For many Americans these days, a simple – “Hi, how are you?” – can be a question as loaded as a handshake.

Recent data from the American Psychological Association points to an impending mental health crisis. Following the death of George Floyd, 83% of adults reported significant stress about the nation’s future. And 72% say this is the lowest point in U.S. history they can remember.

Large majorities report police violence toward minorities, the coronavirus pandemic and the government’s response to COVID-19 are significant sources of stress.

Parents also worry about how the pandemic will impact their child’s social development and behavior. For teenagers especially, the pandemic has increased feelings of loneliness.

The health and economic impact of the pandemic has exacerbated historic inequality in the nation, resulting in persistent mental health disparities by race and income.

Black individuals are experiencing higher rates of anxiety and depression than any other racial or ethnic group. And low-income Americans are nearly four times more likely than high-income Americans to report worrying uncontrollably nearly every day.