March 26

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

From time to time, a staff member will provide an article or reflection. Today Kathy Morgan has provided an article/activity that might be helpful during this time.

Be the Difference for Loved Ones during Covid-19

Isolation from friends and family, job loss and death are challenges we’re all facing during these days of COVID-19. You are not alone. COVID-19 is affecting families across the world.

We encourage you to stay connected with your loved ones while practicing physical distancing. It’s important that you support one other during this difficult time, especially if your loved one may be facing a mental health concern.

Use tips from the (Mental Health First Aid) MHFA curriculum to reach out to someone who might need you.

1. Treat the person with respect and dignity. Listen nonjudgmentally, and respect the person’s privacy and confidentiality.
2. Offer consistent emotional support and understanding. In difficult times, we all need additional love and understanding. Remember to be empathetic, compassionate and patient.
3. Have realistic expectations. Accept the person as they are. Tough times can make it harder than usual to do everyday activities like cleaning the house, paying bills or feeding the dog.
4. Give the person hope Remind your loved one that with time and treatment, they will feel better and there is hope for a more positive future.
5. Provide practical help. Offer help with overwhelming tasks, but be careful not to take over or encourage dependency. For example, offer to bring groceries over.
6. Offer information. Provide information and resources for additional support, including self-help strategies and professional help.

Several tips for what not to do are:

1. Don’t tell someone to “snap out of it” or to “get over it.”
2. Don’t adopt an overinvolved or overprotective attitude toward someone who is depressed.
3. Don’t use a patronizing tone of voice or a facial expression that shows an extreme look of concern.
4. Don’t ignore, disagree with or dismiss the person’s feelings by attempting to say something positive like, “You don’t seem that bad to me.”

If you’re still not sure what to do, reach out to your primary care physician. This person can help you with determining the best next steps for mental health support strategies, resources or treatments. Thank you for choosing to #BeTheDifference for yourself and your loved ones during this difficult time.

Thank you to Kathy for sharing this important information.

Always, may God’s peace be yours,

Fr. Leo

Thank you to all those who have mailed your offertory to the church or used the diocese’s online link to make a donation. Your offertory is greatly appreciated! Mailing your offertory is easy, simply seal your offertory envelope and place a stamp on it. It is already addressed to the church. To donate online, please go to this link https://www.orlandodiocese.org/landing/ and click on the yellow button labeled “Donations to your Parish”. Then follow the prompts to make your donation. Thank you!