This feature is one in our series of contributions from our area-aligned Mission Directors who are helping connect IS caregivers to Mission service opportunities and enrich our IS connection to the Mission under the leadership of Chief Mission Integration Officer for Enterprise Shared Services, Sr. Susanne Hartung. This month’s focus is an inspiring remembrance and awareness-building initiative in Texas, provided by Lee Turner.
I have been the Chief Mission Integration Officer within Providence, serving at Covenant Health, for over five years. Recently, I began supporting Shared Services in the Texas-New Mexico region in a more focused way.
I would like to share a story of compassion, which is always appropriate given our Mission and Values.
In 2014, Covenant Health’s IS team experienced the death of despair of Jimmy Duncan, a telecom administrator. It is said of Jimmy that his happy-go-lucky way, modeled a life of joyful service. A native Texan, he served his country in the Vietnam conflict, was a family man, and a friend to all.
As a part of the healing process, members of the IS team have continued to celebrate the gift of Jimmy’s life, while bringing attention to the need for care and services for those suffering from mental health disorders. They do this by participating in the annual Walk out of Darkness, held in October, on the campus of Texas Tech University.
A message of hope by an unknown author may reflect their “why” best.
“Place your hand over your heart, can you feel it? That is called purpose. You’re alive for a reason so don’t ever give up.”
In addition to bringing attention to suicide prevention, the walk is also a fundraiser and this year’s walk raised over $40,000 in the region.
One might think this Season of Joy is an odd time for a subject like mental health. The holidays are after all, a time of hope and celebration, but for some people they are anything but. Depression, for example, a major, national issue, may occur at any time of the year. Yet, stress and anxiety during December may cause even those who are usually resilient to experience loneliness and a lack of fulfillment.
“It is import to practice good self-care during the holidays,” says Troy Pratt, Executive Director, Information Services Strategic Partner.
According to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a regular sleep pattern, and having an exercise program can help to boost mood tremendously. Joining a support group where you can talk to people with similar experiences can also help.
As a person of faith, I rely on all of the above for my wellbeing. Strengthened by my belief in Provident God, it is He who sustains me in the good times and the difficult ones. May your True One, sustain and bless you always with steadfast, healing love.
-Lee
Resources
For information or help, please go visit wellbeingtrust.org or afsp.org.