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TIPS FOR MANAGING MENTAL
HEALTH DURING COVID-19
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.COM | OCT. 2-OCT. 8, 2020 15
BY BEATRIX LOCKWOOD
REUTERS
Months in, the pandemic continues
to take a toll on mental health. As
part of our #AskReuters Twitter chat
series, Reuters gathered a group of experts
to share their tips on coping with
isolation, caregiving and more.
Below are edited highlights.
How does isolation affect mental
health? What are some strategies
we can use to find community during
a lockdown?
“Before the pandemic, we were already
in the middle of a mental health
crisis. And the pandemic has only
made that more urgent. An August
survey from the Centers for Disease
Control found that over 40% of adults
reported experiencing mental health
challenges, including anxiety and depression.”
— Arianna Huffington, founder of
Huffington Post and CEO of Thrive
Global
“Physical isolation doesn’t mean
social isolation. Staying connected
is more important than ever. Take a
walk, enjoy nature, gather in small
numbers outside. Be present.”
— Preeti Malani, chief health officer
at University of Michigan Medicine
What should business leaders know
about COVID-19’s impact on their employees,
whether they are working remotely
or on-site? What are some steps
they can take to address it?
“Everything is different. Everyone’s
routines, support systems and expectations
have changed. Have grace.
Allow flexibility. Provide anonymous,
confidential support.”
— Megan Ranney, associate professor
of emergency medicine at Brown
University
“Don’t just say you support mental
health. Model it so that your team
members feel they can prioritize selfcare
and set boundaries.”
— Kelly Greenwood, founder & CEO
of Mind Share Partners
Do you have tips for dealing with
grief over the loss of a loved one due
to COVID-19?
“Grieving for loved ones is so hard
during COVID-19. We can’t gather for
funerals or memorials. We can’t be
in the hospital to offer comfort on the
final days. We can meet family and
friends virtually or socially distant.
Reach out to friends and professional
health when needed.”
— Lawrence Gostin, director at
O’Neill Institute for National & Global
Health Law at Georgetown Law
What advice do you have for
caregivers now? How can we support
our children during COVID-
19?
“It’s hard to think about how to
help others when individuals might
be struggling themselves! Maintain
self-care and healthy habits. Help kids
do the same: get outside, connect with
friends (even if virtual), establish routines.”
— Elizabeth Stuart, Associate Dean
for Education Professor at John Hopkins
Bloomberg School of Public Health
“Role modeling is so important for
kids, and that includes role modeling
vulnerability as parents. When we are
grieving, don’t hide. It’s OK for kids to
see your tears. When we are down, it’s
OK to let them know you are seeing a
therapist or psychiatrist.”
— Dr. Howard Liu, chair of University
of Nebraska Medical Center’s department
of psychiatry and a member of
the American Psychiatric Association’s
Council on Communications
How can we help our friends,
family and colleagues who are feeling
depressed, anxious and maybe
even suicidal?
“Don’t be afraid to ask about safety.
It is awkward and anxiety-provoking.
People do not consider suicide because
someone asks. Asking is often the intervention
that keeps people safe. Isolation
and helplessness are much greater
risks than despair.”
— Rebecca Kullback, psychotherapist
and co-owner of Metropolitan
Counseling Associates and LaunchWell
College Readiness Program
What makes people resilient?
“A sense of belonging can promote
resilience: that could be a sense of belonging
to family, a group one identifies
with, culture, or place in the world.
Familiarity with your own history can
support a sense of belonging and therefore
increase resilience.”
— Riana Elyse Anderson, assistant
professor in the health behavior and
health education department at the
University of Michigan School of Public
Health
/QNS.COM
