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 Below are edited highlights.
How does isolation affect mental health? What are some strategies we
can use to find community during a lockdown?
“Before the pandemic, we were already in the middle of a mental
health crisis. And the pandemic has only made that more urgent. An
August survey from the Centers for Disease Control found that over
40% of adults reported experiencing mental health challenges,
including anxiety and depression.”
— Arianna Huffington, founder of Huffington Post and CEO of Thrive
Global
“Physical isolation doesn't mean social isolation. Staying connected
is more important than ever. Take a walk, enjoy nature, gather in
small numbers outside. Be present.”
— Preeti Malani, chief health officer at University of Michigan
Medicine
What should business leaders know about COVID-19's impact on their
employees, whether they are working remotely or on-site? What are
some steps they can take to address it?
“Everything is different. Everyone's routines, support systems and
expectations have changed. Have grace. Allow flexibility. Provide
anonymous, confidential support.”
— Megan Ranney, associate professor of emergency medicine at Brown
University
“Don’t just say you support mental health. Model it so that your
team members feel they can prioritize self-care and set boundaries.”
— Kelly Greenwood, founder & CEO of Mind Share Partners
Do you have tips for dealing with grief over the loss of a loved one
due to COVID-19?
“Grieving for loved ones is so hard during COVID-19. We can’t gather
for funerals or memorials. We can’t be in the hospital to offer
comfort on the final days. We can meet family and friends virtually
or socially distant. Reach out to friends and professional health
when needed.”
— Lawrence Gostin, director at O’Neill Institute for National &
Global Health Law at Georgetown Law
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What advice do you have for caregivers now? How can we support our children
during COVID-19?
“It’s hard to think about how to help others when individuals might be
struggling themselves! Maintain self-care and healthy habits. Help kids do the
same: get outside, connect with friends (even if virtual), establish routines.”
— Elizabeth Stuart, Associate Dean for Education Professor at John Hopkins
Bloomberg School of Public Health
“Role modeling is so important for kids, and that includes role modeling
vulnerability as parents. When we are grieving, don't hide. It's OK for kids to
see your tears. When we are down, it's OK to let them know you are seeing a
therapist or psychiatrist.”
— Dr. Howard Liu, chair of University of Nebraska Medical Center's department of
psychiatry and a member of the American Psychiatric Association's Council on
Communications
How can we help our friends, family and colleagues who are feeling depressed,
anxious and maybe even suicidal?
“Don't be afraid to ask about safety. It is awkward and anxiety-provoking.
People do not consider suicide because someone asks. Asking is often the
intervention that keeps people safe. Isolation and helplessness are much greater
risks than despair.”
— Rebecca Kullback, psychotherapist and co-owner of Metropolitan Counseling
Associates and LaunchWell College Readiness Program
What makes people resilient?
“A sense of belonging can promote resilience: that could be a sense of belonging
to family, a group one identifies with, culture, or place in the world.
Familiarity with your own history can support a sense of belonging and therefore
increase resilience.”
— Riana Elyse Anderson, assistant professor in the health behavior and health
education department at the University of Michigan School of Public Health
(Editing By Lauren Young and Dan Grebler)
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