May 2020

BE KIND TO YOUR MIND!

May is Mental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to stop the stigma associated with mental health issues.  The theme this year is Fitness #4Mind4Body, recognizing the mind/body connection.

Healing: The Covid-19 Pandemic has increased the need even more to maintain our physical/mental health.  If you are like me, I keep going back and forth from Denial (“This is not happening!”) to Shock (“This cannot be happening!”) to depression (“Will this ever be over?!).  Some helpful coping resources are given below to help us through these challenging times:

Resources:  Remember to:

*Breathe!:  Pause and Breathe!  In the next few months, I will be posting videos of Breathing Exercises with me to help you!

*Take breaks from Covid-19 content via Social Media.

*Seek help if overwhelmed or unsafe:  

Suicide Prevention Helpline:  800-273-8255.

The Samaritans:  877-870-4673 (HOPE).

Childhelp USA National Helpline:  800-422-4453.

Connections:  Reach out and stay connected:

*Join Facebook:  I have been surprised how much it has helped me to reconnect with childhood friends, my family, and making new friends.

*Join Facebook Groups:  You will reach even a wider group of persons.  Some of my favorites are:  Soul Sisters Tribe; Sobriety Consciousness; and Idealists of the World.

*Several churches and denominations provide live streaming of services and activities which are very helpful, comforting, and connecting.

*Facetime or call/text/Messenger with friends and family, especially children and grandchildren!  

*Share inspirational or humorous images/messages!  If it helps you, it can help others!

*Get out in nature, get exercise, eat healthily!

*Reach out to others or organizations who may be struggling and offer your help/support. This could be financial.

Wishing you good mental health not only in May but all year round!  

Blessings,

Carolyn

Pandemic 2020

The grief of loneliness hangs heavy,

fog-like in my home,

once a safe haven, now almost prison-like.

I gaze out my window at vibrant yellow poppies

across the street, standing tall.

Smiling I know their confident presence

is a needed hope that this fog will lift,

ending the solitary  grief

of being colorless . . .

Adrift

By: Janie Rian

HEALING:  Hello in the merry month of May!  The beginning of a new month and new hope we will move through this Pandemic, just like our opening poem by my dearest friend Janie Rian!

April started out good.  Alas, my entire back went out!  I was immediately thrown into initial shock and denial, followed by feeling helpless, angry, and finally depressed and anxious!  This was compounded by a dear friend’s Mom being at death’s door, friends losing friends to Covid-19, my husband working as a hospital RN, and my book coming to a stop.  What to do?!  

CONNECTIONS:  I had to deal with the situation in front of me in the realm of emotions, which is the heart of griefwork.  I had to:

       1.  BE where I was.

       2.  Be AWARE of my emotions.

       3.  FEEL my emotions.

       4.  EXPRESS my emotions.

       5.  Get THROUGH my emotions.

I got help from my Physical Therapist for my physical problems so the emotions would not get further stuck in my body.  I took my pain meds and supplements again.  I allowed myself to feel my emotions–cry if I needed to, yell in a safe place.  I had a Telehealth therapy session and was able to find out that memories of my dad’s traumatic dying/death were triggered by what my friend’s Mom was going through.  I got in touch with my RAW fear about losing my husband to Coronavirus.  I quit watching the media or looking at negative stuff on social media.  I did Reiki healing and prayer work nightly for others and me.  I texted/called/posted on FB with close friends, family, and FB support groups. RESULTS:  I am slowly getting better! My friend’s Mom is recovering! My husband is OK so far!

RESOURCES for YOU:  All online

• Free Apps:  
  • Calm
  • Headspace
  • Intimind (Spanish)
• NAMI Resource Library:  In-person and online support groups
• Warmline Directory
• Emotions Anonymous
• Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families

WHAT HELPS YOU DEAL WITH THE STRESS OF EMOTIONS?  PLEASE SHARE! 

Blessings,

Carolyn Q.