Area lawmakers participate in MassSupport Twitter chatDate: 3/23/2021 WESTERN MASS. – On March 9, MassSupport Network hosted a Twitter chat to discuss one year in COVID-19 and the mental health effects that it’s had on many.
Every member of the state House and Senate were invited to the chat, as well as some local public officials from across the state.
Participants included state Sens. John Velis and Adam Gomez, state Reps. Jim O’Day, Mindy Domb, Lindsay Sabadosa, Kate Lipper Garabedian, Marjorie Decker and Carol Doherty, and Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui.
Two city councilors were also in attendance – Jesse Lederman of Springfield and Gerly Adrien of Everett.
According to their Twitter account, MassSupport Network is a Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) funded Crisis Counseling Program. They are managed in partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, along with Riverside Trauma, a program of Riverside Community Care.
MassSupport Network is offered to anyone in Massachusetts, free of charge and completely confidential. “We provide 1:1 support, groups, resource referrals, and educational presentations,” stated MassSupport officials.
The first question that was tweeted was, “In what ways have you observed or heard about COVID-19 impacting mental health of your constituents, family, friends, and/or self?”
Massachusetts elected officials replied promptly. Velis shared, “I believe that one of the pandemic’s long-lasting impacts is going to be the negative effect this time has had on those with mental health and substance use issues.”
Others discussed the impacts that the pandemic has had on not only adults, but children as well.
Decker said, “No one is immune from the impacts of COVID but we do know that children’s mental health has been hit hard. We didn’t have enough resources to support their mental health needs nor were we adequately resourced to help adolescents who have substance use and addiction.”
Many officials stated there was no way in which we could’ve prepared for the mental health impact of COVID-19.
The second question asked by MassSupport was, “What are the most common needs that you have heard about from your constituents? What existing needs has the pandemic exacerbated? How do these needs impact their mental wellness?”
Sabadosa responded, “Our office handles hundreds of unemployment cases per week. When I talk to people I hear fear, anxiety, and extreme stress. Some people have been waiting for months without a paycheck. They are fighting against a system that does not support people who aren’t tech savvy.”
Domb replied to the question, “Connection, kindness, communication and basic needs, knowing you’ll be able to stay in your home, put food on the table, take care of your families. Each provides unique challenges that individually could be devastating. Asking for support is not easy for people.”
Question three stated, “What have been some of the biggest challenges to your own work and wellbeing during a global pandemic? What actions do you take to care for your mental health and wellness during these times?”
O’Day said, “Changing the way you lead your daily life is a tough challenge. It was difficult to not see family, friends and colleagues in person. However, I made an effort to stay active and virtually connect with loved ones on a regular basis.”
Other participants had similar responses, along with the challenges in transitioning to remote work, and even distance learning for their children.
The fourth and final question read, “We know that there has been huge loss, grief, and sorrow in the pandemic, but there have also been amazing examples of hope and resilience. What examples have you seen in your own community?”
To bring some light to this difficult topic, Massachusetts officials shared some positives in all of this negative.
“I think it really starts with the dedication and compassion we have seen from our first responders and frontline workers all throughout COVID, but it extends far beyond that,” said Velis.
Participants said they believe the support of our community and neighbors has been nothing short of amazing. Folks across the state have stepped up and offered their time to volunteer and be of assistance to anyone that may need it.
For additional information on mental health during COVID-19 visit masssupport.org.
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