SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) There are increased concerns about #mentalhealth as the #coronavirus crisis stretches on. Vermont State Police say from March 1 to April 6 there were nine people that died by #suicide in Vermont, with several happening over the course of just one weekend. Our Cat Viglienzoni went out to talk to people about how they’re managing their #stress.
#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
“It’s been an interesting ride so far,” said South Burlington resident Amanda Hoffman. She and her daughter Charlotte were on an afternoon walk to Overlook Park with their dog Stella — part of their new routine. “Every day is a little bit different than the last, and in a lot of ways, every day is exactly the same.”
Hoffman says week four of the #coronavirus crisis is easier than week two. Charlotte is in fifth grade and says she misses going to school and seeing her friends in person. “I wish it didn’t happen and I hope it’s over soon,” she said.
They’re managing the added #stress of working and schooling from home by making plans. “Setting goals, mini-goals, to do each day. That’s been really helpful,” Hoffman said.
That’s exactly what #mentalhealth experts help people do when they call into crisis lines. “Make a plan, call your friends, take a walk outside, get some air,” said Mary Moulton, the executive director with Washington County #MentalHealthServices. She says call volumes dropped a bit when the crisis first started, but now they’re seeing more first-time callers.
“The first thing we want to know is what they’re experiencing. They may indeed be experiencing stress that occurs in their body physically. Maybe they’re feeling their heart beat faster. Maybe they’re not sleeping as well at night. Maybe they’re feeling it hard to concentrate when they’re trying to go read a book that they really wanted to read for a long time. And maybe they’re plugging into the TV too much and they’re watching 24/7 media screens. We’re really encouraging — check in once a day,” Moulton said. “Communicate with your loved ones. Talk about how you’re afraid. And so when people call us, we ask them what they’re experiencing and then we’ll help them make a plan so that they can regain some control over their life in this circumstance. They’re experiencing a normal reaction to a pretty different situation we’re experiencing here and we want them to understand that and we can help them with that.”
Another big change for them has been the way they do their #mentalhealth assessments. Before this, there had been no telehealth except for phone calls. But just in the last two weeks, they’ve transitioned, doing 1,100 different Zoom calls. They say it’s been different, but it’s working. “People are really appreciating the telehealth, looking forward to those calls,” Moulton said.
She says dozens of their regular #mentalhealth clients have been set up with iPads or laptops — like these donated by National Life this week — so that they can check in daily on their #mentalhealth, and hopefully keep them in the community and out of the hospital. Still, she expects as the weeks wear on, the numbers of people seeking help, including psychiatric beds, will go up.
“This is rolling. It’s going to roll out as the #virus rolls out. It’s not like one single impact and we’re outside and picking up after a destructive natural event,” Moulton said.
Back in South Burlington, Bill Tobey and Gerri Oppedisano say that getting outdoors keeps them grounded. “Getting out and walking was already part of my program and continues to be, but it’s obviously a different feeling to it all now,” Tobey said.
They say they’re connecting with friends virtually and trying to appreciate what they can do instead of focusing on what they can’t. “Getting out for walks when we can. Even just being outside in our own yards and waving to people,” Oppedisano said.
Mental Health Resources:
-#NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
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
[email protected]
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 [email protected] 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
