Paper abstract:

In the digitalized world, the use of social media is increasing and spreading . Increasing awareness of mental health issues during the COVID-19 became the priority. Health communication ensues between doctors, patients, and other healthcare professionals, and its strength is important. the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, affected almost every country and forced the world to a more isolated lifestyle, meaning that some people might experience distress and not been able to identify and seek help . It’s worth mentioning that during pandemics social support is relatively low leavening vulnerable groups at the greatest risk, further perpetuating mental health distress and reducing their ability to cope. Health institutions, doctors, and patients can now communicate through new media and discuss health-related issues through these channels. It is vital to try and elevate negative effects of self-isolation using all means, including social media and creative communication tools.

Method:

The report employs the method, which relies on learning through multiple methodologies: Learning from interviews; Learning from ethnographic observations, learning from focus groups.

Results:

This study describes the role of evidence based new media opportunities in health communication during the pandemic. In this case study from Georgia, we present our collaborative project activities that lead us to develop and create a safe and engaging public forum about mental health concerning COVID 19 pandemic. This collaboration between Cognitive Behaviour Treatment specialists and health communicators created a space for open discussion about mental health on a Facebook page that increased its followers from 8 000 to 48000 members in one year and became a popular information platform specializing in mental health in Georgia.

The study highlights some insights how innovative tools such as infographics, animation, podcasting crowds sourcing, online webinars and open conversations and other ways of modern storytelling and communication has facilitated and widened the discussion between public, doctors, and patients in Georgia.

Effective MHL intervention is based on a multidisciplinary approach, teamwork that requires time, enthusiasm, planning and preparation, evaluation and monitoring, problem identification and consideration and audience engagement.

It is recommended that the state allocate funds to promote similar cooperation between parties.