News Release

NAPPANEE – A group in the Nappanee-Wakarusa area will host a zooming meeting that will address the loneliness created by the pandemic and felt by many.

Open to all, the public service program planned for Monday, March 15 by ACT Nappanee-Wakarusa will focus on the big issue of loneliness and what everyone has experienced during the pandemic, the likely lingering effects, and how to begin connecting with others again.

“The press is suddenly filled with articles about the mental health consequences of the pandemic, and loneliness is at the top of the list.  The vaccines will resolve our greatest concerns about physical sickness from the virus, but how do we cope with the mental effects of isolation coupled with fear?” said Luanne Ramer, Secretary of the ACT Nappanee-Wakarusa group and a psychiatric mental health tech with a long career in social work.

“Some of these effects have fueled the anger that has manifested itself politically too,”  she said.

An interactive discussion between two experts on human psychology and grief will provide guidance. Dr. Frank Lemus, a counseling psychologist based in Reno, Nevada, with a bilingual nationwide practice, is the author of “Relationship DNA,” a popular book on skills that strengthen connection. 

He will address the following issues, among others:  What does loneliness do to the human spirit?  How can we put joy back in our lives?  

Pastor Janet Shaver of the Middlebury Church of the Brethren shepherds a congregation that includes many single seniors, many married couples, and many young people. She sees the wide range of impacts from the “loneliness pandemic” and seeks ways to keep people connected and find purpose.

This free ZOOM meeting is open to everyone.  To obtain the sign-in information, contact [email protected].  Anyone can also submit questions for the guest speakers.