New Resources from Pastoral Care and Counseling

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Greetings!

If you are feeling anxious about the nationwide protests, underlying racial injustice issues, COVID-19, or any of the COVID-19 related issues (to include isolation, finances, hopelessness, or coping with traumatic events), you are not alone.

For many reasons, these are challenging times in our country and our day-to-day lives. We are dealing with multiple novel situations and some enduring issues that regrettably still permeate our lives. Here are some resources for you.

Take note of the Optum toll-free Emotional Support Helpline at 1-866-342-6892 is free of charge and available to anyone, so you can share it with family and friends. Caring professionals will connect people to resources. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Emotional support in trying times

Wespath offers resources to support your emotional well-being. If you are feeling anxious or stressed—about this recent injustice, COVID-19, associated financial concerns or other challenges of today—contact the Optum Public Crisis Line at 1-866-342-6892 . The service is available to anyone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of charge—so you can share the phone number with family and friends.

Optum also has resources on their website to help you cope and foster resiliency. These materials are available to all participants (even those not in HealthFlex) by entering the company code: HealthFlex. For additional information about Wespath's emotional well-being resources, visit our website .

If you would like more information about the Church response to the nationwide protests and underlying racial justice issues in this country, we offer the below resources from other agencies within the Church that focus on these concerns. If you’re struggling with ways to help or make a positive difference, these organizations may also be a good place to start.

Church Resources Addressing the Protests

● General Commission on Race and Religion— “Moving Toward the Pain”

General Secretary Erin Hawkins responds to the death of George Floyd

● General Commission on Race and Religion — General resources page

● Church and Society — Resources page on criminal justice reform

● Church-wide — Peace with Justice Sunday

Coping after a traumatic event

From Optum Wespath

If you turn on the TV, pick up a newspaper or go on the Internet, you’ll likely find the news is full of tragic events. Some tragedies involve unthinkable acts of violence, which can be difficult to understand. When violence strikes closer to home — like in your community — it may be even harder to process. Resiliency describes a flexible quality that allows you to bounce back from tough situations. While people may process violence in different ways, there are several tools you can use to help build your resiliency skill set on liveandworkwell.com.

Below are some common responses to a traumatic event:

Intense feelings. Right after the event, you may feel shocked and overwhelmed. For a while, you may be jumpy, irritable, or depressed. It may be hard to focus, concentrate, or make decisions.
Physical stress like headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Keep an eye on these, as you may need to seek medical attention.
Unexpected emotional reactions. For example, hearing sirens or loud noises may cause strong emotions, reactions, or grief. You may also have changes in sleeping or eating patterns.
Strained relationships. You may find yourself fighting with friends and loved ones. Or you may feel withdrawn and tend to keep to yourself. Try to get back to socializing with at least one or two family members or friends.

Some Tips for Recovering from a Traumatic Event:

Ask for help. Talk to others about your thoughts and feelings, if you feel comfortable doing so.
Identify supportive and helpful people you can turn to when you need help or advice. Also, try keeping a journal.
Choose when to connect. Disconnecting from media may give you time to focus on important things — like your health or stress management.
Change your perspective. Try to find something you’ve learned from the negative experience. It may be helpful to gain a broader perspective.
Focus on your feelings. Acknowledge your feelings as they occur to you. Self-awareness is an important first step in learning to manage your feelings.
Practice healthy behaviors. Get plenty of sleep, eat a well-balanced diet, and get physical activity.
Start a routine. Get back in the habit of sleeping and eating at regular times. Consider taking up a new hobby or other activities that you enjoy.

The challenges today demand creativity and flexibility. We hope these ideas will help pastors and congregations meet the moment with hope and confidence. My prayers are with you and those going to new appointments during this challenging time.

Stay safe and healthy,

Shauna Summers

Pastoral Care and Counseling Coordinator

Illinois Great Rivers Conference

shauna.r.summers@gmail.com

(309) 642-0262

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