While the outbreak of the coronavirus may be stressful for some people, fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming for children and families, especially for those without access to mental healthcare.
Rwenshaun Miller, executive director of Eustress, Inc., founded his organization to help those who may not have the financial ability to access quality care to address their mental health needs.
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“Therapeutic service is important because it provides you with tools to address the challenges you have going on, accept them and move forward.”
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, stressors intensify, especially with situations like parents having to double as employees and teachers with their kids at home.
“We have to work within the realms of what kids are used to,” Miller said. “Sometimes therapy isn’t sitting someone on the coach and asking how their day is going.”
Finding a safe place, where kids have a comfortable environment, is key for effective mental wellness.
However, the fact remains that considerable research has found that individuals from low-income backgrounds are less likely to seek formal mental health services and this is especially true for low-income individuals who identify as racial and ethnic minorities.
“We want to make sure that we are doing our part as a community to fund certain things for people who may not be able to address their mental health issues,” Miller said. “Eustress Inc. tries to help subsidize therapy sessions for kids and families who can’t afford it, but need it.”
In Charlotte, Mayor Vi Lyles has proclaimed May 16 as “Let’s Talk About It Mental Health Awareness Day.”
Annually, Eustress Inc. presents the “Let’s Talk About It Walk and Gala” to bring awareness to mental wellness, and raises funds for mental health care for those who can’t afford it.
“The gala is to showcase the programs that Eustress is doing,” he said. “It’s also a fundraiser to allow us to continue to support the work being done with our kids and families.”
Because fear and anxiety about COVID-19 can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children, Miller said that the uncertainty of the future for families will be exacerbated, even when life seems to be returning to normal.
“New issues are going to come up as we transition to a new normal,” Miller said, “With isolation, we should remember that home isn’t always the safest place for some people. School was a respite for certain kids. Now they have to face what they were running from.”
This is an unprecedented time that can easily transcend into losing self-awareness. With so many unknown variables, maintaining one's wellbeing can be out of reach for many people who live in need.
Various barriers interfere with the efforts of low-income individuals to access mental health services, resulting in fewer opportunities for therapeutic interventions. Such barriers include logistical problems like transportation and child care, perceived stigma and mistrust in the mental health care system, and cultural differences.
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Due to the social distancing rules in place because of the coronavirus, Eustress Inc. will host its annual gala virtually. The event will show support for those in the community living with mental disorders and encourage everyone talk about mental wellness.
The evening will include speakers, giveaways and music provided by DJ NiteCrawler. Additionally, Eustress will honor mental health supporters with its “Let Talk About It” awards in three categories: peer, clinician and community organization of the year.
CLICK THIS LINK TO REGISTER FOR THE FREE MENTAL HEALTH GALA.
If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.