Today, we take courage as we move forward with life in the face of coronavirus, variants and various violent episodes. We are aware of our life traumas over the last two and a half years. Our goals and focus have certainly changed. We re-evaluated our values and what is important. Now, people are settling into what best suits the family moving forward. There can be a need to gain insight about emotions.
It is important to assess what affects adults and children emotionally. Why? The impact of the last 2.5 years is not easily evaluated without considering resilience points:
Is anxiety surfacing? Anxiety is defined as "intense, persistent worry about everyday activities. Anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror. These feelings reach a peak within minutes." Anxiety disorders - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic.
Anxiety symptoms include feeling nervous, increased heart and breathing rates, stomach or sleeping trouble, sweating, and difficulty controlling worry.
Children may decline to answer in some instances at school or home or they may have separation anxiety when caretakers leave them with others. It is good to allow children time to settle in after a transition.
Substance abuse (misusing drugs, taking prescription medications, being exposed to a toxic substance or withdrawal from drugs) can be part of anxiety issues too.
Anxiety can be caused by medical conditions.
The above information helps us focus on the Scripture that says: "Cast all our anxiety on Him because He cares for us", 1 Peter 5:7 New International Version (NIV). We can ask Him for directions on how we deal with any anxiety. Sometimes, we need to seek professional counseling. Sometimes, we may need to approach our anxiety in phases. Sometimes, we need community, our family, our friends, church members or co-workers to support us while we tread on this path.
Sometimes, we want to hide our emotions because we are ashamed. Do not be ashamed. Seek the help that you need without hesitation. There are agencies that aid as well.
Child Abuse Hotline - 1-800-422-4433
National Alliance for Mental Illness - Chicago Helpline - 312-563-0445 (Trained counselors M-F from 9 am - 5 pm)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255 (trained counselors are available 24 hours / 7 days a week)
Veterans Crisis Hotline - 1-800-273-8255
Employee Assistance programs are part of the benefits package for many employers. These programs cover a multitude of issues that can cause anxiety, like finding child or adult care, legal issues, or accessing home needs if one moves into a new neighborhood.
Calls to Action:
Assess personal needs and concerns.
Connect with any appropriate services. The list above is not all-inclusive.
Purchase: "Fully Persuaded Faith" shares Prayer Jewels for everyday living or "Live Abundantly" (This book provides multiple ideas to live successfully) from: https://www.marilynnjames.com. Either book will give encouragement on life's paths.