As the summer winds down and we head into the fall, we’re still facing challenges with the virus. Unfortunately, many people are struggling with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. We’re living in a surreal world, and it isn’t as easy to reach out to friends for support—everyone is staying safe at home.
In my coming-of-age novel, STILLWATER, friendship is an important theme, and I love the way that theme resonated with my readers. One reviewer said, “I really loved Grace, Maggie, and Louanne as characters. They were all different, but worked so well as a whole—the differences in their personalities and experiences were clear. Still, I could also understand and appreciate their friendships, individually and as a trio. I think the blurb for this book downplays how crucial and prominent friendship is in this story, and it’s really a defining feature, this trio of girls who have to deal with so much, but know they can do so as long as they have each other.”
Stillwater was an idyllic place that summer in the ‘50s. The girls were inseparable—they left home after breakfast and didn’t return until it was dinnertime. They swam in the river, played pickup games of baseball on the old school grounds, hiked up to Little Falls, and spent a lot of time on Maggie’s porch or in Grace’s treehouse. They had time to talk—to confide in each other—to laugh and to cry. Yes, they had freedom, but they struggled with significant issues, mental illness, death, divorce, and suicide. They had time to talk—to confide in each other—to laugh and to cry together.
We can’t do those things during the pandemic. We see friends on zoom, we text, or email or skype, but right now, we’re staying safe at home until we get a vaccine. It’s not the same. Family members are together day after day, and life isn’t always like it was on “The Waltons” or “The Brady Bunch.” It’s a little more like “This Is Us,” where everyone is dealing with their problems.
There’s no easy fix, but we can try to keep our family healthy. NAMI, the nation’s voice on mental illness, has some basic suggestions.
Recognize that the pandemic is no one’s fault.
Have simple and structured routines.
Be aware of each family member’s needs, including your own, and create ways for their needs to be met.
As much as possible, stay involved with friends and your community.
Seek support from people and professionals who understand.
Resources:
The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am–6 pm, ET. 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org Because we’re in this together, you are not alone. During this challenging time, the NAMI HelpLine is here for you.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline -- 1-800-273-8255