releases: https://mcadams.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=333
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
This data as json
| url | title | date | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| https://mcadams.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=333 | McAdams, mental health experts answer questions, offer tips on stress management during COVID-19 response | 2020-05-21 | 2020 | 2020-05 | Democrat | House | UT | Ben McAdams | M001209 | mcadams.house.gov | legacy | West Jordan, Utah Congressman Ben McAdams and three Utah mental health experts held a webinar for Utahns to learn about strategies and tips for coping with mental health challenges during the response to the coronavirus public health crisis. The hour-long discussion included a question-and-answer segment for the public to voice their concerns and learn about available resources. We're all focused on preventing the spread of the coronavirus and staying physically healthy but taking care of your mental health is just as important, said McAdams. Good mental health can help you and your family better cope with COVID-19 and the uncertainty and upheaval it has created in our lives. McAdams hosted the event, which included U of U School of Medicine psychiatrist Dr. Travis Mickelson; American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Utah area director Taryn Hiatt, and National Alliance on Mental Illness Utah Chapter executive director Rob Wesemann. Dr. Mickelson said currently we all hear the terms unprecedented and novel, raising fears of the unknown. He said one of the best things parents can do is listen to their children's questions and answer them honestly. He said we all need a sense of safety and to know that our needs will be met food, shelter and safety. Dr. Mickelson said kids within a family may differ in their ability to cope with stress and parents should realize that they know their children best and will know when they are struggling. Help give them confidence that as children they are succeeding and doing things well. Taryn Hiatt said one bright spot is that mental health is now part of the conversation, as everyone is experiencing some level of anxiety. She noted mental health is an important aspect of human health and we can all learn strategies to protect our brain health. She urged listeners to look for warning signs such as changes in sleep, eating and energy, changes in mood, anger, or level of interest in usual activities and social withdrawal. Rob Wesemann, executive director of NAMI-Utah, said it's so important to maintain a focus on mental health and have a list of resources available. Wesemann highlighted free NAMI support groups online, including groups that support family members of loved ones with mental health conditions. He urged listeners to maintain a routine, take frequent breaks, notice any unusual symptoms, and be available to listen. Questions from listeners ranged from how to help children cope with stress under current circumstances, to loneliness by those in quarantine and how to return to normal, to how young people can get help, when they are not currently enrolled in school. The webinar was recorded and can found here. A free emotional health relief hotline is available at 833.442.2211 ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |