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Chuck Cook, a local magician, exaggerates his ever-present smile with balloons. Cook says he has seen many people in need of a smile due to the recent economic downturn.
The economic downturn has touched nearly everyone in one way or another. As signs slowly point to improvement, area professionals connected to mental health have tips on how to move forward from the stresses induced by the downturn.
Roseburg social worker Marilyn Mull advises finding comfort in what she calls the big boat theory. Everyone is in the same boat, and it's rarely a reflection of a personal character flaw.
It's also important not to blame yourself, according to Roseburg social worker Susan Onikama. People tend to personalize problems and blame themselves, which only adds another layer of problems, she said. Instead, be open to looking for new tools to help such as classes, books, church or exercise. Have friends over for coffee, Onikama suggested. Hearing their struggles and solutions may help in navigating your own.
Life coach Laisha Kneuven of Portland recommends finding something that brings happiness. It could be simple things, she said, such as going through a car wash, having a cup of tea alone, shopping garage sales or taking a hike in nature. Knowing what brings pleasure makes it easy to find little pick-me-ups when feeling low.
Sutherlin's Chuck Cook knows about pick-me-ups and lives to make people smile. He has overcome a learning disability to become a balloon animal artist and magician. It takes a lot to get Cook down.
“I can't describe it. I was born happy and I've always been happy,” he said.
As he's worked events such as Riverbend Live! and Music on the Half Shell, Cook has noticed other people aren't as lucky. More people need a smile recently, he said.
“I come across people and their attitude is kind of doom and gloom,” Cook said. “When they see me perform my magic, they automatically smile and it lifts their spirits.”
Sometimes, Onikama said, laughter really is the best medicine. Smiling changes the chemistry of the brain. She tells clients to take a few minutes to smile inside and out, and build on that.
“People forget the brain and the body really are connected,” she said. “Even faking a smile helps.”
Next, know where to get help, Mull said. Find programs such as United Community Action Network, which help provide basic needs, and work with creditors to try to negotiate for payments you may not be able to make in full.
“A lot of landlords would negotiate for lower rents to keep a good tenant,” Mull said, adding that the strategy works best for people who have a good payment history.
Also, if financially possible, seek therapy, Mull and Onikama said. It doesn't mean signing up for a long-term commitment, and may help build coping skills for future problems.
The best way to make it through the downturn is to reframe your thinking, the professionals agreed. Don't focus on what life gave you but what you can get from life, Mull said. Find ways to have fun at little expense, Onikama suggested. Cook dinner on fancy glassware instead of going out, or have a “crazy home vacation” complete with kiddie pool-lounging.
Although Cook rarely gets upset, he said he sometimes lifts his spirits using an old trick from his younger days. When he used to get teased growing up, he would hear a song on the radio and imagine himself performing it onstage in front of thousands of screaming fans. That always lifted his spirits, he said.
No matter how you choose to cope with the economy, it is important to stay in the present and be positive, Kneuven said.
“This is our life,” she said. “Every moment we live in fear of the future or regret the past, we are losing out on this moment of our life.”
• You can reach reporter Heather Morse at 957-4208 or by e-mail at hmorse@nrtoday.com.
Roseburg social worker Marilyn Mull advises finding comfort in what she calls the big boat theory. Everyone is in the same boat, and it's rarely a reflection of a personal character flaw.
It's also important not to blame yourself, according to Roseburg social worker Susan Onikama. People tend to personalize problems and blame themselves, which only adds another layer of problems, she said. Instead, be open to looking for new tools to help such as classes, books, church or exercise. Have friends over for coffee, Onikama suggested. Hearing their struggles and solutions may help in navigating your own.
Life coach Laisha Kneuven of Portland recommends finding something that brings happiness. It could be simple things, she said, such as going through a car wash, having a cup of tea alone, shopping garage sales or taking a hike in nature. Knowing what brings pleasure makes it easy to find little pick-me-ups when feeling low.
Sutherlin's Chuck Cook knows about pick-me-ups and lives to make people smile. He has overcome a learning disability to become a balloon animal artist and magician. It takes a lot to get Cook down.
“I can't describe it. I was born happy and I've always been happy,” he said.
As he's worked events such as Riverbend Live! and Music on the Half Shell, Cook has noticed other people aren't as lucky. More people need a smile recently, he said.
“I come across people and their attitude is kind of doom and gloom,” Cook said. “When they see me perform my magic, they automatically smile and it lifts their spirits.”
Sometimes, Onikama said, laughter really is the best medicine. Smiling changes the chemistry of the brain. She tells clients to take a few minutes to smile inside and out, and build on that.
“People forget the brain and the body really are connected,” she said. “Even faking a smile helps.”
Next, know where to get help, Mull said. Find programs such as United Community Action Network, which help provide basic needs, and work with creditors to try to negotiate for payments you may not be able to make in full.
“A lot of landlords would negotiate for lower rents to keep a good tenant,” Mull said, adding that the strategy works best for people who have a good payment history.
Also, if financially possible, seek therapy, Mull and Onikama said. It doesn't mean signing up for a long-term commitment, and may help build coping skills for future problems.
The best way to make it through the downturn is to reframe your thinking, the professionals agreed. Don't focus on what life gave you but what you can get from life, Mull said. Find ways to have fun at little expense, Onikama suggested. Cook dinner on fancy glassware instead of going out, or have a “crazy home vacation” complete with kiddie pool-lounging.
Although Cook rarely gets upset, he said he sometimes lifts his spirits using an old trick from his younger days. When he used to get teased growing up, he would hear a song on the radio and imagine himself performing it onstage in front of thousands of screaming fans. That always lifted his spirits, he said.
No matter how you choose to cope with the economy, it is important to stay in the present and be positive, Kneuven said.
“This is our life,” she said. “Every moment we live in fear of the future or regret the past, we are losing out on this moment of our life.”
• You can reach reporter Heather Morse at 957-4208 or by e-mail at hmorse@nrtoday.com.
