Courtesy of Healthy Minds for Lincoln County

LINCOLN COUNTY – When our lives are turned upside down, a to-do list can bring a sense of calm and control. University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Specialists and Educators have created Stay at Home Tips available at www.fyi.extension.wisc.edu on topics ranging from parenting a teen grieving with the loss of school activities to connecting with isolated family and friends.

“All of us are experiencing loss of some sort,” said Debbie Moellendorf, Positive Youth Development and Health and Well Being Educator in Lincoln County. “It can be our loss of having dinner at a local restaurant, going to a movie with friends, visiting loved ones or attending spring sporting or community events. No matter what losses we are experiencing personally, grief is a normal and expected reaction. Acknowledging that you are experiencing loss and taking note of how you are feeling and expressing grief allows us the opportunity to take better care of ourselves.”

It’s also hard to sift through the overwhelming number of posts and articles from numerous sources to find something simple, action-oriented, and accurate.

“We are providing basic messages for a specific audience with steps they can take, along with direction to reliable resources for more in-depth information,” said Kristin Litzelman, Family and Financial Well-being in Middle and Later Life Specialist for Extension. “Many of the tips are simple and worth repeating as we adjust to the challenges of physical distancing.”

Extension has tips for families or friends of those living alone who may be experiencing social distancing in a different way. There are also tips for family caregivers looking for ways to take care of themselves when they are on duty all day. From loneliness to healthy eating and staying active; from work-at-home challenges to keeping children engaged in school work, Extension has resources for families.

“Although we are telecommuting, people can also reach out to their county Extension educators for local resources. We are available as always to answer questions and assist any resident in connecting with the right person and resources,” Moellendorf said.

Extension educators in Lincoln County have assembled a collection of resources to help with the financial, physical, emotional, and social implications of the current health crisis at www.lincoln.extension.wisc.edu/public-health-emergencies.

For more information, contact Moellendorf at deborah.moellendorf@wisc.edu or by leaving a message at 715-539-1077.

There is help available 24/7. If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reach out for help right away. Text HOPELINE to 741741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. If you are feeling overwhelmed by COVID-19 and need support, contact the SAMHSA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

The Resilient Wisconsin Initiative provides tools and resources to Wisconsinites who are dealing with stress and mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, go to www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/resilient.htm.