Do you feel more short tempered, anxious, moody, and exhausted, than a few years ago? Maybe it’s harder to get a restful night’s sleep?
Not surprising, is it? In addition to all the usual challenges of daily life, since early 2020, the whole world has had to cope with Covid and its roller coaster ebbs and flows. Few of us are comfortable with this much uncertainty and unpredictability. We are learning, too, that this pandemic seems to be something we will have to live and cope with for a long time, vs. our initial hope that at some point it would “be over.” Another stress at this time of year has been the challenge of our ever changing winter weather, the increased cold and darkness, and the isolation and difficulty getting out and about that can result. But it’s so good to know that spring, with all its buds, birds, and blooms, is around the corner!
Suzanne Brunelle, a retired psychologist and Chair of the UUSS Caring Team, has a few ideas for coping, as well as some resources to suggest. These might help you, gentle adult reader of Circuits, or someone you care about.
Whoever you are, step one is self-awareness and good self-care. If you have ever flown on an airplane, the instructions of the flight attendant are “to put on your own oxygen mask, then help your child to get theirs on.” The same idea applies here. We can only be helpful to anyone else after we have appropriately met our own needs. And in order to know what those are, we have to “take our own inventory,” that is, ask ourselves, “How am I doing, day to day?”
Are your everyday physical needs being met? Do you have access to nourishing and sufficient food, safe shelter, sufficient sleep, and healthy movement or exercise? And just as vital for wellbeing as these physical needs is a nurturing social support system. One resource at UUSS is our own Caring Team (Sue Brunelle, Holly Hawkes, Donna Jennings and Carol Neff, Megan McClearn, Donald Ambrose, along with staff member Kristin Cleveland, and the co-ministers.) You could contact any of us and we would be glad to talk to you. Taking time to reconnect with supportive others (members of our beloved UUSS community, friends, family, colleagues) is time well spent and is as essential to one’s well-being as is nourishing one’s body.
If you are struggling, please know that there is help! If you lack connection, please reach out to someone. If you suspect that you are anxious or depressed to the point that these emotions are becoming quite frequent, or are affecting your day-to-day functioning, it is wise to discuss your experiences with your medical provider. If you’re not sure how you are doing, try talking with a trusted friend, family member, or a member of the UUSS Caring Team. If you are concerned about depression in yourself or someone you care about, a phone call to a nonjudgmental counselor might be really helpful. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is free and available 24/7. That number is 1-800-273-8255.
Parents and caregivers of children or youth need to know that young folks may be traumatized by the same stressors as adults, but may have even more difficulty identifying or articulating their feelings. Also, recent research into what are termed “Adverse Childhood Experiences” shows that, left undetected and untreated, such trauma can lead to serious problems in adulthood. Fortunately, early detection and intervention can counter those effects. Be on the lookout for symptoms of anxiety, depression and malaise, and actively check in with your children. Click “Preventing ACEs” for an authoritative resource from the CDC to learn more about ACEs and how to prevent them.: Preventing ACEs.
Know that you are not alone. At UUSS, there are opportunities for connection and learning. There is space for you and all that you are feeling. Our ministers, staff, and Caring Team are available for support.
Click HERE to see a comprehensive list of health resources in the Capital Region.