Each of us, in our own individual way, is experiencing a response to our current global Pandemic.
And, we all have a right to our response. We are experiencing an impending mental health crisis. Lives, jobs, homes lost. Others paralyzed in fear that disables them from leaving their homes…even for food. Shortages of food and supplies. Loved ones, friends and neighbors succumbing to COVID19…maybe even oneself.
Our children feeling ongoing uncertainty, fear, and many a loss of experiences such as prom, sports and even a graduation ceremony, distance learning which for many is extremely challenging for a variety of reasons, especially if one has learning challenges…all of which occurred in the form of a sucker punch…never saw it coming.
As a mental health educator, holistic health practitioner, and teacher, I am receiving many requests for wellness support and mental health support.
This is always a positive and proactive approach to recovery. As professionals, we don’t have all of the answers, but as for me, I share all that I have in wellness strategies, and practice my training in mental health first aid both for youth, and for adults, as well as suicide safety. And, when I cannot serve the potential clients, and/or family and friends, I refer out to a select few mental health/holistic professionals with whom I collaborate and for whom I have the utmost highest regard.
A trauma response may look like debilitating anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, extreme sadness and excessive worry, and an inability to function in daily living activities… The inability to live, laugh, love, and learn.
if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms or anything that mimics these symptoms for two weeks or more, and it is impacting your daily living activities with severe impact so that you may not be eating, eating too much, not sleeping, or sleeping too much, unable to find the joy in anything, excessive fear that causes physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal symptoms, lethargy, not interacting with loved ones, or self-medicating with drugs or alcohol, I urge you to reach out for support. You can reach out to your primary care physician, and through telemedicine, your local mental health providers, social workers, psychologist, and even peer specialists. There are also some wonderful APPS for anxiety.
in New York State, there is a wonderful online resources and training center that provides an abundance of resources and support for educators, families, students, and community partners.
For this information, visit http://www.mentalhealthednys.org. Also, feel free to email me for information on resources in the Hudson Valley region at WendyBlanchard044@gmail.com. Please put the word RESOURCES in the subject line.
If you are feeling unwell, you are not alone. Please reach out immediately for support. Everyone who has a trauma response to our current situation will experience different symptoms and these symptoms may change as time goes on. Early intervention is key!
With love, blessings and prayers,
Wendy
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