Great Strides December 2020

I wish you an abundance of blessings so you can share some to others.

May your love for you never falter, cause you need to love you to love others.

I wish you all the clarity to discern what matters most. May your time be well-spent to spend on what’s important upmost.

I wish you daring spirit to change the things in your life that you can.

May you have plenty of resolve to accept whose you want to change but can’t.

“Happy Holidays” by Mending Art Artist, Koreen S.

I wish you all the love in the world to bring you contentment and felicity. May you live a life of meaning, cause that’s a wonderful life really!

-life notes to file

As the months go by and we still face all of the challenges associated with Covid-19, we want you to remember that there are resources that are available.

Below is a list of programs that can help.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 1-888-628-9454 (Español) www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Alcohol and Drug Recovery/ Substance Abuse Treatment Access Line for Referrals & Detoxification 860-714-3700 and 800-563-4086 Sexual Assault Crisis Services English 888-999-5545 Spanish 888-568-8332

We decided we needed to add a little more fun into the mix and we tried it out last month and had a blast! So we are doing it again in December. We’d like to invite you to join us for a virtual game of Bingo on Friday, December 11th at 1:00pm. Join by calling 860-785-0086 and entering the ID 339 001 448# Bingo cards will either be distributed during our weekly meal delivery or mailed.

Please contact Debbie Holcomb at 203-864-1940 if you are interested in attending.

Prizes will be delivered to winners. Mark your calendars!

The IC will also continue Thursday Zoom meetings. Let’s see those faces without masks! To join, press and hold Control and click on the following links - for Thursday, December 10th at 10:00am: https://zoom.us/ j/91023215881? pwd=UWQ1WWk0TFcydktVN1U0dGxMUm1MZz09 and for Thursday, December 17th at 10:00: https://zoom.us/j/97012949442? pwd=Z2UxL3l3bDVVYnhCTFh4OXNXWWdWQT09 Please reach out to any staff if you have any questions or need assistance to participate!

CT 211 call 2-1-1, www.211ct.org CT Quitline (Tobacco) 1-800-QUIT-NOW www.quitnow.net/connecticut CT Council on Problem Gambling 1-888-789-7777 (Helpline) www.ccpg.org Mobile Crisis 1-866-794-0021 Regional Hotline: 1-888-447-3339 NAMI CT 860-882-0236 Helpline: 1-800-950-6264 www.namict.org Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) CT 1-866-783-7712 Anywhere USA 1-800-344-2666 www.ct-aa.org Narcotics Anonymous (NA) CT 1-800-627-3543 National Information 1-800-447-6291 www.ctna.org

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We would like to welcome Jess back from her maternity leave. We are happy that she had time to spend with her new family member and we are also very happy to have her back. Jess will be returning to the IC on December 1st!

It is hard to believe that the COVID 19 Global Pandemic has been affecting us for almost 9 months now. As a community we have all experienced many different emotions, challenges and changes - and we don’t know when it will all settle down. This had led to what people are calling “COVID Fatigue”. It is the stress of the unknown, of not having our “typical” supports to turn to, a feeling of constant worry, of trying to be safe and doing the right thing. This affects us all in different ways and you may find that you are more tired than usual, more forgetful, more restless or sad. Perhaps you are not eating well or getting enough sleep. Each and every one of us are going through this and we need to take care of ourselves to come out the other side.

Some ways to help are keeping a routine, exercising, doing art, being mindful, having gratitude, talking to others and understanding that right now, it is normal to feel “abnormal”. We are all in this together. In order to have staff prioritize self care, MHC is providing staff with a COVID Fatigue Relief extended break period from December 24, 2020 through January 1, 2021. At this time the IC will be closed. Deliveries will be made on December 23rd. If you’d like assistance to come up with your own plan during this time, please reach out to us!

During the holiday season, many look forward to festivities with friends and family.

We all know that this year the Holidays are going to look a lot different due to Covid and trying to maintain safety. If you notice that you are struggling more, here are some coping tips you can use.

MINDFULNESS: In addition to professional mental health care, mindfulness meditation can be a valuable mental wellness tool. Certain practices can be particularly helpful if you are running on an unusual schedule. You can always join the IC’s guided mediation practice every Tuesday at 2:00pm!

DON’T RELY ON DRUGS AND ALCOHOL: While the prospect of escape can be appealing, substance use can ultimately worsen your issues. There is a 20% overlap between people with anxiety or mood disorders and substance use disorders, and substances can exacerbate symptoms. When you feel you need a relaxation aid, you can instead turn to a mindfulness tactic or other healthy coping mechanisms.

SOAK UP THE SUN: Some struggle with depression during the winter months because of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Exposure to bright lights, including fluorescent lights, can help ease symptoms. Even for those without this form of depression, walking outside in the sun can be an effective centering and calming tool. Numerous studies have pointed to the mental health benefits of spending time in nature, including stress relief, better concentration, lower levels of inflammation and improved mental energy.

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: Another major source of anxiety, stress and depression around the holidays can be examining accomplishments from the past year. Some may experience negative feelings over not being at a place they feel they “should be” in life. Get yourself out of this space by adjusting expectations and setting realistic goals. For example, if you’re trying to establish an exercise routine, try setting a goal of taking a walk three times a week rather than every day.

Managing your mental health can be challenging, but it can be particularly difficult during the holiday season and even more so during a Global pandemic. While the struggle can feel isolating, remember that you are far from alone. Seek help from professional mental health services (see sidebar on page 2 for resources), maintain your self-care routines and include mindfulness practices into your days as you approach 2021.

December is also observed for another, lesser know reason: It is the Universal Month for Human Rights. The Universal Month for Human Rights began in 1948, when the United Nations wrote up a document called the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. .

The very first article of this declaration makes it clear what the purpose is. It states: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

One of the most important things you can do throughout the course of this month – and even beyond – is to find common ground with the people around you. We must remember that all human beings were born into the same world we were and that, despite our differences, we must learn to function here together.

Take the time to learn about another culture that is different from yours – perhaps a culture that makes you nervous or uneasy. Research their history or perhaps make a new friend that is a member of that culture. You’ll start to see quickly how similar all people really are. You’ll start to see just how important it is that everyone be treated with dignity and respect.

Join Derrick on Friday, December 11th at 10:00 am to discuss this topic!

Please consider joining us for the following discussions on the upcoming Holiday season and how to stay well: Friday, December 4th at 10:00am- “Seasonal Thoughts”, Monday, December 14th at 10:00am - “Healthy Holidays” and Monday, December 21st at 10:00am - “Seasonal Affective Disorder”.

--CMHA

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Disclaimer: Articles which show “submitted by� are not written by an IC member.

They are articles that our members came across, were inspired by, and brought in to the Center to inspire and encourage other members.

Often the authors of these articles are unknown. The opinions expressed in the newsletter are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Independence Center’s members, the staff, or the Editor.

We would like to wish you and yours a very Happy Holiday season. We know that the Holidays will look a bit different this year with all the big parties being cancelled and people being asked to socially distance. We need to remember that this is being done so that we can all be around next year to celebrate. While the IC will not be having our annual party, we will still celebrate with each other - safely. We will be preparing a beautiful meal to deliver to you, food bank will also be delivered and thanks to a generous donation from the First Congregation Church we will be sure that each member gets a gift and goodie bag as well!