UNIVERSITY CENTER – With the coronavirus affecting mental health of Michiganders, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced a new resource to help them cope.
In partnership with mental health website and app Headspace, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Stay Home, Stay MIndful website has been launched.
Whitmer stated in an April 17 press release that this science-based resource will be valuable for people in Michigan who are under the stay-at-home order.
“This virus has taken a toll on Michiganders’ physical and mental health,” Whitmer stated. “While we all stay home and stay safe, it is so important [to] take the time to check in and take care [of] yourself.”
The new website is touted as a curated collection of guided meditations backed by scientific evidence, as well as at-home workouts.
“In 25 published studies in some of the leading mindfulness peer-reviewed journals, Headspace has been shown to have favorable outcomes of interventions including reduced stress, increased compassion, and decreased aggression,” the press release stated.
The material available on Headspace’s new website is available for free and includes exercises, meditations for kids and sleep experiences.
“We want to be there for the people of Michigan and do our small part in helping them cope with rising levels of stress and anxiety during this public health crisis,” stated Richard Pierson, co-founder and CEO of Headspace. “That’s why we’re humbled to partner with Governor Whitmer on increasing access to mental health resources for folks across the state.”
Other mental health resources available for Michiganders include a recently launched “warmline,” which seeks to connect people to certified peer support specialists. The number is 888-733-7753, and the hotline is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week.
