We can safely say that 2020 has made us all reconsider many areas of our lives, and relationships have had the biggest spotlight. Humans have the ability to nurture others, connect, and love in unique ways; equally, humans have destructive tendencies and may separate or isolate as well. 

While this emotional freefall can bring up hidden cracks in our relationships or may cause new cracks to appear, we hope to continue to support you and provide meaningful advice to guide you on your daily life, and this month we are exploring Healthy Relationships. Before we dive in, here are this month’s affirmations:

• I now relax whichever area in my body that feels tense.
• I accept that I cannot control everything but myself. 
• I find new ways of connection as the winter months approach.
• I make time for the things that I love and the people that I love.

We are continuously learning how to connect with others online, and we may miss the variety of ways we connected to our community and social groups. Whichever is your preferred communication platform, a challenge that we face is how to maintain connection virtually. With the holidays approaching holiday rituals are going to be different. 

Take a moment to ask, how will you re-create family routines and holiday events with the continued barriers of social distancing? Below are some ideas you may apply:

• Create an emotional vocabulary and intimacy that’s not physical as a result of social distancing.
• Carve out special time together for virtual meetups. 
• Create the space that you and your loved ones may need for selfcare. 

Beware of relying on social media only for social connection, as studies have found that increased used of social media is leaving youth feeling lonelier and more isolated.1

On the other hand, social media can strengthen relationships with your loved ones if it used in that manner. So, this month, communicate with your loved ones and create a plan on how you will celebrate the holidays. Plan something fun that will create lasting memories.

There are many ways that you can be supported and connected. If you would like to learn more about mindfulness skills, visit CARE’s Soothing Place where you can find informational links for mindfulness, coping skills, and wellness. 

If you are or know a youth between 11 – 14 years of age and live in the Glendale or Alhambra area and are looking to being involved, you can join the Youth Leadership Council! Contact christina.munoz@touchstonebh.org for more information.

If you are a community member, parent, business, or youth-serving organization and would like to be involved, you can join the CARE Coalition quarterly meeting. Our next virtual meeting will be on November 13th from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. Email ruth.santos@touchstonebh.org to sign up. 

For free webinars on many topics to support raising children and teens, visit Operation Parent.

If you, or someone you care about is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others: 

• Call 911
• Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
• Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224 

For the youth, if you know you or your friends need immediate help, call Teen Lifeline. Teen Lifeline is a 24-7 crisis line for teens where teens can call or text another teen about any problems or issues they are facing. This resource is also available to parents and families for support.

• In Maricopa County: 602-248-8336 (TEEN)
• Outside Maricopa County: 1-800-248-8336 (TEEN)
• Outside Arizona/Nationally: 1-877-YOUTHLINE or 1-800-SUICIDE

For more information on this please visit the website below:

1. https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/social-media-use-increases-depression-and-loneliness