The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Department of Public Health and State Senate have launched an awareness effort to help people cope with social isolation and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Kantar’s National Health & Wellness study, nearly one in two Americans say they are now dealing with anxiety and depression — double the normal rate from 2019.
The new campaign centers around “What If?,” a new video promoting the power of reaching out and connecting with those who might be struggling to cope, and includes tips and resources at the mass.gov/covid19 site.
WATCH BELOW: ‘What If?’
“May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is particularly important this year to address one of the common, but less talked about, challenges brought on by the pandemic – the feeling of being alone during uncertain times,” said Senate President Karen Spilka. “One of the most fundamental things anyone can do to help those struggling to cope is simple: reach out to your friends or loved ones to see how they are doing. This campaign also seeks to connect those who may need additional resources to the supports we have available as a state. I’m proud to partner with Secretary Sudders and her team on this timely and necessary effort.”
The video asks people to take four steps: Ask, Listen, Encourage, and Check-in.
It also directs viewers to online resources at mass.gov/CopingDuringCovid that offer information and suggestions on how to stay connected to loved ones and creative ways to cope, as well as the importance of using the free and confidential 2-1-1 system to talk to someone.
“We know that COVID-19 is impacting people’s mental health in very different, but very profound ways,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “Social distancing and staying at home, while necessary and effective during this public health crisis, can create challenges for everyone, and especially for those with behavioral health conditions. In partnership with Senate President Spilka, the effort launched today will raise awareness that there are many ways to cope.”
The “What if?” video is the first part of a larger public information campaign on mental health stigma scheduled to launch later this summer.
Watch the video here:
Photo Courtesy: Edited – MassDMH/YouTube
