It has been over a year now since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps no other time period has challenged our society's overall mental health in this way. I am taking part in a multi-day virtual 'grief during COVID' training and one of my instructors said something that struck me as totally true and overwhelming: this pandemic has very much been like flying a plane while building it.
This sense of unsureness has left many in our community rattled, anxious and depressed. And yet--as things open back up, many Philipstown residents are reaching out for the help that they need. They are contacting the Hub, sharing with their friends, being honest with the fact that, for the most part--NONE of us are okay. None of us have escaped this time untouched and unmoved in some way.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health First Aid USA has cited RESILIENCE as its word of the year. This makes so much sense as I think about how many of us have struggled and yet, are still standing here today. The Hub is celebrating by recognizing the hope behind resilience and what we can do together as a community to continue to take care of each other.
The Hub's 2nd Annual Virtual Marathon is one of these ways. Physical exercise has been shown to improve mental health. What better thing to do together as a community than to pledge to walk, run, bike, or hike one mile a day over the course of May to raise awareness of the importance of taking care of our overall health.
If you missed our most recent Community Conversations Anxiety & Stress - Calming the Mind, check out the recording here. Lauren Hale Biniaris, the creator of 21 Days to a Calmer Mind and yoga teacher of 18 years, leads a 30-minute session of chair yoga, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation. These monthly conversations are made possible because of your generous donations!
Hub staff and Board continue to be so grateful to our supporters and how you have stepped up to show how you value the mental health of this community. If you have a family member or friend who is struggling with mental health and addiction issues, please encourage them to call the Philipstown Hub at 845-809-5050 or email info@philipstownhub.org.
I remain committed to this work and to our community.
Health and Hope,
Danielle Pack McCarthy
May 2021