Host Brian Bendily recently sat down with Lyla Corkern, the founder of Finding Solace, to discuss the effects of COVID-19 on mental health and how it has changed the way people view seeking help.

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on mental health, and Corkern noted that the pandemic has brought mental health to the forefront of people's minds. She noted that with the confinement of individuals to their homes and the inability to go out, people had more time to think about their lives, and this often led to an increase in stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Bendily agreed, stating that he had seen firsthand how COVID-19 had affected people's mental health. Clients, as well as the general public, were struggling with the effects of the pandemic on their mental health. Bendily noted that people who may have previously felt uncomfortable or ashamed to seek help were now more open to the idea of counseling and therapy.

Corkern added that one of the positive things that came out of the pandemic was that it opened up doors and slowed down the stigma associated with mental health. It became an outside thing that happened to people, and it was okay to seek help. People began to understand that seeking help did not mean there was something wrong with them.

Both Bendily and Corkern noted that it is vital that we continue to advocate for mental health care and support those who are struggling with mental health issues in the wake of the pandemic. They emphasized the importance of continuing the conversation around mental health and providing resources for those in need.

In conclusion, COVID-19 has changed the way people view mental health, and it brought the importance of mental health to the forefront. The pandemic led to a reduction in the stigma associated with seeking help, and more people than ever before were seeking counseling and therapy. It is important that we continue to prioritize mental health care and support those in need.