Barnabas Center for Counseling

The Comparison Game Erin Adams, LPC, MAMFT, NCC A client who has recently undergone a life-change adjustment that has led to the shedding of old friendships while she is still in the process of building new ones, sees an old friend on social media engaging in fun, new activities. This friend is busy all weekend and seemingly moves from one awesome adventure to another. Consequently, my client has felt not good enough, left behind, questioning her decision to make a change and...Continue reading

In Case You Have Forgotten How to Smile I completely understand necessary evils, sometimes you have to take the good with the bad, it is what it is, and a hundred other clichés exist in an effort to justify. The mandate to wear masks in public has been in existence in the United States for over a year. It was first implemented when the scientists and doctors were trying to understand how to protect us and to keep the COVID-19 virus from spreading. At first it sounded like a ...simple request, wear a mask when you are around other people. Little did we know this would cause mask shortages, breathing would become difficult, increased difficulty to hear and communicate with others and the development of face rashes and irritations. As I would walk through the grocery store, one of the few places we were able to go during the shelter in place order, I would smile. Nothing. I would smile at another customer. Nothing. This scenario repeated itself on two different shopping trips, and then it dawned on me, we are not able to see each other smiling. The eyes are considered the windows to the soul, and it was only the eyes that one could see. The masks are not allowing us to nonverbally communicate. Wow! Little thought was given to how devastating this lack of communication was to so many. Many Americans live alone and they seek communication when they are in stores or shopping. That freedom, that need, gone. For one, it's hard to understand what someone is saying through the masks and an even greater fear being instilled to socially distance. Everyone was mandated to stay six feet apart. We were told by experts to not socialize with those you do not live with. This has been extremely difficult, especially for our teenagers and elders. Such isolation has been devastating on all ages of Americans, all socio- economic levels, all educational levels, just devastating. This past year has taught us just how valuable human interaction is and how much it is needed. The need for mental health services is high as counselors work hard to help their clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. Now that the mask mandates for Georgia and the city of Savannah have been lifted, let’s make sure that we are all smiling again. Greet the person in the grocery store with a huge smile, let’s be thankful for the beginning of normalcy. God is always with us, always. Let’s not live our lives in fear but in faith. Knowing that our almighty, all powerful God is watching over us, perhaps smiling that his children are able to interact once again. Now that we can appreciate how precious the action of smiling is, let’s all put that into practice. Who knows, it just might make the difference in one’s entire day. Stacey Mell Eds, Ga SRS-6 Director of Community Outreach and Educational Services

Decision Fatigue To say we are in a difficult time is an understatement. New experiences we encountered early in 2020 we thought would, by now, be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, they continue to persist! And now on the rise of a new Covid strand, we are once again thrust into predicaments such as decision fatigue. So, what is decision fatigue? It’s the point at which you have wracked your brain so long trying to figure out what steps to take in a given situation that yo...Continue reading

Thank you Cathy Clevenger for your insights on dealing with effects of this covid pandemic. Check out her wise counsel on the link below. If we could be of help to anyone dealing with the impact of covid-19 or other struggles please give us a call @ 912-352-7638 https://www.wjcl.com//georgia-therapists-seeing-m/37296560

The Weight of a Nation July 28, 2021 I first read the words silently to myself, Simone Biles hurt her ankle during an awkward landing as she completed her vault during the team competition at the Olympics. My first response was Oh, no that cannot be! She’s the best gymnast in the world - we need her! Later in the day, I heard a new account that her injury was not a physical injury, but more of a mental injury. A gymnast must be aware of where they are in the air at all times....Continue reading

Would love to have you join us! Proceeds from this golf tournament will allow us to continue to offer our services to those who have financial difficulties and unable to receive counselling. Can't beat Savannah Harbor on a Friday afternoon! https://www.facebook.com/207084480/posts/10164623495955052/

Barnabas Blogs by Stacey Mell EdS January 7, 2021 Keep your Eye on the Prize, Keep Your Eyes on God I read a meme the other day that listed items that the author would no longer take for granted. As I carefully read the list the predominating theme was gathering, being with those we love and care about ...socializing. God meant for us to be social, to love our neighbors. I have so missed the gathering on a pew in church, I no longer will require the best line of sight to the ...pulpit. I miss sitting on the 50 yard line at a college football game, now I will take any seat in a stadium. And I will go to see those ill in a hospital, never to think of that again as a task, but as a privilege. To say our world has changed is an understatement, but our center, our gravity, our Lord, remains unchanged. Be Still and Know that I Am God, Psalms 46:10 has been a verse of strength for many. We have been given the opportunity to stop, reflect, and grow. The opportunity to slow down and look introspectively and examine who we are as children of God. What needs to change, how can I become a better me. The answers may differ from person to person, but the commonality is that change comes from within us. You are unable to change others and others cannot not change you if you are not willing. Embrace those smaller gatherings as times to really connect with people. Really listen to what they are telling you. This pandemic has increased isolation and many are not equipped to handle it. Being there for each other is exactly how we will survive these trying times. God has a plan, a perfect plan and we need to keep praying, listening and obeying. He is always with us, never to leave us, let’s do the same for our family, friends and neighbors. If we can ever be of service, please call us @ 912-352-7638

25th anniversary celebration! So grateful to all those past and present That have made contributions helping us reach people who are hurting in the name of Christ

Happy Thanksgiving??!!

Wow! The Barnabas Center opened its doors for the first time 25 years ago. If I remember correctly I had 8 sessions for the entire week. Hard to believe all that has happened since then! Through the years we have been blessed with incredible staff and board members, thank you! Since our opening day, God has blessed us with the opportunity to help over 15,000 individuals and families along the way. To quote a good friend, what a privilege it is to be a part of God’s plan. We praise God for all He has done and look forward to our future!

Come out and see us at the Harvest Health Festival. We will be here until 4pm.

Depression and Anxiety Related to Covid? Here Are Some Healthy Steps Part 1 We are at the six-month marker since COVID-19 has changed our lives so significantly. We are still experiencing change, overloaded by decision-making, and waiting for this situation to end, some days unsure if it will end. The question is how can we face this situation, as well as other life stressors, in such a manner that we grow and become more resilient rather than more stressed out or anxi...ous. Dr. Bruce Perry, a child psychologist, and trauma expert, has done a series of video’s on the neuroscience of dysregulation (our bodies response to stress, change, anxiety, fear, natural disasters or a pandemic). I will put the link to the videos at the end of this blog. Perry defines resiliency as the ability to demonstrate, in the face of significant stress, the capacity to respond and then return to a previous level of functioning or homeostasis. In simple terms, do we have the ability to return ourselves to a calm state after experiencing dysregulation. As we face various stressors daily do we take time to return ourselves to our previous calm state rather than remaining dysregulated. If we fail to take time to return to our calmer state additional stressors will raise our dysregulated state to higher and higher levels. Perry discuses the use of meditation, deep breathing, physical activity, rhythmic actions, and meaningful relational interchanges as the keys to building resilience. He describes a system of spacing and dosing of these practices several times a day. However, we’re not talking about a significant amount of time, three to eight minutes for each dose, is enough to bring ourselves back to a calmer state before we move onto the rest of our day. In part 2 of this blog I’ll discuss Perry’s dosing and spacing practices more specifically. Cathy Clevenger LCSW Perry Link: https://youtu.be/orwIn02h6V4

Depression and Anxiety Related to COVID? Healthy Steps Part 2 To build resilience and reduce stress, anxiety, or any dysregulated state, Perry recommends doses of 1) somatosensory activities, 2) meditation, 3) meaningful relational exchanges, and 4) dissociation for short periods; these are the key practices to build our resilience. Perry recommends spacing these practices into your day as doses of calming, at least 2-4 times per day. In addition, he specifically recommen...Continue reading

Depression and Anxiety Related to Covid? Here Are Some Healthy Steps Part 1 We are at the six-month marker since COVID-19 has changed our lives so significantly. We are still experiencing change, overloaded by decision-making, and waiting for this situation to end, some days unsure if it will end. The question is how can we face this situation, as well as other life stressors, in such a manner that we grow and become more resilient rather than more stressed out or anxi...ous. Dr. Bruce Perry, a child psychologist, and trauma expert, has done a series of video’s on the neuroscience of dysregulation (our bodies response to stress, change, anxiety, fear, natural disasters or a pandemic). I will put the link to the videos at the end of this blog. Perry defines resiliency as the ability to demonstrate, in the face of significant stress, the capacity to respond and then return to a previous level of functioning or homeostasis. In simple terms, do we have the ability to return ourselves to a calm state after experiencing dysregulation. As we face various stressors daily do we take time to return ourselves to our previous calm state rather than remaining dysregulated. If we fail to take time to return to our calmer state additional stressors will raise our dysregulated state to higher and higher levels. Perry discuses the use of meditation, deep breathing, physical activity, rhythmic actions, and meaningful relational interchanges as the keys to building resilience. He describes a system of spacing and dosing of these practices several times a day. However, we’re not talking about a significant amount of time, three to eight minutes for each dose, is enough to bring ourselves back to a calmer state before we move onto the rest of our day. In part 2 of this blog I’ll discuss Perry’s dosing and spacing practices more specifically. Cathy Clevenger LCSW Perry Link: https://youtu.be/orwIn02h6V4

A New Case of Grief By: Suzanne Stangland LPC As a parent I looked forward to experiencing all ‘the lasts’ with my senior. I watched her play the first game of her volleyball season and felt such sadness that this current situation is how she will remember her ‘lasts.’ The stands were practically empty with only 2 immediate family members per player. There was no student body cheering on their friends indicating that the typical excitement of the biggest rival games will be ...Continue reading

Difficulty Sleeping? Erin Adams, LPC, MAMFT, NC We hear more and more, these days, about the rise of insomnia. So, what’s the big deal? Is disturbed sleep really anything to worry about? I mean, isn’t insomnia due to our super busy lives and the general increase in anxiety? You may say I seem to function ‘just fine’ even though my sleep isn’t great, right? Well, the CDC says 25% of the US population periodically has poor sleep while 10% of our population experiences chronic... insomnia. It turns out that insomnia is linked to depression and other mental health conditions, obesity and diabetes, hypertension, memory loss, mood swings and weakening of the immune system, fatigue and increased pain. While we are asleep, our bodies generate twice as many new skin cells as when we are awake so poor sleep can leave us not only feeling but looking haggard. If good sleep is connected to the proper functioning of all of these areas, what can we do about it? The good news is that there are a number of natural techniques to consider when managing insomnia. Here are just a few: 1). Get up and go to bed at the same time every night (even on the weekends). Setting a sleep routine helps our bodies get into a program of what’s expected and when. 2). Make sure the light and temperature of your room are conducive to good sleep. 3). Try to avoid naps as they may make insomnia worse. 4). Avoid tobacco, caffeine or alcohol after noon as each can interfere with deep and restful sleep. 5). Try herbal teas or other natural supplements (always seek medical advice before using any of these as they might interact with current medications). 6). Essential oils such as lavender or peppermint are helpful to create a relaxing atmosphere. 7). Epsom salt baths in the evening can be helpful as they contain a compound that includes magnesium. Low levels of magnesium are associated with higher levels of anxiety. Therefore, a warm bath allows magnesium to be absorbed by the skin and can produce a calming experience. 8). Consider using white noise and limit exposure to blue lights which come from electronic devices. Blue light inhibits the natural manufacturing of melatonin which is what helps us feel sleepy at bedtime. 9). Listen to sleep stories or engage in prayer or mediation before bed. These are only a few suggestions to help manage insomnia naturally. If symptoms persist, consider a sleep study or consult with your doctor. A therapist might be able to help you process mental or emotional contributors to poor sleep too. See more

Stay Connected!

HOW TO SET BOUNDARIES IN MARRIAGE? By: Suzanne Stangland LPC This is a busy, irregular and periodically very surreal time in our society. Finding a balance between work, play, marriage and kids was difficult before, but how do couples manage it now with the added stressors of homeschooling or public schooling amidst COVID when someone was already thinking How can I handle anymore? How does someone balance it all? A helpful place to start is to sit down with your spouse an...Continue reading

Fighting the Stigma of a Mental Health Diagnosis By Erin Adams, LPC, MAMFT, NCC It seems like we’ve made great strides in mental health in the past 50 years. And in many ways that is true. So many new discoveries are being made in regard to understanding the brain, the development of new medications and advancement of treatment modalities. Terms like depression, bipolar disorder and narcissism are almost common vernacular now. Still, though, studies show that up to 75% of tho...se struggling with a mental health condition are reluctant to seek help. Studies also indicate the failure to seek help is mainly related to stigma associated with having or seeking help for a mental health diagnosis. This stigma might come in the form of bullying or fear of rejection, being judged or misunderstood even by their own family members. Many who suffer with a mental health issue feel shame or weakness at not being able to pull themselves out of their sadness, lack of energy or mood swings. One source says the delay between onset of symptoms and seeking treatment can be as much as 10 years! And, of course, the longer an issue (any issue) goes untreated, the worse it is likely to become. The fact is, most mental health issues can be treated with success. But only if treatment is sought. It’s okay if you don’t understand exactly what you or a family member is going through. There are ways to gain education and learn how to offer support. There is confidential and professional help to be had. There is no need to suffer in silence. Mental health diagnoses are diseases of the brain just like diabetes or high blood pressure are also diseases of the body. Shame doesn’t have to prevent you from getting help. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with a mental health issue, please seek help. Locally, you can contact our office directly or contact the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (24hrs) at 1-800-715-4225 or nationally you can seek help and information through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at nami.org. See more

Ready To See You!!!

Transitioning Back to NormalcyPart 3 What to Do With the Positives Resulting From COVID-19 This time of social distancing has been hard on many people and that is a reality to which everyone needs to be sensitive. If you are someone who has experienced loss, illness, intense loneliness or abuse during this time, please know that The Barnabas Center for Counseling is here for you. It is also important to recognize the positives that have resulted from the pandemic, whic...Continue reading

#God will sustain you

#joy in #obedience

Transitioning Back to NormalcyPart 2 Tips for Handling Health Concerns Regarding COVID-19 Re-Integration 1) Take small steps when re-engaging with society. 2) Don’t plan long outings or big events right away.... 3) Start with a short visit to a park or store to gradually increase your comfort levels with re-integration. 4) Consider taking one child at a time, if possible, on outings instead of all children simultaneously to assist yourself and the children with a calmer re-integration in addition to modeling and instruction of good habits. 5) Prepare yourself and your child for the reality that the store and people will likely be different and it may feel awkward. 6) Have preliminary discussions with your children about why face masks are being worn and the reasons extra precautions are being taken. Make sure to keep discussions with children age-appropriate. 7) Maintain cleaning/disinfecting procedures as well as safety precautions and follow the advice and guidelines of the CDC, health experts and doctors regarding when to cease precautions such as wearing face masks, frequent cleaning and disinfecting and returning to school/daycare and work. 8) Continue to limit attention to news and social media sites that increase your anxiety and nervousness about the situation. 9) Focus on the facts, evidence, and positive truths in the circumstance 10) Take it one day at a time 11) Continue to pray and trust God in all of this. Please stay tuned for my next blog, where I will be discussing the importance of applying the positives post-re-integration. Suzanne Stangland LPC The Barnabas Center for Counseling If you would like to schedule an appointment or donate to the Barnabas Center please email us at [email protected] or call us at 912-352-7638. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255

#forgiven #saved

Transitioning Back To Normalcy: Part 1 The entire world is facing the reality of having to reintegrate. How do we do that? What is normal? What is appropriate and what is not? The simple answer is: Nobody really knows! There is not a precedent therefore there is no normal. It seems so long ago now, but when Stay in place orders started it was clear we were in an adjustment period. Now again, we find ourselves in another adjustment period. Everybody is in this situat...ion together, which means we can also work together to figure out how this needs to work. We need to take this transition one step and one day at a time. Try to avoid letting your fears get the best of you and take you down a road that may not become the reality. None of us knew what this was going to look like when we ventured into this unknown. We had to find a way to think positive, go on living and most importantly--trust God! As with most adjustment periods, society has adjusted. People have remembered what it is to ride bikes, spend quality time as a family and rely on neighbors where we can. In the same way that we came to terms with the separation, we need to come to terms with the reintegration. Trust remains the key. We need to recognize the trust we have with the people that are in our close circles and the nature of the ongoing relationships we have with them. If we trust them, we can be confident in the precautions they have taken and the precautions they will continue to take. Thus, we can feel more comfortable resuming physical greetings such as hugging, shaking hands and standing in closer proximity while continuing to be wise and cautious about our choices. If we are not so familiar with people, then it is appropriate to ask if they are okay with the various forms of greetings before you move in to hug, shake or be close. Finally, trusting God is the most important part. God was much bigger than COVID-19 before it presented itself and God remains bigger and more powerful than it now. As Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, we have to focus on the fact that God has a plan for all of us. That means that we still remain in His capable hands. We have to trust there is a reason for everything that happenseven if that is difficult to accept. Focus on the facts, the evidence and what is true. Avoid the never-ending rabbit hole that takes us to discouragement, fear and isolation! Please stay tuned for my next blog, where I will be addressing tips for handling health concerns associated with re-integration. Suzanne Stangland LPC The Barnabas Center for Counseling If you would like to schedule an appointment or donate to the Barnabas Center please email us at [email protected] or call us at 912-352-7638. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255 See more