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We Have Lots of Feelings...

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This is a tough time we’re living through, and it's bringing out the best and the worst in us.  There are lots of resources on this page to help you attend to the big feelings you might be having.  None are a magical cure, but they can help us on the road to wholeness. 

 

Pastor Mike is also available for confidential, non-judgmental, personal conversation about what you might be struggling with.  You can connect with him by calling the church office at 816-781-7991 or via e-mail. 

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It's normal to have big feelings.

 

Stress and anxiety is normal.  It's actually really common, particularly when facing the constellation of trauma, isolation, and social complications we're all seeing right now.  You are not alone in these feelings. 

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Mental health is just as important as our physical health, so much so that they can impact each other.  Just as there are external factors that can cause our physical health to be weakened, there are things that can weaken our mental health.  Feeling depressed, anxious, lonely, angry, or anything else isn't a sign that you're crazy, but simply that you're human and need to tend to your well-being. 

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When we feel these big feelings, it's tempting to believe we'll always feel this way.  It doesn't have to be that way.  It can (and will) get better.  Just as we'd take medicine for strep throat or seek treatment for a broken bone, it's important that we get help tending to our emotional struggles.  Holding the feelings inside, pretending we're not hurting, or hoping they'll just go away can often make the wounds fester.  Acknowledging the pain and getting help will lead to faster healing.

​​Tips to Improve Mental Health

​From the National Alliance on Mental Illness COVID-19 Resource and Info Guide.

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  • Manage how you consume information.  Be selective about how you consume news. It’s generally a good idea to stay engaged and informed. Having some limits on your news consumption can help

  • Follow healthy daily routines as much as possible.  Your daily habits and routines can help you feel more in control of your own well-being.

  • Take care of yourself through exercise and movement.  Research suggests that when we exercise, our brain releases chemicals that help us better manage stress and anxiety.  

  • Practice relaxing in the present moment.  Focus your attention on the present moment and accepting it without judgment.  Do breathing exercises.  Participate in worship and prayer online.

  • Do meaningful things with your free time.  When you can, do things that you enjoy and that help you relax.

  • Stay connected with others and maintain your social networks.  Use the phone, technology, and even the mail to stay connected with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers.

  • Find a mental health community.  Check out the resources provided by organizations like NAMI or talk with your primary physician for specific and local recommendations. 

  • Connect to a spiritual or religious community.  That's us!  Connect with us by using the resources on the HosannaTogether website, reach out through our church office (816-781-7991), or call a fellow church member (call the church office if you need contact information).

Coloring Pages When Feeling Anxious

Thank you to Illustrated Ministry for providing this free resource. 

 

If you're feeling stressed and anxious, there are two things that can help:  prayer and coloring.  Although coloring may seem like the stuff of children, it's a great way for adults to slow down their thoughts and focus their bodies, too.  Download the resource, print it off, and bust out your colored pencils, markers, or crayons. If you don't have a way of printing these pages, but still would like them, drop us a note and we'll mail you a paper copy.

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Liberty Mental Health Alliance

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The Liberty Mental Health Alliance exists to identify, connect and enhance mental health resources for youth and adults in the Liberty community.

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The Alliance lists contact information for local resources ​to help with abuse, addiction, children, counseling, developmental assistance, family, and grief. 

 

There are also links to local organizations that can assist with basic physical needs that can be a detriment to mental health when not met.  

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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

  • Call 800-273-8255 24/7 for free and confidential support if you or a loved one are in distress, or if you would like prevention and crisis resources for yourself or your loved ones.

  • Learn more on their page about Emotional Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Outbreak.

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​If your feelings or those of someone you know are getting overwhelming, and you feel that your life or the life of another might be at risk, please call 911 now to get immediate help. 

Coping with Grief and Loss

Including loss of the life that was due to COVID-19

 
Resources from Grief.com
 
Resources from HelpGuide.org
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Grief Support Groups

Connect with a local grief support network:

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Life's Rough Edges - Conversation on Grieving

When experiencing grief or hardship, how can we move forward? In this episode of NPR's TED Radio Hour, writer Nora McInerny shares ideas on navigating the most difficult parts of life ... and living life fully in the face of loss.

  • This is an excellent conversation Pastor Mike has discovered to think through how we live with grief while embracing life.

  • Listen to the podcast below or at this link.

  • Read the transcript.

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Resources for Mental Health

 

Please note that these links open to respected external websites.  Their content is provided by the respective site owners, and Hosanna! Lutheran Church is not responsible for content found on them or or linked to from them.

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Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Resources for Daily Life and Coping with COVID-19

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National Alliance on Mental Illness

The holidays are especially tough when life doesn't feel great...

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A few tips to moving:

  • Set up Christmas decorations early and in abundance.  It’ll be tempting to go small this year.  Instead, go all out.  Put up the things that have sentimental meaning and that give you joy. 

  • Keep perspective.  This year won’t be the same, but it won’t always be like this.  Focus on what you can control, rather than what is out of your control.  Look for the blessings, not what you’re missing. 

  • Discuss plans with family and friends.  Don’t assume everyone will be on the same page.  Listen to what your family and friends are saying, and be clear about what you’re feeling.  Show grace to each other.  And don’t let a cancellation of some traditions mean that you can’t do anything at all.  This might be the year to use technology or explore outdoor events. 

  • Do something new.  Drive through the neighborhood to look at lights on houses.  Go to the Winter Magic KC light show downtown.  Post a video of you singing Christmas carols, reading your favorite Christmas stories, or giving greetings.  Send Christmas cards. 

  • Keep Christ in Christmas.  Jesus wasn’t born in a church building; he was born in some guy’s garage.  Remember that God is with YOU throughout this season.  You are not alone, and you will make it through this cold winter.  

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Other good resources online:

Holidays
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