As we celebrate the Christmas and New Year, it may be a good time to take stock of ourselves, and our friends and family. Not who sent a card or who gave you a present, but of our mental health and relationships.
I recently heard the term, “a battle buddy” and thought that was appropriate. Who do you have to check in with, to help one another get through this unprecedented time? Really, we need a battle buddy any year or day. Who can you reach out to and ask them how they are coping? Many people are very isolated or alone and feel forgotten. A few minutes of chatting on the phone may help both of you to feel better and more connected. Do you ever ask yourself who you matter to? Who would even notice if you were gone?
Some of you will recall the fairly recent tragic story of Tony Hsieh, the late founder of Zappos. At his time of death this fall, his net worth was around $850 million dollars. A Harvard graduate, he did many wonderful things for people and was brilliant. His good friend, Jewel, wrote a letter to him before he died, expressing her concern about him, as well as the housemates/friends who appeared to be complicit in his declining functioning. We do not know the outcome or effect on him or anyone he shared it with; the cause of death apparently has been ruled an accident, but it has some red flags of mental health problems, risk-taking behavior and possibly even suicide.
So back to checking in with others and even going the next step or two, ensuring they are coping well. If you have concerns that they are at risk of self-harm, harm to others, or they cannot take care of themselves, their children and at-risk family members, definitely follow up. Are they safe, is someone abusing or neglecting them? Are they taking care of their personal hygiene, are they eating ok, are they attending to physical health, is their home safe and clean? Are they interacting with people in their life appropriately, paying bills, etc. I like to remind people that it is not our job to assess in those situations; but you can make the call for help and let the professionals do what they are trained to do.
As we tend to set goals for the coming year and most of us feel more hopeful now that we see a light at the end of the tunnel (COVID 19), let’s talk about fear. I think many of us are very weary of fear and I challenge all of us to replace this with faith.
One client shared that she is tired of feeling negative and fearful. Another shared that he realizes whether we are in a pandemic or not, we all must continue to cope with life and be as positive as we can be. Each of has a spiritual essence, whether you believe in God or something else.
How are you filling this part of “you”? Who or what gives you faith, hope and peace? Who can you trust your life and the world to; there is so much we cannot control. These are the true gifts to ourselves, and to others.
Reach out to a behavioral health provider for yourself or a loved one:
Acoma Pueblo Behavioral Health Services 505-552-6661
Casa San Jose Behavioral Health – 505-285-5451
Cibola Family Health Center (Cibola General Hospital, Social Service Dept.) – 505-287-5211
Four Corners Clinic – 505-290-7178 (M, W, TH)
Grants Family Counseling -505-287-2273/876-1890
Laguna Behavioral Health – 505-552-6513
Oak Tree Counseling and Wellness - 505-658-0052
Open Skies – 505-285-3672
Rasmussen Counseling, LLC – 505-433-5860
Roberta’s Place (Domestic Violence) – 505-287-7200
Valle del Sol – 505-287-7985
Winds of Change – 505-290-4551; medication
*National Suicide Prevention Line 1-800-279-TALK
Or Text MHA to 741- 741 to text with a trained counselor for a crisis
Rhythms of Light Hypnotherapy - rhythmsoflighthypnotherapy.com, 505-240-0154