Reducing Stigma of Mental Illness: What COVID-19 Taught Us About Mental Health

Could COVID-19 finally change the way we see mental illness?

In this timely conversation, psychiatrist Dr. Jessica Gold explores how the pandemic reshaped our understanding of depression, anxiety, and mental health overall. For the first time, many people experienced what it’s like to struggle with concentration, low energy, and overwhelming worry — symptoms that millions live with daily.

We discuss whether this shared experience could finally reduce the stigma of mental illness, encourage earlier intervention, and push for systemic changes in the way care is provided and valued.

If you’ve ever wondered how COVID changed mental health awareness — and whether it could help us build a more compassionate and supportive culture — this episode offers both hope and challenge.

Links to articles:

https://time.com/5835960/coronavirus-mental-illness-stigma/

http://www.mhawisconsin.org/depressivedisorders.aspx

http://www.mhawisconsin.org/anxiety_disorders.aspxhttps://mhanational.org/covid19

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why predictions of a post-pandemic “mental health crisis” need context
• How COVID-19 normalized anxiety and depression for millions
• The role of early intervention and the “Before Stage Four” approach
• Why mental health is inseparable from physical health
• Stigma reduction: how shared struggle can lead to empathy
• Systemic challenges: access, affordability, and insurance parity
• The role of racism and inequality in mental health outcomes
• Why employers, schools, and healthcare must prioritize mental health post-pandemic
• The opportunity COVID presents to transform stigma into awareness

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to Season 14 of Giving Voice to Depression
 01:12 How the pandemic disrupted mental health — and revealed new challenges
 02:18 Dr. Jessica Gold on COVID, stigma, and mental illness
 03:38 Predictions of post-pandemic mental health crises — what’s real and what’s not
 05:00 Anxiety, depression, and the importance of early intervention
 06:19 “Before Stage Four” — why prevention matters in mental health
 07:21 How COVID blurred the lines between mental and physical health
 08:37 Pandemic as a stigma-buster: empathy through shared struggle
 09:54 The role of employers and leaders in normalizing mental health needs
 11:15 Racism, inequity, and systemic failures exposed by COVID
 12:26 Could this moment actually transform mental health care?
 14:00 The opportunity to break down stigma and myths about depression
 15:23 Practical next steps: early screening, therapy, accessible care
 16:30 Closing reflections: hope for systemic change in mental health

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