Winter has come and the holidays were filled with cheer. We hope you had an incredible time ringing in the New Year! As you danced to the jingle bell rock, sipped on hot cocoa and celebrated traditions, hopefully coming back to work has been a smooth transition. Reflecting on the time spent with family, loved ones and friends we wanted to share some things we recommend. Self-care, reflection, living with intention and love—starting off the New Year can be so much FUN! Listen to your body, advocate for your needs and take time to review….always remember that we are here for YOU! Learn more about different strategies for mental health and physical wellness with Ilene Strauss Cohen, Ph.D.. “Explore dynamic and practical strategies to maintain mental and physical wellness throughout the year, not just in the fleeting glow of New Year's resolution season.” Learn positive ways to promote your mental health and wellness in 2024! Here are 5 Ways to Care For Yourself in the New Year |
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First Responders and First Responder Families, please join us for a video presentation about “Post Traumatic Stress Injury, Know the Signs.” - In this training, we discuss what PTSI is, the signs of PTSI, and the support to empower it. Click here to watch the video. |
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Helping Veterans, Active Duty Personnel and First Responders with PTS |
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This research study will investigate the effectiveness of meditation and therapy as treatments for Posttraumatic Stress (PTS) among Veterans, Active Duty Military Members and First Responders. You may receive an intervention for your PTS symptoms in the form of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) or Present Centered Therapy (PCT) Neither intervention involves medication or discussing traumatic experiences. To learn more about the study, eligibility requirements, interventions and study partners – please visit https://www.ptsresearch.org/. The Center for Resilience: The Resilient Warrior Program For more than 15 years, our mission at the Center for Resilience of the David Lynch Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, has been to help eradicate Posttraumatic Stress (PTS) among veterans by offering the TM-based Resilient Warrior Program, a simple, easy-to-learn, evidence-based approach to relieving symptoms of PTS and major depression and developing greater resilience to stress. TM is an easy-to-learn, enjoyable-to-practice mental technique for deep relaxation and stress-reduction that has been successfully offered in medical schools, academic and VA medical centers, hospitals, military academies, substance abuse centers, prisons, and other settings. The TM technique is practiced for 15-20 minutes twice a day. To date, more than ten million people of all ages, nationalities, and religions have learned the technique. TM practice produces a unique neurophysiological state that combines deep metabolic rest with heightened mental alertness. This state of deep relaxation, which researchers have termed “restful alertness,” is a potent antidote to stress. Hundreds of peer-reviewed published studies on TM have documented improvements in a wide variety of stress-related disorders, as well as significant improvements in cognitive function and overall health and well-being. https://www.resilient-warriors.org/
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Tiny Ways To Instantly Create Extra Happiness In Your Life Did you know that there are nine simple practices to instantly boost happiness in daily life? These practices encourage small, mindful actions to cultivate gratitude, appreciation for nature, connection with loved ones, and self-care. They include soaking in sunlight, showing gratitude for water, savoring moments |
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with favorite drinks, cherishing relationships, acknowledging the body's strength, smiling at strangers, blessing the home's entry, and celebrating the week's end with joy. Additionally, you want to promote the idea of "sacred self-centeredness," emphasizing the importance of focusing on oneself compassionately and mindfully. The approach aims to achieve a holistic sense of well-being by incorporating mindfulness and care for the mind, body, heart, and spirit into daily routines. Learn more here. |
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Why Helping People Makes you Happy |
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We underestimate the power of our own generous actions," says Asha Curran, CEO of the global generosity movement GivingTuesday. Sharing stories of people making a difference through simple acts of kindness, she shows how generosity, even in its simplest forms, can be a transformative force and explains why we all benefit from a world grounded in giving. You can watch the entire video here. |
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About Asking 'How Are You?' When Greeting Someone |
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Using the commonality of asking "How are you?" as a conversation starter often results in surface-level responses, and hinders genuine connection. Psychologists highlight the issue with this generic question, explaining that it's habitual and lacks true concern, often leading to automatic, insincere replies and conversation cutoffs. This article explores the reasons behind using this default greeting, citing cultural norms and the avoidance of intimate inquiries with acquaintances. However, it suggests nine alternative phrases that foster deeper dialogue and genuine interest. These include getting specific about recent events in their lives, referencing time frames, asking about significant moments, showing active listening, expressing curiosity, inquiring about emotional highs and lows, exploring feelings, and emphasizing genuine care. Psychologists stress the importance of demonstrating sincere interest and compassion, urging individuals to use these phrases to initiate meaningful conversations and forge authentic connections instead of relying on the impersonal "How are you?" |
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Checking in and screening your mental health is an important part of your wellness, much like getting your annual physical. Wellness starts with YOU! Take a few minutes to learn about different resources, supportive services and support by learning more about your mental health and well-being. Access free mental health resources and promote your behavioral health and wellness! Online screening tools are meant to be a quick snapshot of your mental health. If your results indicate you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, consider sharing your results with someone. A mental health provider (such as a doctor or a therapist) can give you a full assessment and talk to you about options for how to feel better. This website is an informational resource. We are not a crisis support line. If you need immediate help, you can reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or using the chat box at 988lifeline.org/chat. You can also text “MHA” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. Warmlines are an excellent place for non-crisis support. https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/
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First Responder Suicide Prevention Training |
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San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council, in collaboration with Fire Captain Ryan J. Mitchell's First Responders Behavioral Health Support Program, is hosting a First |
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Responder Suicide Prevention Training. This free, 1-hour training helps prepare First Responders to prevent suicide by raising awareness about factors of suicide, learning conversation tools for suicide prevention, discussing resources, understanding factors of suicide, and identifying how to appropriately respond. Who should attend? Those who represent the First Responder population including Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, EMS, Dispatch, Lifeguard, CERT, or other emergency response communities. |
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Group Presentation: Reducing Stigma |
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Resiliency is a top priority in the First Responder community. First Responders are at a greater risk for experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety due to repeated exposure to trauma. Many First Responders are hesitant to seek help because of the stigma surrounding mental health. Our staff provides county-funded in-person & Zoom presentations to educate First Responders about stigma, resiliency & wellness, |
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recognize its impact, and provide tools to reduce stigma and promote wellness within the First Responder community. Our team is working to promote prevention and support First Responders – creating custom presentations to meet department needs. Contact us today to request an in-person or Zoom presentation. For more information, please visit us at: www.sdfirstrespondersprogram.org 1-833-YU-FIRST (1-833-983-4778) |
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This program is funded by the County of San Diego/HHSA |
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