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The Best Local Online Counseling in Spartanburg, SC
If there's one universal truth about humans, it's that at some point in our lives, we have to work through difficult circumstances. When that happens, we often need someone to talk to - someone we can trust who can give us an unbiased opinion or advice. Sometimes, that person is a family member or close friend. In some situations, however, only a qualified professional like a therapist will work. If that sounds familiar, don't be ashamed because you're most certainly not alone. According to recent statistics, in the U.S., approximately 55.8 million adults needed treatment or counseling for mental health reasons in 2022.
If you've been thinking about mental health treatment, you may be considering virtual therapy with an online counselor. Online therapy gives you the chance to connect with licensed therapists and mental health coaches without needing to set foot in a traditional therapy setting. Working with an online therapist can be every bit as effective as seeing an in-person therapist. From anxiety disorders to stress management, virtual therapy provides help for mental health concerns without the need to sit for long periods in a therapist's waiting room. If you're in search of counseling online in Spartanburg, SC, ZenZone Health is among the best choices available.
Online Counseling Services
- The Best Local Online Counseling in Spartanburg, SC
- ZenZone Health: Online Counseling When You Need It Most
- Booking an Online Therapy Session is Easy at ZenZone Health
- Exploring the Many Benefits of Online Counseling in Spartanburg, SC
- When is the Best Time to Seek Counseling Online in Spartanburg, SC?
- Nurturing Your Mental Health One Session at a Time
counseling for ASHLEY WEBBER
depression therapy for Reid Melvin
mental health therapy for Tammy Heil
anxiety therapy for Sheila Black
counseling for Mike McIntyre
depression therapy for Austin Riley
ZenZone Health: Online CounselingWhen You Need It Most
At ZenZone Health, our team of licensed therapists and mental health coaches are committed to delivering reliable and collaborative mental health care to those who need it most. With extensive experience in our field, we recognize the significance of customized, compassionate treatment for mental health. That's why we approach treatment in a comprehensive manner, taking into account each client's specific needs and wellness goals. Our virtual therapists use evidence-based methods to help clients develop resilience and build coping skills that they can use every day.
We know that reaching out for help when you have mental health challenges can be tough, which is why we always offer a welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere for our clients. We emphatically believe that everyone should have access to quality mental health care and work hard to ensure that our services are easy to understand and affordable for all.
Our telehealth therapists in Spartanburg, SC, focus on a range of specialties, including:
- Depression Therapy
- Anxiety Therapy
- Stress Management
- First Break Psychosis
- Mood Disorders & Bipolar
- Panic Attacks & Panic Disorders
- Family Counseling
- Couples Counseling
- Grief & Loss
- PTSD
- Substance Use Disorder
- Business Consulting
- Wellness Coaching
Booking an Online Therapy Session is Easy at ZenZone Health
Some online counseling websites make booking a session convoluted and confusing. We strive to make the process streamlined and simple. We're also committed to matching you with quality therapists. In fact, the president of ZenZone Health conducts a free 15-minute assessment for every one of our new patients. By relying on a trained, licensed professionals, instead of an algorithm, we can pair you with a counselor who has experience best suited to your needs.
Here's how to Request Information:
Schedule Your Initial Appointment
Fill out the appointment request form on our website or call our office today to discuss how to Request Information with counseling online.
Ongoing Therapy
Once we have completed your initial appointment, you're in the Zone. At this point, you continue to make progress in your virtual coaching or therapy sessions.
Package Savings Program
We want to maintain and build on the progress you're making at ZenZone Health, which is why we created our wellness program, which helps make sure you're in the Zone you want and deserve to be in. This program is dedicated finding the right package for you, to schedule continual sessions 1x per week, 2x per month, what ever is right for you and the price point suited for you.
Insurance
Navigating insurance for online counseling can be a headache, but we go out of our way to make it as easy as possible for you by working with many insurance companies and plans. In some instances, and depending on licensure, we can take your insurance. Please call or message us for more details.
FAQs About Online Counseling and Therapy from ZenZone Health
Therapy will be different for each person, depending on their issues and goals. Typically, sessions involve discussing current events, personal history, and progress from previous sessions. Therapy can be short-term or longer-term, and it's common to have regular weekly sessions. Active participation is important for results, and your therapist may suggest activities outside of sessions to support your progress. Therapy is for those ready to make positive changes, open to new perspectives, and willing to take responsibility for their lives.
Therapy can help with mental and emotional problems better than medication alone. Therapy does more than just treat symptoms; it also addresses the causes of distress and the behavior patterns that limit progress. An integrated approach to wellness is best for long-term growth and well-being. Your doctor can help you decide whether medication, therapy, or both are the right choice for you.
Everyone experiences difficult times in life, and while you may have effectively dealt with other challenges you've encountered, there's no shame in reaching out for extra assistance when you require it. Seeking therapy is actually a sign of self-awareness and strength, as it indicates that you recognize the need for support. By seeking therapy, you are demonstrating accountability for your current circumstances and showing a commitment to making a change. Therapy offers enduring advantages and guidance, equipping you with the necessary skills to avoid potential triggers, redirect harmful behaviors, and conquer any obstacles that come your way.
Now that you know more about what makes ZenZone Health different, let's dig deeper into the benefits of telehealth therapy sessions and who benefits the most from them.
Anxiety, Stress, and Depression: How ZenZone Telehealth Therapists in Spartanburg, SC Help
In today's fast-paced world, mental health disorders are increasingly common and impacting millions of lives worldwide. In the Southeast United States, the prevalence of these disorders has led to the development of specialized treatments and therapies. In this pursuit, ZenZone Health has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering exceptional services in depression therapy, anxiety therapy, and stress management.
A Personalized Approach to Mental Health
What sets ZenZone Health apart from other remote therapists is our personalized approach to therapy. We understand that every person who needs therapy has unique needs and goals. That's why we develop customized treatment plans that address those needs and goals in a structured, compassionate manner. By providing you with a custom treatment plan, we can help ensure that you get the highest quality, most effective interventions possible, leading to positive outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
Depression Therapy from ZenZone Health
Struggling with depression can feel like an ongoing battle, overshadowing everyday life. At ZenZone Health, our depression therapy brings a glimmer of hope to those facing this challenging condition. Our licensed therapists use proven techniques to create a supportive environment where individuals can explore their feelings and build effective coping strategies. By combining psychotherapy and counseling, patients are gently guided toward healing and self-discovery.
Stress and Anxiety Therapy at ZenZone Health
Chronic stress has become a widespread concern in today's modern society, impacting individuals of all age groups. ZenZone Health offers stress management programs that provide practical tools to effectively deal with life's pressures. Our experienced therapists empower clients with relaxation techniques and time management strategies to help achieve balance amidst the chaos.
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, making even simple tasks seem like huge challenges. At ZenZone Health, our anxiety therapy is customized to tackle the underlying issues that your brain won't let go of. Our therapists work closely with you, using cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices to help you handle anxious thoughts and behaviors. Through personalized sessions, you can learn to take back control and live a more peaceful and balanced life.
Trauma & PTSD Therapy at ZenZone Health
At ZenZone Health, we understand that the aftermath of trauma can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of your life. Our specialized PTSD and trauma therapy programs are designed to help you regain control and find peace. Using evidence-based techniques, our compassionate therapists work with you to process traumatic experiences and develop coping strategies. Whether through cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, or mindfulness practices, we provide a safe and supportive environment for healing. At ZenZone Health, we are dedicated to helping you move forward, reclaim your life, and achieve lasting well-being.
Exploring the Many Benefits of Online Counseling in Spartanburg, SC
Studies indicate that therapy is generally effective and offers numerous advantages. Therapy can help you recognize sources of distress, gain better self-understanding, and reach your goals. While traditional in-person counseling is an option for many, it's not for everyone. Here are some of the biggest benefits of online therapy:
Access to Support When Living in Remote Areas
Online therapy provides mental health support to individuals living in rural or remote areas who may not have access to traditional in-person therapy due to a lack of local mental health services. Seeking face-to-face therapy in such cases often involves long drives and significant time commitments, which can be challenging for those with busy schedules. However, with reliable internet access, telehealth therapy sessions offer a convenient and relatively quick way to access treatment that might otherwise be difficult to obtain.
Affordable and Convenient
While this wasn't always the case, modern counseling online is usually quite affordable and convenient. You can schedule therapy sessions from the comfort of your own home at times that suit you best. Plus, many states now mandate that insurance providers cover online therapy just like traditional therapy (you should contact your insurance company to see if telehealth counseling is covered). Add that to the fact that telehealth is generally affordable even without insurance coverage, and you can see why so many people check in with their counselors on a weekly and even daily basis.
Access to Counseling if You're Physically Disabled
When you're disabled physically, everyday tasks like getting dressed and running errands can be extremely frustrating. Unfortunately, disabled men and women often forego therapy because they can't make it to the therapist's office. Online therapy offers a way for people with disabilities or limited mobility to access mental health care. A therapist working from home may not have the facilities to cater to clients with different needs, but with online counseling, you can still access quality care.
Better Availability
Telehealth therapy sessions in Spartanburg, SC offer an easier way for people to connect with a counselor, especially for those who need help but might be deterred by various obstacles. Individuals struggling with mental health issues like social anxiety disorder, depression, mood disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder may find it difficult to motivate themselves to seek out a therapist, book appointments, and travel to their office for the initial and subsequent meetings.
If booking an appointment with a traditional therapist isn't in the cards, it could be time to try counseling online.
Therapy is More Approachable
The internet has made mental health treatment more accessible. People might find it easier to discuss physical health problems with friends and family than mental health concerns. However, online access can help overcome the stigma associated with mental health issues. Teletherapy can also be a valuable tool for learning more about mental health and strengthening your psychological well-being, even if you're not struggling with mental health issues.
A Note from ZenZone Health: If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 on your phone. You can contact this number 24/7, day or night.
Call 866-614-7967When is the Best Time to Seek Counseling Online in Spartanburg, SC?
If you're reading this, chances are you or a loved one is struggling in life. You may be dealing with added stress at work, grieving after a traumatic life event, or working through a rocky relationship. Dealing with these issues alone can be challenging. But asking for help can be, too. That's especially true when you're dealing with mental health issues. Fortunately, a licensed therapist may be able to provide the support and tools you need to get back to a normal life. If you're wondering whether you need online counseling, keep these situations in mind.
Living with Substance Abuse Problems
Dealing with addictions, whether it's substance abuse or behavioral addictions like gambling, can feel incredibly daunting. Therapy is an essential part of the recovery process as it delves into the underlying causes of these issues. With help from remote therapists, you develop skills to help maintain sobriety and prevent relapses. For example, if you're struggling with alcohol addiction, an online therapist can help you identify triggers and teach you new, healthier ways to cope with those triggers instead of using alcohol.
Dealing with Relationship Issues
Relationship struggles can be a huge motivating factor for seeking therapy. These issues may involve friends, romantic partners, or family members. For instance, a couple may turn to couples counseling to address communication or trust issues. An online counselor can assist individuals in resolving these issues and developing improved communication skills, boundaries, and coping strategies.
Symptoms of a Mental Health Condition
Conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, ADHD, and PTSD can significantly disrupt daily life. Symptoms can manifest as constant feelings of worry or frequent headaches. Therapy, along with medication or lifestyle adjustments, can be an effective treatment for mental health. For example, a person with anxiety might learn relaxation techniques to manage stress levels with the help of a therapist. Similarly, someone experiencing depression may learn coping skills to maintain a more positive outlook on life.
New Challenges in Life
Dealing with common - albeit challenging - events in life, like losing a job, coping with grief, or undergoing major changes, can be very disruptive. If you find yourself losing interest in your usual activities, it could be a sign of a mental health condition like major depressive disorder. Therapy offers essential support and guidance for managing these issues, which can help individuals overcome their obstacles. For instance, a person grieving the loss of a loved one may benefit from online counseling as they navigate through their emotions. Similarly, someone who has relocated to a new city might find online therapy beneficial as they adapt to their new home, community, and workplace.
Trauma from Childhood
Childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on people as they mature. Virtual therapy with a licensed professional can assist people in processing these experiences and recovering from them, which may help them comprehend and address any existing issues. For instance, individuals who experienced neglect as children can work through feelings of abandonment in therapy, potentially alleviating the anxiety they may be feeling in their romantic relationship.
Nurturing Your Mental Health One Session at a Time
In the pursuit of mental wellness, ZenZone Health stands as your steadfast ally, offering specialized therapies that cater to a range of mental health and lifestyle challenges. Through our expertise in depression therapy, anxiety therapy, and stress management, we aren't just providing treatments; we're offering a lifeline to those struggling with mental health disorders. When you trust ZenZone Health for online therapy in Spartanburg, SC, you're taking the first step toward rediscovering joy in your life, one session at a time. Contact us today to learn more about telehealth therapy and how our providers can help you overcome the hurdles holding you back.
Latest News in Spartanburg, SC
Spartanburg Co. Sheriff Chuck Wright denies wrongdoing as investigation opens after hiring his son
Nate Stanleyhttps://www.wyff4.com/article/sheriff-hires-son-spartanburg-investigation/61681703
Sheriff Chuck Wright says he avoided ethics violations and impartiality when hiring his son to the Spartanburg Sheriff's Department. Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Reporter GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTSThe latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.Your Email Address...
Sheriff Chuck Wright says he avoided ethics violations and impartiality when hiring his son to the Spartanburg Sheriff's Department.
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SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. —
Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright is being investigated for a potential ethics violation for hiring his own son.
According to independent government watchdog Kyle Joslin, accountability was the goal behind an ethics complaint he filed with the South Carolina Ethics Commission.
Joslin says he's suspicious about Wright hiring his son, Andy Wright.
"I thought that was pretty concerning with the state ethics laws saying that you're not allowed to hire your direct family members," Joslin said.
He got this response from the Ethics Commission saying, "The complaint contained facts sufficient to warrant an investigation. "The Ethics Commission said they would not comment on the investigation, citing South Carolina law.
Chuck Wright denies wrongdoing and claims he took steps to avoid an ethics violation, including a letter he allegedly sent to hiring managers, saying he will have no input in his son's job and daily operations.
"I know that that's not okay, you know, for me to make special for him. And I didn't do that. And the guy that does all the hiring, I told him and Andy was going to put his application in, I said, treat him no different. Got a letter saying so," he says.
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He says the position that his son was hired to does not directly report to the sheriff.
"If my son happens to get any issues where he violated any policy that goes straight to the chief deputy. Normally I'm the one that they appeal it to. But in this case, I got a directive here. It says it will not be appealed to me at all. The fact-finding missions will be done by the captains and not me. I didn't give him any special rank. I didn't put a special position in place for him" Wright says.
Wright tells us he will follow any recommendations or findings from the commission's investigation.
"He doesn't take anybody's position. He doesn't like anybody out of a promotion. He doesn't get promoted to anything but deputy, you know, he can't even do deputy first class. He's part-time. He doesn't qualify for all that," Wright says.
A reminder this is an active investigation, we will continue to look for updates and provide those to you when they're available.
Flights affected at GSP Airport due to Microsoft outage
Stephanie Moorehttps://www.wyff4.com/article/greenville-spartanburg-airport-flights-grounded/61643539
GREER, S.C. —10:45 a.m. update: WYFF News 4's Isabelle Marak reports lines are much shorter than earlier and the arrival/departure board is improving.7:15 a.m. updateFrom GSP: "A third-party outage is impacting computer systems, including at United and many other organizations worldwide."As we work to fully restore these systems, some flights are resuming. Many customers traveling today may experience delays."We have issued a wai...
GREER, S.C. —
10:45 a.m. update:
WYFF News 4's Isabelle Marak reports lines are much shorter than earlier and the arrival/departure board is improving.
7:15 a.m. update
From GSP: "A third-party outage is impacting computer systems, including at United and many other organizations worldwide.
"As we work to fully restore these systems, some flights are resuming. Many customers traveling today may experience delays.
"We have issued a waiver to make it easier to change your travel plans at http://United.com or the United app. Waiver: http://uafly.co/alerts"
This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
A third-party outage is impacting computer systems, including at United and many other organizations worldwide.As we work to fully restore these systems, some flights are resuming. Many customers traveling today may experience delays.We have issued a waiver to make it easier…
— United Airlines (@united) July 19, 2024
7 a.m.:
Some flights are taking off and people have started going through TSA.
The best thing to do is check with your airline.
What should I do if my flight has been canceled or delayed? Here are some tips
Global technology outage: Faulty software update causes havoc for flights, hospitals and governments
What is Crowdstrike, the company responsible for the global outage?
Original story:
There are long lines at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport due to a widespread Microsoft outage. Read the latest on the outage and the impacts here.
WYFF News 4
WYFF News 4 Isabelle Marak is at GSP and said lines are long as of 5:30 a.m. and are getting longer. She said announcements are being made in the airport about flights being grounded.
A GSP spokeswoman said "The airlines are having challenges with processing passengers and boarding. It is impacting their flight operations."
ECHO Suites premieres in Spartanburg, S.C.
Ed Brockhttps://www.asianhospitality.com/echo-suites-premieres-in-spartanburg-s-c/
ECHO Suites Spartanburg openingTHE FIRST PROPERTY representing Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham brand opened recently in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Among the attendees at the grand opening, along with executives from Wyndham and more, were the first two Indo American developers who are building upcoming ECHO hotels.Wyndham also brought on Mandeep Singh as vice president for extended stay operations, overseeing ECHO Suites and the new Waterwalk Extended Stay by Wyndham b...
ECHO Suites Spartanburg opening
THE FIRST PROPERTY representing Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham brand opened recently in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Among the attendees at the grand opening, along with executives from Wyndham and more, were the first two Indo American developers who are building upcoming ECHO hotels.
Wyndham also brought on Mandeep Singh as vice president for extended stay operations, overseeing ECHO Suites and the new Waterwalk Extended Stay by Wyndham brands. Singh has a more than 20-year background in extended-stay hotels, corporate housing, serviced apartments and multi-family properties.
The 124-room ECHO Spartanburg is owned by Cox Universal Group, led by Philip Cox as co-CEO and co-founder and is managed by Sandpiper Hospitality. The prototype for the all new-construction brand is designed to fit on less than two acres at 50,000 square-feet, 79 percent of which is designed for generating revenue.
Kalpesh Patel of VKB Management in Des Moines, Iowa, and Amish Patel of Precision Hospitality in Chattanooga, Tennessee, created NXT Development to build at least 10 ECHOs over the next few years in markets including Chattanooga; Mobile, Alabama; and Columbus or Athens, Georgia. Both partners, who expect to complete their first ECHO Suites in Omaha, Nebraska, some time next year, attended the grand opening in Spartanburg.
“First off, it’s a beautiful box. It looks great physically now you can see it. And it’s what we want. It’s what the drawings envisioned,” Kalpesh said. “We’re learning little things. You’re always going to learn something. It’s the first one, it’s almost like a prototype. Philip Cox and Chris Cox, they’ve been a little guinea pig for us, and we’re learning from some of the things they had to do. There’s always a few modifications that we can get and maximize some value, maximize space, both for the developer and for the guests.”
Amish learned similar lessons from the opening.
“Pay attention to detail, running and construction, the little things, they matter,” Amish said. “It was a wonderful build, terrific for our first time, first product. You don’t know what to expect, right? I’m glad they did it. Now, we get to learn from them about our public spaces, our room layouts, little key things to pay attention to. It’s very exciting.”
Infrastructure bill driving extened-stay
A major driver for ECHO Suites and other extended-stay brands is the the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021 as well as $280 billion as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 that funds new chip manufacturing plants across the U.S. Work crews for the projects are expected to bring in $3.3 billion in additional room revenue to Wyndham franchisees over the multi-year period of spend.
“I think [ECHO Suites] will remain our fastest growing brand for some time, given the interest that’s out there in the development community for this type of product, the demand for extended-stay productS continues to outpace the supply,” said Geoff Ballotti, Wyndham president and CEO, during a press conference at the Spartanburg opening. “These developers believe that building right now, in the face of the most historic piece of legislation this country has ever seen since the Eisenhower administration, is going to reap, from a cash-on-cash return standpoint, significant benefits given the demand that’s out there and the lack of supply, especially new construction economy extended stay.”
Kalpesh agreed that the Infrastructure Bill will be a big driver for his ECHO Suites.
“That money’s being spent and spent everywhere, right across this country, large towns, small towns,” Kalpesh said. “In Iowa, we’ve got a ton of that money coming to improve roads and bridges. It is definitely a piece of what we’re looking at that is that clientele working on those projects. They are a huge customer for us. They stay at our hotels.”
Cox said the Spartanburg ECHO Suites expects business from various projects in the growing city, including a battery production facility.
“Spartanburg, like many other cities around the country, is booming with projects that require long-term, comfortable and affordable stays,” he said. “ECHO Suites is the answer with a well-designed prototype created with the operator in mind. Plus, when you add in the collaboration with the world’s largest hotel franchisor, it’s a perfect match.”
Krishna Paliwal, president of Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham and Wyndham’s head of architecture, design and construction, said he expects Singh to further ECHO Suites’ expansion.
“With the addition of Mandeep Singh, we’re reinforcing our commitment to our owner first philosophy as we continue to grow ECHO Suites to meet the needs of today’s guests,” Paliwal said.
Peachtree Group CPACE loan
PEACHTREE GROUP RECENTLY originated its first commercial property assessed clean energy financing in Tennessee, providing a $10.7 million loan for a Class-A office development in Nashville.
Nashville’s Division Street Development is developing the four-story, 75,000-square-foot project, slated for completion by October 2024, Peachtree said in a statement.
“For eligible projects, CPACE financing remains one of the most attractive options to bring a project to completion,” said Jared Schlosser, Peachtree’s executive vice president and head of CPACE. “We are pleased to assist Division Street Development in securing the final piece needed to complete the financing puzzle for their office development.”
Peachtree is led by Greg Friedman as managing principal and CEO, with Jatin Desai serving as managing principal and CFO and Mitul Patel as principal.
The Division Street Development project is one of the first properties in Nashville and Davidson County to use CPACE, the statement said. The office project is between Nashville’s central business district and the Wedgewood-Houston district. The 30-year CPACE financing will fund the office’s lighting, building envelope, HVAC, plumbing and roof with a combination of retroactive and future funding.
The Tennessee State legislature passed CPACE enabling legislation in 2021, permitting counties or cities to establish CPACE programs. Property owners in Tennessee can utilize CPACE financing up to 25 percent loan-to-value, providing a flexible and sustainable financing option.
According to Peachtree, office and commercial real estate owners face challenging years ahead, with trillions of dollars in maturing debt and increasingly difficult refinancing due to tightened bank lending standards. CPACE programs provide property owners a unique opportunity to finance upfront costs for energy or other eligible improvements on a property. Repayment occurs over time through a voluntary assessment, as outlined by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Peachtree Group Credit provides direct lending for permanent loans, bridge loans, mezzanine loans, CPACE financing, and preferred equity across all commercial real estate sectors. In June, Peachtree issued a $40 million retroactive CPACE loan to BLG San Diego LLC for the new 147-room AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter.
The Confederate flags explained: How SC incident casts light on history
FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Teamhttps://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/confederate-flag-explained-how-sc-incident-casts-light-its-history
ATLANTA - James Blitch, a 22-year-old Atlanta man, is accused of driving more than three hours to Spartanburg County, South Carolina, just to lower the Confederate flag that flies over Interstate 85 south.According to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Blitch’s Saturday night activities have led to trespassing charges. The property belongs to the Spartanburg chapter of th...
ATLANTA - James Blitch, a 22-year-old Atlanta man, is accused of driving more than three hours to Spartanburg County, South Carolina, just to lower the Confederate flag that flies over Interstate 85 south.
According to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Blitch’s Saturday night activities have led to trespassing charges. The property belongs to the Spartanburg chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
The incident has once again confused many over the history of the Confederacy and its many flags.
Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America was formed on Feb. 8, 1861, by South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, following the election of President Abraham Lincoln. The state seceded in two waves with Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina following.
The new government adopted its own constitution, motto, and flag. That flag would change multiple times during the 1,551 days it existed.
The Bonnie Blue
The Bonnie Blue
YouTube researcher CGP Grey has posted several videos on the history and aesthetics of flags across the country and the world. He posted a video which takes a deep dive into the history of the flags of the Confederacy.
The first unofficial flag of the Confederacy was called the Bonnie Blue. It was a single star on a field of blue.
The flag was adapted from the Republic of West Florida, a country located mostly in southern Mississippi, which only lasted for 78 days. The Magnolia State would adopt the flag as its own during that time, and it would be used as an unofficial flag of the Confederacy.
The Stars and Bars
Four months later, the Civil War began when the South Carolina militia attacked Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861.
The newly formed government would soon launch a flag design committee to create a new flag.
The winning design was submitted by a German-Prussian artist living in Alabama. It featured red bars on the top and bottom, and a white bar in the center. The top left corner features a blue field with a star for each state belonging to the Confederacy.
The design is similar to the current Georgia flag, except the field of stars is replaced by the Great Seal of Georgia. Prior to its adoption on May 8, 2003, the "Stars and Bars" section actually featured a prominent element from the next set of flags.
Confederate Battle flag and Confederate Naval Jack
Concerned over friendly fire due to the similarities in the Union and Confederate flags, the Confederacy's military took a rejected flag idea and began to use it in battle. The Confederate Battle flag is a square featuring two bars crossed in an X at the center with stars along with a white border set over a red background.
This would colloquially be known as the "rebel flag."
The Confederate Navy would also adopt a similar flag, but with a brighter blue.
The Stainless Banner and The Blood-Stained Banner
In 1863, the Confederacy would adopt the square battle flag, positioning it in the upper left corner atop a rectangular field of white. This would become known as The Stainless Banner.
Two years later, the Confederacy’s final flag would see a red vertical bar added to the right side, giving it the nickname The Blood-Stained Banner.
It would be just 36 days later that the South would surrender.
The flag flying over I-85, for which Blitch is accused of trespassing to lower, would be the Confederate Battle flag. He has since been released from jail.
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