Tracy Helps - Clinical Social Worker

31/07/2020

If you are dealing with Covid or anxious about a possible infection you don't have to do it alone.

07/07/2020

These little daily reminders go a long way to setting the tone of the day!

06/07/2020

Upon awaking in the morning say a little thank you for this amazing experience

06/07/2020

Belated Sunday book recommendations. The books by Mitch Albom are outstanding. Easy to read, beautiful stories each with a message you will carry forever.

02/07/2020

If it means you have to dig deep and resolve your own fear and prejudice then that is what you have to do. If you are not doing this you are failing as a parent. It is past time for a new world, if Covid hasn't taught us that nothing will!

02/07/2020

Sometimes the message is lost in the psychobabble and sometimes an article just gets straight to the point. Some great suggestions in this one. And God knows we all need some resilience right now.

Resilience is adaptation in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or stress: family/relationship problems, health problems or workplace/money issues.

28/06/2020

I don't know who to credit the words to but this is too beautiful not to share. The artist is Henn Kim. So apt for what we are all going through now.

Me: Hello God.
God: Hello...
Me: I'm falling apart. Can you put me back together?
God: I'd rather not.
Me: Why?
God: Because you're not a puzzle.
Me: What about all the pieces of my life that fall to the ground?
God: Leave them there for a while. They fell for a reason. Let them be there for a while and then decide if you need to get any of those pieces back.
Me: You don't understand! I'm breaking up!
God: No, you don't understand. You're transcending, evolving. What you feel are growing pains. You're getting rid of the things and people in your life that are holding you back. The pieces are not falling down. The pieces are putting in place. Relax. Take a deep breath and let those things you no longer need fall down. Stop clinging to pieces that are no longer for you. Let them fall. Let them go.
Me: Once I start doing that, what will I have left?
God: Only the best pieces of yours.
Me: I'm afraid to change.
God: I keep telling you: YOU'RE NOT CHANGING! YOU'RE BECOMING!
Me: Becoming, Who?
God: Becoming who I created you to be! A person of light, love, charity, hope, courage, joy, mercy, grace and compassion. I made you for so much more than those shallow pieces you decided to adorn yourself with and that you cling to with so much greed and fear. Let those things fall off you. I love you! Don't change! Become! Don't change! Become! Become who I want you to be, who I created. I'm gonna keep telling you this until you remember.
Me: There goes another piece.
God: Yes. Let it be like this.
Me: So... I'm not broken?
God: No, but you're breaking the darkness, like dawn. It's a new day. Become!! Become who you really are!!"

28/06/2020

Clients are always asking me for suggestions of books to read so figured it might be time to start a Sunday book suggestion. Here is the first one.

This book is great for those struggling with food and looking for a different perspective.

26/06/2020

I have been talking a lot about adaptability this week, and having to really stretch my own capacity for this as well. If nothing else comes out of this crisis we will all at least have learnt how very resilient we are and how capable of adaptation we are!

15/06/2020

We definitely talking about gratitude today. I got this awesome message from an old client after our Zoom chat on Friday. With permission I am sharing it. It is always so special to get this kind of feedback - thank you!

"Hi Tracy. Just wanted to say thanks for the platform yesterday. You mentioned gratitude lists. It’s something I still do daily with a slight spin. 3 things on the list each morning, things I haven’t already listed ever. I have shared this with so many fellows, sponsees and friends outside of recovery.

Today I am grateful for your passion for recovery."

15/06/2020

There has long been a saying around the halls of addiction recovery - have an Attitude of Gratitude - but I don't think people always understand precisely how beneficial gratitude is. It makes us happier and physically healthier almost immediately. If you are struggling with negativity, low mood, motivation or just want to be happier start a gratitude list today. If you want to understand how important this is this article offers a great summary.

Want is gratitude important in life? Discover 31 benefits of gratitude and how this simple habit can positively impact your health and mental state.

12/06/2020

This is such an important message right now, given that we all have to find acceptance and some kind of serenity in the midst of global chaos. Our perspective is really going to determine how successfully we do this. We may not be in control of what is happening around us but we are definitely responsible for how we respond to it.

10/06/2020

The new normal we are all being asked to adjust to comes with significant challenges. These are some great guiding questions that we should all be asking ourselves everyday. Mental health has to come first!

08/06/2020

Maybe we all need to change the way we are engaging with 2020. In every crisis is a very uncomfortable opportunity.

08/06/2020

It really is ok to not be ok.....

08/06/2020

Day by day is always so important but even more so now. Hold on to those routines and don't let go!

08/06/2020

I have had many conversations with those in recovery and trying to stay clean during Shutdown. When we understand that meaningful connection is vital to a sustainable recovery, not being able to access that connection has a serious and potentially dire impact on those in recovery. I would love to hear how people have adapted their recovery routines in order to stay safe through this time.

Addiction experts are calling the coronavirus pandemic a national relapse trigger. Online support groups, doctors and even federal agencies are rushing to aid people in recovery.