The Value of Reaching Out For Support

For anyone living alone, it is especially hard to be staying at home. Seniors, perhaps more than any other age group suffer from the effects of social isolation. Some are willing to call friends, mental health providers and others. Some can't seem to find the motivation and sink into depression. As a retired Public Health Nurse, I encourage anyone who feels the pain of isolation to contact those in your life who will understand. You have a sense of who they are. Sometimes it is a professional, sometimes a friend. My husband and business partner at AgingParents.com is an experienced psychologist who has helped clients with anxiety and depression for decades. Recently he told me about an older client who is alone and who is really struggling. I asked him what he can say to someone like her who is in need of support. The communication with all clients is confidential, but he did distill the message in writing, leaving out the name. I share it here with you, as it speaks well to what we all need to do, with or without a mental health professional. It also demonstrates the resource that mental health professionals can offer any one of us who is feeling low and isolated. Appointments with providers like him, there to help at this scary and isolating time are via Zoom or Skype. Take advantage of this resource. We all need support. You can find it when you reach out.

Dear _________:

I am truly sorry to hear that you are struggling so much. These are times that our faith in the future is being tested. Since you are a survivor you know you have what it takes to get through trying times. It is now that you need to put your stubbornness aside and realize that to survive you need to reach out to any of your contacts and speak so you can connect. You have done that in this moment in sending me this email . So keep on doing this to others and create the opportunity to feel the connection you need. Sending you hope and love . I am standing for your strength in getting through this. Reach out to me anytime. Dr. Mikol Davis