1/13
When we went into isolation, we had no idea what we were in for. As we navigated this pandemic, we were beset by, among other things, job loss, isolation, lives disrupted, and lives lost. #velshi
When we went into isolation, we had no idea what we were in for. As we navigated this pandemic, we were beset by, among other things, job loss, isolation, lives disrupted, and lives lost. #velshi
2/13
We had no idea how to navigate it, all we knew was that we were in this together. Now, our world is opening, and things are starting to get back to normal. But many of us don't feel “normal” because the pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health. #velshi
We had no idea how to navigate it, all we knew was that we were in this together. Now, our world is opening, and things are starting to get back to normal. But many of us don't feel “normal” because the pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health. #velshi
3/13
Getting back to the “before times” *should* help. Freely socializing without fear. Seeing friends and loved ones who make up our support systems, and not being consumed by questions and concerns about a deadly virus. #velshi
Getting back to the “before times” *should* help. Freely socializing without fear. Seeing friends and loved ones who make up our support systems, and not being consumed by questions and concerns about a deadly virus. #velshi
4/13
But even in the “before” times, addressing and nurturing mental health was a weak link in our imperfect healthcare system. As a society, we’ve had trouble recognizing declines in mental health and erasing the stigmas that surround it. #velshi
But even in the “before” times, addressing and nurturing mental health was a weak link in our imperfect healthcare system. As a society, we’ve had trouble recognizing declines in mental health and erasing the stigmas that surround it. #velshi
5/13
Isolation may have worsened mental illness in America, but it’s not an isolated problem: According to data from the CDC and the US Census Bureau, 42% of U.S. adults reported symptoms of anxiety and depression in December of 2020. #velshi
Isolation may have worsened mental illness in America, but it’s not an isolated problem: According to data from the CDC and the US Census Bureau, 42% of U.S. adults reported symptoms of anxiety and depression in December of 2020. #velshi
6/13
Despite the striking rise in depression and anxiety, millions actually skipped mental health care during the pandemic. #velshi
Despite the striking rise in depression and anxiety, millions actually skipped mental health care during the pandemic. #velshi
7/13
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says between March and October of 2020, there was a 22% decline in the number of mental health services utilized by adults Maybe because they couldn’t get the treatment while they were homebound. #velshi
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says between March and October of 2020, there was a 22% decline in the number of mental health services utilized by adults Maybe because they couldn’t get the treatment while they were homebound. #velshi
8/13
Maybe it’s because people who are out of work or don’t have health care can’t pay for mental health care. Maybe because there’s a stigma attached to talking to your therapist while your family is around. Because our society stigmatizes mental illness. #velshi
Maybe it’s because people who are out of work or don’t have health care can’t pay for mental health care. Maybe because there’s a stigma attached to talking to your therapist while your family is around. Because our society stigmatizes mental illness. #velshi
9/13
There have been some changes recently, incl. a provision in Biden’s $1.9T covid-19 relief bill that sets aside money for treating mental health disorders & supporting the mental health workforce. And that’s a good start. But that’s all it is right now: a start. #velshi
There have been some changes recently, incl. a provision in Biden’s $1.9T covid-19 relief bill that sets aside money for treating mental health disorders & supporting the mental health workforce. And that’s a good start. But that’s all it is right now: a start. #velshi
10/13
It’s time that changed. We - all of us - must put in the work to recognize the mental health struggles that exist in our families, with our friends, our co-workers, and ourselves. And we must talk about it. Out loud. #velshi
It’s time that changed. We - all of us - must put in the work to recognize the mental health struggles that exist in our families, with our friends, our co-workers, and ourselves. And we must talk about it. Out loud. #velshi
11/13
Covid was a silent illness, and, because of that, we struggled with how to deal with something we couldn’t see, and to which none of us were immune. Mental illness is a silent illness, too, from which none of us are immune. #velshi
Covid was a silent illness, and, because of that, we struggled with how to deal with something we couldn’t see, and to which none of us were immune. Mental illness is a silent illness, too, from which none of us are immune. #velshi
12/13
Like Covid, it is an emergency which deserves the attention we now don’t have to focus on Covid. If you or someone you know is having a hard time, it’s ok. You are not alone and there are places to start to get help. #velshi
Like Covid, it is an emergency which deserves the attention we now don’t have to focus on Covid. If you or someone you know is having a hard time, it’s ok. You are not alone and there are places to start to get help. #velshi
13/13
Here’s one of them: The National Substance Abuse and Mental Health helpline is free. The number is 1-800-662-HELP or 1800-662-4357. Let’s make talking about - and treating - mental health a priority. Because we are still all in this together. #velshi
Here’s one of them: The National Substance Abuse and Mental Health helpline is free. The number is 1-800-662-HELP or 1800-662-4357. Let’s make talking about - and treating - mental health a priority. Because we are still all in this together. #velshi
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