Millions of people globally have experienced some form of mental health challenge related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While the US vaccination program is ahead of many countries globally, driving down case numbers, many Americans are still experiencing high levels of anxiety and pandemic related stress. The stigma around mental illness, and accompanying reticence of many who are suffering to seek help, often magnifies the impact of poor mental health in families, communities and organizations alike.

With May marking Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Phil McGraw, television host and mental health expert, is teaming up with the Congressional Mental Health Caucus for a live-steamed discussion at 7pm on 27 May, 2021. The discussion with ‘Dr Phil’ (as he is commonly known), will be with caucus co-chairs, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D, CA) and Congressman John Katko (R, NY). 

In the lead up to the caucus, Dr Phil shared with me his insights on how people can manage their own mental wellbeing more effectively, including how they can help themselves (and for parents, their children) by deciding to “get back into life”, making incremental behavioral changes that help alleviate apprehension and build confidence to return to whatever new normal emerges.

“The truth is, it’s really quite safe right now. We need to be careful, but need to get back out into the world,” Dr Phil said. Referencing a recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) which found that much of the fear over 50% of people are experiencing is not related to the Covid-19 virus directly but to returning to competitive pressures of normal life, Dr Phil said, “I think the damage that comes from prolonged quarantined outstrips the risk that you face from the virus.” It sounds like common sense yet clearly it’s a message many need to hear. Staying home may have become very comfortable, but we cannot flourish without social connection.

As I have written before, while playing it safe was a rational response to the threat of Covid-19 virus 12 months ago, many people are now over-estimating the threat to their wellbeing and playing it too safe for their own good (or the good of those close to them.)  This can leave people suffering more from their fear than from the source of it.

Dr Phil spoke of the negative impact of prolonged quarantine on mental health and the likelihood that many will suffer with mental health issues caused from the prolonged quarantine for years to come. He speculated that it is likely to have a particularly devastating impact on children who have been cut off from their normal social development.

Having witnessed the impact of mental illness in my own family, and the suffering that is acerbated when people feel too ashamed to share their struggle and seek help, the mission of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus - to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, raise visibility for mental health reforms and build momentum toward better mental health solutions -  is more relevant now than ever.

The Congressional Mental Health Caucus be live-streamed at 7:00pm ET on Rep. Napolitano's and Dr. Phil’s Facebook page. 

Dr Margie Warrell emboldens people to live and lead more bravely.