by Kasey Compton, LPCC-S, Company Designer Mindsight Behavioral Group | Group Practice Consultant, kc consulting |Mindsight Partners, Systems Support
I'm certain that the majority of people reading this blog never thought this is what we would be doing in the final week of March. I had big travel plans this year. Those just came to a screeching halt.
Despite the havoc it is wreaking on many lives, there have been some positives. One that I want to talk about here is the willingness of people to step up and help. I know we all try and be good humans, but let's be honest, sometimes we kind of suck at that. We put our own wants before others' needs, we are quick to react when really all people need is a little empathy and understanding. We skew information to suit our own agendas. We don't always use the life that we were granted for good.
Within the last 24 hours, our team at Mindsight Behavioral Group has volunteered for two-hour shifts to stand by the phones for people who need a listening ear. In the last 24 hours, our counselors have committed to covering 72 hours per week for people just like you who may need someone to talk to.
I asked my team why they committed to being a Counselor On-Call, listen to what they said.
Because nobody should have to feel like they're drowning, with no one there to help. - HUNTER MARTIN, TCADC
Isolation breeds depression. We have the technology to help soften the blow. - JESSICA PAGE, LMFT
Because in a time of such uncertainty we need a sense of normalcy. - TRACY MCQUARTER, LPCA
Our time is a non-renewable resource.
Our time is a non-renewable resource. We can get back a lot of things; money, toys, cars, homes... but our time is something that can never be returned. When I ask someone to donate their time, and they agree, that is the most selfless act they could ever do. That's time away from their families, moments missed with their children, mental energy that they may need for their own emotional health.
We know that some of life's darkest moments don't happen during regular office hours. In fact, many people feel the worst as the end of the day draws near. The fear of another sleepless night triggers a cycle of anxiety that is hard to stop on your own. As mental health counselors who have all struggled with a mental battle at some point, we understand how hard it can be to find and accept support.
If you're anything like me, I have a clear pattern of avoidance for things that I know would help me, but that I really don't want to do. Doctor's appointments, going to the dentist, getting bloodwork done, seeing a counselor... we're all afraid of the unknown. Is this going to hurt? Am I going to feel shame? What if it's worse than I thought? Those are all questions that many of us create as a result of perceived uncomfortable experiences.
Everyone should have immediate access to someone who supports and cares about their mental health. -TRISHA JARNIGAN, LMFT
I will wrestle with these questions, and come up with hundreds more until I have one moment of strength. In that one moment, I will commit to myself that I'm going to do what's hard, uncomfortable, and necessary. It's in those moments, that we want to be there for you. We want you to call whenever you're ready for someone to listen. We don't want to be a voice that pressures you.
Support needs to be sought on your terms. Not anyone else's.
The majority of counselors chose this line of work because they struggled and overcame a mental health hardship or they watched someone they love to fight for their emotional wellness. You have to understand that there's nothing that you could tell a counselor that they haven't heard before. There's nothing that you can say to make them judge you. They work with people every single day who are fighting an internal battle, and they have the tools to help you win the war.
We don't care where you go for support, we just want you to find it. If you choose us, just call. We'll answer.
606-401-2966
What Next?
If I need support, what should I do? You should look at our online options to keep yourself safe and get the most immediate help possible. Check this out!
What is Mindsight Behavioral Group and what are you about? Check this out!
What counselors do you recommend for online counseling? We have several, check out Lauren who is moving to Telehealth Exclusively. Check her out!
What if I own a service business and need help during this time? Check out my site!
What if I'm ready to allow someone to help me? Talk to Bubbly Britany!