Free Online Mental Health Tools for Managing Depression and Anxiety During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has tested not only our physical health but also our mental resilience. In this episode, we sit down with Paul Gionfriddo, President and CEO of Mental Health America (MHA), to explore the best mental health resources available during these uncertain times.

Paul shares free and reliable online screening tools, expert-curated resources, and simple but effective self-care practices to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. From reducing isolation with technology to finding trustworthy sources of information, this conversation provides a roadmap for maintaining mental wellness through crisis.

Whether you’re struggling personally or looking to support loved ones, this episode offers actionable tools to help you stay connected, informed, and hopeful.

Link to MHA Free Online Mental Health Screening Tools: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why the pandemic impacts mental health as much as physical health
• Practical ways to manage stress and anxiety at home
• How to use MHA’s free online screening tools for depression and anxiety
• The importance of reducing isolation and checking in with others
• Trusted sources for accurate and supportive mental health information
• Affordable and free mental health support options for the uninsured
• Self-care strategies for building resilience in uncertain times

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and context of the pandemic’s impact on mental health
 00:33 – Launching a season focused on protecting mental health
 00:58 – Guest introduction: Paul Gionfriddo of Mental Health America
 02:48 – Why COVID-19 is a mental health crisis as well as a physical one
 03:34 – The dangers of isolation and how to counter it
 04:04 – Why phone and video check-ins matter more than ever
 04:48 – Balancing accurate information with comfort and hope
 07:06 – How MHA curates reliable mental health resources
 07:37 – Free anxiety and depression screening tools explained
 10:12 – The rise of telehealth and relaxed counseling access rules
 11:10 – Mental health support for the uninsured
 12:11 – Small, consistent self-care practices to manage stress
 14:13 – Personal routines and hobbies as protective factors
 15:12 – Why resilience is built in times of struggle
 16:07 – Closing reminders: you are not alone + links to MHA resources

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