Using Technology to Be Together Virtually
Even though this year is likely going to be a little different from anything previously experienced, it’s an opportunity to think outside the box and build on tangible and realistic ways to have meaningful experiences.
If you’ll be celebrating virtually with loved ones who aren’t in your quarantine group, here’s a few ideas on how you make it special. Try to have a scheduled event for your friends and loved ones that will be broadcasted live on a video calling app or schedule a phone call. Simply decide on a time and set up a webcam at the dinner table and bam! Instant family dinner. It won’t be the same as gathering, but it's still a shared meal.
Some people may prefer to do this over dinner, or after to share on traditions or memories together. Others may prefer to have a video conference going during your meal-prep time for those quick tips and laughs that you would normally share together before your Thanksgiving. It doesn’t have to be a long production, just long enough for everyone to check in and celebrate together.
If you live close to family or friends, a fun way to piece together your Thanksgiving dinner is by organizing a meal exchange among a few households. Readily cooked meals or “Thanksgiving starter-kits” with all the fixings can be a welcomed break to preparing your food for yourselves this year. Follow it up with a virtual video conference to share your meals together!
Better yet, reach out to your friends and loved ones, especially the elderly and those who are more susceptible to the Covid-19 virus, and offer to make their meal for them so that they don’t need to venture into the busy grocery stores this season. It’s sure to warm the hearts of your friends and loved ones in a much more extra-ordinary way to put not only their safety first but to take the added stress of the holiday meal off their hands this year.
If you’re looking for video conferencing tools that could make your holidays more accessible to loved ones, check out the LifeWays blog article on video calling apps that LifeWays researched for you.
Seek Help If You Need It
If the holiday blues seem to linger or become more intense, an underlying mental health issue seems to be worsening, or you just don’t feel like yourself, it’s OK to seek help. As with a physical illness, such as diabetes or heart disease, mental health issues deserve treatment, too.
Each of these free mental health resources are available to you if you need support.
LifeWays 24/7 Crisis Line is here for you with our Crisis/Access line at 1 (800) 284-8288. LifeWays is here for you this holiday season and beyond.
211 is an essential service available 24/7 that connects people to expert social services support in their local area. You can call “2-1-1” or text your zip code to 898211 or visit CentralMichigan211.org.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free, confidential support to anyone in emotional distress, including from suicidal thoughts. They offer both phone calls and online chatting with trained crisis counselors. Call 1 (800) 273-8255, or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
Crisis Text Line is available for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from a secure online platform. Text “4HELP” to 741741