NFL Hall of Famer Joe Namath is reaching out to those battling addiction during social isolation due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Namath appeared on Fox Business Network’s “Varney & Co.” on Thursday where he offered comforting words to people who may be struggling behind closed doors.
The retired NFL quarterback wants people to know they are “not in this alone.”
“We all need help. You’re not in this alone. What you’re going through, please, share it with someone,” Namath said, adding, “Get some help. If you think you can’t, you won’t do it, you know what I’m saying? You think you’re tied into something, you’re addicted to something.”
He continued, “Think bigger, think more outside of just you. You know people love you, you have loves, you can beat this thing.”
The former NFL player continued with words of encouragement for those who may feel helpless during this critical time.
“You can beat the addiction, whatever it is with help, with guidance, with some reinforcement, man,” Namath said. So please share it with somebody, what you’re going through.”
See Namath’s remarks below:
Namath’s remarks come at a time when the United States is taking an economic toll from the coronavirus pandemic. Unemployment is at a record high of 33.5 million in seven-weeks as companies have been forced to shutter their doors amid the outbreak.
Due to the pandemic, financial and operational aspects of companies have been greatly impacted. Many businesses also have no clear timeline of when they will be able to resume operations at full capacity.
Many reports have also warned of potential food shortages which have contributed to rising prices in meat and foods. Fast food chains are also beginning to operate with limited menu offerings due to shortage.
Due to the life changes many people are facing, health experts have raised concerns about the pandemic causing a mental health crisis, according to The Washington Post.
Talkspace co-founder and CEO Oren Frank noted the increasing demand for mental health services amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“People are really afraid,” Frank told the publication. “What’s shocking to me is how little leaders are talking about this. There are no White House briefings about it. There is no plan.”