Please Consider This:
Help is Here Right Now.
You Do Not Have to Walk Alone.
Your Story is Important and Take Heart, There is Hope and Healing is Possible!
It’s Good to Be Outside!
Research has continued to show the many benefits of being outside.
🍃 Improve blood pressure
🌱 Boost mental health
🌿 Reduce inflammation
🌳 Can improve short-term memory
🌲 Improve and increase energy
🌴 Fight Depression and anxiety
🌵 Improve attention and focus
🌾 May boost your immune system
💐 Lower risk of overall health
🌸 Increase vitamin D
🌞 Lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, mental health problems and cognitive development in children.
*Information received from studies found in Harvard Medical School, Forbes, and Time.
What Do I Say to My Family or Those that are Struggling?
1.) Allow People the Time and Space to Feel.
Don't minimize the feelings of fear, anxiety and loss. Rather, check in and take time to offer a listening ear and validate and express understanding when possible.
2.) Encourage People to get Outside.
The research is clear that our overall mental and physical health is dramatically affected and we are less at risk simply by being outside. Spring, summer and Fall are a great time to get out and as we are able, go for a walk. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends 93% of their life indoors (that statistic came before COVID-19). While we may feel things are out of our control and some of them are, this is something we can do with our time.
*Suggestion: Consider taking calls related to school, business or pleasure outside on a walk. This is one way to invest in yourself and others.
3.) Call or text a Friend and Share your Thoughts and Feelings on the Day.
Nurture the support system you have. Talk with at least one person a day and have an intimate or detailed conversation sharing your thoughts and feelings every day - this is especially helpful for those in a care-giving role such as business owners with employees or clients, stay at home moms, teachers and first responders.
EMPATHIZE:
"I can understand how you might feel nervous or out of sorts because of what you are seeing or hearing on the news and media or because of how the changes seem to be effecting our communities and friends and family or because we don’t know what’s going to happen next."
Don’t Stop There…MAKE AN EMOTIONAL AND PRACTICAL CONNECTION
We, as people have been through many difficulties and always fare better when we come together. How can I help you right now?
WHEN YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED OR FEARFUL Consider This:
Take Deep Breaths: In: 2, 3, 4 Out: 2, 3, 4 and repeat
Prayer and a time of Meditation
Read a helpful Book unrelated to the events in the media
Get Outside in Nature and Walk and pay attention to what you see, hear and experience
Call a Close Friend and Share with Them: Do it today and don’t hold back
Remember that You are not alone: Believe that, and reassure others as they will need this same encouragement.
Community Resources
“We are built for community
and help is available.”
Blog
Articles related to relationships, healing, mental health and healthy community.
Children and Parenting
Depression and Anxiety
Grief
Marriage
Mental Health Exercises and Practice
Recovery
Husband Material helping men outgrow pornography
Crisis Support
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255, For hearing and speech impaired with TTY equipment: 800-799-4889, Español: 888-628-9454
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): 800-656-4673
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860, Canada: 877-330-6366
Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 press 1 or Dial 988 then pres 1
If this is an emergency or if you are worried that you or someone you know may be at risk for suicide, please call your local authorities (911).
There is Always Hope!
“There is perhaps no more effective way to relieve psychic pain than to be in contact with another human being who understands what you are going through and can communicate such understanding to you.”
