As the country continues to struggle with the impact of COVID-19, concerns are growing about the so-called echo pandemic of mental health issues.
Public health measures to control the spread of the virus has led to increased concerns about depression, isolation and anxiety.
This is Mental Health Awareness Week and Executive Director of The Consumers’ Health Awareness Network of NL (CHANNAL) joined today’s daily provincial COVID-19 update to discuss the mental health impacts of the current pandemic situation.
Corcoran says this crisis has highlighted that all of us are vulnerable at any given time.
68% will not seek help for mental health because of stigma says Corcoran. @VOCMNEWS #covid19nfld
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) May 4, 2020
Paula Corcoran attended today’s update, clad in a t-shirt that read “You are not alone.”
She has lived experience with mental illness and understands the impact of the change and stress being experienced at this time.
She says 68 per cent of those with mental health issues will not seek help because of the stigma they feel.
She says many believe they aren’t “sick enough” to seek out help when they’re struggling, but she urges, early intervention is important.
The warm line for for people in the province is 1-855-753-2560 or in St. John’s 1-(709) 753-2560.
