Bob VandelPol, MSW, walks us through steps individuals can take to be resilient and weather challenging times, in addition to outlining a process leaders can follow to facilitate individual and organizational recovery from a crisis.

“Our system has already successfully implemented the telehealth care model for outpatient visits, intensive outpatient therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) groups and psychiatry,” said Rhonda Brink, director for Pine Rest’s Partial Hospitalization Programs. “We’re pleased to be able to create a model that helps us continue to provide access to this important care level.”

Can you sew masks or donate personal protection equipment including isolation/surgical gowns, swabs, N95 masks, isolation masks for adults and children, face shields and more. Also needed, cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer.

“Lots of organizations are working very hard to make the transition (to teletherapy) so that people’s mental health is still being cared for,” said Dr. Ron DeVries, a psychologist for Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. “A month or so ago we did about 400 telehealth visits, and last week we did over 5,000, so we really, really stepped up and people were trained and we are ready to go.”

“Most of the concerns that I have heard so far from the people that I work with are about finances,” Weeldreyer said. “Even those that are middle to later age have not talked a great deal about ‘I’m really afraid I’m going to get this and it could kill me.’”

“This is a very emotional event,” says VandePol. “It’s an event where we’re afraid, We’re frustrated, sometimes we’re bored. Those feelings often morph into anger. Anger comes out of hurt, fear, sadness many times. It’s important for us to realize that. Sometimes it feels contagious and instant. Yes, anger is contagious.”

“Mental health professionals teach people to have a tool kit, as a way to stabilize themselves. That could be a walk, a hobby, or ritual. But with so many things off limits right now, it can be more difficult for some than others. When you rip away that tool or it’s taken away,” said Newton, “it can be very difficult for that person to cope because they know this is what helps them deal with life.”

“The first step is keeping your kids schedule the same as their school day,” said Holthaus. “So, as much as you can you want to see if you can establish some sort of routine where they can get up at the same time. They eat at about the same time. They go to bed at about the same time and they have some sort of activities that are structures in their day.”

The stay at home order is eliminating the coping skills that a lot of people can use to manage their anxiety and depression symptoms,” said Hetterscheidt. “Connecting with others … going to the gym, going to the movie with a friend. All those are coping skills that people use.”