此内容暂无简体中文译文，以下为英文原文。
Historical September–October 2020 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Unprecedented. That word can be used to describe nearly every aspect of this year.
It can be overwhelming and makes me want to go into a dark place, and I know I am not alone.
There are several things that have helped me during this time. One is to utilize my support system.
When I want to hide in a cave of my own making, I force myself (or more likely my husband ‘nicely encourages’ me) to go for a walk.
I almost always run into a neighbor and a short five-minute conversation can change my entire outlook.
I have also taken a break from social media.
I am an impatient person and cannot stand when people share posts that are totally inaccurate and can easily be fact checked. (You have probably figured that out about me after reading an entire front-page article about how to do your non-biased fact checking.) Another thing that has helped me is just venting to like-minded people, usually while drinking a margarita, but conversely I have made a concerted effort to see the viewpoint of those that have an opinion other than my own (as long as it is fact checked.) Finally, I have reached out to professionals where I would not have before.
I praise our children for that.
A friend of mine who has a daughter who is a psychologist posted a meme about the generational gap when it comes to mental health. First are two fiftysomethings whispering over a fence, “Did you hear that Marge is seeing a…therapist!?” and then two twenty-somethings at a restaurant saying, “You won’t believe what my therapist told me!”.
In this difficult time you can speak to a qualified professional that can help you cope and succeed. You can even do Zoom therapy which is convenient and confidential.
If you feel that you are in crisis, you can contact the Missouri Department of Health Crisis hotline at Behavioral Health Response 800-811-4760.
I hope that everyone will utilize all the support that is open to you. Reach out, get out, interact. And if you see that someone else is struggling, reach out to them.
I think you will find that your friends and neighbors will be happy to have a reason for a lawn happy hour.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2020.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2020_09.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
