Healthy Thoughts for 5 Healthy Towns: Is anybody out there?

Amy Heydlauff, CEO of 5 Healthy Towns

submitted by Amy Heydlauff, CEO, 5 Healthy Towns

Is anybody out there?

I’ve been thinking about things. Important things, like my Dad. And less important things, like my dirty car.

I usually enjoy weather in all its forms. But the mid-to-late-April cold snap irritated me. I want to sit in their living rooms and visit with my Dad and in-laws. It’s so irritating that I can’t. I now know what color my hair really is … I’m irritated that many women on TV do not. Their hairstylists are working. I’d like to move some 5Healthy Towns Foundation collaborations forward, but meetings are required … I’m annoyed! I’m irritated because I used up all my good tea bags and now must use the old and stale ones from the back of the cupboard. The ones I didn’t want to use in the first place, or they wouldn’t be in the back of the cupboard.

And then it occurred to me. I’m irritable! I miss my usual routines. I’m tired of sitting in a makeshift office on an uncomfortable chair. I’m cold and bored and I’m starting to not care if I take a long walk with Mark or just sit and watch another episode of whatever. I’m in desperate need of administering hugs to family (and getting hugs back). I am especially in need of the hugs.

Luckily, I have decades of life behind me. I recognize what’s happening. I know it can be short-lived. Recovery is just around the corner because I can take control of irritability. I may not want to right now, but I will soon because being irritable is not fun. And for most of us, Eleanor Roosevelt was exactly right. We can be as happy as we choose to be, most days.

For some, though, that is not true. What is a self-limiting funk for some may be more concerning for another person. It is vital those people connect to the many resources in our community intended to give them a hand. If someone can find even some small support, they may be able to avoid a crisis. A crisis can come in many forms and almost always puts those around us in crisis, too. Many organizations in our communities want to help. Confidentially.

If tenacious sadness, unrelenting substance use, violence or irrational behavior feels imminent – right around the corner – for you or a loved one, please reach out to one of these resources and they will help you. Keep reaching out. As many times as it takes to find the right resource for you.

Resources – places to start:

St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Behavioral health
Kathy Walz, 734-680-5312 and Abigail Norris, 734-395-8975
Navigator@stjoeshealth.org

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health
Tel: 734-544-3050 Crisis Services 24/7
https://www.washtenaw.org/839/Community-Mental-Health

Disaster Distress Helpline – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Tel: 1-800-985-5990
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

Henry Ford Allegiance Behavioral Health
Tel: 517-205-4730
https://www.henryford.com/locations/allegiance-health/behavioral-health

Tri County Clinton, Eaton, Ingham Counties
Tel: 517-346-8460
http://www.ceicmh.org/

Reach out to your health plan for mental health support services

Reach out to your employer’s Employee Assistance Program

Reach out to your priest, minister or other faith leader

Reach out to a friend

It’s important to reach out. And for the rest of us – trust your instincts and reach out to someone you’re worried about.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.