Information from mentalhealthfirstaid.org Feelings of worry, stress or fear can be scary and affect your mental and physical health. It’s important to remember that these feelings are normal, especially during hard times, and can vary in severity from mild uneasiness to intense emotions depending on the person. Feelings of stress occur in both adults and children. These include, but are not limited to:
How can I cope with feelings of stress? How can I help a loved one cope?How do I take care of myself while practicing social distancing?
Knowing which tools are available is a good first step when it comes to dealing with feelings of stress and anxiety.Everyone experiences — and manages — stress in different ways. If these self-care strategies don’t work for you, consider reaching out to loved ones or one of our local resources below for additional support and #BeTheDifference for yourself. Remember, you are not alone.
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96% of Pacific County High School Seniors have not used prescription medication that was not prescribed to them. |
True North ESD 113 | Willapa Behavioral Health |
Where can I get more information?
Article by Rubina Kapil - March 20, 2020
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others call 911.
You can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text MHFA to 741741 to talk to a Crisis Text Line counselor.
Isolation from friends and family, job loss and death are challenges we’re all facing during these days of COVID-19
You are not alone. COVID-19 is affecting families across the world.
We encourage you to stay connected with your loved ones while practicing physical distancing. It’s important that you support one other during this difficult time, especially if your loved one may be facing a mental health concern.
We encourage you to stay connected with your loved ones while practicing physical distancing. It’s important that you support one other during this difficult time, especially if your loved one may be facing a mental health concern.
Use tips from the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) curriculum to reach out to someone who might need you
- Treat the person with respect and dignity. Listen non-judgmentally, and respect the person’s privacy and confidentiality.
- Offer consistent emotional support and understanding. In difficult times, we all need additional love and understanding. Remember to be empathetic, compassionate and patient.
- Have realistic expectations. Accept the person as they are. Tough times can make it harder than usual to do everyday activities like cleaning the house, paying bills or feeding the dog.
- Give the person hope. Remind your loved one that with time and treatment, they will feel better and there is hope for a more positive future.
- Provide practical help. Offer help with overwhelming tasks, but be careful not to take over or encourage dependency. For example, offer to bring groceries over.
- Offer information. Provide information and resources for additional support, including self-help strategies and professional help.
Several tips for what NOT to do are:
- Don’t tell someone to “snap out of it” or to “get over it.”
- Don’t adopt an over-involved or overprotective attitude toward someone who is depressed.
- Don’t use a patronizing tone of voice or a facial expression that shows an extreme look of concern.
- Don’t ignore, disagree with or dismiss the person’s feelings by attempting to say something positive like, “You don’t seem that bad to me.”
Many health professionals believe self-help strategies can be helpful when you’re feeling depressed or anxious. It is a good idea to discuss the appropriateness of specific strategies with a mental health professional.
Some strategies include:
- Self-help books based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Researchers have sought to develop a CBT-based guided self-help intervention that may prove useful for adults with intellectual disability in addition to depression or other mental health challenges for which CBT has been shown to be helpful.
- Computerized therapy. Self-help treatment programs delivered over the internet or on a computer; some are available free of charge.
- Relaxation training. Teaching a person to relax voluntarily by tensing and relaxing muscle groups; some programs are available for free online.
- Complementary therapies. Scientific studies of complementary therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, exercise and dietary supplements have shown that these therapies do make a difference for depression.
If you’re still not sure what to do, reach out to your primary care physician. This person can help you with determining the best next steps for mental health support strategies, resources or treatments.
Thank you for choosing to #BeTheDifference for yourself and your loved ones during this difficult time.
Thank you for choosing to #BeTheDifference for yourself and your loved ones during this difficult time.
Talking to your friend about the dangers of opioid misuse can be awkward...
but it can also be one of the most important things you can do for them. We have shared some tips on how to best broach this topic with your friend - and why it matters
It all starts with one act of courage
Do more talking than listening
It might seem daunting to start a conversation with a friend. Whether it is bringing up the dangers of opioids or to check in on someone you are concerned may be struggling with opioid use. But once the conversation starts, the most effective thing you can do is listen.
Allow your friend to share their experience and try to understand their perspective. It can be so tempting to hear what you want to hear: that your friend is ok. Listen both to what your friend is saying and also to what they are not saying. Avoid offering advice or trying to solve your friend’s problem if they have one, and instead just be there to hear them out. At the end of the day, we all want to be truly heard and understood
Allow your friend to share their experience and try to understand their perspective. It can be so tempting to hear what you want to hear: that your friend is ok. Listen both to what your friend is saying and also to what they are not saying. Avoid offering advice or trying to solve your friend’s problem if they have one, and instead just be there to hear them out. At the end of the day, we all want to be truly heard and understood
How to start the conversation
Conversations about the risks and dangers associated with opioids are good to have, even if you are not particularly concerned about a friend. Simply sharing the facts can help your friends to make smart, informed decisions down the road. A great way to start a conversation is to approach it in a casual way. Perhaps you could use a news story or recent event as a path into the conversation Keep it light- it doesn’t have to be a therapy session or an emotionally loaded topic, but rather part of a conversation you could have anytime with your friend.
Make yourself available when friends need to talk
It's always good to remind your friends that you are there for them and can make time to talk. They may not take you up on it often, but chances are one (or several) days(s) will come when they need you to listen, give advice or be a shoulder to lean on.
Tell them that you are there for them if they ever need it. And when they take you up on it, give them your undivided attention. Take time to remove as many distractions as you can and make the conversation the most important thing going on.
Tell them that you are there for them if they ever need it. And when they take you up on it, give them your undivided attention. Take time to remove as many distractions as you can and make the conversation the most important thing going on.
Offer support. Not judgement.
It is so easy to have an immediate and emotional reaction to something a friend says they are struggling with. You care about them! But as much as you can, take a pause before responding to think how you can react with compassion. Instead of reacting, think of a question you could ask them: about their experience, their feelings, their support network. How you listen and respond to your friend goes a long way in establishing trust and the chance that they will feel comfortable opening up to you in the future. Use these moments as an opportunity to remind them how much you support them and why you are glad they are your friend.
Information pulled directly from getthefactsrx.com
For more information, visit...
Youth are 50% less likely to misuse opioids if a loved one talks to them about the dangers
The hardest step is the most important
Knowing how to start the conversation can be the hardest part. We have compiled multiple resources to help you navigate through the conversation.
Talk About How Your Kids Can Communicate Boundaries
Hey, how are things going at school with your friends? … I have heard some other parents talk about a few situations of kids experimenting with drugs. Have your friends been talking about that at all? … You know, if you are ever offered drugs, you should feel totally confident just saying “no thanks.” But if you feel uncomfortable, know that you can always blame it on me and say that your mom/dad would take away your phone/sport/car/etc. if you got caught. And know you can always call me to come pick you up if you are some place you don’t feel comfortable.
Share Why and How Prescriptions Are Used
I saw a story on the news today about kids trying their parents' or their friends' parents' prescription drugs. You know, prescriptions are only for the people the doctor prescribes them to for many health and safety reasons. People are often allergic to certain medications and almost all medicines have side effects, which can affect people differently. It is really important to only take the medications prescribed to you by your doctor to keep you safe. What would you say if someone offered you their prescriptions or asked to have some of ours?
It can be tempting to talk about your own experiences with drugs. Keep the conversation to how you communicated boundaries and keep the door open for your child to talk about their own experience.
When I was your age, I remember people in my class experimenting with drugs on the weekends. I know the times have changed, but drugs are just as dangerous, and peer pressure is just as real. I wasn't perfect, but I played soccer and wanted to keep myself fit and out of trouble, and most people at school understood that. With all the things you have going on, be confident in saying you aren't going to try anything because you need to keep yourself healthy for (activity).
It can be tempting to talk about your own experiences with drugs. Keep the conversation to how you communicated boundaries and keep the door open for your child to talk about their own experience.
When I was your age, I remember people in my class experimenting with drugs on the weekends. I know the times have changed, but drugs are just as dangerous, and peer pressure is just as real. I wasn't perfect, but I played soccer and wanted to keep myself fit and out of trouble, and most people at school understood that. With all the things you have going on, be confident in saying you aren't going to try anything because you need to keep yourself healthy for (activity).
Check in About Stress Levels and Overall Well-being
Hey, how are things going? ... I know there is a lot of change at school this year. Some of it is really exciting and some of it might be a challenge. Just know that if things starts to get stressful, I am here for you and so is (trusted adult). If you are ever feeling overwhelmed, let us know and we will help find a way to work through it.
Just know that drugs and alcohol are not going to get you through the stress or make more friends. They can actually lead to anxiety and broken relationships. I really love and care about you, and will help you get through whatever you are facing.
Just know that drugs and alcohol are not going to get you through the stress or make more friends. They can actually lead to anxiety and broken relationships. I really love and care about you, and will help you get through whatever you are facing.
If You Know Your Child Has Experimented with Drugs, Be Direct and Offer Support
I know you have been drinking/smoking/using drugs, and it is really upsetting to me. I know you are afraid of getting in trouble, but I already know, so now I really just need to know what is going on and what got you started even experimenting.
I love and care about you and want to help you through this. You deserve to be happy and healthy, and I am here to support getting you there.
I love and care about you and want to help you through this. You deserve to be happy and healthy, and I am here to support getting you there.
Additional Resources and Conversation Starters
Carve Out Time to Connect
Between work, activities, practices and schoolwork, finding quality time together can be challenging. And, so often when families are together, devices and screens get in the way of truly connecting.
Create time or get the most out of your limited time together by working on a project or eating a meal with your kids. It goes a long way in nurturing a trusting and loving relationship.
Create time or get the most out of your limited time together by working on a project or eating a meal with your kids. It goes a long way in nurturing a trusting and loving relationship.
Listen More
It is often a parent’s role to start a conversation with their kids, especially as they get older into their teen and young adult years. But once the dialogue is going, the most effective role for a parent is to be a listener.
Allow your child to talk to you from their perspective, without being led in a direction of what you want to hear.
Listen both to what your child is saying and also to what they are not saying:
Repeat what they say to show you are actively listening. All people, no matter their age, want to be heard and understood.
Allow your child to talk to you from their perspective, without being led in a direction of what you want to hear.
Listen both to what your child is saying and also to what they are not saying:
- Where are they finding joy?
- Where might they need some encouragement or support?
Repeat what they say to show you are actively listening. All people, no matter their age, want to be heard and understood.
Make Yourself Available
Kids need frequent reminding that you are there for them. They may not take you up on it often, but chances are days will come when they need you to listen, give advice or be a shoulder to lean on.
Tell them often that you are there for them if they ever need to talk. When they take you up on it, give them your undivided attention. Sometimes this will be when you are driving them to practice, sometimes it will be at the dinner table and sometimes it will be while you are in their room telling them to clean up.
Remove as many distractions as you can and make the conversation the most important thing.
Tell them often that you are there for them if they ever need to talk. When they take you up on it, give them your undivided attention. Sometimes this will be when you are driving them to practice, sometimes it will be at the dinner table and sometimes it will be while you are in their room telling them to clean up.
Remove as many distractions as you can and make the conversation the most important thing.
Offer Love, Not Judgement
It is so easy to have an immediate and emotional reaction to something your kids says. For example, if your kid comes to you to tell you about a mistake they made, being frustrated is a normal initial reaction. But as much as you can, and it is not always easy, take a pause before responding to think how you can react with compassion.
How you listen and respond establishes trust and future dialogue.
Use these moments as an opportunity to remind them how much you love and support them. For additional conversation starters and tips for talking to your kids, check out this resources from Partnerships for Drug-Free Kids.
How you listen and respond establishes trust and future dialogue.
Use these moments as an opportunity to remind them how much you love and support them. For additional conversation starters and tips for talking to your kids, check out this resources from Partnerships for Drug-Free Kids.
Information pulled directly from getthefactsrx.com.
For more information, visit...
The Raymond Elks!
On May 4th, R2R recognized The Raymond Elks for the May Resiliency Rockstar award for their incredible work with the Emergency Meal Program.
The Emergency Meal Program (EMP) is a program that started amid Covid-19 to help offer hot meals 1-2 times a week for families/community members in need of a helping hand. Bethany and Mark Barnard helped spearhead the idea when they found the need. They went do to Elks Lodge #1292 to see if they were able to use the commercial kitchen and they all geared up ready to help! The FRCs, Joe Basil, Ron and Linda Brummell, Denise Rowlett, as well as many other Elks and community volunteers that help make the program go round.
The program was started March 24th and the EMP was able to serve 106 community members. With the gracious donations from many community members and organizations, the EMP was able to increase meal numbers weekly and served 294 meals on April 28th.
The EMP is able to serve two meals again 5/5 and 5/8 and are excited to be able to maintain the weekly meal service at least until the end of May. It is amazing and humbling to see the way this community has come together during this hardship and the EMP is a prime example of that.
Referrals for the Tuesday EMP program are welcome. These meals are delivered directly to the community member's home via referrals and reservations ONLY.
Friday meals are open to the public and served "drive-through style" at the Elks alley, 5pm - 5:45pm. Please call Joe to reserve your meal at 360.942.8131
Monetary donations are accepted! Checks can be made to "Raymond Elks EMP," to PO BOX 26, Raymond WA 98577. Donations are also accepted via cash at the Friday meal pick-up site. For additional questions, contact Bethany Barnard at 360.580.5651.
The Emergency Meal Program (EMP) is a program that started amid Covid-19 to help offer hot meals 1-2 times a week for families/community members in need of a helping hand. Bethany and Mark Barnard helped spearhead the idea when they found the need. They went do to Elks Lodge #1292 to see if they were able to use the commercial kitchen and they all geared up ready to help! The FRCs, Joe Basil, Ron and Linda Brummell, Denise Rowlett, as well as many other Elks and community volunteers that help make the program go round.
The program was started March 24th and the EMP was able to serve 106 community members. With the gracious donations from many community members and organizations, the EMP was able to increase meal numbers weekly and served 294 meals on April 28th.
The EMP is able to serve two meals again 5/5 and 5/8 and are excited to be able to maintain the weekly meal service at least until the end of May. It is amazing and humbling to see the way this community has come together during this hardship and the EMP is a prime example of that.
Referrals for the Tuesday EMP program are welcome. These meals are delivered directly to the community member's home via referrals and reservations ONLY.
Friday meals are open to the public and served "drive-through style" at the Elks alley, 5pm - 5:45pm. Please call Joe to reserve your meal at 360.942.8131
Monetary donations are accepted! Checks can be made to "Raymond Elks EMP," to PO BOX 26, Raymond WA 98577. Donations are also accepted via cash at the Friday meal pick-up site. For additional questions, contact Bethany Barnard at 360.580.5651.
Pioneer Grocery in South Bend!
On April 6th, R2R awarded Pioneer Grocery with the April Resiliency Rockstar Award!
Pioneer has been a true calm in the COVID-19 storm, providing our community members with fresh produce, necessities and peace of mind day-in and day-out. Their "Senior / Immunocompromised" hours allow our at-risk community members to shop worry-free, Monday - Friday, 7am - 8am. Awarding them with the April Resiliency Rockstar award is the least we could do!
While Rick and Mike were kind enough to pose for the picture, this award goes to ALL of the amazing, hardworking staff and owners who take care of our community members day-in and day-out. You can even see some of them working hard in the background!
Thank you to each and every one of you for your hard work, dedication and kindness!
Do you know someone doing ROCKSTAR work in our community? Nominate them today! Simply click on the link below. 👇
Nominate a Rockstar HERE!
Pioneer has been a true calm in the COVID-19 storm, providing our community members with fresh produce, necessities and peace of mind day-in and day-out. Their "Senior / Immunocompromised" hours allow our at-risk community members to shop worry-free, Monday - Friday, 7am - 8am. Awarding them with the April Resiliency Rockstar award is the least we could do!
While Rick and Mike were kind enough to pose for the picture, this award goes to ALL of the amazing, hardworking staff and owners who take care of our community members day-in and day-out. You can even see some of them working hard in the background!
Thank you to each and every one of you for your hard work, dedication and kindness!
Do you know someone doing ROCKSTAR work in our community? Nominate them today! Simply click on the link below. 👇
Nominate a Rockstar HERE!
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