Dr. Dana Reid Blog

Congratulations Class of 2020! we See You!

5/20/2020

by Dana Reid, D.O.

Senior year is usually an exciting time for most seniors and their families. Teens look forward to this special time and anticipate it for so long. Many memories and milestones such as prom, state championship games, final performances, senior trips and graduation ceremonies are created. Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, senior year for students all over the country came to an abrupt halt in the middle of March. Students were informed that schools would be closed for the rest of the year and that schoolwork would be resumed from home. The last few months with friends and the planned celebrations have been stolen away. Graduations were becoming virtual and traditional ceremonies were cancelled or postponed to a later date.

This pandemic has caused tremendous tragedy and loss. It has affected all of us in one way or another. We are all grieving. We may be grieving the loss of a loved one, the loss of a sense of security and normalcy, the loss of financial stability or the loss of our jobs or businesses. Although in the grand scheme it may seem that this loss for seniors and families is small, it is important to recognize that this is huge for them. They are grieving missing these milestones. Their feelings are real and should be validated. Seniors have worked so hard for these accomplishments. In addition, there is the uncertainty of what next year will look like. Will they still be able to start college in the fall? Many students have stressed over their college applications for so long and were thrilled when they got their acceptances and found roommates. Now what? For seniors who are looking for jobs and starting their careers, they may worry about the job opportunities in this economic climate.

Despite these circumstances that are out of our control, it is important that seniors celebrate their accomplishments and enjoy these moments as best as they can. Here are a few ways as a senior you can do this.

-Recognize Your Feelings. It is ok and normal to feel sad and disappointed about this year. Don't feel that since your loss may be different or smaller in comparison to others that you should not talk about it. Feel the emotions and don't numb them. Talk with your friends who are likely having similar feelings.

-Find creative ways to celebrate. Many schools and communities have organized celebrations like drive by graduation parades. You can have smaller celebrations with a few friends in your backyard or open area as long as you can safely do so and maintain physical distancing. Hold a virtual zoom graduation party for family who lives far away and cannot travel. You can make it fun by having everyone dress up for a themed event and have your favorite food catered. Everyone can share special memories of the graduate. Personalize your caps and take pictures in your cap and gown.

-Celebrate with friends. You may have had senior trips or other fun things planned with friends. Maybe at the end of the summer when safe, you can do a weekend trip with friends or do a day hike or lake trip. Keep in touch with your friends and you could take that planned trip next summer.

-Keep hope. If you are feeling discouraged about the start of college in the fall or defeated about finding a job, know that it will all work out in the end and be ok. The uncertainty can be unsettling since everything is unpredictable now and out of our control. Take things one day at a time and try to stay optimistic. Lean on your friends and family. It helps knowing that everyone is in this together.

-Acknowledge your accomplishments. Be proud of all that you achieved. Even if your graduation and year was not what you imagined, you graduated!! You did it! Soak that in. Celebrate as you start this new journey. Follow the dreams you set and know the future ahead is bright even with the bumps along the way. Bumps along the journey are part of the process. These bumps make us more resilient. Focus on some of the silver linings that may have come out of this unexpected time. Were you able to enjoy more family time and create some new memories?

Congratulations and may your next milestone and celebration be extra sweet.

Mental Health Awareness Month: End The STIGMA

5/12/2020

By Alexis Craft, Staff

May is mental health awareness month. The facts are that mental illness is very common and affects all age groups. Do you know that 1 in 5 US adults experience mental illness each year and 1 in 6 youth ages 6-17 experience a mental disorder each year. 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% by age 24. Suicide is one of the top leading causes of death and is the 2nd leading cause of death for kids ages 10-13. Suicide rates have increased by 31% since 2001. It is important that we talk about mental health, raise awareness and break any stigma around it. Stigma for many can be a barrier to seeking treatment.

The stigma surrounding mental illness is a tale as old as time. Although there has been more awareness about mental health through the years, the stigma still exists. Many individuals struggling with mental illness continue to find themselves facing ostracism, prejudice, and discrimination. Why does this stigma remain? There is lingering misunderstanding around mental illness and that translates to fear, then stigma. When someone strays from the average, there is a label of “otherness” cast over that person. It’s a way for the majority to disassociate themselves from what they do not understand, and to rise to a superior position.

The impact of this stigma is far reaching and devastating. Some internalize this stigma and become so ashamed of themselves and embarrassed of their condition that they may hesitate to seek treatment, and untreated mental illness can lead to broken relationships, work or school dissatisfaction, substance abuse, decline in physical health and even suicide. Others may find themselves in a constant fight to prove their credibility as a person after their illness is found out by those who do not understand. Even well-meaning friends and family members perpetuate this stigma by saying things like “You aren’t trying hard enough”, “Just be happy”, or “It’s not that bad! You are just seeking attention”. You wouldn’t tell a diabetic person “Just produce more insulin!” would you? Comments like these trivialize and invalidate the experiences of those battling a mental illness, and only worsen what is already a challenging topic.

We must recognize as a society and a culture that mental illness is just as real as physical illness. This stigma is costing some extremely vulnerable people their peace and sometimes their lives. We are each responsible for doing our part to make this stigma disappear.

So what CAN we do to get rid of the stigma? Here’s just a few ideas.

Have kindness and compassion for others. It costs nothing to be a friend, but it means everything to someone who needs it. Check in on your friends and family. If a friend seems more distant or withdrawn ask them what they may be experiencing.

Talk about it. The best way to break the stigma is to talk about mental health openly. You will come to find that when you share your experiences, others will open up too and you will find support and feel less alone.

Educate yourself and others. If you or someone you know has a mental illness, read about it and learn more. Talk with others who may have a similar diagnosis. Become familiar with it so it is no longer a foreign concept. If you hear someone making negative comments about someone experiencing mental illness, educate them.

Keep an open mind. Understand that other people’s experiences are going to be different than yours. Everyone is going through something and has their own unique story.

Listen! Let others express themselves openly and honestly and listen without judgement.

Congratulations Class of 2020! we See You!

Mental Health Awareness Month: End The STIGMA

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