Video Description: This video shows Clinical Psychologist Dr. Charma Dudley, Ph.D sitting in front of a bookshelf at her home, talking and facing a web camera.

Video transcript and audio description:

White text appears on a blue screen reading “How meaningful conversations help us cope.” Dr. Charma Dudley’s voice fades in and she says:

This has been a very difficult and challenging time. And many people are suffering from depression and loneliness. But what's really important is, that we need to make the connection with others. We need to have conversations, because we're all in this together and we can get through this.

White text appears on a blue screen, reading “why is meaningful conversation important?”

Dr. Dudley’s voice fades in and she says: When you share and you talk to someone, then you'll realize that somebody else is going through this too. And I tell people we're all in this together. So we have to feel comfortable having open, honest, and direct conversations with one another. That's the key.

White text appears on a blue screen, reading “How do I get started?”

Dr. Dudley’s voice fades in and she says: It's really important that you reach out and connect with people in your life that are important to you. You could be talking to your family, you can be talking to your friends and even your coworkers. It's really important to start the conversation.

White text appears on a blue screen, reading “What is the best way to reach out?”

Dr. Dudley’s voice fades in and she says: Pick up the phone, use video chat, make that connection, be flexible. If someone that you're close to wants to meet you in person, I think that's good. Just remember you have to practice social distancing, be six feet apart, and don't forget to wear your mask.

White text appears on a blue screen, reading “What are some tips to start a supportive conversation?”

Dr. Dudley’s voice fades in and she says: When you're having the conversation with them, ask them how they're doing. What's been going on? Let them know that you really hear what they're saying. Connect with them. Say, I understand, I hear you. These are words that people want to hear and let them know that you're there for them. And I say, listen with your heart, hear what people are saying. Don't be distracted. It's really important to make that connection. And there's ways to do it.

White text appears on a blue screen, it says “For tips on how to have a supportive conversation” and lists the website HowRightNow dot org forward slash talk.

Dr. Dudley’s voice fades in and she says:

You can go to HowRightNow.org/talk for tips on how to have a supportive conversation. Share ways that you are connecting with hashtag HowRightNow.

A blue screen appears. A light blue How Right Now logo with dark gray text and a white arrow appears on the left. On the right is the website HowRightNow dot org.