It's no secret that many people are struggling to deal with stress and anxiety caused by what's happening in the world. The three-month shutdown because of COVID-19 and the recent surge of cases around the country have left many people feeling alone and unsure.

If you have lost your job during the shutdown, that stress continues to mount. Add to that racial unrest because of the George Floyd killing, plus political turmoil in an election year, and you've got a lot of people feeling sad, lonely and depressed.

Now, more than a dozen local organizations have joined forces to provide help to those who need it. Help and Hope Southcoast says it has a dual mission, to immediately help lift people out of their state of depression, and long-term, to end the stigma of mental illness.

Darcy Lee, Executive Director of the Samaritans of New Bedford and Fall River, has seen how the pandemic and other situations are impacting people. She joined Townsquare Sunday this week to discuss the serious issues of stress and anxiety, and how Hope and Health Southcoast is reaching out to help.

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly public affairs program that highlights individuals and organizations working to improve the quality of life in Greater New Bedford. The program is heard every Sunday at 6 a.m. on 1420 WBSM.

If you would like to be a guest on Townsquare Sunday, please e-mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedial.com.

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