Who We Are

Welcome to PHQ - a platform written by, dedicated to, and focused on, supporting and validating individuals living with mental health challenges, or experiencing emotional distress, anxiety and/or depression during the trying times of COVID-19. As concerned friends, family, and young professionals living seemingly "successful" lives (while managing chronic anxiety and/or depression), the quicker the Coronavirus spread, the more helpless we felt. There are so many questions and so few answers.

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We wanted to act. Thus, in a time of complete uncertainty and unease with COVID-19, PHQ aims to do its part in mitigating the potential downstream mental health impacts of this pandemic. Passion led us here. The people - and their needs will keep us here. We may never know our influence, but if any information/resources form our site or conversations had with us positively impacts someone and/or enables someone to get the help they need - then it will be worth it.  

Important disclaimer - we are neither licensed mental health professionals nor medical providers. Nothing we write or say means to be interpreted as medical advice or diagnoses. It is crucial to ensure that if you - or a loved one - is experiencing any emotional distress, they are under the care of a licensed mental health professional and/or doctor. (Nearly all medical professionals have implemented Telehealth / Telemedicine platforms during COVID-19, so don't let that inhibit you from seeking the therapeutic care you need.

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Physical, mental, and emotional health issues are all exacerbated by stress. Most individuals have triggers, and it seems that we can add global pandemics can to the list of universal triggers. There is uncertainty all around us, but we can say one thing with certainty: we can - and will - get through this. It will likely be emotionally exhausting at times (as elicited by any crisis). There may be painful periods - but we need to remind ourselves, and our loved ones, that these emotions - and this crisis - are temporary and survivable. And for the duration, we must take care of each other, and ourselves, as we adapt with the times. 

Those who often suffer from depression usually do so in silence. Usual depressive symptoms can include loneliness, hopelessness, sadness - but with social distancing and quarantining, these experiencing depressive symptoms or battling depression may be doing so alone. The vaster proximity from other people compounds feelings of loneliness. 

Whether it is the extrovert who is struggling with social distancing, or the introvert who is withdrawing or self-alienating - we must adapt to the times, and keep an extra close eye on everyone. The mental health of each individual is our collective responsibility. 

So no matter what - know that you're not in this alone. We are here to help. And who knows, by reaching out and opening up to someone you know, the impact may be more significant than one will ever know:
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'You too? I thought I was the only one.’” - C.K. Lewis