Alexandria, VA – This Global Peer Support Celebration Day, Mental Health America (MHA) announced the launch of “I Am Not Alone,” a new social networking website aimed at combating loneliness and isolation. “I Am Not Alone” is a space where peers can post activities and events designed for people living with mental health conditions. Users can create, find, and attend activities based on shared interests. The site aims to kickstart the process of building new, meaningful friendships, particularly for those struggling with loneliness and isolation brought on by COVID-19.
In 2020, feelings of loneliness and isolation were cited as a top reason for mental health struggles according to data from MHA’s Online Screening Program. Among individuals who screened moderate-to-severe for a mental health condition, 71% reported that one of the top three things contributing to their mental health concerns was loneliness or isolation.
“The COVID-19 pandemic created a loneliness epidemic that impacted overall mental health and well-being,” said Patrick Hendry, Vice President of Peer Advocacy, Supports, and Services at MHA, “‘I Am Not Alone’ will help fight that epidemic by allowing people to build lasting connections.”
“I Am Not Alone” lets users create peer-specific events and also encourages organizers to specify the types of disability accommodations provided at events. These features assure attendees that they will receive support from someone who lives with similar mental health challenges and that the event will be accessible.
The site is free of cost and is live now at mhanational.org/iamnotalone.
###
About Mental Health America
Mental Health America (MHA) is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all. MHA’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need them; with recovery as the goal. Learn more at MHAnational.org.