stress

Wow today was quite the day. (actually this was a few weeks ago by now and that particular Elder with much prayer and working things out is doing better)   I was at the clinic early working because we had no internet connection at our apartment so I was working on my computer at the clinic.  Then the internet actually was not working there either.  I finally had to go to the Joseph Smith building to print off my document.    An elder came in with his companion because he was having a serious panic attack.  Evidently he had one yesterday as well.  I have learned that the first week is critical in the missionaries 6 weeks of training here.  This is a new life style and and new role in life for most of the missionaries.  With that major life change comes some stress and pressure to learn the language and teach investigators.  Every missionary reacts different to stress depending on their past life and how they deal with change.

 A panic attack is a very real way of dealing with stress. It can vary from depression, to crying, to shaking so bad that the elder can't hold his scriptures and turn the pages.  I have seen one come in walking stiff legged with a totally blank face who ended up curled up on the bed in a fetal position and breathing so rapidly that we though he might pass out. I hope we can help these elders and hermanas deal with the difficulty of mission life and prepare them for the rest of their mission.  Our mental health care workers, Elder and Sister Beecher are a good sounding board and President Call is good to help the North American Missionaries.  I imagine President Tenorio helps the Latino missionaries.  By the second week they are usually able to catch their breath and settle into a study and presentation schedule unless of course they have to take anxiety medication to help with the process.  I have only seen two anxiety attacks in the 7 weeks I have been here but sister Gill has counted 14 in her 18 month mission.  The Gill's leave next week.