Courtesy of ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County
On Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at least two tornadoes struck Northeast Ohio leaving thousands without power, including our own offices at the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County.
As our dedicated team waited on service restoration, with many of us continuing to work behind the scenes to serve the people of Cuyahoga County, we wanted to share a few timely tips for maintaining mental health during these times.
1) Stop wishing (or wondering when) the power will come back on. For the first few hours of a power outage, it’s easy to feel helpless. Counting down the minutes can be tempting but ultimately unhelpful. Filling downtime with other activities can make the wait more bearable.
2) Get back to the basics. Focus on regular daily activities. Even without power, it’s possible to take a dog for a walk, read, journal, or tidy up. These routine tasks can provide a sense of normalcy and reduce anxiety.
3) Reconsider how you normally spend your time. A power outage is an opportunity to reflect on daily habits. How much time is spent on screens versus other activities? When someone can’t rely on technology, they may realize how much time they spend on social media or TV. This awareness can lead to positive changes.
4) Do that thing you never have time for. Use downtime to tackle a long-overdue task. Whether it’s exercise, journaling, cleaning, or creative pursuits, a power outage can be a chance to make progress on personal goals.
5) Talk to your neighbors. Feeling isolated during a power outage is common. Connecting with neighbors can provide support and companionship. Sharing experiences and laughter can improve morale.
6) Do something that makes you feel productive and fulfilled. Even without power, there are ways to stay active and productive. Cleaning, organizing, or outdoor chores can boost mood and energy levels.
As we navigate these situations together, we encourage you to prioritize your mental well-being. If you need additional support, please call or text 988, the 24-hour Suicide Prevention, Mental Health/Addiction Crisis, Information and Referral Hotline operated by our provider, FrontLine Service. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org/chat
Source: Tips were adopted from an article originally published on the Thrive Works Blog. https://thriveworks.com/blog/what-to-do-when-power-goes-out-mental-health-edition/