How to take charge of your mental health
COURIER LIFE, AUGUST 21-27, 2020 21
Our nation is sharing in an experience
with the COVID-19 crisis
that will serve to reshape the
future of our communities, our work,
our families, and each and every individual.
With so much attention focused
on the diagnosis and treatment
related to the virus, we recognize that
those feelings of isolation, depression,
anxiety, and even substance use may
impact substantially more of us than a
COVID-19 diagnosis.
Nearly half of American adults report
that the COVID-19 crisis has affected
their mental health, according
to recent polling by the Kaiser Family
Foundation.
Meanwhile, Mental Health America’s
(MHA) free, anonymous screening
tools have seen a 70% increase
in individuals taking their anxiety
screen, and a 64% increase in the
number of people taking their depression
screen between January and
April of this year.
During this public health emergency,
it is important to take care
of ourselves, support one other and
spread the message that “you are not
alone.”
You are not alone
The National Alliance on Mental
Illness (NAMI) is partnering with
Anthem Inc., one of the nation’s largest
health benefi ts companies, on a
month-long campaign focused on reminding
all of us that “You Are Not
Alone.”
May is National Mental Health
Month, and together, NAMI and Anthem,
Inc. are focused on the power
and necessity of maintaining social
connections and well-being during a
time when many are physically distanced
from each other.
As NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison,
Jr. shared, “Especially during this
time of isolation, uncertainty and
tragedy, it is vital that no one feels
alone in their mental health journey.”
He continued, “The COVID-19 crisis
not only shines a spotlight on our
need for social connectedness, but
also our need for real mental health
resources. To support individuals
during this crisis, NAMI is raising
awareness to change our fragmented
mental health system into one that
serves everyone, so people can get the
care they need.”
“Caring for ourselves - physically
and emotionally - is critical to improving
lives and communities,” said Dr.
Prakash Patel, executive vice president
and president of Anthem, Inc.’s
Diversifi ed Business Group. “During
this challenging public health crisis,
it’s important to know there are resources
out there, whether through
your employer, healthcare provider
or community organizations, to help
us get through this diffi cult time.
Taking care of our mental health
is just as important as our physical
health. This month is a great reminder
to take care of ourselves, as
well as each other.”
Caring for yourself, caring for
others
To take charge of your mental
health during the current crisis:
Care for yourself. Recognize the
importance of “me time” and carve
out a part of each day to do something
that rejuvenates yourself - listen to
a podcast, do yoga, connect with a
friend, or just go outside for a breath
of fresh air.
Seek help if you need it. Talking to
a friend or family member is a good
start, but professional mental health
services may also be necessary. The
earlier people seek help, the better
their results. While going to see
someone in person may not be possible,
telehealth offers a way to talk to
a professional while practicing physical
distancing. If you are thinking
about harming yourself, contact the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline,
which can provide free and confi dential
emotional support in times of crisis.
Explore community resources.
There are many valuable and often
underutilized resources available.
These include Employee Assistance
Programs (EAP), which are offered
by many employers and include free
therapy sessions and telehealth, as
well as digital resources, like the
mental health resource site, Psych
Hub.
Support one another. Caring for
others is one way to care for yourself.
Call an older adult who may be experiencing
loneliness, text a friend who’s
working long hours, or join your family
or friends for a video dinner. A
simple gesture can go a long way for
you and for them.
Talk about it. Let people know that
they are not alone. Your experience
matters. Taking time for yourself?
Share your #MeMinutes, whether on
social media, using the hashtag, or
with others in your community. Sharing
your own self-care routine may encourage
others to care for themselves,
too.
Sharing your personal experience
engages others and fosters acceptance
and awareness around mental
health, and encourages others to take
the steps to access treatment and support
during diffi cult times. You are
not alone.
— BPT
Health
Nearly half of Americans report that COVID-19 has affected their mental health. Brandpoint