Last week Tom Eachus joined us from Blackhawk Grundy Mental Health to share with us all his office does to provide mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, seniors, couples , and families in our community,  and to decrease the stigma of mental illness.  He also shared how stress affects the body emotionally, physically , cognitively and physically . Stress has magnified greatly for all in the pandemic and there has been a very unfortunate increase in suicidal ideation. The pandemic is creating anxiety, depression, grief , loss , and social isolation and Tom expects it to have long lasting effects and continue to increase the demand for  mental health services. The Blackhawk Grundy Mental Health office is focusing now on education and support, offering virtual mental health appointments, and expanding outreach. Tom reminded all to remember to check in with friends, family and coworkers in this time of uncertainty and make sure they are getting their needs met physically and psychologically.  We thank Tom for speaking with us and for all he and his office do to provide access to quality mental health services in our community.