The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the school system as teachers learn to provide education virtually, students adapt to an online environment, and families balance working and learning all within the same home. It is easy to forget that school systems offer far more than just an education; they provide meals, childcare, transportation, supplies, peer interaction, and a network of support staff. As a Speech Language Pathologist for Tillamook County’s Early Intervention program, Kaylie Seymour provides support and guidance to families with children who need extra help learning to communicate, specifically those ages 0 – 3 with speech delays, communication disorders, autism or down syndrome, or who are nonverbal. Like many of those within school systems, the transition to virtual work was not easy as some families are uninterested or unable to meet virtually. Yet, there has been a silver lining with families who have been able to meet through Zoom: the removal of travel time between households has freed up more space in Kaylie’s schedule so that she can meet with families more frequently. This increase in interaction time, even if virtual, has led to stronger emotional connections being built with families in the community – something that is much needed in today’s world.
Although Kaylie has been able to support families more frequently through working virtually, the adjustment has also come with its own personal challenges. When the stay-at-home orders were set in March, Kaylie had just returned to her relatively new position within Early Intervention after taking maternity leave. This meant she was still learning to navigate the policies and procedures of the organization as she was also transitioning to working from home and caring for a new baby. When work and home become the same environment, it is challenging to draw a line between the two. As Kaylie pointed out in the balance of work and caregiving for her son: “You’re working and thinking of him or playing with him and thinking of work. I really had to sit down and decide to carve out family time where I wouldn’t check my phone or email.” It can be extremely difficult to set boundaries within any aspect of life, but COVID-19 has created even greater challenges. Kaylie and her family of 3 have maintained a tight bubble, and they have been hesitant to physically spend time with extended family members who have not taken as many precautions. Within these circumstances, Kaylie has felt torn: “Either I feel guilty that I’ve broken our close-knit family COVID-19 rules or I feel guilty for not letting my parents see their grandson.” As the holidays are upon us, these are the feelings that many of us are grappling with as we try to prioritize the safety of our families while also not losing those crucial connections.
Within this socially-distanced world, communication is a vital aspect of well-being. Kaylie relies on video calls with extended family and regular check-in text messages from close friends as a method for making it through each day. She also points out that navigating parenting in a pandemic is a new challenge in itself, and acknowledging and communicating stress limits is a form of self-care. More recently, Kaylie and her family have been trying to recreate favorite activities from before the onset of COVID-19. For example, planning a craft night with friends over Zoom where everyone gathers supplies ahead of time to work on the same project together, or recreating a movie theater by making buttery popcorn, dimming the lights, and turning off cell phones. These last few months have been challenging as we adapt to a virtual world and learn to set healthy boundaries, but a little creativity with the help of a few loved ones has the potential to go a long way in finding moments of joy.
AUTHOR: Ariel Slifka, Tillamook County Wellness AmeriCorps VISTA
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
We’ve been sharing ways to #CopeWell during stressful and uncertain times. Because mental health is connected to our physical well-being, health care services are increasingly offering mental and behavioral health services in conjunction with primary care to effectively address root causes of health concerns. This Wellness Wednesday tribute goes to Adventist Health Tillamook and their providers who share information about these vital services.
What are some of the more common issues for which people are seeking help right now?
We are definitely seeing an increase in individuals struggling with feelings of anxiety and depression, but anxiety seems to be the predominant emotion at this time. It is important to recognize that anxiety and depression affect children as well as adults. It is estimated that about 7.1% of children, ages 3-17 experience these conditions. There is also a lifetime prevalence of 28.8%, with the average age of onset around age 11.
What are common warning signs for this condition?
Common warning signs people should look for include excessive worry, restlessness, insomnia, racing thoughts and fear of the future. If any person is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to schedule a visit with their primary care provider who will work with their care team to support their mental and physical health needs.
What are some of the specific services your organization provides that help individuals with these concerns?
As a first line of treatment, patients are provided counseling or behavioral health treatment. Typically, this is a form of talk therapy where a person gains insight into their thoughts and how they are affected by anxiety, and then develops an understanding of how to best cope with it. There are also more specialized approaches that some therapists utilize such as somatic experience, movement, or Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to name a few. There are also medications such as SSRI’s which can help reduce a person’s feelings of anxiety, which would be prescribed by their medical provider.
Are these services covered by insurance and/or do you offer a sliding scale for payment?
Adventist Health Tillamook accepts insurance for behavioral health services, and if someone does not have insurance, the hospital has a financial assistance program to help those who otherwise might not be able to afford these services.
With multiple behavioral health providers working within the Adventist Health system, you can find one that fits your needs. And just like with medical care, if your provider does not suit your needs, it is your right to switch providers. Having a provider you feel shares a connection is vital within behavioral health care.
Cuando Marilu y yo nos pusimos en contacto la una con la otra para hablar sobre este momento “bien difícil que cambió la vida” para toda la comunidad, ella me admitió que no había pensado poder “hablar ni expresarme bien” a propósito de ser entrevistada sobre tal asunto. Yo espero que ella me estuviera platicando a tono de broma cuando menospreció sus consejos alrededor de cómo sobrellevar los días frente a la pandemia del coronavirus. Lo que me compartió fueron estrategias sumamente realistas que uno puede aplicar universal y duraderamente para seguir adelante.
Su actitud pragmática de que “tenemos que hacer todas las reglas que se requieren; si no obedecemos las reglas, sigue peor, sigue más contagio del virus,” aparentemente resuena con la realidad que recién hemos observado por la subida de infecciones esta temporada otoñal. Durante la última semana de noviembre, el estado de Oregón continuó estableciendo nuevos máximos semanales de casos y hospitalizaciones. Y el Condado de Tillamook, hasta el 2 de diciembre, tenía que contar a la gravedad de 148 casos confirmados y presuntos en total (La Autoridad de Salud de Oregón [OHA], actualizaciones y datos disponibles en https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19.) Es probable que el tono directo de Marilu derive de su experiencia ya extensa bajo la pandemia de adaptar las cosas para protegerse a sí misma y a la familia. Trabaja en limpieza de casas y tempranamente se acostumbró a trabajar menos horas mientras tomaba las precauciones comprensivas para prevenir la propagación del virus, minuto por minuto. Entrar y arreglar los espacios vividos por otros cuyas interacciones e itinerarios diarios permanecen desconocidos desde el punto de vista de Marilu — este servicio ha pedido a ella que asuma bastante riesgo. Lo ha combatido por,entre otras medidas, mantener la puerta abierta, poner la mascarilla y los guantes, desinfectar más las superficies y las sábanas — cada momento trabajado ahora es estructurado por una regulación que higieniza el marco. Más que nada, enfatiza que “trato de limpiarme bien antes de entrar a la casa para sentirme segura de que no voy a traer infecciones al llegar [allí].”
Para Marilu, como para muchos, el hogar contiene a las razones, personificadas, por las que ella se compromete a hacer todas las medidas preventivas, bien en el lugar del trabajo o en los sitios públicos esenciales, minimizados que sean. Tiene el orgullo de ser madre de cuatro hijos, algunos de quienes todavía viven a su lado en casa. Con respecto a ellos que ya se han mudado fuera, como su hijo mayor, Marilu espera que, algún otro día, su hogar podría albergar a la familia que sigue creciendo: la niña de él justo cumplió los dos años. Pero debido a los aislamientos requisitos de casa a casa, Marilu no pudo hacerle una fiesta para ella, su primera nieta. En vez de poder tocarle a la muchacha con el cariño compartido por una abuela, se ha acostumbrado a “visitarla” a través del teléfono o la computadora. Asistir a reuniones electrónicas o digitales es algo que se ha convertido más común en su vida, en conjunto con otras en la comunidad hispana que vienen de los deseos de reunirse con la familia y de celebrar todos juntos. Pese a la imposibilidad de reconfortarse uno en la compañía de multitudes, especialmente cuando muchas personas hispanas se han enfrentado a “tantos casos” en sus comunidades, Marilu permanece una mujer de la fe. Les anima a los que tienen depresión y que sienten tristes que “tenemos que tener la fe, o si no, buscar ayuda.” Ya que “salían las emociones [de las personas en la comunidad] porque siempre van a andar con este miedo de que agarremos el virus,” Marilu subraya que “si pone uno al pensar o estresarse, es peor.” Por lo menos, tenemos que “parecer positivos y no negativos,” — tal vez fingir una emoción puede llegar creando la cosa auténtica. Dicho esto, Marilu no se conforma a pura ilusión. Nos aconseja que “sigan las reglas, tomen todas las precauciones, que no pierdan la fe.” Esta fe se mantiene con pasos prácticos en el camino hacia “una vida más normal” — que incluye quizás una reunión en persona — y que venga en el horizonte que creemos.
To Move Forward We Must Have Faith
When Marilu and I got in touch with each other to talk about this moment, one “so difficult that changed life for the whole community,” she admitted that she had thought she could not “talk or express myself well” in being interviewed on such a matter. I hope that she was joking when she diminished her advice on how to endure days facing the coronavirus pandemic. Because what she shared with me were extremely realistic strategies that one can apply universally and lastingly to keep moving forward.
Her pragmatic attitude that “we have to follow all the regulations that are required; if we don’t comply with them, things will get worse and there will be more infection from the virus,” seemingly resounds with the reality we are observing with the surge in infections this fall season. During the last week of November, the state of Oregon continued setting new weekly highs for cases and hospitalizations. And Tillamook County, on December 2nd, had to count up the seriousness of 148 confirmed and presumptive cases in total (source: Oregon Health Authority [OHA], updates and data available at https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19). It’s likely that Marilu’s straightforward tone comes from her already extensive experience under the pandemic adapting things to protect herself and her family. She works in housekeeping and early on adjusted to working fewer hours, while taking many precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, minute to minute. To enter into and arrange the spaces lived in by others, whose daily interactions and itineraries remain unknown from Marilu’s point of view — this service has asked her to assume quite enough risk. She has combatted it by, among other measures, leaving the door open, wearing mask and gloves, further disinfecting surfaces and sheets — each moment worked now is structured by a routine that sanitizes the setting. More than anything, she emphasizes that she “[tries] to clean myself well before entering the house to feel certain I’m not bringing infection when I arrive.”
For Marilu, as for many, the home contains the reasons for which she commits to take all preventive measures, whether in the workplace or in the essential public places, minimized as they are. She carries the pride of being mother to four children, some of whom still live by her side in the house. As for those that have already moved out, like her eldest son, Marilu hopes that, some other day, her home could host the family that keeps growing: his little girl just turned two years old. Due to the isolations required household to household, Marilu couldn’t put on a party for her, her first granddaughter. Instead of being able to hold the girl with the care that a grandmother shares, she has become accustomed to “visiting her” through the phone or the computer. Attending virtual gatherings is something that has become more commonplace in her life, together with others in the Hispanic community that come from desires to reunite with family and celebrate altogether. Due to the impossibility of comforting oneself in the company of multitudes, especially when many Hispanic people are confronting “so many cases” in their communities, Marilu remains a woman of faith. She encourages those that are experiencing depression and that feel sadness that “we must keep the faith, and if not, seek help.” Given that “everyone’s emotions are coming out because we are always walking with the fear that we might catch the virus,” Marilu underlines that “if one gets to [over]thinking or stressing themselves, it is worse.” At the least, we’ve got to “seem positive, not negative,” — sometimes faking an emotion can end up creating the real thing. That said, Marilu doesn’t settle for wishful thinking. She advises “sticking to the rules, taking all precautions, not losing faith” — this faith is maintained in practical steps, on the path toward “a more normal life” — including perhaps an in-person reunion — and that comes on the horizon we create.
AUTHOR: Libby Kokes, Health Equity AmeriCorps VISTA at Tillamook County Community Health Center
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
It’s that time of year again! The trees are changing colors, the weather is getting colder, and the days are getting shorter. While some things are expected and familiar to us all, other things are new – Holidays during a Pandemic.
After 8 months of lockdown and social distancing, many of us find ourselves eager to see loved ones. While spending time with loved ones can be a great stress-reliever, navigating the holidays during a pandemic can also be a source of stress. So that begs the question: to travel or not to travel?
The absolute safest way to celebrate this Holiday season is to stay home and celebrate with your household family members. Virtual gatherings, over Zoom or Facetime, are encouraged to stay connected and safe this season. Given the new statewide “Two-Week Freeze” announced by Governor Brown, limiting gatherings to no more than 6 people from no more than 2 households, now is the perfect time for virtual gatherings!
For those that are traveling and will be spending time with friends and family outside of their homes, here are some tips to enjoy the holidays safely:
Wear a face mask at all times (except for when eating)
Always maintain social distance of 6ft or more
Try to have gatherings in an outdoor location, but remember to dress warm and wear a face mask if social distancing cannot be maintained
When sharing a meal, consider individual plates of food versus buffet-style dining
Consider driving with household members to the gathering, versus flying when possible
Make a plan to quarantine before and after the gathering, to reduce transmission of COVID-19
Get your flu shot before traveling and meeting up with friends and family for holiday gatherings
While the flu shot will not directly protect against COVID-19, it has many other benefits to keep you safe and healthy, reducing illness
Stay home if you are feeling sick, have recently tested positive for COVID-19, or are a known contact to someone who recently tested positive for COVID-19
If flying, consider purchasing traveler’s insurance and pack for a two-week trip in the case you should have to quarantine at your destination
Deciding to cancel your trip is difficult, but also something to be on our minds. Traveling during a pandemic requires all of us to call on the power of our inner-planners! Check out this infographic below for tips on delaying or canceling trips:
Remember, you can still partake in the holidays and make it special, while still staying safe! Now’s the perfect chance to get the WHOLE family together (virtually) and finally take that large family photo you’ve been wanting. Is it the same? Of course not. But will it be a holiday season you’ll ever forget? Of course not- it will be one to remember!
AUTHOR: Morganne Skinner, RN, BSN, Public Health Nurse at Tillamook County Community Health Center
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
We’ve been sharing ways to cope well during stressful and uncertain times. This Wellness Wednesday tribute goes out to another partner organization that provides vital services to those who are struggling to cope right now. Just like with other prevention measures, it is better to seek and get help early, even if we don’t think we are “that bad off.” This week’s shout out goes to the Rinehart Clinic in Wheeler.
What are common issues for which people are seeking help right now?
It is well-known that the pandemic has widely resulted in anxiety, depression, and an increased use of alcohol and drugs across the world. People may be seeking help for anxiety or depression, but they may also be seeking treatment for other symptoms related to stress, trauma, or anxiety that may masquerade as separate ailments. These symptoms could include increased irritability/anger, new or increased pain (migraines, new back pain, etc.), changes in sleep patterns (not sleeping or sleeping too much), increased distractibility, inability to stay on task. People may also be struggling more with relationship issues, prolonged isolation-related distress, feeling exhausted by parenting while working-from home, and feeling overwhelmed in general.
What are some of the specific services your organization provides that help individuals with these concerns?
Rinehart Clinic offers a full scope of health services including: medication, acupuncture, individual psychotherapy, Mindfulness Meditation classes, SMART Recovery meetings, recovery groups, and a variety of online classes and programs that offer social connections to others in the community.
As part of our team-based care, we conduct regular screenings and interventions for depression and substance use, as well as a variety of social determinants that may impact the health of our patients. Interventions may include a brief meeting with a mental health or behavioral health provider, connection to needed resources, and sometimes a referral to an outside specialist.
What are some common outcomes for people who receive these services?
Patients have experienced a reduction in symptoms, increased coping ability, decreased sense of isolation, and an overall increased feeling of well-being.
Are these services covered by insurance and/or do you offer a sliding scale for payment?
Rinehart Clinic accepts most major insurance plans, including Oregon Health Plan, and we offer a sliding fee scale based on income. Our community wellness classes and group meetings are held free of charge.
Rinehart Clinic takes a team-based approach to primary care, so providers work together to offer care for the whole person. Patients can access mental health or behavioral health services through their primary care provider, or if they prefer, they can access these services directly by contacting our behavioral health providers.
You are not alone if you have been feeling more stressed than usual. This additional stress is likely a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. One way to cope with stress is to utilize stress coping strategies. These strategies can be used as a tool to manage current and future stress that you may encounter.
Here are five coping strategies that may help you manage stress:
Journal writing: Journal writing can help to reduce stress levels. This coping strategy can be done in many ways, such as: recording daily events, creative writing, gratitude journaling, goal tracking, or journal prompts. If you are looking to learn about other ways that you can document what you are experiencing during this time, I encourage you to read this New York Times article.
Physical activity: Physical activity helps your body release endorphins which can make you feel good. Individuals of all ages can benefit from physical activity. To ensure physical activity will be sustainable in your life, choose exercises that you enjoy. If you are looking for some ideas on how to be active, I would recommend visiting Tillamook County Wellness.
Breathing Exercises: Breathing exercises are a good way to lower stress. These exercises are great because you can do them almost anywhere. To learn more about breathing exercises, I recommend reading this Washington Post article.
Do something you enjoy: Take time each day to do something that you enjoy. Try scheduling enjoyable activities the same way as you would schedule an appointment. If you are interested in learning about hobbies that lower stress, I recommend starting with this list for inspiration.
Have a conversation: Having conversations with others can allow you to get emotional support. You can connect with anyone that you trust, such as family members, friends, or a faith leader. If you do not feel comfortable opening up to someone you know, you may want to consider speaking with a health professional. A health professional is trained to help a person improve physical or/and mental health. Examples of these professionals include: physician, nurse, and counselor. If you would like to learn more about health services in Tillamook County check out the Best of Health & Wellness Guide. Another way to get emotional support is through a support group. These groups are facilitated by either peers or health professionals. These groups allow participants to participate in whatever way they feel comfortable. Support groups are ideal for people who want to talk with individuals that have similar lived experiences. One support group that I would like to highlight is the Tillamook Family Counseling Center’s COVID-19 support group. If you would like to learn more about the group call (503)842-8201.
I hope you have found this article helpful. If you would like to learn more about stress coping strategies be sure to follow the Tillamook County Wellness’s #COPEWELL campaign by following Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook.
AUTHOR: Janeane Krongos, Prevention Specialist at Tillamook Family Counseling Center
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
