By Dan Gowdy
The ongoing worldwide #pandemic is colliding with unprecedented social injustice and unrest, wreaking havoc on our hearts and minds.
It’s like two virtual tectonic plates colliding in the ocean, only in this case, the destructive wave will cross every generation and impact every socio-economic community.
As a result, we are on the verge of the most significant #mentalhealthcrisis of our generation.
Early effects of the #COVID-19 #pandemic are surfacing. Twenty-five percent of young adults (ages 18-24) said they seriously considered #suicide within the last 30 days. In June, 40% of adults said they struggled with #mentalhealth or substance abuse, according to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
People are dying even without contracting the virus but from the associated #stress. A recent study by Cleveland Clinic conducted during the initial peak of the #pandemic showed an increase (7.8%) in #stress cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome.” The #stress from #coronavirus is causing a physiological strain on our bodies.
Survivors of disasters, both natural and humanmade, teach us that the full consequences of trauma do not peak until long after the distress starts to ease. The #pandemic is increasing #PTSD, #depression, #anxiety and associated conditions like substance use and #suicide.
We know that Michigan is significantly impacted by the nation’s opioid epidemic, experiencing an opioid overdose death rate of nearly 1.5 times greater than the national rate. A recent study found that only 20% of Michiganders with a substance use disorder receive treatment, according to the federal Substance Abuse and #MentalHealthServices Administration. In addition, young minds are particularly vulnerable to #suicide because substance use affects brain development, and more than 70% of adolescents in substance use treatment have a history of trauma.
At Wedgwood Christian Services, our trained substance use treatment clinicians are fervently reaching out to clients. These are people we know, but we haven’t heard from in weeks. Reports indicate that relapse has increased. We fear that the tsunami has taken them.
To protect our community, we need to be aware of the emerging effects now and take action.
Emerging effects and treatment
Young minds are vulnerable to the destructive effects of trauma, but the good news is that youth can display positive changes more quickly than adults.
The #pandemic accelerated the use of telehealth. By embracing this technology in fresh and innovative ways, #mentalhealthcounseling programs have seen an increase in engagement for many #children and families, and it has reduced overall no-shows by circumventing logistical barriers. A #child in one of Wedgwood’s residential treatment programs, through telehealth, can connect with family and the therapist simultaneously to keep the treatment program going.
However, it takes an exceptional talent to gauge how to connect with the families in a virtual format. Wedgwood clinicians get creative, such as using selfie sticks to give the individual a different perspective as they both focus on a separate screen together. Unfortunately, impoverished families more often struggle with poor network connections and access to technology. A child with only his mom’s phone to use might get interrupted with numerous calls, texts and notifications during one session — this is especially difficult during intense sessions. Using telehealth demands new and evolving skills to enhance the well-being of #children, adults and families traumatized by the #pandemic and ongoing civil unrest and violence.
Wedgwood was quick to implement these new techniques and is committed to continuing to provide access to quality services wherever our clients may be through unique and creative means. One thing is for sure, telehealth will become more and more central to all our health care needs.
Take action
Here are some things you can do now:
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma and seek help early. Trauma-focused care is complex but the symptoms of trauma are treatable.
- Shock, denial, or disbelief
- Confusion, difficulty concentrating
- Anger, irritability, mood swings
- #Anxiety and fear
- Guilt, shame, self-blame
- Withdrawing from others
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Feeling disconnected or numb
- Ask for help. Ensure the care you choose provides well-trained staff that are informed by best practices and evidenced-based therapies, e.g., Seeking Safety, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing and Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach.
- Keep it Fresh and Fun: An engaging therapeutic approach creates the opportunity for reflection, life evaluation, and change. Those who fully engage and stay in treatment significantly increase the possibility of long-term positive results.
- Research has shown that the use of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), such as Suboxone, combined with counseling, decreases opioid and opioid-related deaths, increases retention in treatment and improves outcomes. Make sure any MAT service includes a coordinated team approach, which includes the #doctor, case management, recovery coach, group counseling and individual counseling.
- Proximity matters. The #pandemic accelerated the use of telehealth, but there are still advantages to having your treatment provider nearby, including the possibility of transitioning from telehealth to in-person counseling if deemed safe and appropriate. Select a local #mentalhealth provider that has a strong physical presence in your community.
Experts in the #mentalhealth field can empower us to do more than just “hold on” and survive during a #mentalhealth tsunami; we can grow stronger through adversity and thrive.
A story of hope
A #teenage #girl came to Wedgwood after attempting #suicide while struggling with #depression and a history of abuse. She spent a year in our residential program, where she was able to heal. Her journey involved honoring her feelings and emotions instead of stuffing them away, learning how to manage those intense feelings and how to advocate for herself.
During that year, when she finally was able to experience some peace; she started drawing again, something she hadn’t done in years. One of her caregivers noticed her talent and provided additional supplies and encouragement. She applied to art school. Shortly after graduation, she received her acceptance letter to art school along with a full scholarship. Her life was transformed.
#Mentalhealthchallenges derailed “Sammi” early in life, but active treatment and care at Wedgwood helped her find a path of hope for a bright future and the tools to navigate that future.
Sammi is an inspiring example that anyone, from anywhere, at anytime, can find help, hope and recovery.
Dan Gowdy, Ed.D., is president/CEO of Wedgwood Christian Services. For 60 years, Wedgwood has supported and restored the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual well-being of #children, adults, and families in the community. He can be reached at dgowdy@wedgwood.org.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
