From your Faith Community Nurse, Minister of Health & Wellness Deborah Ringen
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Wow, it is August already! Summer days bring fun, family, vacations, and the realization that the new school year will begin soon.
This year we are faced with rising coronavirus infection rates, the Delta variant and others on the horizon that infect more people, more quickly and even infects some who are vaccinated. Children under 12 are the largest part of the population that is not eligible to be vaccinated yet. Despite the fun outdoor activities of the season, worry and anxiety are increasing during what should be a time of relaxation and renewal. We are called to continue wearing masks, washing our hands, get vaccinated and encourage those who can, to get vaccinated too.
It is critically important that we work to maintain our mental health and the mental health of our children. While we can’t immediately fix the consequences of the pandemic, we can work on changing how we respond.
Here are some resources to help people of all ages cope during this difficult time.
Take time each day to focus on what in positive in your life. Encourage children to think about what kindness means.
is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” ~ 1 John 4:16b, 18a
Gracious God, we know you are with us. Help us find moments of calm in your presence. Help us find peace in the chaos. We are grateful for your love. This pandemic will come to an end, we will grow and learn from the experience and continue to spread your compassion and love throughout the world with Your help. ~ Amen
Photo by Joice Kelly on Unsplash
Wow, it is August already! Summer days bring fun, family, vacations, and the realization that the new school year will begin soon.This year we are faced with rising coronavirus infection rates, the Delta variant and others on the horizon that infect more people, more quickly and even infects some who are vaccinated. Children under 12 are the largest part of the population that is not eligible to be vaccinated yet. Despite the fun outdoor activities of the season, worry and anxiety are increasing during what should be a time of relaxation and renewal. We are called to continue wearing masks, washing our hands, get vaccinated and encourage those who can, to get vaccinated too.
It is critically important that we work to maintain our mental health and the mental health of our children. While we can’t immediately fix the consequences of the pandemic, we can work on changing how we respond.
Here are some resources to help people of all ages cope during this difficult time.
Take time each day to focus on what in positive in your life. Encourage children to think about what kindness means.
- Random Acts of Kindness offers a Kindness at Home Curriculum which offers activities, discussion topics and journal prompts to be used at home. A guide for parents in included in this free download. Topics include respect, caring, integrity, responsibility courage, and Inclusiveness.
- Coping Skills for Kids offers tips to help children cope with stress, anxiety, and anger that are helpful for adults too! Tips include ideas for relaxation, distraction movement and more.
- SNEUCC Mental Health/ Spiritual Health Resources Multiple links are available to provide information and resources related to Spiritual and Mental Health including helpful ways to reduce stress and anxiety as well as domestic violence help lines and suicide prevention hotlines.
is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” ~ 1 John 4:16b, 18a
Gracious God, we know you are with us. Help us find moments of calm in your presence. Help us find peace in the chaos. We are grateful for your love. This pandemic will come to an end, we will grow and learn from the experience and continue to spread your compassion and love throughout the world with Your help. ~ Amen
Photo by Joice Kelly on Unsplash
Author
Debbie Ringen
Debbie Ringen supports the Conference vision to make God’s love and justice real through wellness ministry at the Conference and local church level. In addition to providing resources, educational workshops, blogs and networking opportunities, she is...