A recent survey highlights a modest improvement in the mental health of Coloradans, despite significant challenges in affording basic necessities like housing and healthcare. The Colorado Health Access Survey, conducted from February to July and involving nearly 10,000 respondents, sheds light on the economic and mental health landscape in the state.
Mental Health Improvements Noted
The survey indicated that only 20.5% of participants reported poor mental health on at least eight days in the previous month, a notable decrease from 26.1% in 2023. Although this figure marks an improvement, it still reflects a troubling trend, as it is roughly double the percentage of individuals who reported similar feelings a decade ago.
The survey, which has been conducted by the Colorado Health Institute in odd-numbered years, found that the only age group showing a statistically significant decline in poor mental health was adults aged 30 to 64. Improvements among younger adults were minor, while older adults showed a slight increase in reported poor mental health, suggesting possible random fluctuations rather than a clear trend, according to survey project leader Suman Mathur.
Another positive finding was that fewer respondents reported going without needed mental health care last year. About one-third of participants indicated they had spoken with a healthcare provider about their mental health in the previous year, representing a 50% increase since 2017.
Loneliness and Health Implications
Despite these mental health gains, approximately 22% of respondents reported feelings of loneliness, based on their sense of companionship and social isolation. The survey did not ask about loneliness in previous years, so it is unclear whether this figure represents an increase or decrease over time. Those who reported feeling lonely were twice as likely to rate their physical health as poor and four times more likely to view their mental health similarly.
The city of Denver reported the highest rates of loneliness in the state, though the reasons remain unclear, as noted by Lindsey Whittington, the data and analysis manager at the Colorado Health Institute. The survey established a baseline for loneliness across various demographics but did not explore the underlying factors contributing to these feelings.
Particularly vulnerable groups included individuals who identify as transgender or nonbinary, those with disabilities, adults under 30, and American Indian respondents, all reporting higher rates of loneliness.
Insurance Coverage and Economic Hardships
The survey also revealed that health insurance coverage remained relatively stable. About 5.9% of respondents reported lacking health insurance, a slight increase from 4.6% in 2023 but consistent with pre-pandemic figures. This stability may alleviate concerns about potential coverage losses following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Approximately 21% of respondents had Medicaid coverage this year, a decrease from 30% at the height of the pandemic. Conversely, those with job-based coverage saw an increase for the first time since the pandemic began, though this rise did not fully compensate for the losses in Medicaid enrollment.
The survey also highlighted significant economic challenges, with one-third of Coloradans struggling to afford healthcare, housing, or food. About 3.5% reported difficulties in affording all three essentials. Difficulty accessing healthcare due to costs was most prevalent, affecting 27.5% of respondents, while around 11% experienced challenges in paying rent or mortgages.
Hardship was not evenly distributed, as uninsured individuals were most likely to report going without necessary health care. Those covered by Medicare faced fewer issues accessing care than those with job-based insurance. Moreover, respondents identifying as American Indian, Black, or Hispanic reported more significant struggles with affordability compared to their white or Asian counterparts. Renters also faced greater financial difficulties than homeowners, and individuals living alone experienced more hardship than those residing with family or roommates.
This survey paints a complex picture of the mental health and economic landscape in Colorado, reflecting both improvements in mental health and ongoing struggles with essential living costs.
