Are You Okay?

Many of us struggle with stress from one form or another, be it emotional, financial, mental, or physical, even in normal times. During the present pandemic and especially during holiday times, our struggle with stress can be compounded exponentially. As the situation gets worse, we are trapped into thinking that we will be incapable on handling one more bad thing. This is especially true if you are suffering from some form of mental disorder, such as PTSD, depression, disabilities or anxiety; anxiety, being the most common disorder. No matter your age, sex, income or ethnicity, everyone is at risk. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans experience some mental health problems each year. If you suffer from any one of these disorders, you are NOT alone!  To help reduce the risk of stress overwhelming you, try to consciously become aware of how you are addressing the stress.  If you notice yourself, a neighbor or friend withdrawing from loved ones, avoiding activities once enjoyed, sleeping or eating too much or too little, having or expressing constant negative thoughts, feeling hopelessness or not knowing what to do, it is important to seek help.

Here at Charlestown, there are those that can help us process challenges in our lives— our Resident Services Coordinators and the Medical Center Personnel, including Shannon Miller, LCSW-C and Daina Buivys, Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist.  For financial concerns call Pam Stiner (ext. 601-3522) and for down-sizing your apartment call Don Grove (ext 601-8918). We, your fellow residents, can also help each other. Knowing what to say, how to act, or what we can do to help is not always clear. But what’s really very important is reaching out and not being afraid of expressing your fears to others. It’s so simple to ask, Are you okay? It’s Okay TO NOT be Okay!  Someone once said: “Some of the most comforting words in the universe are ‘me too.’ That moment when you find out that your struggle is also someone else’s struggle, that you’re not alone, and that others have been down the same road.”

Our wellbeing depends on us. Seek help from a mental health professional, if needed. Find what brings you peace and happiness and feelings of joy, take a daily walk, call family or friends, avoid too much TV screen time watching bad news, be a volunteer, such as reading to those with low vision, eat healthy meals, sleep well.  When I’m feeling stressed, “I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so bad.” Simple, but for me, it works.

~ Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker, Chair, Health Services Committee ~