COVID-19 and Mental Health

Photo by Joshua Rawson-Harris on Unsplash

We are in an unprecedented time as we deal with COVID-19 and adjust how we go about our normal activities. There are many changes happening, and this can overwhelm our capacity to cope.

The news media continually monitors the spread of this virus, government officials regularly put out new community restrictions, events are being cancelled, stores cannot keep shelves stocked with basic supplies, and some friends are losing their jobs.

All of this leads to an increase in stress, anxiety, depression and/or grief during a time of uncertainty and social distancing.

People handle situations like this in different ways. Some may be more irritable, some may be more emotional and cry, and still others may isolate and close themselves off from their loved ones. 

We need to remember there is no right or wrong way to navigate or cope with stress and that everyone is doing their best.

The good news is that you are not alone even while social distancing. Having a connection with others is innate in each human being. All of us need to know we are valued and loved.

It can be challenging to stay connected when we are supposed to limit our exposure to others, but it is not impossible.  Here are few ways you can stay connected with others:

1. Call friends & family or reconnect with someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Hearing someone’s voice can lift our spirits and serve as a positive distraction.
2. Connect virtually with others (plan a virtual dinner, host an online watch party, or join a virtual card game). Seeing someone and talking with them can lighten our mood and decrease anxiety. Utilize FaceTime, Zoom calls, Microsoft Teams, and GoToMeeting to connect by conference call or video.
3. Check in on others who may be struggling.
4. Care for an animal; affection can be exchanged between people and animals, and this can help us feel connected to something beyond ourselves.
5. Talk to neighbors over the fence or from your respective yards.
6. Those who are age 60+ can connect through https://covia.org/services/well-connected/
7. Call someone of a different generation than yourself.

Stay connected.  You are worth it, and you may be the difference someone else needs.

Along with staying connected to others, remember to practice self-care in order to regulate and handle the stress associated with issues related to COVID-19. There are many ways to practice self-care. A few examples include:

1. Complete a home project you've been putting off.
2. Start each day by identifying 3 things you are grateful for and 3 things you will accomplish that day.
3. Be creative! Write poetry, compose music, draw or paint, work on a craft project, sing out loud.
4. Physical activity releases stress and improves mood. Find something you enjoy like yoga, yard work, or dancing to name a few activities.
5. Laugh… simply said.  Read, watch, or talk about topics that makes you laugh.
6. Join a book club, then video chat or talk via conference call about the book.
7. Watch TedTalks, YouTube Videos, or other uplifting stories. Here are a few to add to your playlist:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD_1Eh6rqf8
• https://www.ted.com/playlists/355/talks_to_watch_during_breakfas
• https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=inspiring+speeches
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWi5iXnguTU
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTAn-tk2pDA

Amid uncertainty, please know you are unique and amazing. There is no other person like you who can fill your shoes. Be a courageous person…talk with someone about how you feel and what you are experiencing.

If you want someone who will talk with you and help you find resources, the people of Peace Tree are here to assist. You can start by messaging our Congregational Care Team at prayer@peacetree.church or by filling out the Prayer Form on our Connect page.

Hang in there! We will get through this together.


HELPFUL RESOURCES
Behavioral Health Safety Net Insurance for those without mental health insurance and do not qualify for TennCare. (further details can be provided)
-Contact Leigh Ann Pray by calling 615-804-7164

Memphis-Area Food Curbside and Pick-Up Options via I Love Memphis Blog:
https://ilovememphisblog.com/2020/03/memphis-restaurants-offering-curbside-pickup-and-takeout/

United Way Community Response and Recovery Fund
https://www.unitedway.org/recovery/covid19?utm_source=homepage&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=covid19&utm_content=learnmore#

Memphis Food Industry Emergency Worker Assistance
GoFundMe organized by Edible Memphis
https://www.gofundme.com/f/memphisfoodworkers​

Talkspace Coronavirus Resource Hub
https://www.talkspace.com/blog/coronavirus/

Free Resources for Mindfulness and Meditations
https://www.calm.com/blog/take-a-deep-breath?utm_source=lifecycle&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=difficult_times_nonsubs_031720


RELIEF FUNDS AND ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
https://www.cfgm.org/give-now/covid-19-regional-response-fund/


MEALS FOR SENIORS
Members of City of Memphis Senior Centers will still receive a daily meal from their respective seniors.

Members registered to receive MIFA meals can opt to pick up their meal from the center they attend or have it delivered using the van service.

Members at other senior centers have the option to pick up their meals at their respective center for their regular nominal fee.

Leigh Ann Pray has worked in mental health in Tennessee for over 20 years. She has a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist. During her career, she has worked as an In-home Counselor, a Case Manager, a Case Management Supervisor, a partial hospitalization Program Director, a Director of Quality Assurance and Training, a Chief Clinical Officer and a West TN Regional Director. Leigh Ann has been a part of implementing trauma informed care with Foster Parents, as well as developing trauma informed curriculums for clinicians. She has trained counselors, therapists and community partners on a wide variety of topics such as effective discipline, communication, trauma informed practices, and many more. She was a cohort leader with the National Council for Behavioral Health, in a collaboration to create trauma informed communities. The Collaboration focused on creating sustainable trauma-competent environments to allow children and families to thrive. Leigh Ann has spoken at events in multiple states on topics such as secondary traumatic stress, cross generational trauma, how to create trauma informed communities and trauma informed foster parenting. Leigh Ann believes in empowering people to identify and develop their strengths and abilities so they can maximize their potential.

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