Quarantining during this pandemic can lead to anxiety, depression, and other issues. 13News Anchor Andrea Morehead continues her series on defining the word "crisis" and how "The Comeback" is sometimes sweeter than this setback we're all living through. In this edition, we look at the letter "S" and how we all can address isolation.
Last week, we discovered that the "i" in crisis stands for isolation and how we all can address it.
This week, we're tackling the letter "s" as we search for ways to set the stage for "The Comeback" during this uncertain time.
INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — As we've been living through COVID-19, 13News Anchor Andrea Morehead has been defining the word "crisis," using each letter of that word to give us some tangible examples of how we can all "Comeback" and push through together. In her fourth installment, let's talk about the letter 's'.
"The 's' stands for staying connected to activities, people and even video," said licensed therapist NaKaisha Tolbert-Banks.
She said the use of video has become a necessity for some businesses, churches and even happy hours!
"I see all these little screens pop up and peeping are cheers(ing) with water or whatever of their choice and they're just engaging in that way," Tolbert Banks said.
NaKaisha and her family have been using this time to really connect and create new traditions. So is the Kuntz family in Greenfield.
"It really has been a growing experience. Don't get me wrong we do have our moments but it really has helped us to bond and become more a family," said Theresa Kuntz.
From arts and crafts to cutting hair and spending time relaxing, this home isolation is especially challenging for Brantley Kuntz, a senior at Greenfield Central High School.
"We have classes online obviously, and that's different, but missing like the big monumental moments really hit hard," Brantley said.
Even with six feet of social distancing, he and his friends held their senior prom and created a memorable moment during the rain.
"So, we're spacing out and there were bugs in the area swarms of like gnats and stuff so we had everyone trying to brush off the gnats and trying to get the gnats away so everyone was looking in a different direction," Brantley said.
Each picture represents a milestone for this soccer athlete.
"We have this big aluminum soccer ball and on senior night, parents, families, and friends can all sign it with a message so we hung that on the inside of our door and then we have our senior banner from soccer that we put out there and one of our family friends made a yard sign," Brantley said.
Therapists say the benefits of being home are positive.
"We're able to gel as a family now in a way that that bond is going to be stronger," Tolbert-Banks said.
Brantley is #SeniorStrong and #SeniorProud, and is going to college this fall with a new life's perspective. He said he'll take with him a greater appreciation for family and friends. Brantley believes we should all live in the moment!
"Time is crucial and what you have now may not be what you have tomorrow," Brantley said.
Their family is coming back tighter than ever.
"It's a blessing. All and all, it's a true blessing," Theresa said.
To read the other related stories: www.wthr.com/thecomeback or to reach NaKaisha Tolbert-Banks, email info.duoservices@gmail.com
We want to hear your story. Email Andrea at thecomeback@wthr.com