If You Feel Like You're About To Fall, Reach Out For Help

  • Wednesday, November 18, 2020

We are months into the pandemic caused by the coronavirus. If you or someone you know may be experiencing physiological effects, such as social anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger, rage, depression, fear, isolation and these are very normal emotions to have, if you are facing an emotional or suicidal distress, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and your local emergency number 911 is always available if you are having urges to attempt suicide. 

Do not be ashamed or embarrassed if you are feeling depressed and alone. With the social distancing and wearing a mask all the time that is making us all feel a little cuckoo, if we do our best to stay well mentally and physically, then we will help others stay well also.

We need to stop being so hard on ourselves. The way that we will get through this is with the help of others. There are people out there that want to help and we all have to come to a point to trust 
that. We need one another and there is no shame in saying it. Our mental health is just as important as our physical, and I do not need credentials to say that.

The CDC says that mental health conditions are in the higher numbers due to COVID-19, and that communities have faced mental health challenges related to COVID-19-asoociated morbidity, mortality, and mitigation activities. Karen Ranus, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental illness, said "While we do not have concrete data yet, we're fairly confident that with all the added stress-job loss, anxiety-we're likely to see an increase."

COVID-19 and the risk of suicide written by the Mayo Clinic Staff said, "During the pandemic, you can still reach out to others in a safe way and ask for help, whether it is by phone, text, or email or a trusted social media platform, do not be afraid to let others know that you're feeling overwhelmed and need support, at least get the conversation started."

Dr. Martha Buchanon, director of the Knox County Health Department in a press conference in March said the most important message that she wants to deliver is that now more than ever we need to be kinder and gentler with ourselves and with each other, and if there is anybody out there that is struggling, she encourages them to reach out and seek help.

Do not forget our first responders. If you have friends and loved ones that are on the front lines take the time to reach out and let them know that you are available day or night. Many times we hear from others that police officers have a lot of down time during their shifts, but there is no such thing as down time. Not even when they are off duty. A police officer does not leave a shift without taking with them the calls of not only the shift they just completed, but all the haunting calls in the past, as well as the calls that keeps them on the edge of their seat waiting to come through but hoping that they do not. 

Our medical personal, paramedics, court staff on the bench and off, in the office and so many others are taking care of business behind the scenes and too often we do not consider the battles that they face, and especially today as they figure everything out trying to rid the wrinkles of what is going to be the new system in which things are done. 

As hard as it may be on some days and easier on other days, we have to hang in there and if you feel like you are about to fall, please reach out to someone close. 

Peace to all. 
Tonya Rhea

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