Local counselors still available for those who need them
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- #Mentalhealth is just as important as physical health during the #COVID-19 pandemic.
- Local counselors and counseling centers are seeing patients via the phone and video conferencing.
- Counselors suggest it’s important to establish a routine and adhere to a schedule during this time.
- Recreational activities are important like exercise and playing games with children.
#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
COSHOCTON – #Mentalhealth of those staying home during the #COVID-19 pandemic is a concern, but local counselors offer tips to stay positive and focused during this time.
Leslie Ridenbaugh of Ohio Family Counseling and Consultation and Beth Cormack of Coshocton Behavioral Health Choices said their entities are continuing to treat patients, using telehealth options when possible like video and phone calls.
Both said it’s important to adhere to routines to feel control and establish a new normal. It’s good to stay connected via #socialmedia, but to not let #socialmedia and the constant deluge of news bring you down. This stay at home opportunity can also be used to explore new hobbies or family activities.
Kyle Ridenbaugh watches his wife, Leslie, feed baby Edison while Jarome and Jamie have a mid-morning snack in this Tribune file photo. Leslie, a counselor, said it’s important to stick with routines during the #COVID-19 stay at home order and explore new activities and games for children who are facing the same worries and boredom. (Photo: Leonard Hayhurst/Tribune)
Ridenbaugh is a mother of three with two school aged. She said it’s important to understand that children are in the same boat as adults and will have a lot of the same issues of worry and boredom. Maintaining their schooling, playing games and going outside with them will be helpful to them and parents.
“I know from personal experience, it can be very stressful to do schoolwork with kids. I’m not a teacher. I certainly value our teachers, I did before, but even more so now,” Ridenbaugh said. “Trying your best to help them stay up-to-date with their educational tasks is important, but also finding new ways to learn things and teach your kids.”
The #coronavirus outbreak and current stay at home order is a topic for most patients right now. Ridenbaugh said she’s added a weekly group meeting via video conferencing for those experiencing #anxiety and #depression related to the current situation.
She said there are not statistics right now, but #mentalhealthprofessionals are naturally concerned about #suicide rates increasing. Using available #mentalhealthservices and #suicideprevention hotlines will certainly help with that.
“In addition to added #stress for clients of ours who have already experienced trouble with #mentalhealth problems, we are seeing people who have never had #mentalhealthservices probably needing to seek those services, because it’s an extremely stressful time,” Ridenbaugh said. “I don’t want to say panic, but there is a sense of fear that is very real for all of us. Reaching out for help when you’re experiencing that is very important.”
Ridenbaugh and Cormack said limiting #socialmedia use and information intake can help with #stress and #anxiety. It’s important to know what’s going on, but limiting your check of the news to once in the morning and once at night can help to avoid #depression that a constant stream of negative reports or online squabbling can lead to. Get the News Alerts newsletter in your inbox.
Cormack remembers the blizzard of 1978 that had people trapped at home for days, but it was nothing like what we’re experiencing now. They haven’t seen a lot of crisis yet, but that could be because the situation is still new, and a sense of monotony and boredom hasn’t struck yet.
“It’s going to start getting old. It’s how we are as humans. It’s how we’re wired. We can do things for a short period of time, but we want normalcy back in our lives,” Cormack said. “Normalcy really creates a vacuum of understanding and calmness for us. When things get too out of whack, we don’t like change and especially change for a long period of time.”
Tyra Hixon, clinical director for CBHC, said negative feelings are normal during this time and it’s not wrong to have them. This can include concerns of taking care of yourself and loved ones, job security and general loss of structure.
“Structure is what we need right now. Make a schedule for yourself. Make sure you’re adding all the recreation you can in there. Relaxation exercises, get outside if you can, even if it’s only for 30 minutes, make sure you’re getting exercise, even if that’s only 30 minutes,” Hixon said.
A tip for when tempers flare is to go to another room and take time to be alone. People might say or do things right now they don’t really mean and it’s important to realize that and work through it. Hixon said distraction can also be helpful, like watching a favorite movie and participating in a favorite pastime.
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
