HOME Media Kit Advertising Contact Us About Us

 

Web The Truth


Community Calendar

Dear Ryan

Classifieds

Online Issues

Send a Letter to the Editor


 

 
 

A Mental Health Moment

Surviving Madness in the Midst of Pandemic

By Bernadette Joy Graham, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Mental Health Therapist

The Truth Contributor

     As Covid-19 has attacked the world killing many with an unknown and misunderstood virus, 2020 will forever be remembered as a time of pandemic.  Each of our lives will be changed in one way or another.  Mental health is now a topic at the forefront of interest and need.  While it may still be stigmatized, it may be the best treatment we have for people to begin to heal and survive the madness that has been captured on cell phones just across this country of hatred and chaos. 

      We need to begin to acknowledge that the pain and suffering we are incurring from this pandemic but also all of the other pandemics hidden in the shadows such as loneliness, aggression, and anxiety that now warrant just as much attention as Covid-19. 
 



Bernadette Joy Graham, MA, LPC, NCC,
Licensed Mental Health Therapist

     People were dying from loneliness and have been way before a stay at home order was set into place.  People are dying from aggressive behavior of their own and of others due to severe anxiety and fear of the unknown.    There is scientific evidence that supports causes of death such as diabetes and heart disease at same or higher rates of the consequences that stem from loneliness, aggressive behavior and anxiety.  Suicide and homicide take surreal amounts of lives on a daily basis and has been long before the outbreak of Covid-19. 

     There are countless reasons African-American communities have the highest rates of fatalities of the cruelties of this world.  There are also countless historical times when African Americans as a people have overcome, changed the world and survived.  Mental health is just as real and just as important as physical health.  It is your mental health that not only determines your physical health but it can also determine your fate.  When you are not thinking clearly your feelings are greatly affected which in turn rules your behavior.  It has never been the most physically strong person to win in any scenario yet the most strategic.  A sound mind gives a sound body. 

     I often say to people “get your mind right,” and then go from there.  Depression is real, anxiety is real, loneliness is real, psychosis is real and to varying degrees.  Some need hospitalization, medications, counseling or a combination. Through my many years of experience, sometimes we just need each other.   This community is filled with mental health providers. This community is also filled with people who care.  If you need help seek it, if you know someone who needs help give it. You don’t have to be a PhD psychologist to relieve the feelings of loneliness for a person who has been shut in or isolated from society.  Sometimes the best medicine for your own pain is to help someone else in pain.  Share your story, listen to theirs. Show that you care.

    Access to professional mental health care is problematic not just in this state and in this city but period. There is no reason for any of us to be suffering to the point of killing each other or ourselves.  Take a mental health moment and think about three fundamental pillars of life….Faith, Hope, and Love.  Each day, each and everyone of us should empower Faith in another human being which will give another life Hope to live on and Love will endow us with a life worth living.  Together we can create a new normal devoid of the atrocities we have so incurred on ourselves and one another by stigmatizing the one thing we need most….a healthy mind set. 

    Please seek out help and realize none of us are exempt during these trying times to become victim to an unhealthy mindset.  I have listed a few resources below but remember sometimes the best resource is each other.  I am providing as much pro bono counseling I can possibly give, I hope that other professionals are doing the same. 

Resources for loneliness – coalition to end social isolation and loneliness

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5cb224c5aadd34703fcd10b6/t/5e7d0a 224887e51518c9494a/1585252899325/COVID-19+CESIL+One-Pager+%28updated%29.pdf

For School Kids

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5cb224c5aadd34703fcd10b6/t/5e8e4077cd 9b554048a5123c/1586380919516/CESIL+-+Beyond+Differences+Infographic+%28002%29.png

Covid-19 Resources

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5cb224c5aadd34703fcd10b6/t/5e7d0aa9ad 724f2d67898171/1585253034102/CESIL+-+COVID19+Infographic+%28updated%29.png

https://thementalhealthcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Mental-Health_COVID-19-511.pdf

twitter

#isolatedNOTlonely

To find a mental health provider you may get a list of providers from your insurance company. You do not need a referral.   You may also view sites such as www.psychologytoday.com or www.goodtherapy.com 

Lastly, if you find yourself in a moment of crisis and unable to find help around you, please call 911 or get to an emergency room.  ALL LIVES MATTER…..especially yours even when it doesn’t seem like it and the pain is unbearable, don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed as you will soon realize we are all hurting in some way right now you are not alone.   

         

  Bernadette Graham is a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist.  Provide feedback or reach out at graham.bernadette@gmail.com  For appointment information please call 419.409.4929 (Telehealth is available for ongoing and new clients at this time).  www.bjgrahamcounseling.com


 

 

   
   


Copyright © 2019 by [The Sojourner's Truth]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 06/04/20 00:46:57 -0400.


More Articles....

Greater Toledo Community Foundation Introduces Community Resilience Fund to Address Long-Term Recovery Efforts Resulting From COVID-19 Pandemic

Alzheimer’s‌ ‌Association‌ ‌Calls‌ ‌for‌ ‌Additional Action‌ ‌as‌ the State’s Nursing Home Crisis Grows

Avenging COVID 19: The Fight to Live
 


   

Back to Home Page