Many mental health
professionals are expressing concern about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
on the population’s short term and long term mental health. Lord knows that we,
as a nation, in the best of times, have more than enough mental problems. I certainly
have my share. We don’t need anymore. So, let’s see what we can do to stay as healthy
as possible.
Before I share this advice
(And you take it too seriously.) let me totally transparent with my readers.
First, I am not a mental health professional. I have been a practicing Christian
Counselor for over 45 years but I don’t consider myself a pro. Second, this
advice is what I say but not necessarily what I do. The same goes for much of
my preaching.
From all I see and read,
it seems that many Americans are suffering from isolation, anxiety, and
depression during this time of social distancing. Prolonged periods of experiencing
even one of these are quite disturbing and possibly dangerous. The symptoms must
be taken seriously and treated. Before cracking open a bottle of pills,
consider trying some of these simple practices.
- Stop watching the network news and avoid the cable 24-hour news channels. Their intention is not to just inform us or make us feel better. They desire that we watch to help improve their ratings. Thus they subtly induce fear (scare the “bejeebers” out of us) in us, so we feel vulnerable and in need of constant updates. Allow me to help you with this. NEWS REPORT FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS: The number of new cases and deaths will continue to increase. Then they will begin decreasing and finally level off for a while. There may be a slight rise and then cases will begin to consistently drop. (You’re welcome.)
- Spend time talking to a person or persons who will truly listen to you and make you laugh. (If you have no one like this, just call me.)
- Learn something new. I am taking guitar lessons, watching TED talks, and taking a college course online.
- Read. Read books that draw you in and take your mind off those things that are making you anxious. Read the Bible. I am rereading the Gospel of Matthew in the amplified version and finding it fascinating.
- Meditate and/or pray. Enjoy spending time with the God who loves you. Both talk and listen. He desires to hear what is on your mind. Listen – You may be surprised by what God says to you if you give him a chance.
- Go outside. (But don’t let
anyone near you. 😊) Take
a walk or just sit and enjoy the fresh air, the warm sun, the sounds of the
birds, and the beautiful miracle of the return of life to trees, grass and
flowers.
- If able, do something to help and bless someone in need. If you are unable to physically do anything, give to an agency that does.
- Take the time to contact those whom you know are alone or suffering from illness or restricted by the limitations brought on by aging.
- Purposefully think about others instead of yourself.
Allow me to leave you with
some great advice written many years ago to the church at Philippi. “Rejoice
in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be
evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about
anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of
God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and
sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is
pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or
heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of
peace will be with you.”
Copyright © 2020, William
T. McConnell, All Rights Reserved
Bill McConnell is an
Interim Minister, a Church Transformation consultant and a Christian Leadership
Coach. He is a frequent speaker at Church Transformation events. His latest
book on church transformation is DEVELOPING A SIGNIFICANT CHURCH and is
available at Westbow
Press. He can be contacted @ bill45053@gmail.com.
Connect with him on Facebook @ William
T. McConnell or on Twitter @billmc45053 or visit his Amazon Author Page @ Amazon
author page
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