Social distancing side effects

CELINA - Social distancing is expected to slow the spread of the coronavirus and in turn save countless lives.

Yet for those battling mental illness and substance abuse, that isolation is a bitter pill to swallow as it runs counter to their efforts to build and tap into a support network in times of weakness, self-doubt and temptation.

Two key area support systems - Foundation's Behavioral Health Services and Brianna's Hope - are persisting in their missions to help people during these disruptive, difficult days.

Officials say it's imperative that those dealing with mental illness and/or substance issues maintain contact with their counselor, case manager, peer recovery coach or sponsor, whether by phone, video or in some cases, one-on-one.

"We're fighting an invisible enemy and people's anxiety goes sky high even more," Foundations Supervisor of Alcohol and Drug Services Matt Ronan said. "The support system is the main thing that's going to help people through this right now."

Foundations offers an array of mental health and substance-use services. It will continue to see clients in person or by phone or video session if a person is sick or afraid to leave home.

"All of us out here still have the option to see people in person," Ronan said. "You have people who are isolating, who are getting laid off from work. That's why we choose to see them face-to-face. These are some really trying times."

All employees and clients must first have their temperatures taken before sitting down. Clients are also asked if they've experienced any symptoms.

"In this line of work, some people still need personal contact. Over the phone doesn't do it for them or even video doesn't do it for them," Ronan said. "Some people just need to come in and sit down and cry, talk, laugh, have that human experience."

In any crisis, including this pandemic, a person's mental outlook on life plays a big part in how he or she copes with the situation, Ronan said when asked about the likelihood of developing a substance addiction during the state stay-at-home order.

"I believe in a crisis like this you're going to have people who have good coping skills and will deal with it by exercising, walking their dog, calling people, talking, staying in touch," he said.

Then there are those who resort to drinking or getting high.

Grand Lake United Methodist Church-St. Paul Campus in Celina continues to facilitate the drug-recovery program, Brianna's Hope: A Better Life, on Tuesday evenings, albeit in a different way.

Brief sessions, conducted by one or two Team Hope members, have been held live on the group's Facebook page: A Better Life-Brianna's Hope: Celina Chapter.

"Almost every day, either someone from Team Hope or some of our recovering addicts are sharing encouraging messages, lifting each other up and it's been really positive," Pastor Diane Mendelson said. "You may not be able to see face-to-face, (but) we're doing our best to meet the needs and not let this drive a wedge into something that was going really, really great."

The meal - the cornerstone of the program - is available for drive-up pickup from 6-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the church.

Starting on Tuesday, Team Hope members will conduct Brianna's Hope via Zoom from 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Mendelson also stressed the importance of having recovering addicts maintain social ties.

"It's so important. Isolation is something that we're all dealing with. It's not a real positive for somebody who is in recovery. You need the support of other people," she said. "Call somebody. Call somebody on Team Hope. We pass out our numbers all the time. Don't give in. Don't think you can beat this on your own."