I did share this on Mr. Boomsma’s Facebook Page and have had some good feedback… “sheltering in place” (or whatever we call it) is particularly hard on teens. Parents may find this site helpful!
I have always been a fan of the JED Foundation… you’ll find links elsewhere on the site. They’ve recently announced a new project based on the truth that
“Love is louder than the distance between us.”
I’m chuckling a bit at the number of posts and emails that include the reminder to “wash your hands.” Since it’s likely that most folks are remembering that task, I have a different reminder for you. While washing your hands, consider using the same 20 seconds to “wash” your head and heart.
While some may question whether or not we are overestimating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m concerned that we are underestimating the mental and emotional impact. Therefore, I’m recommending we engage in some “mental and emotional hygiene” to accompany the physical.
This is truly a catastrophic event with a lot of uncertainty. What makes it different than most is that it’s gone on for a while now and is very likely to continue. It is very easy to get focused on the “problem” and the uncertainties. Before we know it, we find ourselves feeling anxious and perhaps depressed.
We may not be able to solve the problem or correct all the uncertainties but we can change how we are thinking about them. When we get caught in the wrong focus we are no longer problem-solving, we are just chewing on the problem. (Guy Winch calls this “ruminating”–more about that later.)
Since it’s easy to end up there, I’m suggesting we let our physical hygiene practice remind us to do some emotional hygiene. While washing our hands, let’s remember to do a quick check of our state of mind. Over the past few days, I’ve found it necessary to do just that! During those 20 seconds, we can remind ourselves that we may need to boost our own self-esteem and remind ourselves that humans have come through many catastrophes, trials, and tribulations. We’ll get through this.
This is sometimes achieved through “centering” — a technique for remaining grounded, calm and relaxed in the face of stress. We may not be able to control the world around us but we can manage ourselves. While most people wouldn’t associate handwashing with centering, some simple techniques include deep breathing, meditation, music, and distraction. Different things work for different people, so you may choose to experiment. At a minimum, every time you wash up, remember to lighten up. Take a few deep breaths and look at the world differently.
Five Ways to Improve Your Emotional Health is an excellent article in Psychology Today by Guy Winch. It’s a quick read and doesn’t include any clinical mumbo jumbo. It also includes a link to his TED Talk which I highly recommend! There’s also a link to it on the of this website.
If you are interested in “being one in a million” (a mental health first aid responder) you can check for training opportunities on the NAMI Maine Website or let me know and I’ll try to help. Having been trained for both youth and adults I can tell you that I’ve never once regretted it.
The blog for the National Council for Behavioral Health is featuring stores about mental health among veterans during the month of November. This is a great opportunity to “get the facts” and be prepared to help those who have done so much for us.
Maybe when we thank a veteran for his or her service we should also ask, “How are you doing?” Human connection is powerful and doesn’t need to be difficult.
Tumisu / Pixabay
Yes, it’s the somewhat official end of summer. Many kids will tell you it actually ended last week when they returned to school. Others may suggest there’s a bite in the air suggesting fall is approaching and as an early riser, I notice the days are shorter.
But the original purpose of Labor Day was to honor the social and economic achievements of the American worker. At least one idea was that workers would have a day off to enjoy the end of summer.
It’s a fitting holiday and it’s unfortunate that the end of summer aspect has overwhelmed the labor aspect. In today’s column, Seth Godin describes what he calls “the new labor day.” As usual, he makes us think.
Today work is different. It gets harder to define and identify. I often say that I’m not always sure when I’m working and when I’m playing. My colleague Jack Falvey claims he is always working, he just isn’t sure when (and what) he’s going to be paid for it. We’re both fortunate that we’re doing things we enjoy. I remember many years ago when I started working for myself, Jack told me, “Your problem will not be knowing when and where to start. Your problem will be knowing when and where to stop.
Nearly forty years later I still find myself working on that problem and proving he was right.
A day off at the end of summer to celebrate and avoid burnout may not be enough. Seth uses the words “emotional labor” to describe a different kind of heavy lifting work requires. It is no less exhausting than “toting that barge” or “lifting those bales.” In fact, it might be more exhausting. Overdoing it physically can result in the body breaking down. Overdoing it mentally and emotionally can result in the mind and heart breaking down.
While we celebrate the end of summer, let’s also celebrate the choices we have. When it comes to laboring, knowing when to stop is important. Choosing to stop may be even more important.
I did announce this on Facebook… but can’t resist some additional bragging that I scored 100% on the final exam as part of recertifying my status as a “Mental Health First Aid Specialist.” The refresher course was actually well-designed and included some thought-provoking scenarios… “What would you do if…?”
It’s a busy time! My is complete but I’m still working on scheduling Suicide Awareness Workshops… plus doing some course development… and I’m almost ready to release another book! Details will be coming soon.