Outreach in Action

“I need help.” These words hold so many meanings.

by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall

“I need help.” Difficult words to say—and hear—but common words heard in the Stockbridge Community Outreach office. Sometimes the words indicate someone needs a financial hand with utility bills or filling their food needs, but other times, these words mean their world is spinning out of control and they need help in a deeper, more personal way.

To get a look at how Outreach fits as a channel for helping those suffering, we turned to Gwen Reid, Stockbridge Community Outreach director. Here is an excerpt of our interview with Reid, edited for length and clarity.

JO: I know Outreach is primarily known for helping with food and other emergency needs, but when your clients come in they may also be distraught and stressed out. How do you deal with that?

GWEN: I give them plenty of time to talk it out. Sometimes it helps just to know someone is listening and actually cares. I ask questions and reflect back to them their answers.

JO: So mental health support becomes intrinsic to your job here at Outreach. What guidance do you offer to those who are feeling overwhelmed and anxious?

GWEN: I help them identify ways they have dealt with difficult things in the past. We talk about what they do that brings them joy or helps them calm down. When you are stressed out, you can’t always remember the good things or the coping skills you already have. I help them remember their strengths and past successes and reassure them they have the ability to handle this current situation, and they are not alone in this struggle.

JO: What tips would you offer to others trying to help someone who is struggling and at their wits’ end?

GWEN: Try to help them focus on identifying the actual facts of the situation, and don’t let them think of what “could” happen. Try to keep them from “catastrophizing” their worst-case scenario. Practice deep breathing with them. Actively listen when someone is in distress—that means no phones, no distractions. Ask clarifying questions. Help identify some calming activities for the person in distress, such as taking a walk, listening to music, or reading a book.

JO: In what other ways does Outreach help with mental health support?

GWEN: Outreach helps by making referrals to agencies that can provide support based on where clients live. Last year, we started working with Sparrow’s Mobile Health Clinic to bring physical- and mental-health support right to our area. We are bringing them back on May 3 to offer their free, drop-in services from 1-4pm in the parking lot behind the Outreach office (Cherry & Elm Streets) in Stockbridge—no appointment needed.

On May 6, we’ll kick off our new Monthly Wellness Social Hours, with a goal of bringing people together and fighting social isolation. Led by the dynamic duo of Kathy Walz and Anna Weber, behavioral health navigators from Chelsea Hospital, this group is open to all. Join us on the first Monday each month in the Outreach meeting room inside the Stockbridge Activity Center. We’ll have light refreshments and a short focus on the topic of the day, followed by conversations from 3:00-4:00 p.m.  

Also, Chelsea Hospital received a grant last year to focus on the topic of mental health and suicide prevention. The director of that program, Sarah Wilczynski, will be coming to Outreach on Wednesday, May 15, to lead a free, one-hour “QPR” suicide prevention training. “QPR” stands for Question, Persuade, Refer and the purpose of the program is to give participants guidance on how to help someone they fear may be suicidal. Those interested in attending should contact the Outreach office at 517-851-7285 or email me at [email protected].

JO: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

GWEN:  If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts there is a national helpline number available 24 hours a day—just dial 988. It is an emergency number dedicated to suicide prevention. Other resources for those looking for help coping with their own or someone else’s mental health issues include:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at https://www.nami.org
• Mental Health America is the nation’s leading, national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of strong mental health and well-being along with illness prevention. Visit https://www.mhanational.org

Stockbridge Community Outreach listens and is in a position to connect those in need with resources that can help. Photo credit: Austin Kehmeier on unsplash.com