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TCN PROFESSIONAL JOURNAL FALL 2021
FROM THE EDITOR
Simone Biles Has the Twisties !
Just a few weeks ago , it was the lead news story , and everyone was talking about mental health , responsibility to your commitments , and why Simone Biles was right or wrong for her decision . Options ran from good for her acknowledging her needs to she is a quitter . You do not walk out on your team or your responsibilities no matter how hard it gets .
The Times reported she felt a disconnect between her mind and body : her body was no longer doing what she wanted it to do when she performed . Biles has said that the combination of mental stress and pressure leading up to the delayed Olympics had affected her confidence . But it was clear the twisties , the name used for this condition , would put her in danger as a gymnast . She needed to back away for her health , knowing others could step in and do what she had come to do but now did not have the mental strength at this moment .
So have we moved on ? We do not hear much anymore about this in the mainstream press . It seems it is no longer as important as it was , but wait , it is important , and we need to stop and talk about it more . For so many mental health issues have surfaced during this long protracted pandemic world in which we find ourselves . Some dealt silently with long-term issues , and others who were high performers and appeared to have it all together before the pandemic changed our world have found life difficult in new and uncharted ways . Maybe it is you , or your boss , or your pastor , or staff .
If you talk to mental health professionals who dedicate their skill to help individuals , couples , and teams deal with mental health , they will tell you we now live in a second pandemic . All have full caseloads , and clients they have not seen in years are reaching out .
Although it is no longer the lead story , the individual and organization have heard the need for mental health support . Here are a couple of examples in recent news headings :
Nike closed its corporate offices for a week to give employees a mental health break , “ It ’ s not just a ‘ week off ’ for the team ... It ’ s an acknowledgment that we can prioritize mental health and still get work done .” So said Matt Marrazzo , a senior manager at Nike .
The Daily News reports the fast-food restaurant chain Bojangles will close all stores on two Mondays to give staff a “ well-deserved break ” following the challenges the restaurant industry has been facing during the pandemic , the company said .
“ We appreciate everything our dedicated team has done for Bojangles this past year ,” Bojangles CEO Jose Armario said . “ From navigating a global pandemic to adjusting to new safety measures to picking up shifts for those unable to come in for work , we ’ ve asked , and they ’ ve delivered . But this has not been easy , and we know many people are physically and emotionally drained , so we hope these extra two days off will provide rest and refreshment .”
Is this same issue present in the church ? YES ! First , for church members who are a part of our community , there is a higher need for support . Some are looking to church staff to give this support and encouragement . Second , this becomes a pressure point for church staff dealing with new and complex decisions , not unlike those in the restaurant business : cleaning protocols , altered schedules , new technologies . In addition , church staff are feeling their own pressure and uncertainty in dealing with the change of schedule and demands to keep church alive and vibrant .
So what can you do ? Here are a few thoughts :
• Permit yourself to be where you are . Do not push back the feeling of overwhelm and uncertainly . Mental health professionals tell us what we resist can persist .
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