Now that we’re finally seeing the end of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re realizing just how significant an impact the pandemic has had on mental health. In a survey conducted by KFF, 54% of adults said the pandemic had negatively impacted their mental health. The number of adults in the U.S. who report having anxiety or depression has quadrupled since the start of the pandemic and more than 13% say they’ve started or increased substance use as a way to cope.  

As a way to increase awareness of the growing need for mental health care, Newtopia will donate a dollar for every new follower on the company’s LinkedIn page throughout the month of July to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) up to $5,000.

“This past year has reemphasized the intrinsic connection between our mental and physical well-being,” says Lara Dodo, chief growth and operating officer at Newtopia. “The mental stressors that we’ve endured aren’t going to magically disappear as our country reopens, and there is a very real danger that the impact, if left unaddressed, could turn into long-term mental or physical illness.”  

According to a recent poll, 42% of adults surveyed in the U.S. said they have gained weight during the pandemic. The average weight gain is 29 pounds, with 10% reporting a weight gain of more than 50 pounds. The poll also found a significant change in sleep habits and alcohol consumption. While the underlying causes are complex—stress, social isolation, fear, loss—all of these changes occur through a revision in habits.  

“As we know, habits—healthy or unhealthy—are built over time,” says Lara. “And it takes time to reverse unhealthy habits and create or restore healthy ones. That’s why Newtopia exists, to help individuals build healthy habits that last a lifetime.” 

As a Newtopia participant explains, “It’s time in my life when I needed to start focusing on myself, and my health, and my well-being – mental and as well as physical. Newtopia has helped me de-stress. I feel like I can step back, take 15-20 minutes with my Inspirator to focus on to keep improving. That has really helped me take better care of my health.” 

To participate in Newtopia’s July fundraiser, go to our LinkedIn page and click Follow.