My Grief Connection Blog - MY GRIEF CONNECTION

10/10/2021

It's Oct 10th, World Mental Health Day! Mental health care for all: let's make it a reality.

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World Mental Health Day! Mental health care for all: let's make it a reality.

It's Oct 10th, World Mental Health Day!
Mental Health Care For All: Let's Make It A Reality

Did you know that:
Close to 1 billion people have a mental health disorder
A leading cause of illness & disability is depression
1 person dies every 40 seconds from suicide
3 million people die every year due to harmful & excessive use of alcohol

2021's World Mental Health Day, comes at a very challenging time for us all when our day-to-day lives have been drastically altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been so many changes and so much instability. People, including those with mental health conditions, are experiencing even greater levels of social isolation than before the pandemic. And so many people are managing the grief of losing a loved one, often without being able to say goodbye or even hold proper funerals or memorial rituals.

No doubt the need for mental health and psychosocial care and support will continue to greatly increase in the months and years to come. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health. Some groups, including health and other frontline workers, students, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, have been particularly affected. And services for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders have been significantly disrupted. Funding and investment in mental health programs on all levels is more critical than ever before. Let us honor the work that all health and care professionals do every day, which often includes providing mental health care for others. For this reason, the goal of the World Mental Health Day 2021 campaign is to make mental health care accessibility a reality for all!
For more information, please visit: https://www.who.int/

9/23/2021

Our Future In Mind: Mental Health Summit

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Our Future In Mind: Mental Health Summit

Our Future In Mind: Mental Health Summit
Streaming live Friday, November 5th, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST & Saturday, November 6th, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM EST.

Mental Health America and I Don't Mind, in partnership with YouTube, as they present "Our Future In Mind:
Mental Health Summit," a live free two-day event November 5 & 6, 2021. The first of its kind, this event
will give you a front-row seat to the stories behind some of the biggest movements in mental health and
the tools you will need to be part of the change. Streaming live on YouTube, you’ll gain insight into how
they got started, and you’ll learn (and unlearn) from young mental health experts to help you find your
unique pathway into activism. Your voice matters. Your mind matters. It’s time to take action. Sessions will
cover a variety of topics like equity and disability in mental health, using social media for good, and
LGBTQ+ leadership and wellness. You’ll learn from open and honest conversations with a diverse group
of artists and actors, TikTokers, YouTubers, mental health experts, and more.
Register for FREE at: www.idontmind.com

2/27/2021

HOW TO HANDLE COVID-RELATED LIFE CHANGES

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How to Handle COVID-Related
Life Changes

HOW TO HANDLE COVID-RELATED LIFE CHANGES

Photo Credit: Pexels.com

COVID-19 has changed lives all over the world. Since the pandemic began, you've probably had to adapt some
of your everyday habits, like how you workout or where you shop. Handling all these changes is stressful.
As Psychology Today explains, humans are naturally resistant to change.

COVID creates an especially tricky situation because it's very much beyond our control. My Grief Connection highlights some of the common emotions people are grappling with due to "Corona Grief," like difficulty concentrating and headaches. Luckily, there are resources available to help. The below guide covers life changes you may be experiencing as a result of COVID-19 and provides tips and tools on how to handle them.

You've lost your job.

According to USA Today, the unemployment rate is historically high. If you've lost your job, look for temp work
to make ends meet while you line up your next opportunity. The Work at Home Wife lists work-from-home
jobs that even provide paid training, from companies like Hilton, goFLUENT, and more.

You might also seize this opportunity to start your own business. Forming a limited liability company (LLC) allows you to enjoy tax advantages and protects your personal assets in case of liability claims. You don't have to pay an expensive attorney to file the paperwork to start an LLC. Business formation services are an affordable alternative.

You're spending more time at home.

Stay-at-home orders and concerns about infection have had people spending more time at home in the past year.
If you're starting to feel cooped up, it's time to make a change. Eliminate the negative energy of the past, and usher in positive vibes by cleansing your home. Get rid of clutter, open the windows to let in some fresh air, and smudge the room with sage. You can also get some affordable aromatherapy candles with soothing scents like lavender and lemongrass to create a more peaceful atmosphere.

Your social life has taken a blow.

As people spend less time outside of the home, they are also experiencing a decrease in social interactions. According to Medical News Today, humans are a naturally social species, and maintaining an active social life promotes physical and mental wellbeing. Look for new ways to reconnect with friends and family now that your social opportunities outside of the house have become more limited. You might watch a movie or television show with a pal using a tool like Netflix Party, for example, or have a "family dinner" via Zoom with loved ones who are located far away.

You're struggling to take care of yourself.

You may find it more difficult to take care of yourself as you deal with COVID-related change. This is understandable, especially if you are facing mental health hurdles like depression. As Harvard explains, depression changes the way the brain works — even causing cognitive impairments like memory loss, in some cases.

Motivating yourself to eat right and exercise in this state is tough. To cope, seek support. Make meal prep a family activity instead of doing it alone, for example. For exercise, try lining up a workout buddy and joining a Zoom fitness class. Cnet offers a list of five great options.

You've lost a loved one.

Finally, one of the biggest uncontrollable changes COVID may have introduced into your life is the loss of a loved one. If you are struggling with grief as a result, it's important to seek help. Look for support groups in your area via platforms like My Grief Connection. If you feel yourself struggling emotionally, don't hesitate to seek therapy. Platforms like BetterHelp allow you to get the assistance you need virtually and are more affordable than in-person counseling. You shouldn't have to grapple with grief alone.

The changes brought on by COVID-19 aren't always easy. However, they can be managed with the right resources and support. Hopefully, the above guide has given you some inspiration on how to get the support you need.

My Grief Connection provides grief services for children, teens, and families. Whether you are dealing with loss or COVID grief, find out how we can help.

Author Bio:
Jennifer Scott is a lifelong sufferer of anxiety and depression. A single mom, she writes about the ups and downs
of her mental illness on SpiritFinder.org. The blog serves as both a source of information for people with mental
illness and a forum where those living with anxiety and depression can come together to discuss their experiences.

10/9/2020

World Mental Health Day 2020

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World Mental Health Day 2020

World Mental Health Day 2020
This year the World Health Organization will, for the first time, host a mental health global online advocacy event. At the "Big Event for Mental Health" world leaders, mental health experts and celebrity guests will join WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, to teach us all what we can
all do to boost our mental health and how we can all help make sure that quality mental health care
is available to everyone in need of it.

2020's World Mental Health Day, comes at a very challenging time for us all when our day-to-day lives have been drastically altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been so many changes and so much instability. People, including those with mental health conditions, are experiencing even greater levels of social isolation than before the pandemic. And so many people are managing the grief of losing a loved one, often without being able to say goodbye or even hold proper funerals or memorial rituals.

No doubt the need for mental health and psychosocial care and support will greatly increase in the months and years to come. Funding and investment in mental health programs on all levels is more critical than ever before. For this reason, the goal of the World Mental Health Day 2020 campaign
is increased investment in mental health.

For more information, please visit: https://www.who.int/

5/17/2020

Finding the Right Grief Therapist or Counselor

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Finding the Right Grief Therapist or Counselor

Ask trusted friends or healthcare providers for recommendations and referrals.
Check out a potential therapist or counselor's website to get a feel for who they are

and what services they offer, then give them a phone call to chat and ask questions.

Let them know you found them through mygriefconnection.org
Ask them about their style and what types of counseling and/or conditions they

specialize in.

Briefly tell them about you, your loss, and what you are looking for in a counselor.
Consider asking them if they can do a consultation visit. The best way to assess if

you are a good match with each other is to meet in person, if you can.

Be sure to discuss their fees & insurance coverage, before you begin so you both are

clear on payment expectations.

If you are struggling financially ask them if they have a fee sliding-scale or look

for a practice that offers counseling from Master's student interns in training
at a discounted rate.

Make your first appointment.
Show up a few minutes early for your appointment, there may be paperwork to fill out.
It is a good idea to see them 2-3 times before determining if they are the right fit.

For a list of local Treasure Valley Idaho therapists and counselors and online counseling services, visit:
https://www.mygriefconnection.org/griefservices.html

5/1/2020

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH - May 2020

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, You Are Not Alone!

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and thank goodness for that! Our mental health is
being challenged in a huge way with the COVID-19 pandemic, on top of all of the regular stressors
and issues that we deal with on a daily basis.

Whether we have diagnosed mental illness or not, it is critical for us all to manage and support our
mental health. It matters so much! We must continue to talk about mental health, share our stories,
raise awareness, educate others, get help ourselves and give help when we can.

Let's start the conversation and work to end the stigma around mental illness so we can be there
for each other in ways that are real and meaningful.

If you are struggling please reach out for support.

Here are some resources to help:

The Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 crisis counseling, via text. Just text SHARE to 741741 to reach them.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline gives 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources, call 1-800-273-8255.

Depression & Crisis Hotline, call 1-800-784-2433.

Veterans Crisis Line, call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or Text 838255.

Emotional Health Relief Hotline, caregivers available 10am-10pm MST, 1-833-442-2211.

Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline, 24/7, call 208-398-HELP (4357).

The Crisis Hotline, Serving Southern and Southeastern Idaho, 24/7, call 208-788-3596.

Idaho COVID-19 Hotline, call 1-888-330-3010, Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm.

Ambitions of Idaho 24 Hour Crisis Intervention Line, call 208-794-2379.

For more mental health & crisis help resources visit: https://www.mygriefconnection.org/crisishelp.html

3/6/2020

Mental Health 101: Managing Stress, Anxiety & Panic

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Mental Health 101: Managing Stress, Anxiety & Panic, Thursday, April 2, 2020, 6:30-8pm in the Multipurpose Room at Nampa Public Library

Mental Health 101: Managing Stress, Anxiety & Panic
Thursday, April 2nd, 2020 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Nampa Public Library, 215 12th Ave. S., Nampa, Idaho 83651

Come meet with licensed professional counselor, Rebekah Rene Stearns,
MA, LPC, of Nurturing Hope & Healing Counseling, LLC to learn about
Managing Stress, Anxiety & Panic on Thursday, April 2, 2020 from
6:30-8 pm in Multipurpose Room B at the Nampa Public Library.

We all face stressful & worrisome things in life. This FREE class will teach you how to reduce stress and anxiety as well as how to avoid or eliminate panic attacks so you can take control of your stress and live at peace.

https://www.facebook.com/events/231469347897974/

3/4/2020

Mental Health 101: Breaking Addiction and Codependency - 05 Mar 2020

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Mental Health 101: Breaking Addiction and Codependency, Thursday, March 5, 2020 from 6:30-8:00pm in Multipurpose Room B at Nampa Public Library

Mental Health 101: Breaking Addiction and Codependency
Thursday, March 5, 2020 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Nampa Public Library, 215 12th Ave. S., Nampa, Idaho 83651

Join licensed professional counselor, Rebekah Rene Stearns, MA, LPC, of Nurturing Hope & Healing Counseling, LLC
as she teaches us about Breaking Addiction and Codependency on Thursday, March 5th from 6:30-8 pm
in Multipurpose Room B at the Nampa Public Library
⁣
Learn to help the addict in your life without becoming codependent, enabling unwanted behavior(s) or being taken advantage.Learn to identify the characteristics of the codependent and how to truly help an addict.⁣

https://www.facebook.com/events/488590962064710/
⁣
For more info on this and other local mental health and/or grief related events, visit the
"Events" tab at www.mygriefconnection.org⁣

2/26/2020

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

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National Helpline SAMHSA 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information
service (in English and Spanish)for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

2/25/2020

Know the 5 Signs - 08 Apr 2020

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Know the 5 Signs
April 8, 2020 from 4:30 - 5:30pm
Nampa Public Library, 215 12th Ave. South, Nampa, Idaho 83651

Know the 5 Signs is a 45-minute presentation designed to build the
community’s understanding of the many ways that suicide impacts our
friends, families, clients, co-workers, and neighbors. Know the 5 Signs provides
education on recognizing when someone is in emotional distress and how
to reach out to help and connect them to resources. It also covers
information about stigma, understanding mental health conditions,
statistics, self-care techniques, etc.

Join Erin Pfaeffle, LMSW of St. Luke's Wood River Valley for this potentially
life-saving presentation for adults 18+ on April 8, 2020 from 4:30-5:30 pm
in Multipurpose Room A at Nampa Public Library. There will be crafts,
games coloring and other fun activities for kids in Multipurpose Room B
at the same time so parents can attend while their kids are in the room next door.

https://www.facebook.com/events/284132922546849/

2/5/2020

Holistic Mental Health & Wellness Expo - 20 Feb 2020

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Holistic Mental Health & Wellness Expo, February 20, 2020 from 5-9pm at Lake Harbor Event Center flyer

Holistic Mental Health & Wellness Expo
February 20, 2020 from 5:00-9:00 pm
Lake Harbor Event Center
3250 N. Lakeharbor Lane, Boise 83703

Mental Health is awakened in Boise!
Join us for this FREE EVENT!

The Holistic Mental Health & Wellness Expo brought to you by the Natural Health Practitioners Network. This exclusive expo is designed to showcase a wide variety of holistic options and modalities available to our Treasure Valley community. Learn from practitioners and researchers who want to share the products and services they endorse. You will find a wealth of information available to help you determine the best possible resources to meet all your mental health needs.

We will have SWAG Bags available for the first 50 guests
and fun prizes and discounts throughout the evening. We'll have light refreshments and beverages available to enjoy
while you engage experts in discussions that will enrich your lives and heighten your awareness of the importance of
mental health in our society.

Register today for FREE tickets! bit.ly/MentalExpo

1/28/2020

Know the 5 Signs - 08 Apr 2020

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Know the 5 Signs
Nampa Public Library, 215 12th Ave S., Nampa, Idaho 83651
April 8, 2020 from 4:30-5:30 pm in Multipurpose Room A

Know the 5 Signs is a 45-minute presentation designed to
build the community’s understanding of the many ways that suicide impacts our friends, families, clients, co-workers,
and neighbors.

Know the 5 Signs provides education on recognizing when someone is in emotional distress and how to reach out to help and connect them to resources. It also covers information about stigma, understanding mental health conditions, statistics,
self-care techniques, etc.

Join Erin Pfaeffle, LMSW of St. Luke's Wood River Valley for this potentially life-saving presentation for adults 18+ on April 8, 2020 from 4:30-5:30 pm in Multipurpose Room A.

There will be crafts, games coloring and other fun activities for kids in Multipurpose Room B at the same time so parents can attend while their kids are in the room next door.

https://nampalibrary.libcal.com/event/6350251
https://www.facebook.com/events/284132922546849/

1/17/2020

Mental Health 101: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - 06 Feb 2020

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Mental Health 101: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Thursday, February 6th, 2020 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Nampa Public Library, 215 12th Ave.
South, Nampa, Idaho 83651

Join licensed professional counselor, Rebekah Rene Stearns,
MA, LPC, of Nurturing Hope & Healing Counseling, LLC to
learn about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
on Thursday, February 6, 2019
from 6:30-8 pm in Multipurpose Room B.

Veterans, military families, and anyone impacted
by trauma of any type can benefit from learning
about this diagnosis. Know the symptoms, causes,
reactions, complications, and treatments. Gain the
knowledge and hope that you need to overcome
your past trauma(s).

This class is part of a 5-part monthly series on
Mental Health issues we will be hosting at
Nampa Public Library from Dec 2019 - Apr 2020.

Other sessions will include:
Thursday, March 5th, 2020
Mental Health 101: Breaking Addiction and
Co-Dependency

Thursday, April 2nd, 2020
Mental Health 101: Managing Stress, Anxiety & Panic

https://www.facebook.com/events/699362824217137/

11/23/2019

If I Could Fly - FREE drama production presented by ISWAG Theater - 06/07 December 2019

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If I Could Fly - FREE drama production presented by ISWAG Theater
The Journey, 9105 W Overland Rd,
Boise, Idaho 83709, Boise
If I Could Fly is poignant play, written and directed by Greyson Snodgrass, dealing with the mental health struggles so prevalent in society today. The characters face their personal struggles with anxiety, depression
and suicide and find that, in the end, they are not alone. Despite how they feel, there is always hope. Admission to all performances is FREE, but
donations will be cheerfully accepted!

Dec 6th at 7pm, Dec 7th at 1pm & Dec 7th at 4pm.

https://www.facebook.com/events/436139017002712/
https://allevents.in/boise/if-i-could-fly-drama-production/200018102504355

11/22/2019

Mental Health 101: Support Your Mental Health During the Holidays Class - 05 December 2019

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Mental Health 101: Support Your Mental Health During the Holidays
Thursday, December 5th, 2019 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Nampa Public Library, 215 12th Ave. South,
Nampa, Idaho 83651
Join licensed professional counselor, Rebekah Rene Stearns, MA, LPC, of Nurturing Hope & Healing Counseling, LLC to learn how to Support Your Mental Health During the Holidays on Thursday, December 5th at 6:30 pm in Multipurpose Room B. A wide variety of factors can cause the holiday season to be to a time of increased stress, anxiety and depression. Gain coping and communication tools to help you maintain your
mental health. Find out how you can respond and cope well no matter what the holiday season brings.

This class is part of a 5-part monthly series on Mental Health issues we will be hosting at
Nampa Public Library from December 2019 - April 2020.

Other sessions will include:
Monday, January 6th, 2020 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm
Mental Health 101: Suicide Prevention & Awareness

Thursday, February 6th, 2020 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm
Mental Health 101: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Thursday, March 5th, 2020 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm
Mental Health 101: Breaking Addiction
and Co-Dependency

Thursday, April 2nd, 2020 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm -
Mental Health 101: Managing Stress, Anxiety & Panic

https://www.facebook.com/events/2470977339816712/