importance of family during hard times: our presentation with sandstone care

Dr. Jadon Webb had the honor to do a presentation with Sandstone Care about the importance of families and getting mental health help during these difficult times (see video link above). (Dr. Webb's part of the presentation starts around 3:30) 

It was a meaningful discussion, and we always enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with Sandstone. They are a fantastic local partner and resource for mental health and substance use concerns that need intensive help. 

I caught up afterwards with Marcello La Rocca, the Founder and Executive Director of Sandstone. Marcello is a good guy (I've known him for some time), and he cares about making sure mental health is accessible and done well. I asked if he had any words of wisdom as we emerge from the pandemic in a time of hardship.

Marcello impressed the need to remember to take care of the caregivers. "Pandemic Fatigue" is starting to set in as the weeks of hardship now turn into months. Many patients are exhausted from all the uncertainty and troubling news. Therapists are also often struggling with fatigue! 

Mental Health is a tough business, and job burnout is always a threat. Add in a once-in-100-years pandemic, and that risk goes through the roof. Marcello understood this, and obviously cares about his staff. I was again impressed that when I asked him for one important idea, he chose the importance of caring for other caregivers (i.e. his staff). Not bad.

This got me thinking about all of the other community therapists and caregivers out there, many going by the titles "parents" or “spouse” or “best friend”. If you are a human caring for the physical and mental well-being of another - thank you. You are doing a noble thing. And it can be exhausting. Especially during times of crisis and uncertainty. 

If you are a caregiver, remember that it’s ok to be tired sometimes. 

And it’s ok to get help, even when you are supposed to be the one helping. 

If you are feeling discouraged or run down, reach out today for help! Both you and the people you care for will be better for it.