DEANNE JOHNSON
Staff Writer
djohnson@mojonews.com
LISBON — #COVID-19 case numbers are not the only numbers on the rise right now. There has been an increase in the numbers of those asking for help with #mentalhealthissues and police dealing with suicidal individuals as well as domestic situations throughout the county.
Marcy Patton, director of the Columbiana County #MentalHealth and Recovery Center, said in general she would say there is an increase in the number of people having #anxiety due to the virus and the way it has affected our lives.
“We’re all in this together,” Patton said, “but unfortunately we all experience it in a different way.”
Worries can include #healthissues about the disease, finances due to job loss or reduced retirement funds, additional roles people are taking on such as helping their children with home education while also working from home. We are unable to physically connect with some loved ones. There is a general sadness due to the loss of plans, such as graduations or family trips.
Additionally, while there is a lot of information available about what is happening, Patton said some people are suffering from overload. From commercials to #socialmedia to press conferences, people can become overwhelmed by the daily updates.
Patton said in addition to all those worries, the situation is compounded by the inability to know a date when life will get back to normal. All of this can all manifest itself in #depression, anger and frustration.
Those who already have problems with #depression and substance abuse may be really struggling and unable to get the support they are accustomed to having, such as support groups that can not currently meet in person. According to Patton, the behavioral agencies have implemented telehealth to make psychologists available. Detox units are still available and people are still able to get the injections of needed medications.
She encourages anyone feeling overwhelmed by the situation to remember their feelings are normal, but they can reach out for help by contacting the Help Network of Northeast Ohio or by calling 211, which can refer them to resources they may need. Another number is the line to #mentalhealth and recovery, 330-424-0195. There is an Ohio #COVID-19 care line which can be accessed by calling 800-720-9616 with state level licensed professionals available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. After hours the number forwards to the #NationalSuicidePreventionHotline. Finally, for those who prefer to text, Patton said there is a crisis text line that can be reached at 4-HOPE-741-741.
Additionally, Patton said she is recommending people utilize a START strategy, an acronym she came up with help everyone deal better with their feelings during the #pandemic. The S stands for self-care, which involves eating, sleeping, exercising and avoiding excess alcohol or drugs. The T is for tasks, in which she suggests doing your hobbies or activities you enjoy if possible or accomplishing a goal from around the house like cleaning out the garage. The A is for assist, which means helping others by running an errand or just reaching out to someone who is alone by phone, note, email. The R stands for routine, making certain there is a schedule at the home especially for work, schoolwork and enjoyment. The second T is for talk, when you feel down talk to someone – family, friends, faith-based support or professionals.
djohnson@mojonews.com
#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
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
