FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM AUGUST 6, 2020 • HEALTH • THE QUEENS COURIER 33
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How to take charge of your mental health
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 aff ected
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
Th e National Alliance on Mental
Illness (NAMI) is partnering with
Anthem Inc., one of the nation’s largest
health benefi ts companies, on a monthlong
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, “Th e 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.
Th is 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. Th e earlier people
seek help, the better their results. While
going to see someone in person may
not be possible, telehealth off ers 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. Th ere
are many valuable and oft en underutilized
resources available. Th ese include
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP),
which are off ered by many employers
and include free therapy sessions and
telehealth, as well as digital resources,
like the mental health resource
site, Psych Hub. And you can contact
NAMI for nationwide peer-support and
resource referrals, by phone (800-950-
NAMI) or email (info@nami.org).
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
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