By Rev. Evelyn Madison, Chair of Mental Health Ministries
In 2004, a Mental Health Task Force was created in the former Central Pennsylvania Conference UMC. This group, comprised of laity and clergy, was convened to discuss how to provide education and support to the churches and pastors in the conference, simply because, we ALL have mental health. It’s just that the state of our mental health can vary from day to day and even during each day. The Mental Health Awareness Sunday offering is used to provide education and resources to the congregations in the Susquehanna Annual Conference.
The current pandemic is an added stressor for all of us. Parents have become teachers. Adult children have become caregivers for their parents. We worry about the COVID-19 virus – am I safe going to the store? Can I visit my loved ones or not? What is happening to my mom, my dad, my loved one in the hospital or nursing home? Social isolation or distancing keeps us from gathering with our loved ones to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries or to grieve together when a loved one dies. Wedding plans are being canceled. Graduation ceremonies are on hold. Many people are now unemployed as businesses have closed. College students are home. The cumulative effect of these changes in our lives and losses increases daily.
All of us have mental health, but stress of this type can have a negative impact on any of us. We all need to develop healthy coping habits, especially habits we can use during times such as this.
Here are some suggestions:
- Good sleep hygiene – http://sleepeducation.org/essentials-in-sleep/healthy-sleep-habits
- Find time to exercise
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Get out in nature, if possible. Even stepping out on to your front porch or, if that’s not possible, opening a window to get some fresh air
- Keep connected to family & friends. Phone calls, email, texting, writing letters….we have so many ways to keep connected, while maintaining our distance!
- Spend time with God. Prayer, reading the Bible, participating in worship or Bible study via the internet
Our mental health is connected to our overall health and well-being. When we become anxious, when worries begin to take control of our thoughts, we need to stop, BREATHE, and remember: God is with us. God is always with us. We are not alone.
Here is a simple breathing exercise that can help:
- Slowly inhale. 1….2….3….4….
- SLOWLY is the key word!
- Hold your breath. 1….2….3….4….
- FOCUS on holding your breath.
- Slowly exhale. 1….2….3….4….
- SLOWLY is the key word.
Repeat these steps at least 3 or 4 times, very slowly. As you inhale, offer a prayer to God – keep it simple: God, thank you for life or Jesus, Son of God, be present with me. As you exhale, picture all the worries, the cares, breathed out into God’s care.
Breath is a source of life. When we focus on our breathing in this intentional way, we cannot also be worrying, allowing thoughts to race through our minds, because it takes focus to control your breathing.
In the beginning, when God created us, male & female, God breathed life into us. In the valley of dry bones, Ezekiel is told to prophesy to the wind, the Spirit, which brings breath into the bones. After the resurrection, Jesus breathes on the disciples, sharing with them the Holy Spirit.
When we are under stress, it affects the way in which we breathe. May practicing this intentional breathing exercise help reduce the stress, the anxiety, the worry you are experiencing during this time.
Mental Health First Aid Training
Rescheduled to June 3, 2020Mental Health First Aid training originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wesley UMC
306 Rhoads Ave, Selinsgrove, PA.
Cost for United Methodists: $30 Includes manual and lunch.
CEUs are available.
To register, contact Evelyn Madison (emadison@susumc.org). Registration fee should be mailed to her at 2511 Juniata Gap Rd., Altoona PA 16601.
Pre-registration is required.
