By Sarah Nestell, LLMSW
May is National Mental Health Month and we asked the folks from Newaygo County Mental Health to provide us with a series of articles to help promote awareness of the resources available for those seeking help. In this fourth installment Sarah Nestell speaks to an issue affecting nearly 1 in 5 Americans. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed almost everything about our day to day lives, and it is affecting mental health in a BIG way. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 19.1% of adults in the United States had some type of anxiety disorder in the past year. Further, they estimate that 31.1% of adults will experience any anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. In taking appropriate measures to keep our community safe and healthy, many are experiencing physical, social, and emotional isolation, all of which are risk factors for anxiety. The isolation may exacerbate symptoms already present, or potentially triggered unfamiliar feelings for the very first time. One of the common stigmas associated with anxiety, or any other mental illness, is that it is somehow less severe or debilitating than a physical illness, because symptoms may not be observable to others. The truth is, anxiety can be every bit as overwhelming as a physical illness. It's also quite common for symptoms of mental health to influence a person’s physical health (and vice versa!). For those who are unfamiliar, anxiety may be subtle and hard to identify at first. It manifests in many ways, presenting differently among different people. It’s possible you’ve experienced it but were unable to identify or name it. Indicators you or someone you know may be experiencing anxiety include: • Memory issues • Overthinking • Avoidance or emotional distance • Insomnia or fatigue • Sweating • GI irritation (stomach issues) • Rapid heartbeat • Headaches or other body aches • Overeating or not eating at all • Trouble breathing • Panic attacks • Needing assurance • Procrastination • Constant worrying • Lack of patience What is important to know is that anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. Our brains and our bodies are responding to trauma, something we have never experienced before and don’t know how to handle. I encourage you to regularly pause for a moment to have a “mental health check in”, just a few moments considering the following questions: • How am I feeling today? • What have I spent the most time and energy thinking about? • Am I tired? • When was the last time I ate a whole meal? • What has brought or will bring me joy today? • How am I speaking to myself? To others? Reflecting on these questions will create an awareness of how anxiety may be affecting you or your family. Maybe you feel like you’re not accomplishing much, or you don’t have as much energy to give, or maybe you feel restless, or sick. As we continue to press forward, remember that whatever you are feeling, it’s valid, and it’s normal. Let’s allow ourselves some grace, because we are worth it. Let’s allow grace for others, because they are too. Though the circumstances are definitely not ideal, I hope that from our experience during this pandemic we learn the importance of our mental wellbeing and how to care for it. As a reminder, our crisis line is available for anyone and can be accessed 24/7 by calling 231-689-7580; Newaygo County Mental Health is ready to care for you. The three previous articles https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/self-care-for-improved-mental-health https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/mental-health-month-taking-time-to-heal https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/becoming-an-ally
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It’s been a tough road for the local restaurant industry since the coronavirus arrived and the subsequent restrictions put a temporary end to any indoor dining experiences. Being the resilient and resourceful folks they are, many have continued to keep the doors open (or maybe just ajar) by being creative with their take out service. We have asked our readers to give us a little input on their take out adventures and here’s a sampling of what we’ve received thus far. Care to chime in with your own fave take out spot and toss them a little love? Hit us up. Here’s how. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/take-out Greg Schmidt prefers to get it and go at the Red Anchor Inn. His dish of choice? BBQ ribs and chicken strips “Top notch service by the owners. The ribs fall off the bone and all the breading is homemade. “And don't miss Amy's homemade desserts.” Kathy Misak cited Croton’s Hit the Road Joe as her go-to place. “Everything has been outstanding but our favorite was the Indian food last week, dal, creamed spinach, naan. All so wonderfully spiced. For Jerry Swendrowski it’s the Super Sub with Onion Rings at Jimmy’s Roadhouse in Newaygo. “All hats off to Jimmy and his staff who have hung in there trying to help everyone make the best out of the worst ! And an additional shout out to all of the other local venues who have tried doing the same. Thank you all !!!” A double endorsement came from Julie Burrell who calls Hesperia home. “We’ve been sticking pretty close to home the past several weeks, but did order delivery from Fat Boys, which was delicious as always & remains the only delivery option in Hesperia. “On our weekly trip to Fremont last week, I opted to order lunch for myself & the kids and delightfully discovered The Koffee Kuppe now offers online ordering, which was seamless and fast, allowing me to multi-task momming, teaching, and working without needing to make an additional phone call!” The Jetty in Croton apparently serves up an outstanding Quesadilla according to Tonya and Eldon Howe. “They (Kelly) make the best ever invented! We drive down to the water to watch ducks etc. while we eat. We always take plates and forks with to make it easier . We also go to Hit the Road Joe occasionally. Tracy cooks like an angel! Hi Tracy♡ Holly and Joe Moon are doing their part to help keep the local eateries going through the current restrictions with a half dozen epicurean options to add to their ‘date nights’ Lunch Pail - Chicken Bacon Ranch Spud & French Dip Blind Squirrel - American Nachos, Flat Breads & Chicken Kabobs (sadly they have closed until further notice) Seasons - Grand Slam Pizza Chee Peng - Sweet & Sour Chicken w/Crab Rangoons & Egg Drop Soup Charlie's Family Grill - Strawberry Walnut Salad & BBQ Chicken & Onion Rings Arby's - Double Beef & Cheddar & Turkey Farmhouse Salad “We support our local restaurants on Friday and Saturday nights. To make our experience a little more like date night, we take our culinary treats to Fremont Lake Park and pull our vehicle into the spot where my Dad proposed to my Mom almost 75 years ago. Watching the birds and the waves on the Lake, and remembering my Mom telling us the story makes each visit special!” Tasty Take Out? With the closure of all of our favorite local eateries the community enhancing activity known as dining out has turned into a grab it and go exercise as restaurant owners scramble more than eggs these days in an effort to keep their businesses going. Here at N3 World Headquarters and Snow Cursing Center (C’mon. Mom Nature it’s nearly Mid May for cripes sake. Time to send Old Man Winter packing for good) we have limited our take out travels to those within close enough range to keep the food warm until it hits our dining room table. For us this has included City Limits and Jimmy’s in Newaygo. Plans include hitting the Mexican options available at the RStop Saloon on Tuesdays but thus far remembering to order on Monday has eluded us. We also plan on making a trek to Hit the Road Joe for one of their thrice weekly offerings soon. City Limits has been a weekly breakfast run and though we miss the communal dining experience of this local gem, the stuffed hashbrowns are still the bomb even when eaten in the comfort of N3WH&SCC. While Jimmy’s has long been a Friday ritual involving burgers and brews, we have adjusted by getting them on the run on occasion. Not the same as soaking up some start of the weekend atmosphere but the burgs are just as wonderful as always and we thankfully have some Oberon on hand as a go with. So here’s the challenge: Tell us about your take out dining experiences locally. We want to hear about the places out there still slinging some hash for those of us who enjoy eating food prepared by others from time to time. Where have you gone, when do you go, what you’ve been getting, why you like it, and how has it changed things for you during these days of dining-out deprivation? Got a good story about it? Anything been a surprise? Best part? What do you miss? No length requirements, could be a sentence, paragraph, essay, short story or even a novella. We all want to support our local businesses and letting as many people know about the options still out there can do nothing but help. So here’s how you can contribute. By Jennifer Derwin, LMSW.
May is National Mental Health Month and we asked the folks from Newaygo County Mental Health to provide us with a series of articles to help promote awareness of the resources available for those seeking help. In this piece clinician Jennifer Derwin provides some insight about the issues facing LBGT people living in rural areas. Here are the two previous pieces. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/self-care-for-improved-mental-health https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/mental-health-month-taking-time-to-heal Up North Michigan is beautiful this time of year, the birds chirping, the river flowing, peepers at night and beautiful sunsets. Rural Michigan is a great place to live, grow up and raise a family. But, it can be a struggle for those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, or Transgender (LGBT). We often overlook that LGBT people live in rural communities. Being LGBT doesn’t mean you want to go live in a big city, especially if this is your home. LGBT people are drawn to rural areas for many of the same reasons as their heterosexual counterparts; being close to family, a tight knit community and connection to their history. But it can be difficult. LGBT people in rural areas face many hurdles, such as discrimination, access to appropriate health care, threats and fear of being “outed.” LGBT people in rural areas do not have the same access to resources as those in big cities. Luckily, that is slowly changing. Many rural areas are starting their own LGBT Pride groups. Traverse City and Marquette both have groups. And closer to home, Ferris State University in Big Rapids, recently started a LGBTQ Resource Center that welcomes students and community members. Having these resources available and having people who are “ally’s” to those in the LGBT community is important. According to The Trevor Project National Survey Results of 2019, “39% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past twelve months, with more than half of transgender and non-binary youth having seriously considered. 71% of LGBTQ youth reported feeling sad or hopeless for at least two weeks in the past year.” (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-Trevor-Project-National-Survey-Results-2019.pdf. LGBT people face the same mental health illnesses as their heterosexual counterparts such as Depression, Generalized Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder, but often to a greater extent. Many transgender and gender non-conforming people also experience Gender Dysphoria. What can we do? Be an ally, share a resource and educate yourself about the LGBTQ community. For more information about services from Newaygo County Mental Health, call (231) 689-7330. Or visit our website www.newaygocmh.org For more information about the Ferris State University LGBTQ Resource Center: (231).591-2658 @FerrisLGBTQ on Facebook. www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/studentlife/lgbtq-center By Kathleen Smith, Nurse/Case Manager for Newaygo County Mental Health May is Mental Health month and what better way to focus on mental health than self-care! During the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to remember that it is normal to experience feelings of anxiety, loss of control, uncertainty, or perhaps being overwhelmed by all of the information coming at you all at once. It is essential to remember that some of these feelings and emotions can cause changes to our physical and mental health. Increased stress and anxiety can cause fatigue, body aches and sore muscles, headaches, upset stomach or heartburn, and changes in sleep patterns. Self-care is the key to balance. There are steps that you can take to do self-care to decrease stress and anxiety, while improving your physical health. Here are areas you can focus on: Mental Health
Physical Health
You can also visit our website at www.newaygocmh.org. By Carol Mills, Executive Director, Newaygo County Mental Health
Since 1949, when National Mental Health month was first observed, we have continued to encourage awareness of mental and emotional health. Mental Health Month for many, is so much more relevant as this year, as we emerge slowly from the COVID-19 pandemic. The past few months have been difficult for everyone. Many people have lost jobs they once thought were secure. Students have been unable to participate in activities and spend time with friends. There are so many missed memories for them – prom, Spring sports, plays, graduation ceremonies and parties. Adults have also experienced many losses of activities, hobbies and routines. Even more sadly, many of us have lost dear family members who were not able to overcome this virus. May is Mental Health Month – it is a fitting time to remember that mental health is as important as physical health. It will take time to heal from the events of the last few months. Healing is a difficult process to go through alone, or with inadequate supports. It is a difficult process even with the right supports in place. As we start the process of rebuilding our lives, please take time to assess your own mental health, and the mental health of those around you. If you are having difficulty coping with loss or the challenges and changes that we have been through, consider seeking help. There are many ways to access help – churches, on-line, private counselors and Community Mental Health. Newaygo County Mental Health has been serving this community for almost 50 years. While there are some criteria that people have to meet for services, all of our services are based upon income with a sliding fee scale for those people that do not have Medicaid. If you do not meet criteria for our services, we will assist you with referring you to an appropriate provider that can help you. I have heard people talk about a “new normal”. “Normal” is what we make it, and how we as a society define it. Our new normal will certainly be different than it was six months ago. This is a resilient community. We have witnessed many examples of the goodness of people during this time. Many meals have been provided to the sick and shut in. There are hundreds of examples of people helping others in need. We have come together as a community to help each other. May that become our new normal. During the month of May, we will have several articles written by staff of Newaygo CMH about various mental health issues. We look forward to helping the community heal from events of the last few months, and to planning for the future. For those interested in seeking assistance, please call 231-689-7330 during office hours for an appointment. As a reminder, Newaygo CMH is available 24/7 for people in crisis. Our crisis line is 231-689-7580. You can also visit our website at www.newaygocmh.org Wow! I just gotta say, that’s something I never thought of before. Never looked at it from that angle but the way you (or, uh, whoever’s post that is you’re sharing, I mean) put it into words has absolutely altered my whole way of thinking on it. Before reading your post I was content just to sit here on social media and hold onto my own opinions, the ones I have formed over the years through personal experience and personal preferences when it comes to anything political, but this post…. this post.... holy mackerel, it is so eloquent and spot on that my entire outlook on this has changed and I see I was merely deluded before. Your articulation of this issue (or rather that of the creator(s) of the post, but hey it was you that found it and reposted, right?) along with the many likes and comments not only solidified the change in my convictions but adequately silenced those people who were in disagreement. I mean, hey, even if it did take some childish yet fiendishly clever name calling and, well, maybe a more vicious verbal exchange or two, but that shut the front door stuff played out so beautifully from your side and dwarfed any rebuttal from my old side that I gotta tell you it nearly brought tears to my eyes it was so masterful. I cannot thank you enough. Had I not stumbled onto this particular posting I may have never seen the light. It has truly turned my thinking around and I am not only indebted to you, but applaud you for having the good sense to be on the proper side of things. I only hope I can undo any damage I might have done when my beliefs were different and I posted things that most likely convinced many of those on your side (our side now) to defect. I’m sure this will be attainable with the help of you and your like-minded group to guide me. Again, my deepest appreciation as well as my acknowledgement that while I have spent all these years stumbling along with my own beliefs, you, and those who think like you, have had the good wisdom to know the truth all along... SAID NO ONE. EVER. -Ken DeLaat Note: This column is a reprint with some revisions from a few years back. Amazingly enough, it appears to remain relevant today. “We don’t have a choice on whether we do social media; the question is how well we do it.”-Eric Qualman |
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April 2024
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