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ON SCREEN TEXT: Mental Health Awareness Can Help Everyone
Dr. Randall Solomon highlights helpful
information to know about mental health.
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RANDALL: Mental health really affects all aspects of our body, of our well-being, and how we do. It affects pretty much everything.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: What are three things you should
know about mental health?
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ON SCREEN TEXT: 1. Stress is a normal part of life.
RANDALL: Feeling stress is a normal part of life, but COVID is having an enormous impact. At times like these, stress can become chronic and can really become a real issue that affects your mental and emotional well-being.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: You don’t need a mental health diagnosis to
benefit from help.
RANDALL: You don't need to be diagnosed with a mental health condition to need mental health help. These things happen at times of stress, and mental health professionals can be very helpful.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: Stigma may prevent people from asking for help.
RANDALL: The third thing I would want people to know is there's often a stigma about mental health and seeking help for mental health. What it really means is at that moment in time, they need a little help. Just like we do when we get sick with any other illness, we seek a doctor's help.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: What tips do you have to
help manage stress and anxiety?
RANDALL: First of all, the things that have been making people the most frightened is watching TV 24-7 and getting immersed in all the coronavirus news.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: Limit the amount of news you consume.
RANDALL: You really need to limit your exposure to that. It can just become overwhelming.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: Do something nice for yourself.
RANDALL: Another thing is to recognize you have to do something good for yourself. You have to take care of yourself.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: Keep a routine.
RANDALL: Have a routine. Routines are very calming, and they give us nice structure to our lives.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: Exercise, sleep and eat well.
RANDALL: Make sure you're exercising and taking care of yourself. Make sure you get enough sleep. Make sure you're eating enough.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: Stay connected to people.
RANDALL: And make sure that you keep in touch with families and loved ones. It is important that we take care of ourselves. If we're not up to it, we can't really help anybody else. It's just like those oxygen masks in the plane. You put on yours first before you put it on for your child. You have to be okay first. Then you can help others.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: UnitedHealthcare®
Every person may experience stress differently. Anyone in need of emotional support is welcome to call the Optum support helpline.
Specially trained mental health specialists are available 24/7. The number is 866-342-6892.