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June Newsletter - 2022
First I want to let you know that I am equally enraged and saddened in light of the recent school shooting in Texas. As I consider the implications on the families, communities, and the world around us, I feel, perhaps like many of you: helpless.
While I wrestle with my own feelings, I wonder how you, your families, and how your work communities are doing in the aftermath. I hope that these ideas can offer steps towards healing.

First, TALK TO EACH OTHER, lean on each other, and support each other. Do what you can to process, feel, and get negative feelings OUT. Don't just do it for yourself, do it for your kids, your family members, and your co-workers. Now is not the time to isolate. If you need, reach out to a mental health counselor.
Second, TAKE ACTION, WHATEVER that may look like. Do what you can according to your judgement, spirit, consciousness, and abilities. Remember, however, that you have limits. It's ok to "let go" of those things you can not do and do not have control over. Ask yourself what are some realistic steps to take, make a plan, execute and leave the rest. Your plan may take days, weeks, months or years based on your convictions, standing in the community, and talents. Sometimes taking action may be as simple as having those difficult conversations.
OTHER IDEAS:
GIVE: Please see the above information about an account that has been opened for the families of Robb Elementary. This is the only official account to donate monies towards these hurting families.
READ:
Focus on the Family has an excellent article and video here: Talking to Kids about Mass School Shootings.
ADL has resources. Here is another article that may help your discussions: Talking with Children about Gun Violence.
TALK: Braver Angels is an organization that works to bring Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.
CONNECT: I find that often PEOPLE need assistance getting SOMEONE ELSE that's hurting, PROFESSIONAL HELP. CONNECTING those who are in need to mental health resources may be difficult. Please always feel free to call or email me, but here are other options for CONNECTING others to professional resources:
- www.CrisisNOW.com: CrisisNOW provides a roadmap to safe, effective crisis care. Their goal is to keep people out of emergency rooms or jails by providing targeted services for people in distress.
- Dial 2-1-1: If you or someone you know needs assistance finding food, paying housing bills, or other essential services, call 211 to speak to someone who can help or visit your local 211 website to search for more local help.
- Middle Tennessee 211
- VA 2-1-1 Help
We are not meant to stand alone. Together, as always, we can get through even this.
Thoughtfully,
Shara Carter
Professional Review:
“Shara is professional, thoughtful, insightful, and introspective in her provision of care. Shara is a competent, hard working and loyal individual who exercises sound judgment…. She is extremely skilled in her ability to relate to clients and always works diligently to ensure the needs of her clients are met.”
Mike Goodman | Vice President of Operations | The Women’s Center | Vienna, VA
Catch Shara's WEEKLY MONDAY Mental Health Minute!
In case you missed it...
Dr. Jeff Kegarise and Shara Carter, guest
Episode 98 (original air date March 29): Dr. Jeff and Shara Carter discuss mental health for us, our teens and our friends. Interestingly, there may be a related vision component.
Episode 99 (original air date April 5th): You will be working from home. Sounds great to a lot of us, yet is it really? Dr. Jeff and Shara Carter discuss.
Additional articles and resources:
- Parents may worry they will pass their anxiety on to their kids. This article, "How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids" by Brigit Katz describes stress-management techniques for parents.
- Tools and strategies for Discussing Hate and Violence with Children Article and downloadable resource
- AMERICAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATION Mental Health Resources:
Counseling.org
June 2022 Mental Health Calendar
June
- Professional Wellness Month
- World Infertility Awareness Month
- Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month
WEEKS TO REMEMBER
- Pet Appreciation Week (June 5-11)
- National Men's Health Week (June 13-19)
Days
June 5: Constitution Day, National Cancer Survivors Day
June 8: National Best Friends Day
June 19: Father's Day, Juneteenth
June 21: World Day of Music
June 30: National Work From Home Day
NEW RESOURCE
Dial 2-1-1:
If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, or other essential services, call 211 to speak to someone who can help or visit your local 211 website to search for more local help. All 2-1-1 providers across the United States and Canada are operational and continue to connect people with services and resources in their local communities.
For more information about our Newsletters, please call us at 703-570-5951.
