The Friday Five – Mental Health Month 2020
Follow and join the conversation with #MHM2020, #MentalHealthMonth and #Tools2Thrive.
Every May since 1949, Mental Health America (@mentalhealtham) and their affiliates across the country have led the observance of Mental Health Month by reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. Mental Health America is dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives and to bringing the topic of mental illness out of the shadows. MHA believes our bodies and minds work together and to be truly healthy our whole selves. That’s why this year, the Mental Health Month theme is Tools 2 Thrive will provide practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency regardless of the situations they are dealing with. We now believe that these tools – even those that may need to be adapted for the short term because of COVID-19 and social distancing – will be more useful than ever. This week’s Friday Five focuses on the mental health crisis in America, especially during the COVID-19 global pandemic, and how you can start improving your mental and physical well being today.
United Nations Calls for Expanded and Funded Mental Health Services
António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations since 2017, declares “Mental health services are an essential part of all government responses to COVID-19.” He urges all governments to come together and stand with those who are suffering during the pandemic by expanding and fully funding mental health services. Read his full statement here and the Policy Brief: COVID-19 and the Need for Action on Mental Health.
Lockdowns and quarantines must not discriminate against those affected by mental health conditions.#COVID19 policies must support them, and protect their human rights and dignity.https://t.co/4jk8HhljHk
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 16, 2020
Changing the Conversation and Tackling the Stigma Around Mental Health
Heads Together (@heads_together) is a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, which combines a campaign to tackle stigma and change the conversation on mental health with fundraising for a series of innovative new mental health services. With their charity sponsors, Heads Together has rolled out The 60 Second Support Series, a new, innovative radio content series dedicated to offering listeners advice and tips to support their mental health during the coronavirus global pandemic.
The #MentalHealthMinute just connected over 20 million people across the country for #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek💙
Take this moment to reach out to someone – let them know how you’re feeling, and ask them how they are too. Because we’re all connected and you are not alone.
— Heads Together (@heads_together) May 18, 2020
APA Addresses How to Cope During Social Distancing and Quarantine
The American Psychological Association (@APA) is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, who’s mission is to promote the advancement, communication, and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives. Psychologists offer insights on how to social distance while still getting the support you need. Thanks in part to telemental health, many psychologists are continuing to see patients during the global coronavirus pandemic.
How are practitioners adjusting to telehealth services during #COVID19? Several psychologists share what they have experienced so far, including increased demand, sliding payment scales, and the importance of self-care. https://t.co/5JGeyM1rXl
— American Psychological Association (@APA) May 19, 2020
Sample Social Media Messaging
The National Council for Behavioral Health (@NationalCouncil) is the unifying voice of America’s health care organizations that deliver mental health and addictions treatment and services. Proud supporters of Mental Health Month, the Council has put together mental health facts and figures, graphics, and resources to use during COVID-19. Check out their suggested social media messaging for twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. In partnership with Mental Health First Aid (@MHFirstAidUSA) they have created several sharable graphics to be used with #BeTheDifference. These graphics address issues such as how to support a loved one during COVID-19, how to help someone with anxiety and depression, and how to care for yourself while you are practicing social distancing.
Take Care of Yourself and Your Community
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide resources for how to cope with stress and how to deal with overwhelming fear and anxiety during the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19.)
Caring for your mental health is important. Find ways you and your family can reduce stress during #COVID19. https://t.co/9bXW9jADlV pic.twitter.com/sJnM5ZRz0r
— CDC Global Health (@CDCGlobal) May 20, 2020
ICYMI – Our other Friday Fives and Blog posts from HCNR’s Nurse Lauren.
