News

Standing with Naomi Osaka

In recent days, Japanese Professional Tennis Player Naomi Osaka has been in the news.  Normally, the news is about her competitive tennis playing, the fact that she has been ranked #1 according to the Women’s Tennis Association and is the first Asian player to hold the top ranking in singles. She is a four-time Grand Slam singles champion and is the reigning champion at the US Open and the Australian Open.

But the story has not been about her incredible skill as a world champion tennis player. Naomi, like many professional athletes, suffers from mental illness.   She revealed that she has experienced depression and anxiety since winning her first major at the 2018 US Open and explained that speaking to the media often triggers episodes of anxiety.  According to a tweet made by Naomi, “anyone who has seen me at tournaments will notice that I’m often wearing headphones as they dull my social anxiety.” Because of this condition, Naomi has chosen to take care of herself by withdrawing from the French Open.


Family Service of Glencoe stands with Naomi, and all those suffering from any form of mental illness.  Naomi’s courage to speak out in advocating for herself and others is another step forward in the fight to eliminate stigma associated with this disease.  Naomi is among several elite athletes such as Michael Phelps and Kevin Love, who have been open about their struggles with mental illness and hoping more athletes will do the same.  

The need for mental health services is stronger than ever and FSG is here to help.

Alcohol Awareness Month – April 2021

As we pass through the vernal equinox and welcome Spring, we also recognize Alcohol Awareness Month. With the renewed energy and hope that comes with Spring, it is an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with alcohol. I call it a relationship because the ways in which we discuss and use alcohol does have the potential to impact our lives and the lives of our loved ones.  This introspection is appropriate for both adults and children and is especially pertinent for teenagers who are regularly confronted with difficult choices around their peers. The National Institute of Health’s Monitoring the Future Survey found 55.3% of high school seniors had consumed alcohol in the past year. So, how do we begin these conversations?

It is important to recognize first and foremost that alcohol is not inherently “bad.” In fact, we have seen literature suggesting that the polyphenols in red wine may help protect the lining of blood vessels in our hearts, but only when consumed in moderation. We might wonder then, what can we do as individuals and parents to help increase awareness around the impact of alcohol use on the developing mind? There is an abundance of literature that discusses the negative impact alcohol use has on the developing mind. As caregivers, there is much that we can do to support our youth in making healthy choices. Ultimately, it starts with making healthy choices for ourselves, as our children look to us as models for how to navigate the world.

It is important to consider how we speak about alcohol in the house and what messages we send to our children – are parents drinking every day after work? The all too often stated “What a day! I need a drink!” can carry heavy weight when spoken in front of a child or teenager, who undoubtedly looks up to their caregivers and may emulate them. Careful introspection of our own behavior, verbal and actions delivers a strong message to our impressionable children. While our children may “rebel” overtly by insinuating that our behavior toward alcohol is either too restrictive or too liberal, our conduct makes an indelible impression that often serves a guide to how our children develop their own relationship with alcohol. The trite advice of “moderation” may not be trite at all but a good model for all.

Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) week

Join the Glencoe Kindness Challenge!

Family Service of Glencoe is teaming up with District 35 to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week from February 14-20. Learn more about the science of kindness and ways to engage here.

By doing one small act of kindness every day, you will spread kindness and help make it the norm! We encourage all Glencoe families to find a safe way to participate this year.

Take the challenge!

Sunday, February 14
Write a letter to a family member, friend, or coworker you care about.

Monday, February 15
Put together a care package for an individual in need.

Tuesday, February 16
Text someone good morning or good night.

Wednesday, February 17 —
Random Acts of Kindness Day
Thank at least one person. You can write a letter, make a phone call, or send a text expressing your gratitude.

Thursday, February 18
Find out something new about a friend, coworker, or family member.

Friday, February 19
Donate books, clothes, or toys you no longer need.

Saturday, February 20
Leave a positive comment on a website, blog post, or social media post.

Snap a photo of you performing your Random Act of Kindness each day and share it on social media to encourage your friends and family to join in on the challenge. Make sure to tag us @FamilyServiceOfGlencoe so we can like and share your post.

Did you know that 76% of clinicians are doing teletherapy? Did you know that Family Service of Glencoe offers teletherapy?

What does this mean exactly? It means that if you have a phone or computer you can meet with a therapist for a therapy session. It means that you can schedule the session at your convenience. It means that if you’re in- network with BCBS PPO of Illinois or Medicare, your sessions are covered.

More importantly, it means that if you’re feeling anxious, depressed, out of sorts, frustrated or isolated, FSG is here to help.

Does teletherapy really work? The answer is yes. While most therapists and clients prefer in-person sessions, Covid-19 has forced us to rethink telehealth. Clients and therapists report feeling a connection that was once thought to have occurred only through in-person sessions.

FSG currently offers therapy sessions through a HIPPA -approved video platform. Client feedback is overwhelmingly positive because telehealth is incredibly flexible. Senior clients report liking the fact that they don’t have to find a parking space. Teens like that they can close their bedroom door and meet with a therapist in private. Parents can meet either during the day, or after the kids have gone to bed.
If you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to explore therapy for yourself or a family member, give us a call.

Cal 847/835-5111 OR kathy@familyserviceofglencoe.org

Coping with the Covid-19 Quarantine: Tips for Healthy Living

by Kathy Livingston, LCSW, Clinical Director

Imagine someone had sat you down on January 1, 2020 and told you the following:

Beginning mid-March, your children will not go to school. They will be home-schooled using remote learning. Your college-aged children will be sent home and will finish the year by remote learning. If you work, you will either work from home, or, you may be laid off or furloughed. You won’t be able to see your loved ones or friends in person without maintaining a 6-foot separation. Even then, you may not be able to spend time with your elderly relatives. You will wear masks when going outside in public spaces.

Sounds like a fantasy, right? But the reality is our world has turned upside down and inside out. Today, three months in to the Covid-19 quarantine, our predictable, reliable way of life no longer exists. Instead, we have adapted to a new way of living. Within our homes we’ve adjusted to remote learning and working from home. We venture outside when the weather cooperates, taking advantage of fresh air while maintaining social distance. High school graduations, college graduations, trips and summer programs are either postponed or canceled.  The typical transitions of daily life can’t happen so how do we cope? How do we begin to embrace and thrive in this new world rather than just tolerate and accommodate?

Experts who’ve weighed in recommend routine and structure as two key factors in adaptation. By developing and practicing habits, we learn to readjust more easily. By now, you may have figured out that spending all day in your pajamas probably isn’t a good idea. Waking up at a normal hour, dressing in clothing rather than sweats or pajamas and sticking to regular mealtimes can help us acclimate to this new way of life.

Creating purpose and intent in your life is also key, as many experts have pointed out. After adapting to our new way of life, how do we live with more intention rather than just gritting our teeth and tolerating this experience? Becoming resilient in times of stress means finding meaning, practicing gratitude and reaching out for help when you need it. Intention can simply mean making a nice meal for your family, reading a book you’ve been wanting to read, practicing meditation or making exercise a part of your daily routine.

What are you grateful for? Are there silver linings in staying home? These might be spending more quality, uninterrupted time with your family, working on a puzzle together, creating a Zoom family reunion or simply giving thanks for having food on the table, a roof over your head and a job to go back to. New Trier Township families have cooked and delivered meals to hospital staffs, cooked for the homeless, helped to fill the New Trier Township Food Pantry and checked in on elderly neighbors to make sure they’re safe and have food. Getting involved provides a sense of purpose and control in our daily lives.

Finally, how do you tend to your mental and emotional health? Knowing when to reach out for help is key. Are you feeling depressed and anxious most of the day? It’s normal to feel some sad feelings and grieve for canceled trips, graduations and parties. It’s normal to be concerned about your health and the health of your loved ones. But if your sadness or anxiety prevents you from participating in daily life, it’s time to reach out. Talking with a therapist can help you or your family members cope with stress. If you’re a parent, therapy can help you feel more resilient in dealing with your children. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Family Service of Glencoe is here to help you.

Resources

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Caring from afar: Strategies for supporting older adults during COVID 19

By Emily Mysel LCSW FSG Senior Program Manager

For many older adults during this pandemic, their ability to connect with the outside world has been limited. Over the past two months, older adults, who are residing in independent and assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities, have had limited social interactions. They have only been able to have direct contact with staff, home health care aides, and other employees in order to protect the safety and well-being of their communities. These safety restrictions have been very difficult for families as they miss their loved ones and find it difficult to help from afar.
Here are some ways to reach out to your loved ones residing in communities:
Write letters and encourage your friends and family to write letters:
Share something on your social media account like “My mom/dad has been in quarantine since March and hasn’t stepped out of her/his apartment. If you have a few minutes and would consider sending a card or note with good wishes it may help to fill all those lonely hours.”

Speak to a staff member (i.e. activities coordinator, social worker) about helping your loved one Facetime or Zoom and discuss ways to incorporate it into their weekly schedule.
For many communities, staff are helping to set up and guide the older adult during the call or are teaching the older adult so he/she can learn to do it independently.

Send care packages of things your loved ones enjoy:
Activities: Sudoku, crossword puzzles, ad libs, word searches, adult coloring books
Food/Treats: hard candy, chocolate, pretzels, cookies
Reminiscing Activities: creating picture albums, music (cds)
Personal Hygiene and Essentials: lotion, hand sanitizer, soap, disinfectant wipes, towel papers, paper towels

Establish and coordinate weekly calls
There are volunteers and agencies that have established weekly calls to seniors. Argentium Senior Connections in Evanston is a weekly friendly call program. For more information contact: Mary Ellen Viskocil, Program Manager, at 847-869-0682.
Rotate between family members and assign them a day to call and check in with your loved one.

Visit outside:
Sit outside your loved one’s window (even if it’s just for 5 minutes).
Put signs outside the window so they have words of encouragement or pictures to look at.

Unfortunately, for some older adults living in communities, they are not able to participate in these activities and that’s why it’s even more essential to check in with the staff and get updates. Collaborate and find ways that you can provide the opportunity be part of your loved one’s life from a distance.

If you have a loved one who resides in a community or an older adult who lives at home and need recommendations and/or support, please contact Emily Mysel, LCSW, Senior Program Manager at 847-835-5111

Emily’s sons visiting their great-grandparents at their independent living community in Wilmette.
Emily’s sons visiting their great-grandparents at their independent living community in Wilmette.

Friendly Visitors Needed!

Happening Now: Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment began October 15 and continues until December 7, 2018. During this period, individuals can make changes to their current Medicare coverage that will go into effect on January 1, 2019.  Understanding your Medicare benefits can be complicated, but there is an array of support available in the area to help you navigate through your Medicare options.  The assistance available can help provide a better understanding of your coverage, available choices, limitations and more.

Medicare 101:

To learn more about Medicare and your specific coverage go to: https://medicare.com/about-medicare/medicare-coverage-basics/

For further assistance:

For additional questions regarding Medicare or older adult concerns, please contact Emily Mysel, MSW, LCSW Senior Program Case Manager at 847-835-5111

Parenting in Anxious Times: How to Talk to Your Kids and Remain Calm

The tragic anti-Semitic shooting in a Pittsburgh synagogue, two African-Americans shot in a Kentucky grocery store, pipe-bombs sent in the mail…how do we talk to our kids about recent events in today’s world?  As parents, it’s easy to feel frightened, frustrated and angry. What’s appropriate to share with our kids and when? How do we remain calm while navigating this unpredictable and scary terrain?

FSG Clinical Director Kathy Livingston and Rabbi Wendi Geffen of North Shore Congregation Israel facilitated a conversation earlier this week which occurred due to the anti-Semitic shooting in Pittsburgh. The synagogue and FSG wanted to provide parents with a safe place to discuss their worries and concerns about talking with their children after such a horrible event.  Here are some tips from The Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) for talking with your children and grandchildren about tragedy, and tips from FSG on how to remain hopeful and calm despite the news.

Preschool: Depending on what your preschooler has been exposed to (TV, hearing older siblings talk) he/she may ask repetitive questions or may go about their day as if nothing has occurred. If you need to answer questions, keep your answers short and clear.

Ages 5 to 9: You might get lots of why questions: “Why did they shoot the people?” “Why does someone hate?” Be honest if you don’t know. Encourage questions from your kids.

Ages 10 to 12: Kids in this age group may have talked with their friends about current events. You could ask, “What are you hearing from your friends?” This is a good way to open the conversation. And kids may not want to talk about the event. Letting them know you are available if/when they want to talk is important.

Age 13 and over: Many teens in this age group will want to talk about the event, and discussions about the news can result in stimulating conversations. Be sure you show your teen you’re listening to what he/she is saying. Teens want to be heard but some may not want to discuss the event or may want to argue about certain points.

The most important thing you can do for your kids is process your emotions first so that when you are talking with your child you are present and focused on what he/she is telling you. Parents should express sadness and anger, and it’s important to label those feelings for kids, but you don’t want to be an emotional mess so that your child needs to take care of you. Self-care is key: seek out friends and family for your own conversations, take a break from the news, try and practice some mindfulness techniques even if it’s just some deep breathing. Tending to your own emotional needs away from your children will build your resilience so you in turn can help your child build his/her own.

Further reading:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2018/10/30/horrific-shooting-chance-teach-kids-your-values/?utm_term=.8d45536350b1

Suicide Prevention and Awareness: A Community Approach

FSG Clinical Director Kathy Livingston, LCSW, shares information about suicide risk and protective factors, and how to talk with those we love about this sensitive issue.

With September being Suicide Prevention Awareness month, Family Service of Glencoe is committed to joining the Village of Glencoe in supporting our community by educating and informing all who work and live in Glencoe about suicide prevention and awareness.

Suicide can be a scary topic to talk about, and yet, there is research that shows that talking about suicide can prevent it in many cases.  Suicidepreventionlifeline.org states that “evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.”  But how do we as family members and community members talk and listen to our relatives, friends and colleagues? Before you can be helpful to someone, it is important to understand some facts about suicide.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but it’s important to be aware of these.

Risk Factors (from AFSP.org):

  • Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
  • Alcohol and other substance use disorders
  • Hopelessness
  • Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
  • History of trauma or abuse
  • Major physical illnesses
  • Previous suicide attempt(s)
  • Family history of suicide
  • Job or financial loss
  • Loss of relationship(s)
  • Easy access to lethal means

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

Warning Signs (from afsp.org):

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Extreme mood swings

If your loved one is exhibiting any of these warning signs and you are concerned, call the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Many people may not exhibit warning signs but have persistent depression or anxiety.  Depression is often a factor in suicide attempts. Here are ways you can help.

Check-in and show up – if you have a loved one or friend who you know is struggling with depression or other mood disorders, or perhaps he/she has recently experienced a life-changing event or loss, check-in and have a conversation with the person. Don’t underestimate the importance of showing up and being there for someone.

What to Say (and Not Say) – sometimes it can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is struggling.  It can be as simple as saying, “I know you’re struggling and want you to know I’m here and will always be here for you.”

Don’t say things like: “Cheer up.”  “Things aren’t so bad.”  “I’m sure tomorrow will be better.” It’s better to offer support to the person rather than trying to cheer them up or problem-solve.

Don’t be afraid to ask if he/she is feeling suicidal. It’s a myth that talking about suicide will encourage someone to think more about it or cause it to happen. Experts say the opposite is true.  If the person says they are thinking about suicide, staying calm and asking him/her about their plan and getting specifics will be helpful. If the person is seeing a therapist or psychiatrist, you can have them call their mental health professional with you there. If that’s not possible, you can call Family Service of Glencoe during business hours and/or call Public Safety 24/7 for help.

Saying something is always the better choice if you’re concerned about a loved one, friend or colleague.  By learning to talk more about suicide, we raise awareness and heightened awareness can result in prevention.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, or need support in helping someone who is, please call Family Service of Glencoe for help at 847-835-5111.

SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION: Resources That Can Help

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org   1-800-273-TALK (8255)

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  www.afsp.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/suicide/index.html

Suicide Prevention Resource Center  www.sprc.org

#BeThe1To  www.bethe1to.com

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education  www.save.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness  www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month