of the Lake County Courthouse — just a block away — for the new location, which Valadez said is about 2,000 square feet.
“We’ll have more room to work,” Valadez said.
She said the Auditor-Controller’s Office is set to expand into the space that formerly housed the Elections Office.
In July, the Board of Supervisors approved a lease for the space that runs through July 31, 2031, as Lake County News has reported. The lease rate is $2,200 per month for the first five years, after which increases can take place based on the Consumer Price Index.
Those that previously paid their PG&E bill at 325 N. Forbes will observe many modifications have been made to the space.
Renovations were managed by the outstanding Buildings and Grounds team from the county’s Public Services Department.
In addition, county Information Technology staff worked to ensure data infrastructure was secure, and would provide for continuous information availability.
Each step of the remodel was guided by a two-pronged focus: providing the best available customer service for Lake County’s voters while responsibly investing public funds, the county reported.
“Our office seeks to ensure every Lake County Resident is aware of their opportunities to vote, and provide for free, fair and transparent elections. This new office location will help us accomplish that,” said Valadez.
“During recent election cycles, particularly in light of COVID-19 precautions, it has been difficult to provide adequate space for people seeking to observe key public elections processes,” Valadez continued. “The configuration of this new office is purpose-built, and we believe it will enhance public confidence in the diligent work our staff undertake every day.”
She added, “We are excited to continue providing the highest quality service.”
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8, online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and on the county’s Facebook page. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
To participate in real-time, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link.
The meeting ID is 989 6315 9874, pass code 133186. The meeting also can be accessed via one tap mobile at +16699006833,,98963159874#,,,,*133186#.
All interested members of the public that do not have internet access or a Mediacom cable subscription are encouraged to call 669-900-6833, and enter the Zoom meeting ID and pass code information above.
To submit a written comment on any agenda item visit https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and click on the eComment feature linked to the meeting date. If a comment is submitted after the meeting begins, it may not be read during the meeting but will become a part of the record.
At 9:30 a.m., Community Development Director Mary Darby will give an update on her department’s operations.
Her update will include the latest on Ordinance No. 3107, an urgency ordinance the board enacted in July to impose a temporary moratorium on the issuance of early activation permits for land use projects within the unincorporated county.
Also on Tuesday, in an untimed discussion, Supervisor Bruno Sabatier will ask for the board to reconsider an urgency ordinance that remains in effect requiring everyone, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status, to wear face coverings in county facilities. The state is lifting some of its masking rules as of Wednesday.
In another untimed item, the board will consider renegotiating certain provisions of an agreement approved on Sept. 28, 2021, with RCHDC regarding an affordable housing project on Collier Avenue in Nice, and also discuss an audit for financial activity regarding a loan and loan forgiveness for the project.
The board also will consider a cost sharing agreement for phase two of the Lake County Recreation Center Feasibility Study. That also is an untimed item.
In other business, the board will present a proclamation at 9:06 a.m. designating the month of February 2022 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and will follow up with another proclamation at 9:10 a.m. designating the month of February 2022 Black History Month and celebrating Martin Luther King's birthday.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Approve application for Prepare California Jump Start Grant.
5.2: Adopt proclamation designating the month of February 2022 Black History Month.
5.3: Adopt proclamation designating the month of February 2022 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Lake County.
5.4: Approve Board of Supervisors meeting minutes for Jan. 25, 2022.
5.5: Approve authorization of destruction of records by the Registrar of Voters Office under Government Code section 26202.
5.6: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve the agreement between county of Lake Health Services and Lake County Office of Education for fiscal year 2021-2022 for a contract maximum of $88,650, and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.
5.7: Adopt resolution to amend the budget for FY 2021-2022 by appropriating unanticipated revenue for Public Health Services and authorize the Health Services director to sign necessary documents to secure these funds.
5.8: Approve Accela subscription annual license renewals from March 1, 2022, through Feb. 28, 2023, in the amount of $31,483.66, and authorize the board chair to sign.
5.9: Authorize the IT director to issue a purchase order to Berkeley Communications in the amount of $47,737.95 for a network attached storage system and professional services.
5.10: Authorize the county librarian to sign the grant agreement between the State Library and County Library for the Lake County Library Bookmobile project.
TIMED ITEMS
6.2, 9:06 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the month of February 2022 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Lake County.
6.3, 9:10 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the month of February 2022 Black History Month and Celebrating Martin Luther King's Birthday.
6.4, 9:30 a.m.: Consideration of update on Urgency Ordinance (Ordinance No. 3107, enacted on July 27, 2021) imposing a temporary prohibition (moratorium) on the issuance of early activation permits for land use projects within the unincorporated area of the county of Lake, and Update on Community Development Department operations.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Consideration of review and reconsideration of Urgency Ordinance No. 3108 requiring all persons, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, wear face coverings in county facilities.
7.3; a) Discussion and possible renegotiations of certain provisions of agreement approved on Sept. 28, 2021, with RCHDC, and b) discussion and direction on audit for financial activity regarding loan and loan forgiveness regarding Collier Avenue project.
7.4: Consideration of the cost sharing agreement for phase two of the Lake County Recreation Center Feasibility Study.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1; Conference with legal counsel: Decision whether to initiate litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4) — One potential case.
8.2: Public employee appointment pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54957(b)(1): Appointment of Public Health officer.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
The agenda can be found here.
The council chambers will be open to the public for the meeting. In accordance with updated guidelines from the state of California and revised Cal OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards, persons who are not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 are required to wear a face covering at this meeting.
If you cannot attend in person, and would like to speak on an agenda item, you can access the Zoom meeting remotely at this link or join by phone by calling toll-free 669-900-9128 or 346-248-7799.
The webinar ID is 973 6820 1787, access code is 477973; the audio pin will be shown after joining the webinar. Those phoning in without using the web link will be in “listen mode” only and will not be able to participate or comment.
Comments can be submitted by email to
On Tuesday, the council will receive an update on the All Children Thrive Youth Governance Council.
The council also will hold two public hearings.
The first will relate to the preparation of an application for Community Development Block Grant funding.
The second public hearing is to adopt an ordinance adding chapter 12.30 and amending chapters 9.08 and 10.08 of the Lakeport Municipal Code related to skating and
skateboarding in any skate park, parklands and the downtown district.
The new Lakefront Park will include a skate park, and Administrative Services Director/City Clerk Kelly Buendia’s written report to the council explained that the city needs to adopt an ordinance in compliance with Health and Safety Code Section 115800 which prohibits persons from riding a skateboard at a skateboard park without a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads.
“Last January, the passage of Senate Bill 1003 extended those requirements to persons using nonmotorized bicycles, scooters, inline skates, roller skates, or wheelchairs,” Buendia said.
In council business, the city manager will ask the council to adopt a resolution to oppose Initiative 21-0042A1, The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act.
The council also will get an update on the Lakefront Park project.
Public Works Superintendent Ron Ladd will ask the council to adopt a resolution naming the new playground structure to be located at Westside Park’s phase two the “Lakeport Lions Legacy Playground” and to adopt a resolution naming the new sports amenity, also to be located in the park’s phase two, the Futsol Pitch “In Memory of Marla Ruzicka.”
On the consent agenda — items usually accepted as a slate on one vote — are ordinances; minutes of the council’s regular meeting on Feb. 1; the Jan. 28 warrant register; and adoption of the proposed resolution adopting a records retention schedule, and authorizing destruction of certain city records and rescinding Resolution No. 2799 (2021).
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