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wellness BLOG

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

5/12/2020

5 Comments

 
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       As I began to pray about and to write this Parish Nurse blog, I started by looking back through my journaling during the last 8 weeks working as an RN, caring for my patients as they one by one developed COVID-19. So many gifts from God have given me the strength to go through these challenging weeks. The gift of prayer from my brothers and sisters in Christ, my family's support and prayer, God's Word, the many virtual worship services, Bible Studies and Zoom meetings that lifted my heart and spirits. 

       So many aspects of our lives were instantly stripped away from us when this pandemic occurred. Some of us have lost dear friends, co-workers, or family members who have been called home to our Lord. Many of us lost jobs, income, investments, freedoms that we have always assumed would be available to us, and much more. Our physical, mental, and spiritual health may be suffering. Our youth and college students have temporarily given up seeing their teachers, classmates, friends, and have had to adjust to remote learning. There are many challenges and stressors before us, however God is always with us, and His grace and love carry us through this storm.  Celebrating Mental Health Awareness month is more important than ever! 

       Holy Yoga classes have also provided spiritual and emotional care to us as we navigate this new reality. This week in Holy Yoga, our focus has been on waiting on the Lord. As we wait, may we experience His peace, and share His peace with others. May we seek God in all of our waiting moments. 

Psalm 27:13-14:
I am still confident of this: 
I will see the goodness of the Lord 
in the land of the living. 
Wait for the Lord; 
be strong and take heart 
and wait for the Lord.

       As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month this year, it is so important that we support one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. A few tips from the CDC to cope with stress during COVID-19: 

1. PAUSE. Breathe. Acknowledge how you feel. 
2. TAKE BREAKS from COVID-19 content
3. MAKE TIME to sleep and exercise
4. REACH OUT and stay connected (call one another, FaceTime, send cards, host a zoom meeting)
5. SEEK HELP if overwhelmed or unsafe or alone

Additional Mental Health Resources: 

NJ Mental Health Hotline: Dial # 211 

*Note: There are many Telehealth options available for those struggling with mental health and stress issues. #211 can help you find an appropriate practitioner. 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial # 1-800-273-TALK 

Did You Know:

       Physical exercise is the single most important activity you can do to keep your brain healthy. Exercise can boost blood flow sending positive nutrients to the brain, increase your levels of dopamine, and generate new brain cells that can help the brain self-regulate and calm down. The simple exercise of walking can help you clear your mind, decrease anxious thoughts, improve your mood and burn calories all at the same time.

Source: brainmd.com

In His service, 

Colleen Bottcher RN, BSN, FCN 
NJ District Parish Nurse 
Cell# 201-723-9836 
5 Comments
Susan Harnos
5/14/2020 10:38:10 pm

Thank you for reminding us to check our mental health as well as our physical help. I would like to learn more about Holy Yoga. Some of our women get nervous when hearing Yoga. Have you developed this program or is it a program one can buy from Concordia or other reliable Christian author?

Reply
Colleen Bottcher
5/18/2020 12:42:08 pm

Dear Susan,
Thank you for your response! Yes, I completely understand being nervous about yoga, we felt the same way for years. Holy Yoga was developed by a Christian who had a long term love for God and for Yoga. Her name is Brooke Boon, and she developed Holy Yoga in 2006. Our former church secretary Amanda Foulkes, also loved yoga, but was uncomfortable with many of the philosophies, found this Holy Yoga program, and went through about a year of training to become a Certified Holy Yoga Instructor. Amanda then offered to teach the class to us at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Fair Lawn. Then once COVID-19 began, Amanda is offering all of her classes via Zoom. Please feel free to call me at 201-723-9836 with any further questions. It has been a wonderful way to exercise, praise God, and connect during this pandemic. All are welcome. And once we can all be together again in person, anyone is welcome to attend a class! God's peace, Colleen Bottcher

Reply
Inpatient Mental Health Los Angeles link
1/27/2025 04:37:53 am

Inpatient mental health services in Los Angeles offer 24/7 care for those needing intensive treatment. This level of care is ideal for individuals in crisis or who require continuous monitoring.

Reply
addiction treatment link
2/5/2025 08:56:36 am

Addiction treatment refers to a variety of programs and therapies designed to help individuals overcome substance use disorders, such as addiction to drugs or alcohol. Treatment typically includes detoxification, counseling, therapy, and support groups to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Reply
Virtual Urgent Care New Jersey link
5/8/2025 02:49:47 am

Thank you for this thoughtful post. Your emphasis on spiritual care and community support during Mental Health Awareness Month is both timely and uplifting.

Reply



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  • Home
    • About Us
    • What We Believe
    • Administration
    • Board of Directors
    • Find a LCMS Church or School Near You >
      • NJ District Congregations
      • NJ District Schools
      • Find an LCMS Church, School, or Rostered Worker
    • Contact
  • EVENTS
    • Calendar
    • Mission Classic Golf Outing
  • SERVICES
    • Congregational Services >
      • Early Childhood Centers
      • Parish Nursing
      • Worker Wellness >
        • Wellness Blog
    • Outreach & Missions >
      • Adult Ministry
      • Disaster Response
      • Stewardship & Financial Support Services
      • Lily the Comfort Dog
      • Mission and Ministry to Military, Veterans and Their Families
    • Partners in Ministry
  • AID & GRANTS
    • Financial Aid for LCMS Students
    • CHEF Grants
  • RESOURCES
    • Curated Articles & Papers
    • Resources on Racism
    • Recorded Workshops
    • Legal Resources
    • District Documents
    • Resources for Clergy >
      • Call Process
      • District Directory
      • In Commemoration of the Reformation
      • 2020 Winter Pastors Conference Presentation Slides
    • Resources for Congregations >
      • Congregations & Workers
    • District Convention 2018 >
      • Reports
  • DISTRICT CONVENTION
    • Convention Information
  • BLOG
    • Health Blog
  • Give
  • District Convention 2018