Health professionals urge self-care for mental well-being
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| Patrick Stropes |
“People need to reach out when they need help,” said Stropes, who handles public relations for Growth Works, founded in Plymouth in 1971. The facility now offers help for those struggling with addiction as well as their life choices, including youths under court referral.
“You don't want to just get in your own head and mull things over negatively. It's just really self-care, and staying connected to people,” Stropes added.
He defined self-care, as knowing what your key stressors are, as well as the optimal ways of coping. Stropes, his two sons, four brothers and others had a festive Thanksgiving together via Zoom.
“It was great,” he said of chatting remotely for about an hour before dinner. “It was very nice in these challenging times. Virtually now is where we're at.”
He encourages those in recovery to check the tools online at the Growth Works website of www.gwcares.org, with the agency also on Facebook.
The Rev. Bryan Smith, pastor for more than 25 years at Geneva Presbyterian Church of Canton, got together with close family and a few more for Thanksgiving. “It was just very simple,” Smith said of the stay-at-home Thanksgiving. “We ate and played a couple games together.”
Smith agrees there's COVID-19 “fatigue,” and hears a lot from his own Sheldon Road congregation of family stress “especially with kids not being in school.” Changes in routine have impacted mental health, and some at Geneva are grieving loved ones.
Smith sees benefits to Zoom use and phone calls this time of year, but adds, “It's not a full substitute for being with someone.”
The agency works with those in recovery from addiction, and Smith said recently, “That's not really coming up in my conversations” of holiday drinking excess.
The men agree financial burdens have are serious and prevalent, especially for those laid off from work, with Smith reminding his worshippers of the true reason for Christmas: “It's part of our faith, a big part of it,” the pastor said of the birth of Jesus.
Smith sees normal routines like going to restaurants being restricted as adding to the stress.”We're sociable creatures.”
His wife, Jennifer Smith, has set up a weekly family remote meeting for her own mom in California, with other family members participating as well.
Stropes also appreciates the Canton Community Foundation increased social opportunities, especially for senior citizens. He notes many resources, including those for suicide prevention with 24/7 phone lines.
Stropes suggests less use of social media, noting the massive negativity during the recent election season. Less television is a good idea, too, he added, although some channels like FreeForm offer “cheesy” holiday movies.
“If we could see more positivity through our television, that would be helpful,” Stropes said.
He appreciates area health systems/hospitals for diligent handling of the pandemic. “You see a lot of people not wearing masks. That also creates anxiety,” said Stropes, who works remotely and limits going out and about now.
“People are working from home. There's definitely been an uptick in overdoses,” Stropes said. “That pain comes back again when they're not self-medicating.”
Online appointments are available too through Growth Works, which has clinicians for adults based in Canton. The agency has a building in downtown Plymouth and other regional facilities. The facility can be reached at (734) 455-4095.
