Something that has been on my heart these past couple weeks is the concern I feel about the increased isolation that is a sad but necessary evil in our current situation due to COVID-19. I think about all the people who live alone, elderly and young. I think about how much isolation maximizes the fact that they’re alone. I think about the children who are stuck in abusive homes with no way out. I think about people who are stuck at home with an abusive partner. I think of those who suffer from mental illness that plagues them greatly when isolated. I think about all of those who feel desperate and hopeless, worrying about how to pay bills. This blog is for ALL of you. We are in this together and together is how we are going to get through it.
In response to child abuse: I urge everyone to keep their eyes open. I urge you to check in on the families where you suspect abuse is happening. Remember- we are not investigators. When a CPS report is made, it only has to be made on suspicion. You don’t have to have photos or video or evidence in order to make a report.
In response to domestic violence: Find ways to encourage them to seek shelter, to seek help. Remember that in abusive relationships, most modalities of communication are monitored by the abuser. Be sure that you are careful when passing along information. If you are afraid for the safety of a loved one, call the non-emergency line and request a wellness check be done.
In response to suicide: it is likely that we will see an increase in suicidal ideation, attempts and completions of suicide. If you are suspicious or worried that someone you know and/or care about is moving in that direction, a wellness check can be requested in this scenario also. There are also
mobile crisis outreach teams that can do suicide assessments to determine the next steps.
In response to all your loved ones who might just be struggling with isolation, fear, anxiety, aloneness: I urge you to find ways to connect. In this age of technology there are many, many ways to connect without having to be face-to-face. We all need to feel connected. We all need to know that we are loved, we are important, and we are missed!
Lastly, I want to encourage everyone to seek counseling and support if it’s needed. Please don’t sacrifice your mental health during this time. While I believe we can all handle a couple weeks of isolation, I know that the longer we are isolated, the darker our thoughts and moods will become. We must be diligent in this. We must be courageous and brave and ask for help when we need it! Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of wisdom and strength!
Below are just some resources that could help during this time! Several are local to Parker County, Texas.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1800-273-8255 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Report Child Abuse/Adult Abuse (Elderly or Disabled)
1800-252-5400
Weatherford Police Dept
817-598-4310
Freedom House (domestic/family violence hotline)
817-596-8922
Child Advocacy Center of Parker County
682-615-1992
April Carpenter, LPC, LMFT
682-803-0201
I hope that everyone will do their due diligence when they need resources. There are so many options out there and all it takes is one step of courage to reach out and ask for help! I know it's easy to say "I'll be ok." or "I can handle this until it's over." All while suffering internally. You don't have to do this alone. We are all in this together and we can get through this together.
I urge everyone to keep an eye out for those who can't protect themselves or speak out for themselves. May we never stay silent when confronted with abuse.
This will one day be a memory for all of us, but until then, we should do our parts in decreasing the spread of this virus and working hard to take care of ourselves and our loved ones!
I hope you all are staying safe and healthy!
I'll be back again soon!
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