Russia's invasion of Ukraine has pushed Americans' stress levels higher than ever before, according to a new poll by the American Psychological Association (APA).

In recent years, most U.S. residents cited the pandemic, money, work, and the economy as top stressors. Now, they say scenes of the Ukraine invasion by Russia have pushed their stress levels even higher.

Lynn Bufka, a clinical psychologist and a member of the APA, said the organization conducted a February poll in anticipation of the two-year pandemic anniversary, and then polled people again in early March, specifically about the war in Europe.

"We found two-thirds or more are concerned about the economy, money, work," Bufka outlined. "And then 80% or more of our respondents reported that they are very concerned about what's happening in Ukraine."

Bufka pointed out the APA does not usually see such a large percentage of people citing the same stress factor. She added the highest levels of stress previously reported in the surveys was during the 2008 recession. The March poll surveyed slightly more than 2,000 adults.

Bufka noted the stress people report is a normal response to an abnormal situation. She reported across the board, the possibility of nuclear war was especially concerning to those polled.

"It's younger adults, older adults, people of color, men, women," Bufka explained. "The fact that we're seeing such a large proportion of the population also telling us that this is very stressful is different from even just six months ago."

In regard to the pandemic, Bufka stressed it has been especially difficult for parents, because they are trying to manage their own concerns and also protect and raise their children.

"The mental, emotional, internal resources one has for managing all the demands are stretched really thin for parents," Bufka observed. "It's been pretty overwhelming for parents, in particular."

In addition to parents, Bufka emphasized immigrants who fled a European conflict or veterans who have served in wars abroad say they are particularly stressed about the Ukraine conflict.

Nevada is among a handful of states to add a surcharge to all phone bills intended to help support the state's 988 mental health emergency hotline.

A new report by the mental health advocacy group Inseparable found if the surcharge were to increase from 35 cents to 98 cents, it would generate approximately $3 million annually for the Silver State.

Angela Kimball, chief advocacy officer for Inseparable, said the report is a tool to help policymakers and state leaders develop an equitable and sustainable crisis response system. They found Nevada's in-state answer rate sits at 68%, when it should be above 90%.

"We're still a long way from having the kind of system that everybody expects in every ZIP code, in every part of America," Kimball acknowledged.

Kimball pointed out with the implementation of 988, it also brought about changes in the way local jurisdictions respond to mental health crises. The report highlighted Nevada has convened a workgroup to build response processes for collaboration between 988 and 911. While it is a step in the right direction, the report showed Nevada could improve call center capacity, crisis response as well as system financing.

Nevada has the 39th highest suicide rate in the country and also ranks 50th in the nation for overall mental health, according to the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health.

Kimball stressed the figures need to see improvement. She added not having an effective response system in place can make a difference between life and death for some.

"People going without help, being turned on to the streets, being in jail, being in emergency departments, being hospitalized -- voluntarily or involuntarily -- or, tragically, having their life end," Kimball noted.

Kimball added the report lays out policy examples for each of their policy recommendations which come from red and blue states moving the needle in the right direction. She hopes they can serve as inspiration for other states. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental-health emergency, do not hesitate to call or text 988.

Florida is getting attention for its efforts to create a comprehensive crisis response system for mental health needs.

A new report by the mental health advocacy group Inseparable calls for policies to expand 988 call center capacity, increase the availability of mobile response units, create more crisis stabilization centers and establish stable funding mechanisms to sustain the services.

Melanie Brown-Woofter, president of the Florida Behavioral Health Association, said the Sunshine State is doing all that and more to provide care for anyone in crisis, including adding more clinics.

"And now the certified community behavioral health clinics, we are really building an entire system that allows an individual in crisis to seek care and be linked to the right level of care at the right time," Brown-Woofter explained. "And to have those resources available that they need."

She pointed out with Florida operating mobile response teams for over 30 years, it is well ahead of other states. She notes the increased state funding to expand services and to establish central receiving facilities, which are not yet available in every state.

The facilities provide what she described as a full continuum of care, from crisis intervention to residential treatment, detox services and child care, all in one location.

Angela Kimball, chief advocacy officer for Inseparable, said it features solutions designed to ensure everyone in a mental health crisis receives the right services at the right time and provides a detailed roadmap for lawmakers.

"Our real goal here is to help create a very visual, easy to understand tool that lets them understand how they can be that champion," Kimball emphasized. "That helps ensure that no one's worst day keeps them from living their best life."

Another objective for Kimball is to spark conversations about what is achievable. For instance, the report showcased Oklahoma's RideCare program, which offers non-law enforcement transportation to urgent recovery centers. Oklahoma also distributed nearly 30,000 iPads equipped with crisis de-escalation tools to first responders and others.

Georgia provides "Peer2Peer Warm Lines" offering 24-hour support from trained specialists to people facing challenges who may not require emergency response.

Wyoming ranked highest in the nation for suicide rates four consecutive years through 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the state is funding more crisis response.

About 90% of calls to Wyoming's 988 crisis response line get an in-state answer, according to a new report. Calls used to be routed elsewhere, but the state has been working to localize responses.

Two Wyoming call centers opened in 2020 to offer 24/7 support and now average about 500 in-state calls per month, according to the Wyoming Department of Health.

Kim Deti, public information officer for the department, said the state is currently working to house the helpline's text and online chat options in-state too, and a local connection is important.

"We believe that people within Wyoming, whether they're calling, texting or chatting, they may feel more able to connect and relate to someone from their area," Deti explained.

A 2023 state law created a trust fund for the program but failed to add money to pay for it. This year, a proposed $40 million allocation was reduced to $10 million in the final state budget. Federal funds are also available through July 2025.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988.

The nonprofit Inseparable published a report this month to improve crisis response systems. It encourages states to pursue policies to develop system infrastructure, accountability, workforce capacity and sustainable funding.

Angela Kimball, chief advocacy officer for the mental health advocacy organization Inseparable, said in terms of payment, response to mental health emergencies should look like the response to other emergencies.

"Police come. They don't ask whether or not there's an insurance card or a payer first. And the same is true for mental health, substance use, and suicidal crises," Kimball urged. "We want there to be a response regardless."

Kimball argued there should be funds for mental health crises beyond Medicaid.