Nearly 9 out 10 Californians say America is in the midst of a mental health crisis, according to a sprawling new statewide survey of Golden State residents who also express lingering concerns over inflation, homelessness and housing.

The overwhelming consensus on the poor state of America’s mental health, which fully 87% of Californians labeled a crisis, crossed all political and demographic groups in the poll released Tuesday night by the Public Policy Institute of California

Yet, perhaps counterintuitively, 81% of those surveyed said they would rate their own mental health as excellent (18%), very good (31%) or good (32%). Only 4% described their own mental health as poor. But nearly 4 out 10 said the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on their mental health.

“I think that people are reading and hearing a lot about what is going on in terms of drug abuse, mental health, homelessness,” said Mark Baldassare, statewide survey director at the PPIC.

In a rare show of unity, the poll found that huge majorities of Democrats (91%), Independents (90%) and Republicans (85%) all believe the U.S. is experiencing a mental health crisis. It’s the same among racial and ethnic groups, with voters who identified as Black (93%), White (88%), Latino (86%) and Asian American (83%) agreeing.

The survey comes just as the state next month begins rolling out one of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s key initiatives known as CARE Court, which allows a court to require treatment for people suffering from severe mental illness. And next spring, voters will be asked to approve a nearly $6.4 billion bond measure that would add thousands of beds for psychiatric and residential treatment facilities.

The PPIC results mirrored the opinions of voters across the country in a CNN/Kaiser Family Foundation poll in October 2022, in which 90% considered the U.S. in a mental health crisis. With such a broad question, though, Paul Maslin, a Democratic pollster in California, isn’t fazed by the consensus.

“News flash – America is screwed up, is that a surprise?” he said. “If you just sort of spring something on people, and say, ‘Is America in a mental health crisis?’, there are so many things going on. Does it mean the general insanity in our news all the time? Does it mean homelessness? These are insane times, so if you say, ‘Is America suffering from a mental health crisis? Yeah, we are’.”

Although concerns over mental health and homelessness are high, nickel-and-dime financial matters still topped the survey’s list of issues of concern, with more than 28% of those surveyed naming jobs, the economy, and inflation as the number one issue facing the state. Homelessness came in second, at 14%, while housing costs and availability came in third, at 13%.

Californians’ concerns over the economy seem just as bad, if not worse, than they did a few months ago when the national inflation rate was considerably higher, at 5% compared to 3.7% last month. Three-quarters of respondents in Tuesday’s poll said that they felt less comfortable making a major purchase like a car or home now than they did six months ago.

“People have experienced now the uncertainty around inflation, and that’s going to take a while for them to let go,” said Baldassare, who added that concerns over the economy could spell trouble for incumbents if they carry over into 2024, although it’s unclear which party voters will blame since control of Congress is split.

The PPIC survey was conducted in English and Spanish by the polling firm Ipsos, and included responses from 1,671 adult California residents from Aug. 25–Sept. 5.

Meanwhile, the survey included some encouraging news for Adam Schiff, the Democrat congressman who had a slight lead in the race to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein, with around 20% support from likely voters — very similar results to another statewide poll earlier this month. Orange County Congresswoman Katie Porter came in second, with 15%, while Congresswoman Barbara Lee of Oakland came in third, at 8%. Republicans James P. Bradley and Eric Early each had 5% support.

Sixteen percent of voters said they still didn’t know who they would support. The top two vote-getters in the March primary will face-off in the 2024 general election.

Democratic strategist Darry Sragow, who advised Feinstein on her first statewide campaign for governor in 1990, said that it’s still far too early to say who will come out on top.

“You can say Adam Schiff is the frontrunner,” he said, “but that’s not to say he has this locked up – not remotely.”

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1. Practice Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. It involves focusing on your breath and being present in the moment. Mindfulness meditation can help you develop a greater sense of awareness, reduce stress levels, and improve overall well-being. You can start by finding a quiet place, sitting comfortably, and focusing on your breath. You can also try using a guided meditation app like Headspace or Calm.

2. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is not only good for your physical health but also for your mental health. It can help reduce stress levels, boost your mood, and increase overall well-being. You can incorporate exercise into your daily routine by taking a walk, going for a run, or joining a gym. There are also many online workout resources available for free, such as YouTube channels and fitness apps.

3. Connect with Nature

California is home to many beautiful natural landmarks, including beaches, mountains, and national parks. Spending time in nature can help reduce stress levels and increase feelings of calmness and well-being. You can take a hike, go for a swim, or simply spend time in the sunshine. Even small doses of nature can have a positive effect on your mental health.

4. Maintain Social Connections

Social connections are important for our mental health. Having a support system can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. You can maintain social connections by spending time with family and friends, joining a group or club, or volunteering in your community. There are also many online resources available for connecting with others, such as social media platforms and online forums.

5. Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is essential for managing stress and anxiety. It involves taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. You can prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, practicing relaxation techniques, and doing things that bring you joy. It’s important to make time for yourself and prioritize self-care in your daily routine.

In conclusion, living in California can be stressful, but there are ways to cope with stress and anxiety. By practicing mindfulness meditation, exercising regularly, connecting with nature, maintaining social connections, and prioritizing self-care, Californians can improve their overall well-being and lead happy, healthy lives. Remember, it’s important to take care of yourself and seek professional help if needed.

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One of the most significant challenges that Californians face is the high cost of healthcare. Many people do not have access to mental health services due to the high cost of therapy and medication. This can be especially challenging for those who are struggling with mental health issues and cannot afford the necessary treatment. Embracing self-help techniques for mental health and wellness can be an affordable and effective way to address these challenges.

Another challenge that Californians face is the fast-paced lifestyle that many of us lead. The hustle and bustle of daily life can be overwhelming, leading to stress and anxiety. Self-help techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can be effective in reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.

Additionally, California is known for its natural disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires, and mudslides. These events can be traumatic and have a significant impact on mental health. Embracing self-help techniques for mental health and wellness can help individuals cope with the aftermath of these events and promote resilience.

Finally, the stigma surrounding mental health can be a significant barrier for many Californians seeking help. Many people are afraid to seek treatment due to the fear of being judged or stigmatized. Embracing self-help techniques for mental health and wellness can be a way for individuals to take control of their mental health and well-being without feeling ashamed or judged.

In conclusion, Californians need to embrace self-help for mental health and wellness. By doing so, we can address the significant challenges we face, such as the high cost of healthcare, fast-paced lifestyles, natural disasters, and stigma surrounding mental health. Embracing self-help techniques can be an affordable and effective way to promote mental well-being and take control of our mental health.

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