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12/17/2024

The Power In Your Story - FREE Community Event - 29 Jan 2025

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The Power In Your Story - FREE Community Event hosted by Connection is the Cure - 29 Jan 2025
The Power In Your Story - FREE Community Event
Doors open at 5:00 PM
Preshow by 'Almost Famous' at 6:00 PM
Event from 6:30 to 8:30 PM
 Don't miss the Connection is the Cure Mental Health Awareness Event! 
Join Connection is the Cure on January 29, 2025 at the Ford Idaho Center for an unforgettable evening
featuring Elizabeth Smart as the keynote speaker and live music by The National Parks Band! 
This FREE event
​is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and the power of connection. 
Get your tickets now!
VIP and reserved seating options are also available for purchase.

Visit www.connectionisthecureidaho.org for more info and to reserve your spot today!

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10/24/2024

Courageous Survival Mental Health Symposium - 08 Nov 2024

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Courageous Survival Mental Health Symposium Friday, November 8, 2024, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM MST Nampa Civic Center,  311 3rd St S, Nampa, Idaho 83651
Courageous Survival Mental Health Symposium
Friday, November 8, 2024, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM MST
Nampa Civic Center,  311 3rd St S, Nampa, Idaho 83651
Calling all first responders, military/veterans, and those who care for them.
You are invited to the Courageous Survival Mental Health Symposium on Friday, November 8, 2024, from
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM MST at the Nampa Civic Center for an impactful day of mental health education, connection, and healing. 
Co-hosted by the Nampa Fire & Police Departments, this event features national ​& local speakers, break-out classes, interactive trainings, breathwork sessions, and a special Veterans Day Tribute.
Training Credits: Idaho POST & Fire/EMS (7 hours)
CEUs Available: QPR Suicide Intervention Training
Let's raise awareness for suicide prevention, honor the fallen, and provide life-saving resources
for our Everyday Heroes and their families.

Register today to be part of this life-changing event: www.tinyurl.com/CourageousMH
For sponsorship or resource partner information, contact: [email protected] 
​or call 
1-866-274-4324 ext. 0

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8/23/2024

Movement & Mental Health Event - 25 Aug 2024

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Movement & Mental Health Event Sunday, August 25, 2024 Fleet Feet, 3573 E Longwing Lane, Meridian, Idaho 83646
Movement & Mental Health Event
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Fleet Feet, 3573 E Longwing Lane, Meridian, Idaho 83646
Discover how movement, goal setting, and community can boost your mental wellness at the Movement &
Mental Health event! 
Join the community for an inspiring event hosted by Trail Fridays in partnership with
Fleet Feet Treasure Valley. Open to all fitness levels—from elite athletes to beginners—this event offers valuable insights, inspiration, and practical tips to get moving, enhance your well-being, and achieve your goals. 
Hear from three remarkable speakers who will share their personal stories and discuss the profound impact of movement, goal setting, and connection on mental wellness:

- September Dilgard-Frogley: Founder of Connection Is The Cure, dedicated to raising awareness
about mental health and suicide prevention. 
- 
Megan Lacy: Owner of Fleet Feet Treasure Valley and Team USA Elite Athlete, sharing her journey of overcoming eating disorders, depression, and anxiety to promote an active lifestyle. 
- 
Kylee Wiscombe: Founder of Gr8ter, an ultrarunner who transformed her life after being diagnosed with a
​severe mental illness 
and now helps others navigate their mental health challenges.
Schedule of Events:
4:00 pm - Trail Fridays Shopping Night 
5:00 pm - Refreshments Served 
5:15 pm - Welcome & Guest Speakers 
6:30 pm - Door Prizes and Farewells
Don't miss this prime opportunity to connect with inspiring individuals, gain valuable insights, and
support a great cause. ​Special guests and local nonprofits will also be there to share information
​about their mental health programs and upcoming events.

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7/26/2024

Mental Health Academy's 2024 Suicide Prevention Conference - August 24 - 25, 2024

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 Mental Health Academy's 2024 Suicide Prevention Conference August 24 - 25, 2024
 Mental Health Academy's 2024 Suicide Prevention Conference
August 24 - 25, 2024
The Mental Health Academy's Suicide Prevention Conference is a pivotal event dedicated to addressing and advancing strategies in suicide prevention. Bringing together leading experts, practitioners, and advocates, this conference provides a comprehensive platform for learning and discussion on cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and effective interventions. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest developments in mental health support, share best practices, and collaborate on strategies to enhance community and individual resilience. With a focus on actionable knowledge and practical solutions, the conference aims to equip participants with the tools and understanding needed to make a meaningful impact in the field of suicide prevention.
https://www.mentalhealthacademy.net/suicideprevention

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6/13/2024

Never Give Up Outdoor Fitness Community Event - 22 Jun 2024

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Never Give Up Outdoor Fitness Community Event  June 22, 2024 from 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Never Give Up Outdoor Fitness Community Event
 June 22, 2024 from 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Cultural Center (formerly known as HCC), 315 Stampede Drive, Nampa, ID 83687

All are invited to the "NEVER GIVE UP" Outdoor Fitness Community Event for a slim shady time full of fun, activities, prizes, music and exercise an a lot of information! This is a FREE community event aimed at
encouraging our community to stay active and bring awareness to mental health.
Expect: 
Vendors, prizes, & snacks. Let's come together, get moving, and support each other! 
Hosted by: Super Nutrition, GFS Home Loans, McAlvain Companies Inc.
Don't forget to share your photos and tag @SuperNutrition
Learn more at: 
https://www.facebook.com/SuperNutrition1422/

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9/11/2023

Suicide Prevention Week - Sept 10-16, 2023

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Suicide Prevention Week September 10-16, 2023
Suicide Prevention Week
September 10-16, 2023
September is Suicide Prevention Month in the USA, with National Suicide Prevention Week from
September 10-16, 2023, and World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. During this month,
week and day, individuals and organizations will be drawing attention to the problem of suicide
and advocating the prevention of this tragedy. 
It’s a time to share resources and stories and promote
suicide prevention awareness. All around the nation, suicide prevention organizations will conduct
prevention and awareness events. 
In 2021, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for
people ages 10-64
. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34. 
Suicide is a national health crisis. Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect
anyone regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or background. Suicide is sometimes the result
of a mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal
and often indicate more serious issues. Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support the
Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline. Even $5 or $10 would make a difference and could help save lives! 
​
To donate, visit www.idahocrisis.org/donate. If you or a loved one need to talk, call ICSH now.
You don't have to be suicidal to call.  Someone is always here for you on the other end of the line.
Call or text 988 or visit 
www.idahocrisis.org to chat online.  

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5/1/2023

May is Mental Health Awareness Month - 2023

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and thank goodness for that!
Mental wellness is being challenged massively with the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the
climate crisis, on top of everyday stressors. 
Whether or not we have been diagnosed with a mental illness,
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
support. 
Let's #starttheconvo and work to #endthestigma so we can #bethereforeachother in ways that
are real and meaningful. 
If you are struggling please reach out for support.

Here are some resources to help:

The Crisis Textline 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 988 for support!

The Depression & Crisis Hotline, offers help at 1-800-784-2433.
Veterans Crisis Line is available at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or Text 838255.
Emotional Health Relief Hotline has caregivers available 10am-10pm MST, 1-833-442-2211.
Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline is available 24/7, call 988 or 208-398-HELP (4357).
The Crisis Hotline, Serving Southern and Southeastern Idaho, 24/7, 208-788-3596.

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

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4/26/2023

NAMI Walks Idaho - 20 may 2023

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NAMI Walks Idaho Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 12:00 PM at Ann Morrison Park, in Boise, Idaho.
NAMI Walks Idaho
Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 12:00 PM at Ann Morrison Park, in Boise, Idaho.

Participate in NAMI Walks and support the mental health movement in Idaho!
NAMI Walks is a free 5k(ish), run/walk/stroll on the beautiful Boise Greenbelt, with an opportunity for fellowship and advocacy in support of a great cause
- Register for free, gather your team, and earn NAMI swag with each level of fundraising.
- Represent your organization. Dress up, bring your signs, and help us de-stigmatize mental illness!
- Honor and support your friends and family dealing with mental health issues.
- Support NAMI programs and services in YOUR community. Every penny raised stays in Idaho!
Join them on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 12:00 PM (Noon) at Ann Morrison Park, in Boise, Idaho.
Register today at www.tinyurl.com/NamiWalksID2023

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1/25/2023

Construction Working Minds Summit - Mar 27-29, 2023

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 Construction Working Minds Summit
 Construction Working Minds Summit: A Holistic Approach To Job-Site Safety
Register soon as the EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ENDS on January 27th!
Pre-conference Sessions: Monday, March 27th, 2023
Summit: Tuesday-Wednesday, March 28-29, 2023
Kansas City, Missouri at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center 
Construction Working Minds Summit: A Holistic Approach To Job-Site Safety will be hosted
by ​the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention & United Suicide 
Survivors International
from March 27-29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. 
The goals of the
 summit are: 
1. To connect the dots among other wellbeing, health and safety priorities
and mental health (e.g., DEI, physical health, etc.)

2. To share lessons learned in building industry capacity and scaling implementation
3. 
To strengthen strategic alliances across the movement and establish collaborative partnerships
Who: All advocates for construction workers well-being
What: Speakers Roundtable Discussions, Case Studies, Best Practices, and more!
How Much: With Early Bird Discount - $100, After Early Bird - $150
Where: Westin Kansas City at Crown Center (downtown), 1 E Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108
For discounted rates, book by February 28th.
Register for the summit at: 
https://www.constructionworkingminds.org/summit

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4/13/2022

Bend Not Break: Suicide Prevention Concert - 13 May 2022

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Bend Not Break: Suicide Prevention Concert May 7, 2022 at Maverik Center in a West Valley City, Utah
Bend Not Break: Suicide Prevention Concert
Rescheduled to May 13, 2022 at Maverik Center in a West Valley City, Utah
Concert starts at 7:00 PM. Doors Open at 6:00 PM.

America's Got Talent Alumni Alex Boyé, known for his dynamic African-infused music that has gained over 1 billion views on YouTube is using his voice to shine a light on mental health and suicide prevention. Join Alex and friends on May 7th. at Maverik Center for Utah’s first ever Utah Suicide Prevention Concert. Utah has the 6th highest suicide rate in the U.S. On average, someone dies by suicide every 13 hours in the state of Utah. We can’t be silent anymore when it comes to mental health simply because it might be uncomfortable. The cost of silence is TOO HIGH. The concept is simple; to normalize and encourage ongoing conversations about mental health within schools, the workplace, churches and throughout the community. These concerts to help build connection with mental health experts, provide support and healing in our community. This will be an unforgettable night that
will feed your soul in ways you didn’t think you needed. This is not just a concert. It will be an experience.

THIS CONCERT IS FREE AND IS BEING DONATED VIA CORPORATE SPONSORS.

If you are your company would like to be a co-sponsor, contact 801-427-7439 for more information.

If you are a mental health organization or a therapist group/Individual and would like to set up a
booth at the event; contact 
Jackie at The Maverik Center at 801-988-8843.

For more info on Alex’s foundation and his purpose, go to: https://lnkd.in/gP5QXiuQ

Tickets will be Free Admission and will be available to the public starting Wednesday February 9th at 10AM. Limited seating available on a first come first serve basis. Grab your FREE tickets at: www.maverikcenter.com

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4/8/2022

The Mental Wellness Connection Online Summit - April 18 - 24, 2022

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The Mental Wellness Connection Online Summit April 18 - 24, 2022
The Mental Wellness Connection Online Summit
April 18 - 24, 2022

The Mental Wellness Connection is a FREE online summit taking place April 18th-24th 
that aims to answer these questions and much more. It’s full of practical wisdom and
simple but powerful pathways to improving your mental health from a root cause
perspective and accelerate your healing potential on all fronts.


This transformative summit can help you:
- Identify and address the underlying causes of any mental health challenges you may be facing
- Harness the restorative and nourishing power of sleep
- Stabilize and boost your energy and motivation
- Understand the brain-gut connection
- Find natural solutions for depression, anxiety, and ADHD outside of outdated healthcare paradigms
- Implement diet, detox, and nutrition strategies into your daily routine
And much more!
​

This event is particularly special because it brings together a panel of the world’s most trusted mental health advocates including doctors, therapists, nutritionists, energy workers, and more. You won’t just learn valuable ways to improve your diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene—you’ll also discover the science behind how your gut, mitochondria, and more impact your mental health moment to moment. In other words, you’ll come away with a big picture understanding of WHY your body and mind are connected, as well as exactly HOW you can nurture this relationship to experience greater purpose, joy, and connection in life.
Register for the FREE at:  https://mentalwellness.byhealthmeans.com/

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12/26/2021

Connection Is The Cure Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention concert event - 05 Jun 2021

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Connection Is The Cure
Wednesday, January 5, 2022 
Ford Idaho Center Arena - 16114 N. Idaho Center Blvd., Nampa, ID 83687

FREE ADMISSION, No tickets required
Doors & resource booths open at 5:30 PM
On-stage event begins at 6:30 PM

All are welcome to attend this mental health awareness and suicide
​prevention concert event featuring Alex Boyé: 
Connection Is The Cure on
Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at the Ford Idaho Center Arena.
For more information visit: 
https://www.connectionisthecureidaho.org/

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12/9/2021

Preventing a Crisis: Straight Talk on Youth Mental Health & Suicide - 15 Dec 2021

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Preventing a Crisis: Straight Talk on Youth Mental Health & Suicide, 15 Dec 2021 at 6:00 PM MST
Preventing a Crisis: Straight Talk on Youth Mental Health & Suicide
Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM MST
Northwest Nazarene University Brandt Center Auditorium
623 S. University Blvd. Nampa, Idaho 83651

Due to recent deaths by suicide among our Canyon County students, we need to have a serious conversation
with parents and guardians about youth mental health including anxiety, depression, and suicide.
​This adults-only conversation will highlight prevention and intervention resources and strategies.

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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/

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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

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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.

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2/11/2021

Do People Hide Their Grief Over Overdose-Related Deaths Because of Addiction-Related Stigmas?

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Do People Hide Their Grief Over Overdose-Related Deaths Because of Addiction-Related Stigmas?
Bottle of Oxycodone on its side with pills spilled out onto the table
Drug addiction is a severe health danger that can put people at a high risk of many health issues. Sadly, many individuals die from overdoses every year, and their loved ones may struggle to understand this situation. Even worse, stigmas on addiction may make this mourning process and treatments such as rehab for mental illness harder to process appropriately.

Addiction-Related Stigmas Exist

Stigmas can be tough to fight because they are often so ingrained in culture and how people perceive the world. For example, stigmas about addiction – and other mental health illnesses – can paint a damaging picture. The idea that a person with an addiction is "weak" or "immoral" is widespread, and so is the idea that they "deserve" to suffer from addiction.

These stigmas are a real issue because they create a feeling of otherness to those with an addiction. This scenario strips them of their humanity and can make it harder for people to feel sympathy for them. Unfortunately, these stigmas can affect the loved ones of a person who has an addiction and make that individual's overdose death harder to mourn or accept.

Whether that loved one feels unable to mourn due to stigmas placed on the situation by others or by themselves is irrelevant – a stigma is a stigma. These feelings make it harder for a person to mourn a loved one. Instead of healing, they might face a challenging journey that may affect their recovery and cause a high level of emotional suffering that refuses to go away.

Why People Hide Grief

Many people hide grief over a loved one's death, an emotional reaction that is understandable but ultimately unhealthy. The reasons for this behavior can be quite complex, particularly if an individual experienced conflict with the person who passed. Overdose deaths might make a person's struggles with mourning even more difficult.
First of all, a person might disown a loved one with an addiction and may not recognize them in their life. Or, loved ones might be mourning a person with an addiction before they die because their addiction has changed the person and their lives so drastically. An individual may feel shame from others in their community and deal with their shame by hiding their mourning and depression.

But unprocessed emotions can challenge a person, making it difficult for them to move on from a loss. Even though they don't publicly – or even personally – admit to their grief, it exists. Left to fester, negative emotions such as grief can worsen and cause more damaging emotional health issues. Therefore, it is essential to fight addiction stigmas and process death properly.

Ways to Fight Stigma

Fighting the stigma against addiction starts by understanding your emotions. Sometimes people do not realize that they feel stigmas or behave in ways that may upset or damage their loved ones. For instance, individuals may use language that is very negative towards addiction and people with this disease, which may affect how they think about it.

This type of language includes terms such as addict, junkie, user, or drunk. These terms are harmful and can create a stigma in a person's mind. The terms put the disease before the person by defining them by it. As a result, those who use these terms reinforce the mistaken belief that a person with addiction chooses to be addicted, worsening their stigma.

Instead, it is crucial to understand that addiction is a disease, one that requires professional rehab help to combat. People do not choose to be addicted and they aren’t solely defined by their addictions. They are people who also have addictions to drugs or alcohol, not addicts, junkies, or drunks.

Accepting these distinctions can make it easier for a person to grieve their loved ones and adequately mourn them. Remember – mourning is an essential part of recovery after death, and removing addiction stigmas may allow a person to accept death and avoid hiding their emotions.

Ways You Can Help

If someone is suffering from grief due to the overdose death of a loved one, you could suggest that they talk with a therapist or another professional. By talking with therapists, people can explore and express their feelings without judgement. Therapists can help people acknowledge their grief while helping them navigate their new lives without their loved ones. Support groups can also provide assistance. Groups such as Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing (GRASP) include members who have suffered similar losses. GRASP notes that people sometimes treat addiction-related deaths differently, so it “was created to offer understanding, compassion, and support for those who have lost someone they love through addiction and overdose.”

There are grief support groups in specific geographic areas and ones that allow people to meet virtually or use online services to share and find information. The groups provide support and let people know that they’re not alone. They remind people that others have had similar experiences and are willing to help.

Assistance can also come in other forms. Instead of asking a grieving person what you can do, do something. You can:
  • Bring them meals.
  • Buy them gift cards to their favorite stores or restaurants.
  • Do chores for them.
  • Listen to them.

You can also help them find resources that address grief. Grief can be overwhelming. Helping people find some information can help them -- and you -- better understand what might be happening.

Just talking can also provide assistance. People might be worried that grieving people don’t want to talk about their loved ones, but the opposite is often true. By sharing stories and memories about their loved one, you allow people to discuss their grief and what their loved one meant to them.

By helping people take control of their emotional health, you give them a better chance to be happy and healthy. Just as importantly, they can give their loved ones the love and attention they need so they can also mourn and address their emotions.

Author bio: Patrick Bailey is a professional writer mainly in the fields of mental health, addiction, and living in recovery. He attempts to stay on top of the latest news in the addiction and the mental health world and enjoys writing about these topics to break the stigma associated with them. 


Sources
​

drugabuse.gov – Addressing the Stigma That Surrounds Addiction
drugabuse.gov – Words Matter – Terms to Use and Avoid When Talking About Addiction
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Understanding Stigma of Mental and Substance Use Disorders
ncbi.nlm.nlh.gov – Grief and Mourning Gone Awry: Pathway and Course of Complicated Grief
grieflink.org.au – Unrecognized or Hidden Grief
samhsa.gov – The Power of Perceptions and Understand: Changing How We Deliver Treatment and Recovery Services
grasphelp.org - About Us (GRASP)
mygriefconnection.org - In-Person Support Groups
medlineplus.gov - Bereavement
cdc.gov - Grief and Loss

 

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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/

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5/17/2020

Finding the Right Grief Therapist or Counselor

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Picture
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

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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

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    Sara J. Cobb

    Founder, My Grief Connection 

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