The Landings & Bay Colony

16

President's Message

Lake Estates Improvement Association, Inc.

“See something, say something…”

Neighbors,

In light of recent events, as peaceful people going about our daily lives, we have felt
the loss of security in public places that has really changed our world. 

How can our community effectively engage people who in their minds view
themselves as  disenfranchised and disenchanted making them more vulnerable to
social media with ideologies of groups who are evil and want to hurt us?

We need to be on the offense. As parents, neighbors, and friends, we can take
positive steps to build strong individuals. Reach out to others in your sphere of
influence and let them know that they are valued and included in your life. Plan
activities with them. Validate their self esteem. Provide empathy experiences so that
they value life.

We also need to get treatment for mentally ill people before they take actions that
they will regret. From the American Psychiatric Association website, “if several of the
following are occurring, it may useful to follow up with a mental health professional.

• Withdrawal — Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in others
• Drop in functioning — An unusual drop in functioning, at school, work or social

activities, such as quitting sports, failing in school or difficulty performing 
familiar tasks

• Problems thinking — Problems with concentration, memory or logical thought and

speech that are hard to explain

• Increased sensitivity — Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch;

avoidance of over-stimulating situations

• Apathy — Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity
• Feeling disconnected — A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or

one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality

• Illogical thinking — Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to

understand meanings or influence events; illogical or “magical” thinking typical of
childhood in an adult

• Nervousness — Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling
• Unusual behavior – Odd, uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior
• Sleep or appetite changes — Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or decline in

personal care

• Mood changes — Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings

One or two of these symptoms alone can’t predict a mental illness. But if a person is
experiencing several at one time and the symptoms are causing serious problems in
the ability to study, work or relate to others, he/she should be seen by a mental
health professional. People with suicidal thoughts or intent, or thoughts of harming
others, need immediate attention.”  

I

All the best,

Linda W. Bird, President
Lake Estates Improvement Association, Inc.

Linda W. Bird, President

Lakes Estates 

Improvement Association, Inc.