CHI St. Vincent Morrilton Senior Life Solutions will join Mental Health America (MHA) in May to provide the tools and resources to support mental well-being as the Arkansas community continues to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic more than a year since it began. During May, the 72nd Mental Health Awareness Month, Senior Life Solutions will be highlighting #Tools2Thrive on @CHIStVincent social media channels. These are steps individuals can take throughout their daily lives to prioritize mental health, build resiliency, and continue to cope with today’s obstacles. The Senior Life Solutions team in Morrilton will also introduce telehealth visits to the community, ensuring they’re able to serve those in need even when they’re unable to arrange an in-person visit.

“Now more than ever, this past year has forced many of us to accept tough situations that we had little to no control over. For each of us, that has posed different challenges and obstacles that tested our mental strength and resiliency,” said Rebecca Schrock, RN, program director for Senior Life Solutions at CHI St. Vincent Morrilton. “If you found that it impacted your mental health, you aren’t alone. Many of us struggled with our mental health as a result. The good news is that there are tools and resources available right here in our community that can help support the well-being of ourselves and those people closest to us. ”

According to MHA, many people found themselves struggling with mental health challenges for the first time this past year and even as restrictions on public gatherings, social distancing and other guidelines begin to lift, the impact of those mental health challenges remain. That’s why Senior Life Solutions in Morrilton will focus on sharing the tools and resources to help people process the events of the past year and the feelings they still have around them while also building up the skills and support systems to face whatever comes next.

“Now, more than ever, we need to combat the stigma surrounding mental health concerns,” said Schrock. “Our program is focused on helping people manage anger and frustration, recognize when trauma may be affecting their mental health, challenge negative thinking patterns and make time to take care of themselves. Change won’t happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, we can address each of the stressors from this past year and develop long-term skills and strategies that work for you.”

During this month of May, Senior Life Solutions at CHI St. Vincent Morrilton wants to remind everyone that mental illness is real, and recovery is possible. By developing your own #Tools2Thrive, it is possible to find balance between life’s ups and downs and continue to cope with the challenges brought on by the pandemic.