CARE is Here for You!

Greetings Readers!

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic, current world issues and ecological concerns may cause you or your loved ones’ emotional stress. Take a moment now and ask yourself, what measures am I taking to continue to support my mental wellbeing? Have I made necessary adjustments to make sure that any emotional response is not based on fear and anxiety? What can I do to help myself and my loved ones during these times of uncertainty?  

We hope to support you and provide meaningful advice to guide you on your daily life, and this month we are exploring Emotional Wellbeing. Before we dive in, here are this month’s affirmations:

  • I can choose how I feel at this present moment.

  • I allow my mind to be peaceful at this moment. 

  • Each breath I take reminds me to slow down.

  • I make time for the things that I love and the people that I love.

As this month brings new questions on how to safely celebrate the upcoming holidays, it is important to make a plan with your family. Expect to have a lot of mixed feelings about how to celebrate, how to express and respect boundaries, and how to deal with emotional responses to these changes from others. 

  • Remember, your feelings of fear and anxiety are valid. 

  • Make a list of what you can and cannot control right now. Accept the situations you cannot control and focus on what you can do.

  • Research creative ways to celebrate the holidays while also caring for your health.

  • Educate yourself and know the facts about what is stressing you to help with stress reduction. Visit the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control for up-to-date information about COVD-19. Check with the local government on safety measures about safely celebrate the holidays. 

  • Maintain perspective on what is important for you. What is a priority for you and your family at this time? 

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.

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