Honoring First Responders

Dive into an inspiring recorded presentation on honoring our First Responders! Taylor Valdivia, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Program Manager for the First Responder Behavioral Health Support Program, guides you through the special days and weeks dedicated to celebrating those who keep us safe. This informative video covers National First Responders Day and recognition weeks for dispatchers, EMS personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and lifeguards. Learn about the history of these observances and discover meaningful ways to show your appreciation for these everyday heroes. Whether you're a first responder yourself or simply want to understand more about their crucial work, this recorded session offers valuable insights and ideas for supporting those who dedicate their lives to our communities. Watch now to gain a deeper appreciation for our First Responders and find out how you can make a difference in their lives! Click here to see the full video presentation.

Rethinking the 'Stoic' Man:

Embracing Emotions for Improved Well-Being

The common perception is that men tend to have more practical, task-oriented conversations with the people in their lives, often focusing on topics like finances and chores, rather than engaging in more emotional or personal discussions. This stereotype suggests that men are less inclined to open up about their feelings and deeper thoughts in their interpersonal relationships. This is because society expects men to be tough and not show emotions.

However, this idea of being "stoic" all the time is actually harmful for men. The article suggests that men should instead learn to accept and express their emotions in healthy ways. This includes:

• Talking openly about their feelings, even if it's just to a pet.

• Making decisions that balance logic and emotions.

• Doing physical or creative activities to let out strong emotions.

The key is for men to understand that emotions are normal and natural, not something to completely control or hide. By dealing with emotions in a healthy way, men can become emotionally stronger and have better relationships.

Reinterpreting the idea of being "stoic" in this way can help men improve their emotional well-being. Read more here.

3 Daily Habits Holding You Back:

How to Live with Purpose and Passion

I want to share with you three common habits that often distract us from what truly matters in life. These include treating each day as "just another day" instead of living intentionally, waiting to "find" passion rather than actively cultivating it, and being overly controlling instead of accepting things as they are. To overcome these habits, I suggest eliminating

If you'd like to dive deeper into these concepts and explore more detailed insights and practical advice, I invite you to read the full article here.

6 Practical Ways to Build Self-Confidence

(Even If It Doesn't Come Naturally)

If you somehow managed to emerge from your teenage years as a fully self-assured adult, congratulations - you're one of the lucky ones. For the rest of us, developing confidence can be a real challenge, thanks to factors like trauma, bullying, and societal expectations that can make it hard to feel self-assured.

The good news is that confidence is a learned skill, and there are effective ways to start trusting in your own capabilities and judgment. First, don't be afraid to mess up - reframe mistakes as opportunities to grow and evolve. Secondly, make a list of your weaknesses, then counter each one with a corresponding strength. This helps shift the focus away from negative self-talk.

Additionally, be kind to yourself and stand up to your inner critic by reframing disparaging thoughts. Engage in activities you're naturally good at to remind yourself of your talents. And pay attention to your body language - small adjustments like sitting up straight or speaking more slowly can help project confidence, even if you don't fully feel it yet.

Finally, face your smaller fears gradually. Overcoming lower-stakes challenges can inspire you to take on bigger risks and opportunities, ultimately building up your self-assurance over time. The key is to keep chipping away at self-doubt, one step at a time.

Read the full article here

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, we stand united in strength, compassion, and unwavering hope. To every warrior facing this challenge: you are not alone. Your resilience lights the way for us all. We form an unbreakable chain of support, illuminating the path towards a world free from breast cancer. Press on, hold fast to hope, and know that together, we're bringing that cancer-free future into view.

💗 #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #TogetherWeRise

Meeting of the Minds

Meeting of the Minds is set to return on Thursday, October 10th at 8am at Marina Village Conference Center, promising an enriching experience for all attendees. This annual behavioral health conference and resource fair, centered around the 2024 theme "Unity in Conflict: Thriving Through Change," showcases innovative and unique approaches to mental health treatment and supportive care. Participants can look forward to a diverse workshop schedule, networking opportunities with professionals in the field, and access to information on individual registration and sponsorship levels. The event promotes collaboration, cooperation, and understanding related to mental health, while also offering continuing education opportunities for professionals. The resource fair component allows attendees to explore new approaches in care and connect with various service providers. This comprehensive gathering serves as a vital platform for advancing the field of behavioral health, fostering unity among practitioners, and equipping participants with tools to navigate and thrive amidst changing landscapes in mental health care.

For more information, click here.

First Responders - In the Beginning

This presentation covers the history and evolution of First Responders, focusing on San Diego’s firefighters and law enforcement. It traces firefighting from ancient Rome to modern times, and law enforcement from early city marshals to professional police departments. The talk highlights the founding of San Diego's Fire and Police Departments in 1889, and the Sheriff's Department in 1850, showing their transition from volunteer to professional services. It concludes with a look at technological advancements in firefighting and policing.

Group Presentation: Reducing Stigma

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, and recognizing its impact, and providing 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.

This program is funded by the County of San Diego/HHSA