Summer is almost over! Can you believe it? While I'm not as in touch with my calendar as I normally am, the business of my daily life sure has changed. For that reason, I’m thankful to have Coffee Days circled on my calendar with our virtual gatherings on Zoom three times each month.
I never thought I would find myself writing this blog post, but here I am saying farewell to an organization that welcomed me with open arms almost two years ago. This group of talented people has become my second family. While there’s a new adventure to look forward to, you know you really enjoyed your job when you feel bittersweet about leaving. Before I part though, I want to share some details you didn’t know about me when I started.
When I was assigned this blog post, I was filled with uncertainty about an appropriate topic to write about. The state of the coronavirus seems to change by the hour, and who knows what the coming months will bring. One of my ideas was to write about emerging heroes across our community. Then I realized that heroes are all around us, doing their part, large and small, to help us through this hard time. Choosing which heroes to write about would be difficult.
Black people are facing two pandemics: COVID-19 and racism. It’s no secret that life in the U.S. is unjust for the Black community. With each passing day, we see another headline about Black people dying from COVID-19 at three times the rate of white people, and more videos where Black people are being discriminated against, targeted by police, and killed. How is this affecting the mental health of the Black community?
This morning, I awoke to my 21-month-old slapping a used Band-Aid gently on my face. Ah, a new day. What does coping look like as a parent of small children right now? For me, it looks like lowering my expectations (especially of myself), tuning in to what each member of my family needs, and claiming time for myself.
Imagine you’re a 15-year-old transgender teen. You only recently began to feel comfortable at school, getting called by your chosen name and pronouns, and dressing the way that affirms your gender. Your parents have a hard time understanding your identity. This makes home feel like a place where you aren’t allowed to be your true self.
As Director of the Mental Health Navigation Line, I’ve seen a notable increase in anxiety-related symptoms due to stressors brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most people I speak with describe physical changes they’re experiencing and often ask if they should call their medical doctor in case they’re sick with the flu or possibly COVID-19.
On page 240 of my high school yearbook from my senior year, you can find me featured on the superlatives page. My best friend and I were featured as “best bromance.” Alec and I have been best friends since as long as I could remember. Alec and I grew up in the same neighborhood and went to the same Jewish day school. We then went to the same preschool and stayed at the same school until we both graduated last summer.
Mornings can be tough, especially in the midst of a pandemic that has shifted our schedules and impacted our motivation, mood, and mindset going into each day. It’s easy to feel anxious, out of control, or defeated as the situation changes daily. We want to foster habits that help us navigate this difficult time well.
Working from home does not mean less stress. Instead, I have found new stressors. Without my colleagues to help feed my motivation and creativity, I get stuck in my own head. The rhythm of the day is blurred. The four steps from my bed to the desk doesn’t provide me the time for thought and reflection my long work commute did. The distractions of home, family, TV, house chores, the call of the yard, all cause me to lose focus.
Grant Halliburton Foundation welcomed The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy to share his personal story at our 11th annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon at the Omni Dallas Hotel on March 10. The luncheon, presented by The David B. Miller Family Foundation, aims to strengthen the network of mental health resources for children, teens and young adults; promote better mental health; and prevent suicide.
With the country rolling out social distancing measures due the coronavirus (COVID-19), North Texans are facing a new reality that may prove to be stressful for some people. Fear and anxiety about the pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in children, teens, and adults.
Director of outreach and education Cami Fields, LMSW, offers tips and resources for children, adolescents and adults coping with this challenging time during the shelter-in-place orders.
