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Coronavirus stress: Mental health issues are rising among workers, but help is available

PROVIDED BY CNBC

Oct 15, 2020

Technology is offering news ways for individuals who feel isolated in the virtual world to find solace. Text for Humanity was created to counter online negativity by allowing strangers to exchange complimentary messages. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Jonathan Bean, the chief marketing officer at Sinch, a mobile engagement firm behind the free service, says the campaign has shifted, allowing anyone to send a message to a frontline worker during Covid-19.

Using SMS short code — a five to six-digit phone number that is used mainly for mass communication — Bean says that over 100,000 messages have been sent in over 90 countries, “What started as an idea to combat the societal issues was transformed into a messaging switchboard for well wishers. Texting is a personal way to get in contact with other people.”