COLUMBUS — A virtual skills program geared toward training in different types of coping skills around stress, anxiety and depression will be offered in June and July.

The program is a free mental health skills program as part of a study by researchers at the Ohio State University.

Anxiety and depression are leading causes of disability and diminished quality of life in the United States. These and other mental health concerns have intensified following the challenges and stressors associated with the ongoing pandemic. Providing care and support for those facing such concerns can be challenging, and those looking to provide support often do not know how to best be of help to those with mental health concerns.

Having family members or friends with mental health concerns or having personal mental health concerns can be a daunting challenge. However, there are skills that can help provide support and care for loved ones and improve a person’s ability to manage their own wellbeing.

The Ohio State University is offering a skills program to provide training in different types of coping skills and problem solving strategies. These strategies have been shown to be effective at treating individual mental health concerns.

The skills groups will be held over zoom on Wednesday, June 29, at 6 p.m. and on Tuesday, July 12 at 6 p.m. To participate please contact [email protected] or go to www.u.osu.edu/skills/ to take an initial survey to see about eligibility to participate in a mental health skills group.

Participants will be asked to complete online surveys and participate in an online program. Participants can receive a $15 Amazon gift card for the post-program survey and an additional $15 Amazon gift card for a follow-up survey one month following the program.

Participants must be age 18 or older, have stable access to the internet, and live in the state of Ohio.