Wintertime can be challenging for many people, especially during this socially distant time. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, many family members were separated for the holidays and were not able to participate in their usual family traditions. It is so important to check in with your mental health and make extra efforts to connect with loved ones. Cold, snowy weather has even made outdoor dining and activities hard to find.

Connection is an essential component of mental health. This time of year can be lonely for many people, and those feelings may be heightened due to the conditions of this global event. Fortunately, the new year brings new opportunities and with COVID vaccines already being distributed, we may see an easing of lockdown restrictions in the latter half of 2021. Here are some simple ideas to help you connect with your community during this difficult time:

Organize a Virtual Event

Organizing a facetime game night can be a great way to spend time with family and friends. Virtual game nights allow you to interact with loved ones and have some fun while you’re at it! Some games that can easily translate to virtual include Charades and Pictionary, but this can also be a great opportunity to be creative! Find a game that the whole family will enjoy and adjust the rules to accommodate any challenges that may arise with video calls. There are also plenty of online games that accommodate multiple players – a quick Google search will show you all kinds of new options to explore.

A virtual cookie decorating night can also be a fun and interactive way to bond with friends and family. Everyone can be in charge of their own baking and decorating, but you can compare and share tips over a video chat. There is even the possibility of creating a bit of competition to encourage friends to step up their decorating skills. While it may not be quite the same as a cookie exchange, it can still be a great way to spread some joy and have a few laughs. Perhaps holidays or birthdays are coming up – try to use them as themes so that you and all of your loved ones can have a wonderful and memorable evening.

Create New Family Traditions

While there has been a lot of challenges over the past year, many of us have so much to be thankful for. Take some time to create some unique family traditions to help you and your loved ones feel closer, even though you may be far apart. That could be as simple as sharing some kind words over a phone call, having a virtual family dinner together, or organizing a Tuesday night facetime party. You could also start a virtual family talent show and livestream the performance for your friends.

While technology can be challenging in some instances, it can also create unique opportunities to connect with people we don’t usually get to, near and far. Everyone needs a little joy during isolation, so try to find some unique ways for your loved ones to share their cheer during these challenging times. If you have a tech-savvy family member, see if they’re willing to work with the less techno-capable members so they are able to fully enjoy the activities.

Seek Support Within Your Community

The COVID-19 pandemic has been life-changing for many members of our community, so it is more important than ever that we reach out to those in need. If you are able, seek out organizations that are supporting communities in need this holiday season. Likewise, ask for help if you are struggling. Overwhelming feelings of stress or anxiety can be difficult to manage on your own. Talk to those around you about how you are feeling, and do not be afraid to ask for support. The only way to get through this difficult time is if we all move forward together. Seek out support within your community and be generous with your support of others if you feel capable to do so.

It is so important to try to keep connected in any way that you feel possible, but it does start with YOU. While it may feel easier to admit defeat and just try again next year, there has never been a greater need to stay connected, than right now. Not many people like taking the first steps to set up a virtual gathering, but all it takes to get it started is one phone call, email, or text. Adjusting to the challenges of this pandemic can help you and your loved ones start to feel some sense of normalcy. With some simple adjustments, you can find a sense of connection even if you are physically far away from the people and places you call home. This winter season is unlike any other before it and we know that Seasonal Affective Disorder (AKA the winter blues) is a real issue. So be gentle with yourself and try to find opportunities to share joy with the people around you.

The post Creative Ways to Keep Connected This Winter appeared first on Easterseals New Jersey Blog.

You may drive by a hospital or see a sign on someone’s lawn that proudly exclaims, “Heroes work here!” or “Thank you to our healthcare workers!” These are wonderful sentiments and ones we certainly echo and appreciate. This is why we need to ask ourselves, “Who will care for the caregivers?”

Being the person who cares for others, who explains and mitigate risks, manages supply needs, and provides the emotional support during this pandemic for others, all while managing our pre-pandemic tasks can sure take a toll. As a result, caregivers, by choice or profession, are facing a higher likelihood of experiencing symptoms of trauma and burnout during the global pandemic.

Experiencing such increased stress over an extended period of time will have a remarkable short-term and long-term impact on the caregiver community. It can affect us both professionally and personally at a time when we need to be on the top of our game as we attempt to keep the pandemic at bay.

“Burnout” is defined by World Health Organization as:

• Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
• Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job
• Reduced professional efficacy

Honestly, it is fair to guess you or frontline staff you know are experiencing some of the above. The question is, are these feelings impacting our daily lives and is burnout morphing into something more like trauma?

Which May Look More Like:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Increase anxiety
• Hypervigilance
• Psychical symptoms

Being able to take preventative measures as well as recognize the symptoms and respond can help us all feel our best.

Many of us have built a little COVID-19 toolkit we tote around to help keep us safe, a mask and some hand sanitizer perhaps. Maybe it is swimming around the bottom of your purse or neatly tucked away in your glove box – but have you prepared a toolkit for your emotional health during the pandemic?

Here are some quick ideas to help you fill up that toolbox and prepare for the tough times to come:

• Take care of your basic needs – eat well, hydrate, and sleep – we all know how a healthy body facilitates a healthy mind. You may be busy, but you can’t do your job unless you take time to fuel up for the task ahead.
• Laugh – share some memes with your friends, read a good “dad joke,” or just laugh at nothing at all if you’ve got the time.
• Safely stay engaged with friends – we know we’re socially distant, but don’t be socially negligent – reach out, call someone on facetime, play an online game together
• Seek support from supervisors and peers alike – sometimes all we need is to speak candidly with someone who knows what we’re going through. Shared empathy is a wonderful virtue that helps ease stress.
• Use time off wisely, really unwind and disconnect – Turn off notifications, shut down your computer, drive to your local park and leave your phone at home – anything to take some time for yourself.
• Find a few moments each day to de-stress – This one might seem the most impossible, but you need to find a way. Take out some headphones and listen to your favorite song, download an app for five-minute meditation, or just go for a walk around the neighborhood. These small breaks add up to a lot of positive vibes.
• Get professional help – if you are overwhelmed reach out to a professional – there is no shame in this. You may be a hero, but you are not a SUPER hero. We’re all still vulnerable to the effects of stress.

And don’t forget to take care of your colleagues. Keep an eye out for the signs of burnout or trauma as listed above in this article. If you see someone you are close to experiencing these symptoms, don’t be afraid to reach out.

Resources:

(Facing Burnout As A Healthcare Worker, 2020)

(How To Build Your Emotional Personal Protective Equipment, 2020)

(Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”, 2019)

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Telehealth for Your Mental Health

Let’s face it – 2020 has been a bad year for mental health. Not only have our lives been upended by a deadly pandemic, one of the best ways to cope with the mental backlash has been affected as well. Attending therapy can be beneficial in many ways; however, during these challenging times therapy can provide additional support. Thankfully, telehealth is quickly becoming the new and accepted alternative to traditional as opposed to in-person therapy.

With the rise of secure streaming technologies, we can meet with our therapist while staying safe in the comfort of our own homes. Still, this can be different and sometimes require us to make adjustments if we’re going to get the most out of our telehealth sessions. Here are some tips to help make this transition a little easier:

1. Check to see if you have access to the right technology for your appointment. Different providers have different platforms they’re using to administer telehealth sessions. Do you need a computer? A microphone? A broadband internet connection? Speak with your provider beforehand and ensure you have the equipment you need to speak with your therapist.
   
2. If you don’t live alone, finding a private place for your appointment can be difficult. You want to make sure others in your home cannot overhear your conversations. Ensure those you live with know you are having an appointment and ask them to respect your privacy by staying away from the room where you are having your session. Utilizing earbuds or headphones with a microphone attachment can be helpful for this as well. You won’t have to speak as loudly and you’ll be the only one who can hear your therapist. You can ask your housemates to put on headphones during this time as well (ask them to catch up on their latest podcast or listen to some music)
   
3. Try to minimize distractions during your session. Turn off your phone, email, and any other notifications that could pop up during your appointment. Maximize the chat window so you don’t see anything on your desktop that could catch your attention. Also, remember to clear your physical space as well. Maybe leave yourself one thing to fidget with if that keeps you focused, but otherwise try to keep your space clear and clean so you can focus on your session.
   
4. Since you are not “commuting” to and from your therapist’s office, allow time to decompress after your session. Sometimes that commute allows for a recovery time we don’t often consider, with that buffer removed from your therapy routine, you need to make time for a transition. Allow yourself 10 minutes after your session to listen to music, stretch, or do some yoga prior to return to normal household activities.
   
5. Not commuting to therapy also allows individuals a greater chance of keeping therapy appointments because there are fewer obstacles to overcome. However, don’t allow these appointments to catch you off-guard just because of their convenience. There are still often penalties for missing an appointment. Set a reminder on your phone for a few minutes before the appointment to ensure you’re on time and prepared. The more you do this, the more of a habit it will become.

Remote Counseling Works!

We hope you are able to use these tips to make the most of your next telehealth therapy appointment. It’s incredibly important to take some time to nurture your mental health during this time of isolation and uncertainty. We hope you’ll take advantage of telehealth counseling, but there are also steps you can take to provide self-care. We encourage you to read up on our tips on how to stay “mental healthy” during the pandemic. Easterseals offers telehealth accommodations for some services so if you’re interested, please visit our website and let us know how we can help.

Do you have any other advice on how to make the most of telehealth appointments? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

The post 5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Next Telehealth Therapy Appointment appeared first on Easterseals New Jersey Blog.

Know Your Voting Rights

The election is right around the corner, taking place on Tuesday, November 3. At Easterseals New Jersey, we want voting to be as easy and accessible an experience as possible. That’s why we have put together a list of five things voters with disabilities need to know about their voting rights, how they can vote, and where to turn should they have any questions.

1. The upcoming election will be a vote-by-mail election. However, if you are unable to vote by mail, in-person voting will be available in at least one polling place per municipality. Please contact your local County Clerk for more information on available locations and accommodations.
   
2. Voting is your right as a citizen and no one should tell you otherwise. If you are experiencing challenges voting, please call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683). You can also request assistance in voting by filling out our 2020 Voting Pledge!
   
3. Polling places MUST be accessible to disabled voters. Do not be afraid to speak up if you feel your rights are being violated. To learn more about voting rights in New Jersey, please check out the State Division of Elections Voter Rights and Accessibility webpage here.
   
4. You are allowed to, but not required to have someone help you vote. For in-person voting, this can be a poll-worker or someone you bring with you. Any person may assist you in completing a vote-by-mail ballot.
   
5. You have the right to vote privately and independently. If someone is violating your right to vote privately and independently, please call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) to report your situation and receive assistance.

This only a shortlist of important items, so please let us know if you have any additional questions about how to ensure you can vote in 2020. You can also check out our Voting Information Center website for more detailed information and helpful voting tools.

Happy voting!

The post Five Things People with Disabilities Should Know About Voting appeared first on Easterseals New Jersey Blog.

At the moment, most of us are stuck inside trying to keep ourselves entertained until this period of quarantine concludes. A great way to pass the time is by immersing yourself in a new show or movie. When looking for something to watch, most of us like to pick a story we can see ourselves in. If that’s the case, why do we rarely see movies or tv shows that portray characters with disabilities, especially in main roles? Furthermore, how often are these characters played by actors with the disability they are portraying? 

In a 2018 study by the Ruderman Foundation, out of 284 shows across 37 networks and 4 streaming services, 21.6% of characters with a disability were portrayed authentically. That means that nearly 80% of stories told about the disability population were told inaccurately. How can you accurately portray the experiences of someone with a disability if you are not casting someone who has lived through those experiences? The media often confuses presence with representation, but the two are not the same. Not only do we need to see more stories of individuals who have disabilities, we need to see more stories FROM individuals with disabilities.  

So how about we spend less time talking about content with authentic disability representation and more time watching. Below is a collection of shows and movies you can stream right now! Some are documentaries, some are fictional stories, but all of them include a story of an individual/individuals with a disability played by someone who can tell the story best.  

Asperger’s Are Us (2016) – Netflix 
Documentary 
Rating: TV-14 

“A comedy troupe of four friends on the autism spectrum prepares for a final show before its members go their separate ways”- Netflix 

This documentary does a great job of reminding us how important friendship is. Whether it’s, taking the next step in life, dealing with family, or preparing for a big performance, these four comics show us the power in our relationships with those close to us. 

If you like this documentary, be sure to check out the sequel, On Tour With Asperger’s Are Us, on HBO or Amazon Prime!  

Best and Most Beautiful Things (2016) – Amazon Prime 
Documentary 
Not Rated 
Warning: Intended for mature audiences only, contains themes of a sexual nature. 

 “In a celebration of outcasts, a precocious young blind woman vanishes into quirky obsessions and isolation. With humor and bold curiosity, she chases love and freedom in the most unexpected of places: a provocative fringe community.”- IMDb 

This film stands out because it dares to go places the media typically doesn’t. When we see individuals with disabilities on our screens, we are usually given a surface-level look into their lives. Very rarely are topics such as sexuality and relationships among individuals with disabilities given much screen time. This film portrays these subjects in a refreshing and unique way, bringing light to conversations and ideas that for long have been considered taboo.   

Crip Camp (2020) – Netflix 
Documentary 
Rated: R 

“A groundbreaking summer camp galvanizes a group of teens with disabilities to help build a movement, forging a new path toward greater equality.”- Netflix 

This new documentary tells the story of dozens of unsung heroes of the disability rights movement, many of which met at a camp for children with disabilities in the 1960s. The combination of camp footage, shot by the campers themselves, coverage of their historic demonstrations, and present-day interviews with the campers/activists telling their first-hand accounts offer a groundbreaking look at the disability rights movement and the individuals behind it.   

Dealt (2017) – Hulu, Amazon Prime 
Documentary 
Not Rated 

This is the story of a man obsessed with his craft. Richard Turner, one of the world’s most impressive card magicians, is also blind, but he does not want that to be the takeaway. Hear from Richard and his family how his ambition and passion for card magic has impacted all of their lives.  

The Healing Powers of Dude (2020) – Netflix 
TV Show (Comedy) 
Rating: TV-Y  

Noah, an 11-year old boy with social anxiety disorder, navigates middle school with the help of his emotional support dog.  

Representation in children’s shows is especially important because the audience is learning about themselves and others by what they see on television. Every child likes to feel like they are being seen and heard. Finding characters that they can relate to in their favorite shows helps validate their experiences and makes them feel like they are not alone. Shows like The Healing Power of Dude offer that sense of validation for children with disabilities that is otherwise hard to find in today’s media. 

My Beautiful Broken Brain (2016) – Netflix 
Documentary 
Rating: TV-14 

“After suffering a stroke at age 34, a woman documents her struggles, setbacks and eventual breakthrough as she relearns to speak, read and write.”-Netflix 

This film does not hold back on exposing the difficulties and obstacles that came with Lotje’s recovery after experiencing a stroke. With much of the footage recorded by Lotje herself, viewers are able to follow her journey step by step as she learns to adapt to her new circumstances.  

Roll With Me (2017) – Netflix 
Documentary 
TV-MA 

“Backed by a crew of unlikely allies, newly sober paraplegic Gabriel Cordell teams up with his nephew for a grueling wheelchair trek across America” – Netflix 

The audience gets a day by day viewing of Gabriel’s journey from California to New York by wheelchair. On his mission he encounters dozens of strangers who have their own stories to tell, inspiring Gabriel to complete his journey for not only himself but for the hundreds of supporters he’s gained along the way. At the same time, the multidimensional story covers Gabriel’s experience with drug use and how addiction is also affecting his nephew, who has joined him on his journey.  

Speechless (2016) – Hulu 
TV Sitcom 
Rating: TV-PG 

“Maya DiMeo (Minnie Driver) is a mother who is willing to do anything for her family. Her son, JJ (Micah Fowler) has cerebral palsy and she will fight for justice in order to give him what he deserves.” – Freeform 

Creator, Scott Silveri based the show on the real-life experiences of his family and his brother, who has cerebral palsy. Being that cerebral palsy exits in various forms, and not everyone shares in the same experience of his family, Silveri consulted with the chief executive of the cerebral palsy foundation, Richard Ellenson, to assure that the show upheld a multifaceted approach to portraying the character’s experience with CP. The show also stars Micah Fowler, a young actor who like his character has cerebral palsy. In regards to his role and disability representation, Fowler told Forbes “A person living with that disability can draw from real-life experiences and bring depth, perspective, and an essence to the role that a person not having lived with a disability could not.” This show made our list because not only is it entertaining, but the people behind it have a genuine concern for telling the story the right way. 

Before you stream consider this… 

Hollywood is changing, and (very) slowly, but surely we are seeing a stronger presence of the disability community on our screens. Unfortunately, presence does not always mean accurate representation. The above are examples of stories told by the people who can tell them best. Whether documented, or scripted, the stories of those with disabilities matter, and the way they are presented on our screens matter just as much. We must demand more from the content we watch. There are disability stories to be told and plenty of individuals with those disabilities that can tell the stories best. We cannot settle for presence, we must demand authenticity.

With authenticity comes inclusion.  

With authenticity comes more opportunities for actors with disabilities.  

With authenticity comes more individuals seeing themselves on screen.  

With authenticity comes real progress. 

To stay up-to-date on cool content like this or find new resources for people with disabilities, follow us on social media.

Any other programs you want to recommend? Tell us about them in the comments below.

The post Enrich Your Quarantine Watchlist With Disability Content Worth Watching appeared first on Easterseals New Jersey Blog.