While the Coronavirus pandemic threatens the physical health of many across the globe, it also poses a risk to the mental health of many. There is a stigma that surrounds mental health and it is often overlooked and prioritized below physical health, however that should not be the case and all health should matter equally. Some celebrities have recognized this and the importance of support and resources to provide mental health wellness during this time.
Beyoncé & Jack Dorsey
Singer-songwriter Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD initiative has announced that it will partner with UCLA and Twitter founder Jack Dorsey with his #startsmall efforts to donate $6 million to organizations providing mental health wellness as well as local community-based organizations. The list of organizations includes Bread of Life, United Memorial Medical Center, and No Kid Hungry, among others.
BeyGOOD will also partner with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, to provide support in Houston, New York, New Orleans, and Detroit.
Demi Lovato
Actress and singer Demi Lovato has been open about her personal struggles with mental health in the past and has decided to take a stand to help meet the increasing demands mental health organizations are facing at this time. She announced that she launched a new initiative called The Mental Health Fund, that will donate money to groups that focus on crisis counseling via text messaging. The fund has raised more than $2 million so far, which will be donated to Crisis Text Line, Kids Help Phone, Shout, and SpunOut.ie.
“So many have been left alone with their thoughts, their anxieties, their abusers—and are struggling with the uncertainty of these times,” Lovato posted on social media. “That is why I am helping to launch #TheMentalHealthFund to support organizations who are meeting the increased demand in crisis counseling due to COVID-19. You are not alone. Help is fast, free and available 24/7.”
Taraji P. Henson
With business closures and restrictions, it can be difficult to speak to a mental health professional at this time, but actress Taraji P. Henson has announced a fundraising initiative to help ease those limitations. Through her nonprofit organization, the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, they will raise money to offer a COVID-19 Free Virtual Therapy Campaign. Individuals and families experiencing life-changing events related to or triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic will have access to free tele-therapy sessions. Get started here.
A statement on the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation’s website said, “Given the life-changing events related to or triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, many are suffering in silence and isolation. The Boris L. Henson Foundation (BLHF) recognizes that during this difficult time, affording the cost of mental health services can be a barrier in the African-American community. Having to choose between a meal and mental health is not something that one should ever have to ponder.”
Help is Out There
Our list is not extensive and many other celebrities and public figures, as well as our own neighbors in our communities, have come forward to provide resources and support to organizations supplying physical and mental health necessities and aid during this time. It’s important to recognize that help is out there and no one is alone during these unprecedented times.
