By Shanna Putnam-Dibble, Learner Advocate If you are feeling overwhelmed or mentally exhausted because of the changes brought on by the pandemic, you are not alone. COVID has impacted many of us physically, mentally, and emotionally. More than one-third of Americans have displayed signs of anxiety, depression, or both since the pandemic began. The National Council for Behavioral Health president and CEO Chuck Ingoglia states, “Secondary trauma stemming from the Pandemic is a very real concern, so we all must take precautions to address our mental health. Practicing self-care to treat symptoms – including anxiety, depression or sleep deprivation – to maintain our mental health is as vital as taking practical steps to ensure our physical health and wellness.” One way to help with self-care is to create a Self-Care Plan to identify things that you can do to take care of yourself. When creating a Self-Care Plan it is important that it is realistic, safe, and that it works for you. Keep in mind that everyone’s self-care plan will look different and that is okay. When beginning a self-care plan, ask yourself the following questions:
When developing a Self-Care Plan, it can be helpful to think about people, programs and activities that are important and feel safe to you. You may also consider the following categories to include in your care plan; intellectual, emotional, occupational, physical, financial, and spiritual. You do not need to have something for each category, these are just helpful things to think about when prioritizing things for your self-care plan. When it comes to self-care, do not be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to the supportive people in your life. Remember, even when we are physically distant, there are still ways to stay connected. Here are some additional resources if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges. Mental Health Resources: Local: Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health 800-400-8923 *available 24 hours for assistance or Crisis Calls Mental Health Resources: https://www.neibh.org/links Iowa Helpline: 1-855-800-1239 or text 1-855-800-1239 (https://iowahelpline.org) Suicide Text Hotline: 741741 Trevor Project (LGBTQ Mental Health Supports): 1-866-488-7386 or text 678678 (https://www.thetrevorproject.org) Mentalhealthfirstaid.org When times are challenging, we often provide support and grace for others, while forgetting to do so for ourselves. During the challenges and uncertainties of 2020, have grace for others and support them when you can, but also make sure to take care of yourself.
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AuthorsDCSD Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Learner Advocate, and Collaborative Teachers Archives
April 2024
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