North Carolina football legend Greg Ellis, inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame this week, is now tackling mental health with a new, free services app.
Ellis, known for his quarterback sacks and All-American career at UNC before a 12-year NFL career, developed GMH, short for Getting My Help. The app is designed to provide confidential mental health resources for anyone in need.
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“They have an opportunity to reach out and research potential places where they can get help,” Ellis said. “Without having to go door to door, asking their neighbors, asking friends, because sometimes that can seem a little much.”
Ellis said he was motivated to create the app after seeing people struggle with their mental health following career transitions or life challenges. He wanted to offer a free resource to connect individuals with mental health care professionals privately.
According to the Mayo Clinic, many individuals with mental health conditions may dismiss their symptoms as normal life occurrences and not seek help. Shame or fear can also be barriers to treatment.
Ellis cited these reasons as key motivators for developing the app. Many people who have mental health conditions think their symptoms are just part of life and don't need attention, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some people avoid treatment out of shame or fear.
If you want to learn more about the GMH, you can click here.