Loneliness and a lack of social connection are increasing in today’s workforce. Even before the pandemic, about half of U.S. adults experienced measurable levels of loneliness.1 To help combat this growing concern, WebMD Health Services is partnering with Togetherall, a leading online mental and emotional health community that offers peer-to-peer mental health support. Read on for more details about this exciting partnership…
Loneliness is a now public health crisis.
In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, released a report on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in the United States. Calling it a public health crisis, Dr. Murthy explained how loneliness not only affects our mental health, increasing our risk of depression and anxiety, but our physical health, as well. Loneliness has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Lacking social connection also increases the risk of premature death by more than 60%.2
Our new partnership with Togetherall offers a unique way for employees to boost social connection and get the mental health support they need.
Togetherall, available through our well-being platform, WebMD ONE, is an online peer-to-peer mental health support community where all types of people can come together to share their feelings, support each other, and begin to improve their mental health.
Togetherall’s support community is available online, 24/7, and is completely anonymous, allowing participants to express themselves freely and openly. Licensed mental health practitioners, called Wall Guides, monitor conversations around-the-clock to ensure the safety of all members and increase the vibrancy of the community
Help for a variety of mental health concerns.
Participants can talk about anything that is causing them emotional distress. This can include anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, feeling low, or feeling out of control. All of these may be triggered by life events such as the loss of a loved one, relationship breakdowns, employment-related issues, financial crisis, sexuality, isolation, alcohol, or drug-related problems.
To participate in the community, participants can post to the whole community, form their own groups, or one-to-one chats. This kind of forum is unique because it allows people to connect with and benefit from others who have gone through similar struggles. It also provides much-needed social connection, relieving loneliness, and fostering hope and resilience. The anonymous nature of the forum can help reach people who may, for a variety of reasons, not be comfortable accessing other forms of mental health support.
Mental health support that is dynamic and personal.
At WebMD, we know that mental health needs look very different from one person to the next and can change depending on where an individual is at any point in time. We believe mental health support should be just as dynamic. We also recognize the pivotal role that social connection and community plays in regaining and maintaining good mental health.
That’s why Togetherall is an ideal complement to the mental health coaching and other support services already provided by WebMD.
For more information about how Togetherall can help improve your population’s mental health, contact us at connect@webmd.net.
