Those worlds collided in the spring. The way of life that we formerly called “normal” — even during emotional struggles — evolved into an intensified magnification of those previous emotions.
Yes, COVID-19 emerged like a terrifying goblin jumping out from behind a tree on Halloween. We were not mentally, emotionally or spiritually prepared.
This challenge that was thrust upon us must first be recognized for exactly what it is — unprecedented. That means it was not possible to be prepared. This is new landscape. This is not unlike great explorers of old who set sail to explore, completely uncertain of what lay ahead — storms, sea creatures, the drop-off edge of the world; new territory unseen, untouched, unnavigated.
In the midst of navigating through these rocky waters, there is a lighthouse of safety and security. Lindner Center of HOPE has developed a method, an anchor, to give a firm foundation when things start to feel unmanageable and you wonder if you are going to make it through.
The Coping with Crisis Program at Sibcy House at Lindner Center offers a brief and affordable therapeutic restart to regain control when it feels like you are bobbing about amid life’s stormy waves. It’s a five-day residential therapeutic restart for adults, 18 and older, who are feeling additional stress, anxiety, isolation or grief, sometimes all at once. When those emotions begin to feel unmanageable, we often choose unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating or over drinking, substance abuse and misuse of the internet. Taking the time to step away and focus on a therapeutic restart with healthy evidence-based treatment and self-care strategies could be lifesaving.
The coping program at Sibcy House offers the following:
• Five days (admit on Monday morning and discharge Saturday morning unless extended for a signature program)
• Two psychiatry visits (admission and discharge)
• Three therapy visits with psychologist
• Two anxiety specialist visits
• Two spiritual care visits
• Nutrition assessment
• All other group and programming as offered at Sibcy House
• Discharge planning with clinical social worker
• Private bedrooms in a relaxing environment
Though many of us are good swimmers, when a big wave comes in, it may knock us over. The exceptional program at Lindner Center of HOPE is a lifejacket of additional support during this difficult time.
“We came up with the Coping with Crisis Program with the mindset that there are normally functioning people out there living well, but the COVID-19 crisis the unknowns of it have upended that normal functioning. Many are having a hard time physically, financially and mentally,” says Mikaela Peavy, DNP, MSN, RN, Director of Residential Services at Lindner Center of HOPE. “People can come in and we can help them learn skills to put into place when a crisis arises. We are not only speaking of the current virus crisis, but any event that occurs during our lives. We can teach ways to cope with new and unprecedented issues.”
“We offer a full five days of programming. Those days are jam-packed with carefully and intentionally scheduled times [for individuals] to meet with their assigned team members,” Peavey notes. “These team members will help patients learn healthy coping skills for any type of crisis to come.”
Dr. Laurie Little, PsyD, Director of Therapeutic Services, Residential, is a clinical specialist in the field of binge eating disorders, and was recruited last summer to join the impressive Sibcy House team.
“Everyone manages crises differently. Some of us are dealing with this crisis by eating too much. Some of us are drinking more alcohol than we should. Some of us are spending too much time on the computer — internet gambling, shopping, researching, and other unhealthy screen time,” Little points out. “Some of us are more destructive at dealing with things than others. If a person’s issue, for example, is over-eating, we have providers with an expertise in that area. We tailor-make plans that work for everyone’s individuality.”
Lindner Center of HOPE is a comprehensive mental health center available with the capacity to meet the variety of needs of the people walking through the door. When an individual contacts the Center, the admission specialist can help identify issues of concern and the best recommendations for level of care.
For some, it may be more of an immediate need. For example, a person may need to go through a detox program and then address other problems.
“While they are with us and we see that there may be some underlying mental illness that has never been addressed, we will work with them to extend [their time] with us, if needed,” Peavy continues.
“It is not a program that lasts for five days and then we say ‘Good luck. We wish you well.’ We can help orchestrate [a person] into another program, if necessary or desired. Assessments by clinicians will address situations holistically.”
Clinicians also assess what environment patients are returning to, which is an important component in overall mental wellness. “We want to address that so that they don’t go back home and possibly end up in an even more difficult situation,” Peavy says.
The Coping with Crisis Program at Lindner Center of HOPE is timely, given the coronavirus pandemic, but it’s important to understand that an overwhelming situation may have nothing to do with the virus. The program is a support system to help people feel equipped with tools to better manage when life begins to feel unmanageable.
“After this is over and a vaccine is available, what we are offering is still an option for all future issues associated with cycles that are difficult to break away from,” Little says. “This program should be thought of as a reset to address basic needs, to feel better about life in general. We are poised and ready to address any issues at any level of severity. It is our hope that people feel comfortable to reach out to us. We are here to help.”
The Coping with Crisis Program is an opportunity to give someone a retreat, a respite, but also an opportunity to learn to deal with the curveballs that life throws at us; how to deal with them in a healthy, sustainable way. It is with evidence-based tools that the team at Lindner Center of HOPE is a true resource.
“We want this program to be a viable option for many years to come, for any type of crisis situation or anxiety disorder that were perhaps not dealt with in the past in healthy ways,” says Peavy. “This is their toolbox. Though COVID-19 sparked our interest in developing this program, we certainly want to address any crisis.”
PLEASE NOTE: Lindner Center of HOPE is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of all patients and staff members. New admissions to the units are tested for COVID-19. Temperatures are checked and PPE are in use in order to protect everyone in the environment.
To gain control in your life and give yourself a restart, call an admission specialist at 513.536.0537 or 888.537.4229.
The Lindner Center of HOPE, located at 4075 Old Western Row Road in Mason, OH 45040 —a joint venture partner with UC Health — is a collaborating research partner of the Mayo Clinic and is a charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers. For more information, call 513.536.0316 or visit www.lindnercenterofhope.org.