ROJAS....PG 8
Vol 21, No. 11 • March 2022
FARRAR.......PG 9
News You Can Use
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The Therapeutic Corner Welcome to the Therapeutic Corner! We want to share information, awareness, tips, and techniques you can apply to increase your overall mental wellbeing. Mental Health is a broad field with different professions. In honor of Social Work Appreciation Month, let's introduce the writer who is currently a licensed social worker. Fleming is a native of Corinth, but currently resides in Columbus. She is a graduate of Corinth High School and served as the CHS class 2011 president. A proud wife and mother, Fleming confidently walks the line of faith and mental health, becoming a voice for the hurting. Being a therapist in the mental health field, her passion is to not only educate individuals about emotional well-being, but also to see people live a life of freedom while on their healing journey. She has worked in the field of social work for six years, specializing in families, mental health, and addiction. She graduated with a master's degree in clinical social work from the University of Mississippi in 2018 and later received her certification as a Licensed Master Social Work. She has worked specifically in the mental health field as a therapist for three plus years. Fleming was an addiction therapist for one and a half years and currently works as a staff counselor for the Mississippi State University Student Counseling Services. Why is mental health so important? I am so glad you asked. In life, we get several things routinely checked and assessed. As you age, you are encouraged to get an annual physical checkup to assure your physical health is intact. We are encouraged to get our car's oil changed when it reaches a certain date or mileage. When a baby is born, it must get regular checkups to receive vaccination shots to promote healthy and consistent growth. If we are encouraged to get these various things checked, why not get mental health checked? Return Address: P.O. Box 1292 Corinth, MS 38835
POSTAL PATRON Nakesha Fleming
In the past two years, the pandemic triggered emotional and psychological distress. When the world shut down, many struggled to process the rising COVID-19 cases and the uncertainty of a government that sought to find and provide answers to this deadly disease, feeling lost and without control. During these past years of traumatic change, domestic violence, substance use, and suicide attempts have increased. Before the pandemic, individuals were able to use the busyness of work, school, family, and even church to ignore emotional or psychological distress. There are several life challenges that can cause mental distress. It can be the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of normalcy, trauma, life transitions (positive and negative ones), and physical health that can bring disruptions to your mental health. I want to give you a tool to use to check in with yourself. You can even use this to check in with a loved one. First, let me explain that mental health is not just an absence of a mental illness. Mental health is a continuum, ranging from excellent mental health to severe symptoms that include panic attacks or depressive episodes. There is a model called the mental health continuum that gives five zones of one's mental state. Look below at the model to see where you are today.
So, how are you doing? Are you thriving or are you surviving? What is causing you to be in this zone? Is it job stress, family stress, or other life stressors? Oftentimes, the check engine light is on, and we do not even notice. Other times we forget or ignore it. Now is the time to get realigned so you can excel. If you find yourself in a crisis, please do not be afraid to seek the help and support of a professional, friend, family member, or other supportive person. Remember help is here. see THERAPEUTIC....pg 4