Nikki Lewis: Mental Health Moment

Nikki Lewis, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS, is the Program Supervisor at PORT Health Services

By Nikki Lewis, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS,

Have you ever felt like you have been knocked off of your feet or had the wind knocked out of you? Perhaps this is how many of us have felt these last weeks, as we have experienced a world crisis that we never would have imagined a few months ago. 

On a daily basis, many people throughout the world experience unsettling feelings or thoughts that have a negative impact on their mental health and physical health. In fact, statistics report that 1 in 5 people experience mental health concerns during their lifetime, but everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. I think it is safe to say that most, if not all of us, are experiencing some form of mental health challenges, as we navigate the impact that COVID 19 is having on all of us.

The immense change in our way of life, no doubt, is affecting every one of us. Our daily lives have been turned upside down and we are facing new challenges every day, as we try to maintain some sense of normalcy. Associated with the changes, we know that many are experiencing an increase in worry, isolation, irritability, loneliness, depression, anxiety and hopelessness. Mental health is not the most popular topic of discussion, but it is vitally important nonetheless. Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s take advantage of this opportunity to dig a little deeper while we are all waiting for brighter days ahead. 

COVID 19 may be unlike any crisis we have experienced in our lifetime, but it presents similarities with many other times of crisis. Difficult times often challenge us to take an assessment of ourselves and our own humanity. We become a little kinder to our families and our neighbors. We look for ways to volunteer and support those who are “in the trenches”. We begin to place more focus on becoming a more helpful and healthier person, with typical focus on our physical health.

For instance, if you step outside of your home on any day of quarantine, you will likely see families taking walks, riding bikes or spending their time tackling a new fitness routine, all while social distancing of course. However, I want to challenge us to become more aware of the importance of our mental health during times of normalcy and during times of crisis.

You see, we all have great intentions to tackle those new routines and habits that make us better people; yet we often overlook one of the areas that determine our ability to follow through with the new goals we have set for ourselves while we have been sitting on hold with our lives.

So, I ask you these questions…How are you doing? No, really, how are you doing? What are you really feeling? What does your thought life look like right now? How are you sleeping? I know….these are the tough questions. The ones’ we like to avoid, but it’s important to recognize your emotions and accept and own your thoughts and feelings. 

When I am in session, I often explain to my patients that emotions are similar to the waves of the ocean. I know, I know…we would all love to be there now right? If you pay attention to the waves long enough, you will notice that waves are not all the same. Some waves are small and easy, gently moving the sand beneath itself. Some waves are moderate in size and strength and then others are large and create chaos beneath the surface. 

What you will notice about all waves, is that all come and go. The waves always crash upon the shore and then the water returns to the ocean as if nothing has happened. Emotions are very much the same. We will always experience changes in our emotions. The fluctuation of emotions usually resolve quickly, but there are times in life when the unsettledness within us becomes more intense and lasts for a much longer duration than expected.  

It is important to remember that no matter what severity of the unsettledness within us, there is always something we can do to help us find relief. In my line of work, we call these coping strategies. In the everyday world, we typically refer to these things as self-care. No matter how we choose to identify these actions, it is necessary for us to regularly practice ways to care for our emotional and mental health needs, just as we do our physical health needs.

We have one body that encompasses both mental and physical health and we need to make both a priority in our lives. The stigma related to mental health continues to prevent awareness and proper utilization of treatment. As a person who struggles with depression and as someone who treats patients with all mental health disorders, I find hope in seeing positive outcomes when we make our health a top priority. Everyone’s coping strategies look different, so we have to be open to trying new things to find what works for each of us.

For me, I find balance by giving myself permission to rest, soaking up the sunshine, and exercising.  During Mental Health Month, PORT Health, is highlighting #Tool2Thrive, provided by Mental Health America. These are tools to help you prioritize your mental health daily, build resilience in the face of trauma and obstacles, support those who are struggling and work towards a path of recovery. 

Please join us this month in making your mental health and general wellness a priority, so that we can all emerge from this crisis healthier in all aspects of our lives. Remember that our emotions are like the waves, they will not always feel as big and scary as they might right now, but we must put in the effort to find our balance to withstand whatever the waves of life bring us.  

For more information on #Tools2Thrive or to complete a mental health screen, please visit www.mhnational.org/may.

For information on how to receive services locally, please visit our website at www.porthealth.org.