Connecting You Back to What Matters Most - - Archived

How did COVID change the face of mental health?

Quite a lot. Mental health isn’t the taboo subject it once was and the COVID pandemic had a hand in that. Not only did it change the way people talk about mental health, but it added additional complexity to trauma. It also greatly affected adolescents because of the isolation they experienced at a time in their lives when socialization is critical to their development. We have seen an increase in trauma and a decrease in adolescents’ ability to engage with others appropriately and safely. As their ability to engage virtually has increased, it’s taken away opportunities to create bonds that develop over time.

What about their teachers? How have they been affected?

Teachers have an incredibly challenging task of teaching children while also helping children socially and emotionally navigate through a life that has drastically changed since COVID. Teachers are doing all of this while also managing their own anxiety, depression, and personal struggles. Teachers need support both internally within the school district but from community resources to support them personally but also for the students. Teachers are constantly taking on a role that includes crisis management. That’s a lot of pressure in what was already a stressful job.

How can art, music, movement, and sports aid in therapy?

When a child can discover a passion, they can use it to help process what they’re going through and find hope for the future. Therapists can utilize art and music therapy, create fun games with educational materials, or utilize hobbies to tap into a child’s interest and speak their language. These activities also allow kids to truly express themselves through music, movement, art, or sports. Children often don’t realize they can express themselves this way and it can be helpful in all levels of care including in-patient, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and individual therapy.

What are my options for care in the DFW area?

Finding mental health care in DFW has never been easier. Connections Wellness Group has 12 locations throughout DFW. So, if we don’t serve the age range you need at one location, there is a location close by that does. And there are many other excellent mental-health groups. There’s therapy that’s 100% in-person, 100% virtual, and hybrid options. It’s important for providers to be open to working with individuals to break down barriers that are preventing clients from receiving care such as virtually, evening, etc.

What’s a really great workday for you?

As a clinician, a great day for me is offering a client the opportunity to discuss what’s going on in their lives. It may not be a day where there’s some huge revelation. But the fact that someone still shows up, still wants to work on themselves, and continues to allow me to help them do so, that makes for a great day.