Destigmatizing Mental Health

There's no doubt that Covid-19 brought seismic shifts to everyday life for everyone and how we operate as a global society. Mental health issues are not new, but the Covid-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated the depth and amplitude of the problems we face. In 2019, before the pandemic, according to the United Nations, one in five adults in the United States experienced mental illness, most often depression or anxiety, and half of Americans were expected to confront a mental health issue during their lifetime. Today those numbers are dramatically higher, with some studies showing that as many as 80% of Americans are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or isolation. This is not surprising, given how Covid-19 wreaked havoc on our “new normal,” leaving a trail of devastation and grief across the globe.

While Covid-19 most likely contributed to the prevalence of mental health issues, it also spurred positive momentum in our communities to raise awareness and improve access to essential support and affordable mental health services. The pandemic expedited long-standing efforts within the professional mental health and physical healthcare communities to destigmatize mental health issues and normalize seeking help for these problems. Across diverse communities and industries, more open conversations have been emerging about how people are feeling, the challenges they face, and the resources they use to manage these concerns. Public perceptions of mental illness are becoming more empathetic and compassionate, and discussions about the issue are becoming more frequent, open, and inclusive, especially among younger populations.

The pandemic has significantly accelerated the growth of teletherapy options, greatly expanding widespread access to mental health services. In early 2020, many healthcare industries swiftly transitioned from in-person to online care. This immediate shift spurred rapid innovation in virtual therapy, resulting in successful interactions between patients and providers, improved quality of available platforms and mental health services, and increased investment in new technologies and platforms for mental healthcare. While many are now returning to in-person care, telehealth has remained a crucial medium for reaching new groups of people seeking help and those who utilize telehealth as their preferred method of receiving therapy or mental healthcare. Telehealth enables patients to receive medical care through video calls, online chat, or phone consultations. This virtual visit option enhances patients' access to professional healthcare services in a more convenient manner.

Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a significant transformation in the perception of mental health and the encouragement for individuals to seek professional assistance when needed. This change has also led to positive developments in the workplace, where people spend a substantial portion of their time. Employers have become increasingly cognizant of the impact of stress on their employees and the importance of protecting mental health. Employers provided telephone hotlines for individuals experiencing heightened anxiety or depression to access immediate support. Following the peak of the pandemic, many companies and workplaces are continuing to offer their employees resources for mental health and the option to work from home. 

Before Covid, people often kept their mental health struggles private due to the stigma around discussing such issues. With the pandemic, remote work and virtual check-ins became more common, and questions like “how are you coping today?” normalized conversations about emotional well-being. Additionally, the pandemic has underscored the disparities in mental health care and revealed the ongoing challenges in providing adequate support to underserved groups, including people of color and those who identify as LGBTQ+. The shared experience of isolation made it more acceptable to admit to and discuss mental health challenges.