Oasis Center for Wellbeing

12/15/2022

(Trigger warning: allusion to su***de)

Let's practice as much as we can, especially during this holiday season. We don't know what's going on in the lives and minds of people we follow on , of our neighbors, of our friends, or even of our loved ones. Outward appearances sometimes mask internal struggles. Lead with kindness whenever possible.

If you're struggling or know someone who's struggling with their and having suicidal thoughts, reach out and speak to someone at .

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline), and is now active across the United States.

12/07/2022

December is National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month, and while that certainly sounds lovely, having family holidays without seems like... kind of a lofty goal, if not nearly impossible, right?

If you've experienced stress around the , you're not alone! Per the American Psychological Association, "over 38 percent ... felt increased levels of , , and and reported more during the ." Additionally, NAMI found that "people living with mental health disorders felt that their symptoms and conditions worsened around the holidays." (Source: Psychology Today, "Minding Your Mental Health This Holiday Season," November, 2022)

If you're feeling stress rise up during this season, Dr. Paula Durlofsky, Ph.D., recommends the following:

- Identify your holiday .
- Give yourself permission to feel your .
- Limit or take a break from .
- Be patient with yourself.
- Practice .
- Reach out.
- If needed, talk with a .

Read more about Dr. Durlofsky's tips in the article below. And if you find you do need additional during what can be a challenging season for some, please know ARC Professional Group is here to help (www.multicoach.org).

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/logged-in-and-stressed-out/202211/minding-your-mental-health-holiday-season #:~:text=A%20survey%20conducted%20by%20the%20American%20Psychological%20Association,reported%20more%20substance%20abuse%20during%20the%20holiday%20season.

Feeling stressed, lonely, or sad around the holidays? A few changes can help.

11/30/2022

It's been a tough year for many folks. On this , maybe those of us who are able will take New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof's advice: "This holiday season, instead of giving your Aunt Sue and Uncle Bill one more scarf and tie to languish in the closet, how about making contributions in their names to help children in need?"

Kristof includes worthy charitable organizations in his column: https://lnkd.in/gXvjeU8c

And, from a perspective, consider donating to one of these strong advocates for :

- Mental Health America (https://lnkd.in/gTvm77nM)
- The Kennedy Forum (https://lnkd.in/gmnp_awE)

Support The Kennedy Forum in uniting mental health advocates, business leaders, and policymakers around a common set of principles, including full implementation of the Federal Parity Law.

11/29/2022

Today on World Compassion Day, remember to also have for yourself.

“When we fully accept the reality that we are imperfect human beings, prone to make mistakes and struggle, our hearts naturally begin to soften.” Kristin Neff & Christopher Germer, "The Transformative Effects of Mindful Self-Compassion"

11/23/2022

President Biden recently proclaimed November 2022 as (see full statement below). Having been a for family members, I not only understand the crucial role caregivers play for their loved ones, but also the that sometimes accompanies caregiving. As we enter into the holiday season, I hope can find time to relax, enjoy the season with their loved ones, and find support themselves when they need it.

Please visit acl.gov (https://lnkd.in/gPTxwNXA) for more information about this important month, including links to resources from the Caregiver Action Network (CAN).


Statement by President Biden:

"During National Family Caregivers Month, we recognize the love and sacrifice of more than 50 million Americans providing crucial care and medical assistance to parents, children, siblings, and other loved ones, ensuring their health and dignity.

Today, far too many Americans find themselves sandwiched between the enormous tasks of supporting aging parents, raising young children, and earning a living. Others bear the responsibility of caring for loved ones with a disability or looking after wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans who have sacrificed so much for us all. The truth is, at some point in our lives, each of us will likely need to be a family caregiver — but the burden falls especially hard on those who cannot afford support. Women, people of color, and immigrants shoulder a disproportionate share of the obligation, sometimes forced to leave good jobs to instead provide care. Their work is a profound service to their families and to our Nation, but they are still too often unseen, undervalued, and unpaid.

No one should have to choose between a paycheck and looking after a loved one. My Administration is committed to easing that squeeze on working families and getting caregivers the resources and respect they deserve. The Department of Health and Human Services’ National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers outlines nearly 350 actions the Federal Government can take to support family caregivers’ health, well-being, and financial security. Our American Rescue Plan provided $145 million to help the National Family Caregiver Support Program deliver counseling, training, and short-term relief to family and other informal care providers. We have expanded the Department of Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers so more veteran caregivers have the financial and mental health support they deserve, and we helped launch the “Hidden Helpers” initiative to serve the 2.3 million children now living with a disabled veteran. Meanwhile, we have pushed the Congress to lower child and elder care costs across the country and provide paid family and medical leave. We have more to do to win that fight, and I will not give up..."

October 28, 2022 About the Observance Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers.....

11/18/2022

Content Warning: Mention of su***de.

Tomorrow (Saturday, November 19th) is International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day. This is an event "in which survivors of su***de loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience. Whether you have struggled with su***de yourself or have lost a loved one, know you are not alone." Visit the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention's website to learn more (www.afsp.org).

And, per my post last month, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is a nationwide resource providing free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

#988 is a national network of local crisis centers committed to improving crisis services and advancing su***de prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. To learn more, visit 988lifeline.org ***deprevention ***deawareness

We can all help prevent su***de. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

11/16/2022

Every November, the National Career Development Association ( ) promotes through its annual celebration of . Today, on National Career Development Day, I think we can all agree has significantly impacted careers and work in general and has highlighted the importance of addressing in the workplace.

The American Psychological Association (APA) provides resources about psychological science and how it "can inform how we optimize the workplace in a changing world, from supporting employee well-being to improving employee motivation, job satisfaction, and organizational efficiency" (source: apa.org). Click below to find out more about in the workplace.

https://www.apa.org/topics/workplace

Psychological science can inform how we optimize the workplace in a changing world, from supporting employee well-being to improving employee motivation, job satisfaction, and organizational efficiency.

11/10/2022

In our work, we find it's important to acknowledge how our actions (or inactions) may have harmed others and/or damaged a relationship. At ARC Professional Group (www.multicoach.org), we believe apologizing or making reparations is essential to sustaining viable , , even relationships with .

There's sound reasoning behind the emphasis in Alcoholics Anonymous on making amends. But repairing damage applies to all of us. It helps us sustain relationships of all sorts - which are essential to our - and helps us be our better selves.

And there's research on the value of making apologies; click below to listen the American Psychological Association's : https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/apologize

Karina Schumann, PhD, discusses why apologies matter, what makes for a good, effective apology and what makes for a bad one.

10/28/2022

Continuing the theme of from my post yesterday, please join me in reaping the rewards of sending "postcard photos" to friends and family.

I carry my camera with me and stop to take photos, usually of striking or amusing scenes in nature. Then I send them to various people, including one of my best friends from college...even my husband!

My friend from college grew up sailing on Lake Michigan so I like to send her photos of the lake. She appreciates that, unlike a text or email, she feels no pressure to reply. But she knows I'm thinking of her.

Learn more on the scientific support for taking and sharing mindful photos from "Well+Being" (e-newsletter published by the Washington Post):

"Jaime Kurtz, professor of psychology at James Madison University has studied mindful photography.

Her advice: Cultivate gratitude by taking a daily photo of something you appreciate and sharing it.

Why you should try it: Noticing your surroundings and appreciating them is called savoring, and it’s associated with overall happiness and well-being. In one small study, college students were instructed to take pictures of meaningful things they saw throughout their day. A control group of students was asked to use phone cameras to take random pictures of bike ramps and other objects on campus. The students who took mindful photos were happier with college life than those in the control group.

How to do it: Notice the world around you, whether you’re at work, on a train or taking a walk outdoors. When it strikes your fancy — take a photo. It could be a flower, a funny moment on the street or your cup of coffee. The act of taking the photo allows your mind to pause on your feeling of gratitude."
(Source: "Well+Being," Washington Post, 10/13/22)

10/26/2022

With the fraught coming up on November 8th, I forwarded the article below (by the renowned meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg), to a friend whose wife gets pushed quite literally to her limit with our country's political divide.

We may not all feel like our sanity is tested by the upcoming election... but we may find conversations challenging (impossible?) with those we differ with politically.

We may find it hard to take in news of politics in this country -- and abroad.

Or maybe we fear a totalitarian future in this country yet feel helpless to stem the authoritarian tide.

If you're at all or worried about the upcoming , you might also want to check out the wise words of Sharon Salzberg (via Ten Percent Happier) who offers insights into how to navigate the fray -- with : https://lnkd.in/gbcvzMdt

And since considered action is a great antidote to the profound existential challenge of helplessness, if you want to feel less hopeless, get out and your conscience!

The next several weeks, as we in the United States enter a highly contentious election season, will ask all of us some challenging questions: How do you remain engaged in civic life, even if you’re tired or frustrated? How can we connect to something larger than the small-minded views the world ma...

10/25/2022

October is . This Month's mission is to bring awareness to the fact that (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a serious public health issue, and to "educate the public about ADHD by disseminating reliable information based on the of science and peer-reviewed research." (Source: www.adhdawarenessmonth.org)

ADHD Awareness Month also seeks to dispel damaging about ADHD; in other words, harmful stories that perpetuate and pain. Go to the section on their site to learn more: https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/myths-and-facts-about-adhd/

The theme for ADHD Awareness Month 2022 is "Understanding a Shared Experience." We likely all know someone -- or we are that someone -- who has been diagnosed with ADHD. If you or a loved one are seeking support, we at ARC are here to help (www.multicoach.org).

Under the direction of Sarah Warren, Phd, the Evanston-based ARC team offers high-caliber, multidisciplinary, team-based mental health services and wellness support to adolescents, adults, couples, families and their advisors and attorneys. With a strong emphasis on personality assessment, team memb...

10/24/2022

October is . Through October 31st, the highlights the life-saving and life-changing services that YWCA offers to . Since 1985, YWCA has supported survivors with direct services, prevention, and education to help end the trauma of abuse.

Your support helps makes this possible! The "Every 9 Seconds: YWCA Challenge to End Domestic Violence" will keep critical services available for survivors. Donate here:

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. At YWCA Evanston/North Shore, this means a month-long, all-out effort to raise awareness about domestic violence, and raise funds to support survivors and their children.