Maybe you need to talk to someone

Image
Body

Last weekend we wrapped up another Halloween night — as I left Grants from watching children enjoy the librarysponsored Scavenger Hunt, I thought about how good it was to see children enjoying the activity which was a big change from Halloween’s main feature, Trick or Treating. I thought about parents who had planned an alternative activity at home for their children. Our parents need a “village” right now to help them with their children.

This article will offer some suggestions how we can help our children survive and thrive during the pandemic. There are some great new books written for children and families to help them learn to cope with COVID-19. One free downloadable book is “What happens when Coronavirus changes everything?” Go to the website https://mightyandbright.co m/products/ and search for the title. After a quick registration with an email, parents will be able to download the book. The book talks about what is happening with this virus, how to stay safe, healthy, spend time with family, the importance of quiet time, and physical activity.

Another great book is “The Story of the Oyster and Butterfly: the corona virus and me,” by Ana M. Gomez. Check out her w e b sit e https://www.anagomez.org/ She has a free download of this book. This author, who is also a psychotherapist, describes how we can create our own pearl during COVID-19, like an oyster creates a pearl, or grow wings, like a butterfly. She writes about feelings, thoughts, our bodies, and lists “powers” we all have access to, to cope during this challenging time. Most families have either a TV or computer/laptop. There are so many resources available to us, for example with parent monitored YouTube, we can find exercises to do with or for our children to stay active and learn to meditate/relax. Learning to relax is so important; we cannot emphasize it enough. Otherwise our children will turn into adults who rely on substances to help them relax, whether it is alcohol, marijuana, prescriptions, or other illegal substances. I have read about schools requiring 15 minutes a day of meditation and have found it helps children calm down and reduces problem behaviors.

As I facilitated parent-groups, parents to think about their childhood and recall what they needed most as a child, that they may not have received. The majority responded that they wanted their parents to spend time with them, to truly be present with them. This pandemic has given people more time; more time to be present with children and family members; more time to make the most of being at home.

Not knowing how long this will last is difficult. But we all have an opportunity to create a beautiful pearl or grow butterfly wings. This can be one of the greatest gifts we give our children, helping them to survive and thrive during a pandemic. To quote Oprah Winfrey, “If we don’t learn from being literally sent to our rooms, when we finally come out, the next challenge will be even harder.”

Below is a list of local licensed behavioral health providers if you, a family member, or friend needs someone to talk to help them thrive. Clinics often have waiting lists now; follow up every week with a phone call to let them know you are still wanting services. Be sure to make your appointments and call 24 hours in advance if you cannot keep the appointment. Most sessions are now through telehealth or phone calls.

As always, if you or someone you are concerned about need counseling, reach out to a local provider below.

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

*National Suicide Prevention Line 1-800-279-TALK

Or Text MHA to 741-74 1 to text with a trained counselor for a crisis