PeerGalaxy Calendar
Welcome to PeerGalaxy Calendar featuring over 82,000 monthly offerings of FREE telephone- and online-accessible peer support, recovery support + wellness activities!
Over 30+ warmlines plus webinars, workshops, job postings, special events, consumer input opportunities and more.
WE ARE PEER FOR YOU!
Click the Accessibility Button on the right side, halfway down in the middle, for enhanced viewing and/or access options! Click the Translate Button in the lower left corner for language options.
Your use of this site is subject to the Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions of Use. Reminder: Fees or charges may be charged by your carrier for sending or receiving SMS text messaging, phone, or data.
If you have an event to add, email us: webmail@peergalaxy.com
Training Opportunities in July 2020
List Provided Courtesy of State of Oregon, Oregon Health Authority
Click here to download PDF Format, 16 pages
How Events are Sorted:
First, at the top of the list: Disaster Hotline & Oregon Safe + Strong Helpline.
Next in the list: Bundled “All Day” Events for organizations with events happening at multiple times throughout the day and/or in many formats or locations; these are bundled into a single listing to prevent endless scrolling. Usually these offer a lookup by zip code or other criteria.
Lastly, Time-Specific Events listed by start time from 12:01am early morning to 11:59pm late night. Warmlines and places east of Oregon’s time zone tend to start earlier (e.g. 4am in Oregon is 7am in New York).
Resources for Families and Children Facing Tragic Events
Racial Stress – Racism – Hate Crimes
Helpful Resources to Address the Mass Shooting in Uvalde, Texas
Many thanks to Michelle Zabel, MSS, Assistant Dean, and Director, The Institute for Innovation and Implementation, for compiling this list of resources in response to the horrific mass shooting in Texas earlier this week.
Helping Young People Cope With Mental Health Challenges
Vox Media’s NowThis is linking arms with Ken Burns and PBS to share an upcoming documentary titled “Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness.” Scenes from the forthcoming film will be shared across NowThis social platforms throughout Mental Health Awareness Month in May. NowThis will host a live TikTok conversation about the topic, as well. The goal, Burns said, is “to get this material out to young people around the country.” The film itself will debut at the end of June on PBS.
Uplift by Youth Era: Teaching Youth Peer Support Skills
More than 500 youth signed up for the most recent Uplift event! Studied by the University of Oxford and co-designed with young adults, Uplift by Youth Era is the future of peer support. Empower a young person in your life to be who they need, and apply to join the next Uplift training in June!
Randolph “Randy” Muck September 14, 1955 to April 21, 2021 in Memoriam
On the first anniversary of his death, several of us who knew and worked with Randy write this tribute to remember and honor his impact on so many people. Randy provided much-needed leadership from within the federal government to develop and disseminate evidence-based substance use treatments designed for adolescents and their families. He was successful because he had a rare ability to connect with all the groups important to improving adolescent treatment: provider organizations, schools, juvenile justice, counselors, federal agency decision-makers, researchers, private foundations, and most importantly—adolescents and their families. He saw how these groups could align their different interests and collaborate. This, in turn, helped youth, families, and systems of care in ways that continue to have an impact.
HHS Awards Nearly $25 Million to Expand Access to School-Based Health Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), recently announced nearly $25 million will be made available to improve and strengthen access to school-based health services in communities across the country. Awards will support local partnerships between schools and health centers to provide children and youth with the comprehensive physical and mental health care they need.
Investing in Prevention Makes Good Financial Sense
Primary prevention—including screening and intervention before negative health outcomes occur—is relatively inexpensive. The higher-risk behaviors it is designed to reduce are so costly to the healthcare system that it is staggeringly wasteful not to make sure that screening and treatment referrals are readily implemented and faithfully reimbursed by insurers and that interventions are convenient for parents and their children.
PAX Good Behavior Game
Speaking of prevention…
The PAX Good Behavior Game is an evidence-based universal preventive intervention applied by teachers in the classroom. This evidence-based practice consists of research-based strategies with origins in behavioral science, neuroscience, and cultural wisdom that operate together to improve children’s self-regulation. Teachers implement these strategies as part of their daily routines in carrying out tasks such as getting students’ attention, selecting students for tasks, transitioning from one task to the next, working as part of a team, limiting problematic behavior, and reinforcing pro-social behavior.
HHS Launches New Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a new, confidential, toll-free hotline for expecting and new moms experiencing mental health challenges. Those who contact the hotline can receive a range of support, including brief interventions from trained culturally and trauma-informed counselors and referrals to both community-based and telehealth providers as needed. Callers also will receive evidence-based information and referrals to support groups and other community resources.
Six Things You Need To Know About Music and Health
A growing body of research suggests that listening to or performing music affects the brain in ways that may help promote health and manage disease symptoms. More justification for the plethora of music videos posted in Friday Update!
Know Your Rights: Parity for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits
This brochure gives an overview of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. It lists some common limits placed on mental health and substance use disorder benefits and services.
Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech
Aaahhhh!!! Less than 20 days!!! Well? Have you registered for the 2022 Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech summit on June 8-9th yet? Can’t make it? Wondering if you can access all of the sessions with our hundreds of speakers after June 8-9th? YES, but ONLY if you register in advance. So, you should probably get on that.
Building a More Equitable Juvenile Justice System for Everyone
Racial inequities regarding the policing of children, and the subsequent disparities in their treatment within the juvenile justice system, have been problems in this country for far too long. It is encouraging that many states and counties are not only recognizing these issues but are taking action. The CSG Justice Center is committed to providing research-driven, data-informed solutions to our partners to continue building safer and stronger communities for everyone, especially our youth.
Disruptions to School and Home Life Among High School Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic — Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey, United States, January–June 2021
Young people have experienced disruptions to school and home life since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. From January to June 2021, CDC conducted the Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES), an online survey of a probability-based, nationally representative sample of U.S. public- and private-school students in grades 9–12. ABES data were used to estimate the prevalence of disruptions and adverse experiences during the pandemic, including parental and personal job loss, homelessness, hunger, emotional or physical abuse by a parent or other adult at home, receipt of telemedicine, and difficulty completing schoolwork. Prevalence estimates are presented for all students by sex, race and ethnicity, grade, sexual identity, and difficulty completing schoolwork.
CDC Survey Finds the Pandemic Had a Big Impact on Teens’ Mental Health
According to a survey published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than four in 10 teens report feeling “persistently sad or hopeless” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Girls were twice as likely to experience mental health troubles compared to boys. And LGBTQ students were hit the hardest. The CDC’s findings were gathered from online surveys from a sample of 7,700 US students during the first six months of 2021.
New Initiative to Define Policy Recommendations for Embedding Equity into 988
The Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity & Beacon Health Options are joining forces to create and develop an equitable crisis response for the future of behavioral health service delivery ahead of the July 2022 launch of 988.
State Policymakers Can Support Equitable School-based Telemental Health Services
This brief presents five ways state policymakers can support equitable school-based telemental health services, with recommendations based on relevant policy context, existing research, and—in some cases—feedback from interviews with five TMH providers who testified to on-the-ground experience with these interventions.
- SAMHSA Disaster/Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990
- SAMHSA Incidents of Mass Violence
- SAMHSA: Tips for Talking with and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
- CDC Infographic: 6 Guiding Principles to a Trauma-Informed Approach
- CDC Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
- NCSMH Supporting Students, Staff, Families & Communities Impacted by Violence
- NIMH Helping Children & Adolescents Cope with Traumatic Events
- Talking to Children About Terrorist Attacks & School & Community Shootings in the News
- CDC Caring for Children in a Disaster: Tools & Resources
- NCTSN School Shooting Resources
- Sesame Street in Communities: Community & Gun Violence
- AAP Talking to Children About Tragedies & Other News Events
- AAP Talking with Children About Disasters
- CDC Helping Children Cope During & After a Disaster
Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News
In times of community or world-wide crisis, it’s easy to assume that young children don’t know what’s going on. But one thing’s for sure — children are very sensitive to how their parents feel. They’re keenly aware of the expressions on their parents’ faces and the tone of their voices. Children can sense when their parents are really worried, whether they’re watching the news or talking about it with others. No matter what children know about a “crisis,” it’s especially scary for children to realize that their parents are scared.
Some Scary, Confusing Images
The way that news is presented on television can be quite confusing for a young child. The same video segment may be shown over and over again through the day, as if each showing was a different event. Someone who has died turns up alive and then dies again and again. Children often become very anxious since they don’t understand much about videotape replays, closeups, and camera angles. Any televised danger seems close to home to them because the tragic scenes are taking place on the TV set in their own living room. Children can’t tell the difference between what’s close and what’s far away, what’s real and what’s pretend, or what’s new and what’s re-run.
The younger the children are, the more likely they are to be interested in scenes of close-up faces, particularly if the people are expressing some strong feelings. When there’s tragic news, the images on TV are most often much too graphic and disturbing for young children.
“Who will take care of me?”
In times of crisis, children want to know, “Who will take care of me?” They’re dependent on adults for their survival and security. They’re naturally self-centered. They need to hear very clearly that their parents are doing all they can to take care of them and to keep them safe. They also need to hear that people in the government and other grown-ups they don’t even know are working hard to keep them safe, too.
Helping Children Feel More Secure
Play is one of the important ways young children have of dealing with their concerns. Of course, playing about violent news can be scary and sometimes unsafe, so adults need to be nearby to help redirect that kind of play into nurturing themes, such as a hospital for the wounded or a pretend meal for emergency workers.
When children are scared and anxious, they might become more dependent, clingy, and afraid to go to bed at night. Whining, aggressive behavior, or toilet “accidents” may be their way of asking for more comfort from the important adults in their lives. Little by little, as the adults around them become more confident, hopeful and secure, our children probably will, too.
Turn Off the TV
When there’s something tragic in the news, many parents get concerned about what and how to tell their children. It’s even harder than usual if we’re struggling with our own powerful feelings about what has happened. Adults are sometimes surprised that their own reactions to a televised crisis are so strong, but great loss and devastation in the news often reawaken our own earlier losses and fears – even some we think we might have “forgotten”
It’s easy to allow ourselves to get drawn into watching televised news of a crisis for hours and hours; however, exposing ourselves to so many tragedies can make us feel hopeless, insecure, and even depressed. We help our children and ourselves if we’re able to limit our own television viewing. Our children need us to spend time with them – away from the frightening images on the screen.
Talking and Listening
Even if we wanted to, it would be impossible to give our children all the reasons for such things as war, terrorists, abuse, murders, major fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes. If they ask questions, our best answer may be to ask them, “What do you think happened?” If the answer is “I don’t know,” then the simplest reply might be something like, “I’m sad about the news, and I’m worried. But I love you, and I’m here to care for you.”
If we don’t let children know it’s okay to feel sad and scared, they may think something is wrong with them when they do feel that way. They certainly don’t need to hear all the details of what’s making us sad or scared, but if we can help them accept their own feelings as natural and normal, their feelings will be much more manageable for them.
Angry feelings are part of being human, especially when we feel powerless. One of the most important messages we can give our children is, “It’s okay to be angry, but it’s not okay to hurt ourselves or others.” Besides giving children the right to their anger, we can help them find constructive things to do with their feelings. This way, we’ll be giving them useful tools that will serve them all their life, and help them to become the worlds’ future peacemakers — the world’s future “helpers.”
Helpful Hints
- Do your best to keep the television off, or at least limit how much your child sees of any news event.
- Try to keep yourself calm. Your presence can help your child feel more secure.
- Give your child extra comfort and physical affection, like hugs or snuggling up together with a favorite book. Physical comfort goes a long way towards providing inner security. That closeness can nourish you, too.
- Try to keep regular routines as normal as possible. Children and adults count on their familiar pattern of everyday life.
- Plan something that you and your child enjoy doing together, like taking a walk, going on a picnic, having some quiet time, or doing something silly. It can help to know there are simple things in life that can help us feel better, in good times and in bad.
- Even if children don’t mention what they’ve seen or heard in the news, it can help to ask what they think has happened. If parents don’t bring up the subject, children can be left with their misinterpretations. You may be really surprised at how much your child has heard from others.
- Focus attention on the helpers, like the police, firemen, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and volunteers. It’s reassuring to know there are many caring people who are doing all they can to help others in this world.
- Let your child know if you’re making a donation, going to a town meeting, writing a letter or e-mail of support, or taking some other action. It can help children to know that adults take many different active roles and that we don’t give in to helplessness in times of worldwide crisis.
What do we tell our children? How do we reassure them of their own safety?
At The Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon, we’ve provided grief support groups for children, teens, young adults and their parents or adult caregivers since 1982.
Based on our experience, here are some things for adults to keep in mind as you struggle with how to talk with children following tragic events, such as natural disasters, plane crashes, or school shootings.
1. Don’t project your fears onto your children. They take their cues from the adults around them.
You can’t hear the news about children being murdered or communities devastated by natural disasters without thinking about how you’d feel if it happened to your family, friends, or hometown. The outpouring of care and empathy for the families who lost loved ones will be powerful, and…we all know it could have been our friends, our child, our family and community members who died or were injured.
Identifying with the senselessness and randomness makes us all feel more vulnerable. But we should remember that children don’t always see things the same way that adults do, and it won’t be helpful to them for us to fall apart. They need to see that we care, that we feel terrible about this tragedy, and that we will do everything we can to keep them safe. They will take their cues from our behavior.
It’s okay to show emotion. We can model for children that feeling sad, scared, and upset is normal after tragedies. But we don’t want to overwhelm them with our emotions, or put them in the position of having to ‘parent,’ or take care of, the adults around them. Make sure you also model taking care of yourself, by sharing with trusted and supportive adult friends, eating (and drinking) healthfully.
2. Try to limit their access to the recurring news and exposure to the tragedy over and over.
Over-exposure to the graphic and emotional news can be overwhelming for children and can cause unnecessary anxiety and fear. Some children who repeatedly watched the footage of planes crashing into the towers on 9/11 thought it was happening again and again. Some children (and some adults) may have difficulty getting graphic scenes and images out of their minds. Too much exposure can fuel their fear, so don’t let them sit and watch the news over and over. Better yet, set the example of not doing so yourself as well.
3. Understand that you can’t completely shield them from what happened.
It would be next to impossible to hide these events from children, as much as we wish we could. You might be able to shield your own child in your home, for example, by not turning on (or owning) a television, but you can’t protect your children from hearing about it from other kids. The fact is, they will hear about it, so although they don’t “need” to know about it, pretending we can shield them is magical thinking.
That said, you don’t need to give them more information than they can handle, or more than they’re asking for. A simple, “Did they talk about what happened in _____ today at school?” would be a good starter. They need to know that you’re not trying to hide the truth from them, that you’re open to talking about it, but that you’re also not forcing them to do so.
4. Model truth-telling and build trust with your children by letting them hear things, even hard things, from you directly.
Eight days after the 9/11 attacks, I was meeting in small groups with pre-school workers in New York City, talking about how to respond to the young children in their care about the events. A man asked to speak to me privately after one of the trainings, and asked for my advice around his 7-year-old daughter. For the last week, since September 12th, she had been having stomach aches and difficulty sleeping. He said it was not tied to the events of 9/11 because, “We don’t have a television.” As his story unfolded it was evident that he did not want to have to explain to his child why people would do such horrible things, a normal dilemma that we face as parents and adults. This child was experiencing physical reactions, as it turned out, not primarily because of her reaction to the events of 9/11, but because she was unable to share her fears and concerns and questions in her own home, faced with her parents’ denial.
Here are some principles to keep in mind as you talk with children:
1. There is no one typical reaction one can or should expect from children.
Their responses will vary all over the ‘emotional’ map, from seeming disinterest to nightmares, eating issues, and anxiety. How any specific child will respond will depend on their age, previous experience with death and loss, and their personality style. Fearful children will tend to worry; quiet children may keep their feelings to themselves; those who want to appear unfazed may exhibit a sense of bravado or lack of caring. Of course, children directly affected – those who had a family member die; those who witnessed the tragedy; those who had friends die – will tend to have longer-term reactions and needs. Watch for changes in behavior, or concerning trends. While it would be normal to have heightened anxiety and sleeplessness, any concerning behavior or troubling symptoms should be taken seriously, and if warranted, professional help sought.
2. Many children will have an increased sense of fear about their safety.
Understandably. So will many adults. After a shooting at an Oregon mall in December 2012, the news outlets were filled with people who said they’d never take their children there again. Others said they’d return as soon as it opened in order to support the stores and employees who had experienced the traumatic events, and whose livelihoods were going to suffer as a result of the several day closure. Some runners in the Boston Marathon vowed to return; others said they would never do so again.
While we can’t guarantee to our children that nothing bad will ever happen to them, we can provide assurance that these events are relatively rare, and that we will do everything we can to keep them safe. Children may have many questions about the events, particularly about natural disasters. Answer their questions with language that fits their developmental stage. It’s okay if you don’t know the answer to a question. If it’s a question that might have an answer, offer to look up more information. You can also ask children what they think the answer is as they often have thoughts and ideas they want to share with you. In the case of natural disasters, if your child is fearful of something like that happening in your community, talk with them about the safety plan that you have in place for your family and home. You can also look into what community safety measures are in place and whatever elements are relevant with your children. Many children will be reassured knowing that there are specific, tangible things they and your family can do if something occurs. Some examples include, picking a meeting place, keeping flashlights in every bedroom, talking about where you will keep emergency water and food.
3. Children want, need, and deserve the truth.
In over 30 years of providing grief support to thousands of children and teens at The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families, we have never heard a child say, “I’m glad I was lied to.” Many, however, struggle with anger and lack of trust toward parents or other adults who lied to them. When we don’t tell the truth, they learn that we cannot be trusted. As difficult as it can be at times, and as horrendous as the truth may be, children want, need, and deserve the truth. Being able to talk openly and honestly with your children about tragic events and other losses, creates a foundation of trust, enabling them to come to you in the future with their questions, fears, and concerns.
How race-related stress affects you and your relationship with your child
What effect does racism have on your health and well-being?
Not only does racism impact you as a parent, it can also impact how you interact with your children. Experiences of racism build on each other and can chip away at your emotional, physical and spiritual resources as a parent, contributing to race-related stress. Race-related stress can make it hard to have the space needed to take care of yourself as a parent, which reduces the emotional space you need to adequately take care of your children.
Physical Effects
Physical Effects can include increased hypertension, illness and risky behaviors such as substance use.
Emotional Effects
Emotional effects can include depression, anxiety, anger, irritability and aggression.
Spiritual Effects
Spiritual effects can include a decreased sense of purpose, lack of connection with the larger community, isolation from larger social groups and reduced involvement in communal activities that you enjoy.
Potential reactions to racial stress or trauma
Insecure Feelings
Feelings of shame and lack of confidence due to feeling that a situation cannot be changed.
Lack of Trust
Feeling detached or a lack of trust for others due to experiencing multiple losses or letdowns. This can make it very difficult to seek out help and to identify potential safe sources of support.
Triggers
Reminders of the event, such as particular people or situations, can also trigger strong emotional or physical responses (e.g., crying or rapid heartbeat).
Difficulty Controlling Emotions
Difficulty controlling emotional responses (going from “zero to one hundred”) can occur as the body helps you adapt to potentially unsafe situations, making you feel constantly on “alert.”
The body’s response to the experience of racism can make accessing resources to cope with the situation difficult. Race-related stress is unique in that it threatens psychological resources that are needed to cope and fulfill basic needs such as financial support, housing, access to jobs, etc.
When your body is in stress mode, it is geared up to help you and your child survive, which sometimes leads to impulsive decisions. If you live in a chronic state of stress related to racism, you can start to engage in survival coping. Survival coping can help you to deal with very hard or potentially life-threatening situations. However, if you continue to exist in this mode long-term, it can make it difficult to enjoy being in the moment with your child and can reduce your ability to feel safe and in control.
What impact can racial stress have on your parenting?
Experiencing race-related stress can also impact the quality of parenting relationships in the following ways:
Impostor syndrome
When you are exposed to racism repeatedly, you often start doubting yourself and can feel like you are an imposter in dominant culture settings or in settings where you feel as though you do not belong. Your inner thoughts might sound something like: “Am I being judged?” “Am I worthy?” “I got lucky.” “I only got this because I am Black.”
Being overly alert (hypervigilance)
Experiencing racial stress can make you more aware of potential dangers and negative experiences that can occur. This, in turn, can make the experience of parenting even more stressful. When you interact with your children, you can sometimes be reminded of negative race-related experiences that you had when you were a child. This reminder can amp up emotional responses, or hyperarousal, making it hard for you to “keep your cool” and be open to flexible problem solving.
“Helicopter parenting” (monitoring in fear)
These experiences of racism and unwarranted blame or lack of acceptance can make you want to protect your children so much, that you don’t allow them to explore in the way that they need to. You may shelter them from failures, which everyone needs to experience in order to learn how to manage everyday life. You may tend to be overly cautious or suspicious. Examples can include not allowing your children to have sleepovers or go to the park, even with your supervision.
Difficulty regulating emotions
- When your past influences your emotional state, it can affect your emotional responses to both big and minor stressors with children, such as when they misbehave. This, in turn, can lead to being overprotective or overuse of physical discipline, as a means of survival.
- For children, having parents who can keep perspective (stay cool) when children are upset, or misbehaving is very important. Likewise, it is important to stay calm when disciplining a child, otherwise discipline may go overboard. Both of these things can be hard if you are having difficulty controlling your emotions.
Avoidance
- Avoiding situations that are related to racism can be a needed strategy to survive; such as instances that may involve violence or threat to yourself or your family. Sometimes you may avoid reminders of past experiences due to the pain or discomfort they cause.
- If you find yourself avoiding strong feelings or situations with your child that bring up painful memories, it may make it hard to show affection and support for your child. It may even make it difficult to know how to provide emotional support for your child during times of stress. For instance, if your child brings up their own experience of oppression or an event in their life reminds you of something from your own childhood.
Mistrusting others
- Racism can lead to distrust or mistrust of other communities. Internalized racism is when you begin to accept negative messages about your own abilities and inherent worth by the dominant group in society.
- When you use society’s norms to judge yourself, you can feel depressed, unworthy and just not good enough. You are taught in many ways to take these feelings and paint them onto another group.
- Intra and interracial violence, contention among disenfranchised communities or color, and the way the media conveys information about people of color, contribute to this.
- This kind of coping can make you more vulnerable to racism, because on some level you may believe in racial hierarchy and difference when you belittle other groups. And when you show your children that it is right to discriminate against certain other groups, you make them more vulnerable to discrimination that they face.
Minimizing racism
- Racism is overwhelming, as is the history of violence. You are sometimes taught that accepting this and minimizing racism is the only thing you can do. But when you ignore racism, and accept powerlessness, you encourage your kids to internalize racism. This can lead to increased levels of depression, anxiety and externalizing behaviors (e.g., engaging in risky behaviors, such as alcohol or substance use).
- When you believe that you should be able to handle and manage it all without a break or without asking for help, you are at increased risk for health problems and can miss important cues about your well-being and safety.
Self-blame
Experiencing chronically unfair and dangerous discriminatory practices due to race can lead to feelings of low worth. For parents, this can also lead to a questioning of your parenting choices and abilities.
Unbalanced Racial and Ethnic Socialization (RES)
Unbalanced messaging or communication about race and ethnicity occurs when you only promote messages of mistrust, preparation for bias, or only give racial pride messages to your children.
Strategies to deal with racial stress and practice self-care.
So, what can you do to mitigate racial stress?
As parents, it is important to develop positive identities and share your cultural identities with your children. Positive cultural identity and advocacy are protective factors against racism, which can help to reduce and prevent racial stress.
There are many other ways to cope with stress and everyone has different preferences. Reducing stress can also allow you to model healthy coping strategies for your child. Here are some suggestions you can try.
- Build or access a support network
- Incorporate traditions at home
- Get some exercise
- Deep breathing
- Journal
- Limit your media intake
- Counseling/therapy
- Spirituality
- Podcast
You are not the only person dealing with race-related stress and connecting with other people with similar experiences and feelings can help you to successfully navigate racism.
- Talk with family and trusted friends specifically about racialized events that have occurred and how to handle them
- Start or join a group with others who may have had similar experiences and similar interests, like a book club that reads books by Black authors, or spend time with other African American parents who have the same concerns you do about how your children are treated at the school.
- Seek out activities that you can do with your friends or family (e.g., exercising, cooking, watching a family show or movie together, etc.)
Legislation
Much of the debate today is around gun control. Below are links to two bills currently pending in Congress.
HR 1446 Enhanced Background Check Act of 2021
HR 8 Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Events, Education, Resources
All Month Long More Resources To Come
Events
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Twitter Chat
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 — 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
.
Past and Present: Addressing Racism and Intolerance Against Asian Americans Virtual Panel
On May 8, 2021, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH), the National Park Service (NPS), and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI) hosted a virtual panel discussion highlighting current federal efforts addressing racism and health inequities, including the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and the Presidential Memorandum Condemning and Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S.
OMH, NPS and WHIAPPI facilitated a rich discussion, featuring contemporary Asian Americans who are leading grass-roots efforts to protect and empower diverse AAPI communities nationwide.
Watch the replay below
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Event,
Register for Hill Day
What is Hill Day at Home?
Hill Day at Home is your opportunity to urge lawmakers to support mental health and substance use treatment initiatives – from your computer, without ever leaving the comfort of your home or office!
The Virtual Policy Institute Returns for 2022
In 2020, we introduced our first Virtual Policy Institute, a four-hour learning event offering keynote speakers, legislative updates, immersive breakout sessions and more. Across 2020 and 2021’s events, more than 3,300+ attendees from all 50 states and 29 partner organizations united online in support of mental health.
During Hill Day at Home, we use our influence to persuade our elected officials to support critically important legislation that will help improve access to comprehensive health care for those who need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can show your support for mental health and substance use advocacy and the Hill Day agenda at any time by signing up for National Council Advocacy Alert and urging your elected officials to take action on key legislation. Signing up for alerts will ensure you get notified when key advocacy opportunities come up for you to contact your legislators.
Food addiction can take many forms. Symptoms include obesity, under eating, and bulimia. People often think of the term “eating disorders” when describing the disease of food addiction. Food addicts are obsessed with food, body size, and weight. We spend our days thinking about when and what we are going to eat or not eat. Binging, purging, and dieting are a way of life. The bottom line is that we can’t stop thinking about eating. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) offers relief from the symptoms of eating disorders and guidance on living in recovery.
|
|
|
|
https://eatingdisorderfoundation.org/get-help/support-groups/
Eating Disorder Foundation Support Groups, Eating Disorder Foundation: External link list of recurring virtual support groups for people recovering from eating disorders, as well as family members and friends who are supporting someone through recovery.
https://www.feast-ed.org/around-the-dinner-table-forum/
Around the Dinner Table Forum, FEAST: External link online community of parents of eating disorder patients around the world. [note, I would say parents/caregivers of family members or persons experiencing eating struggles or struggling with eating, not patients!]
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/sanctuary
The Sanctuary, Beat Eating Disorders: External link information about an online chat room for U.K. residents recovering from an eating disorder.
https://rockrecoveryed.org/coffee-conversations-for-moms/
Coffee and Conversations for Moms, Rock Recovery: External link monthly virtual support group for mothers who are recovering from an eating disorder.
https://centerfordiscovery.com/groups/
Free Eating Disorder and Mental Health Support Groups, Center for Discovery Eating Disorder Treatment: External link free platform for peer-based support groups for anyone who has been affected by an eating disorder or seeking mental health support.
ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) / Duke University
Pro-Recovery Support Group, Monday Evenings
7:00 PM EST /4:00 PM PST
Pro-Recovery Support Group, Saturday Mornings
11:00 AM EST/ 8:00 AM PST
Pro-Recovery support groups are open to individuals, ages 18+, who are experiencing and/or are on the journey to recovery from an eating disorder.
Register here.
Family and Friends Group, Wednesday Evenings
7:00 PM EST /4:00 PM PST
Friends & Family support groups are 1.5 hours and are open to loved ones of individuals who are experiencing and/or on the journey from eating disorders.
Register here.
https://18percent.org
18percent is a free online community based off Slack, where one can receive peer to peer support. 18percent has channels on various mental health issues, one of which is eating disorders. They offer free, 24/7 eating disorder support in a moderated environment. For more information, click the link below and sign up.
May Mental Health Awareness Month
Events
Title: Mental Health 101 – Overview of Mental Health Issues in the Modern World
Date: May 4, 2022 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST)
Summary: HUD and SAMHSA will launch their celebration of National Mental Health Awareness Month with an introduction and general overview of mental health issues post COVID-19. HUD’s Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman will kick off this first webinar in a four-part series that features Dr. Neeraj Gandotra, M.D. (SAMHSA’s Chief Medical Officer) as the keynote speaker. Dr. Mary Roary, Ph.D., M.B.A. (SAMHSA’s Director of the Office of Behavioral Health Equity) and Jayme Brown, M.P.A. (HUD’s Director of Community and Supportive Services) will moderate this webinar.
Join Now!
Access Code: 4670871#
Title: National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: Peer Support for Youth and Families
Date: May 5th, 2022 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST)
Summary: An event commemorating child and youth mental health and honoring youth and family peer support.
- Remarks by Dr. Anita Everett, Director, Center for Mental Health Services
- Remarks by Melinda J. Baldwin, Ph.D., Director, Division of Prevention, Traumatic Stress, and Special Programs
- Event Emcee Gary M. Blau, Ph.D., Senior Advisor for Children Youth and Families
Title: 988 – What’s on the Horizon
Date: May 11, 2022 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST)
Summary: SAMHSA and HUD will introduce SAMHSA’s new Suicide Prevention Hotline (988). The webinar will also address suicide prevention for youth and the BIPOC community, in addition to touching on substance use.
Access Code: 8477433#
Title: #MentalHealthAtWork Twitter Chat
Date: May 11, 1-2pm (EST)
Summary: Join the U.S. Department of Labor to talk about:
- Reducing stigma Increasing parity for mental health treatment
- Resources for workers Support for mental health providers
- Use hashtag #MentalHealthAtWork
Title: The 5th Annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium
Date: May 16, 2022
Summary: The National Council on Aging is proud to host the 5th annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium
This event is co-sponsored with the U.S. Administration for Community Living, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Registration is free and includes a full day of sessions on how to best meet the mental health needs of older adults. In partnership with Rush University’s E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging, NCOA will be offering continuing education credit for several professions.
Title: Strategies and Partnerships to Address Farm Stress and Suicide Webinar
Date: May 17-19, 2022 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm (EST)
Hosted: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Summary: Throughout the past several years, the farm economy has faced tremendous challenges, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. While mental health is a struggle many Americans face, there are a significant number of rural Americans working through tough mental health situations.
Title: Get Help – Reducing Stigma Associated with Mental Health
Date: May 18, 2022 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST)
Summary: HUD and SAMHSA will focus on reducing stigma associated with mental health, to encourage those with potential mental health issues to seek professional help. This webinar will also concentrate on the BIPOC community, addressing stigma specific to these populations.
Access Code: 5955873#
Title: Now What? – Mental Health Issues in Post COVID America
Date: May 25, 2022 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST)
Summary: SAMHSA and HUD will examine how to address mental health issues in post-COVID America. Besides the physical toll the pandemic took on Americans, it has also greatly affected our nation’s mental health. This webinar will discuss how to handle and move past multiple co-occurring pandemics, using a mental health focus on substance use disorder, housing, work, education, and transportation among other relevant topics.
Access Code: 6268721#
Sexual Assault Action Month
Domestic/sexual violence materials, resources, and actions happening across Oregon
Oregon State Proclamation of Sexual Assault Action Month from the Office of Governor Brown
Presidential Proclamation of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
VALOR 2022 SAAM Toolkit
“ValorUS (VALOR) leads with prevention of sexual violence. For 2022 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), we have released this free toolkit to empower you to lead your own community. With the theme of “Collective Action for Equity,” these resources support you to spread the message of prevention of sexual violence.”
Download in English and Spanish here
Caja De Herramientas Yo Soy SAAM 2022– A collection of 39 original and curated resources for bililngual advocates from ALAS members and allies
Reclaim/Reclama 2022 – SARC’s annual art magazine, highlighting the art of those who have been impacted by sexual violence, will be shared digitally this year at sarcoregon.org and on social media (Facebook and Instagram) through the month of April at @sarcoregon.
Events
Domestic Violence for Mental Health Providers
The first three sessions, Understanding, Screening for, and Intervening in Domestic Violence is available right now to view on demand, the recording of our fourth session will be on our YouTube channel Thursday April 21st.
Open House and Art Gallery at the Family Justice Center
Take a tour of the Family Justice Center in Washington County (FJC) and meet the other organizations co-located at FJC supporting folks who have experienced violence. View art created by people impacted by violence, collected through the Sexual Assault Resource Center’s Reclaim/Reclama Magazine. Join us on April 24th, 2022 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at 735 SW 158th Ave Suite 100 Beaverton, OR 97006. Reading of the Proclamations and some speaking from survivors of violence will start at 4:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public!
Yo Soy SAAM Webinarios offered by Alianza Latina en contra la Agresión Sexual
Talking Healthy Relationships: A Conversation Guide for Parents & Caregivers
Victim Rights Law Center When Rape Results in Pregnancy: The intersection of Rape and Abortion
Virtual April 27th at 3pm PST
Hosted by the Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC), “When Rape Results in Pregnancy: The Intersection of Sexual Violence and Abortion,” will examine the intersection of abortion laws and rape and bring together a diversity of speakers in the medical, legal, legislative, and academic fields. Listen to experts share their insights on this complex issue, and learn how you can support survivors who become pregnant resulting from an assault. 100% of proceeds will go towards supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault. Visit our website to learn more about our panelists and the event.
Ask an Expert Series Webinar: Male Victims and Human Trafficking
April 28th at 3pm EST (12pm PST)
What services and support are needed for men and boys who are victims of human trafficking? How are these services different from their female counterparts? Ensuring equity and inclusion of services for all victims of human trafficking means addressing the needs of male victims. Join three national experts for this discussion on male victims’ experiences with sex and labor trafficking. Panelists will share their insight on needed services, how to talk about human trafficking and develop outreach materials in ways that are inclusive of males, and where to find additional resources on this topic.
Events
Rose Haven Open House Event
Virtual Mental Health First Aid
Tuesday April 26th at 9am PST
Offered by Lines for Life, mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches people to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
Exploring the Incidence and Impact of Economic Abuse Among Teens
Tuesday, April 26th at 11am PST
Offered by Futures Without Violence. Despite the potential lifetime impacts, economic abuse has been long overlooked among teen dating partnerships. Knowing what is at stake, Futures Without Violence in partnership with The Allstate Foundation and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center surveyed nearly 3,000 teens to explore how economic abuse – from disrupting education to interfering with employment to financial control – shows up in their relationships. The findings are eye-opening.
Interrupting Anti-Blackness Workshop
Tuesday, April 26th & Wednesday, April 27th at 2:30pm PST
This two-part workshop series with Washington Nonprofits is a case study centered workshop for Community leaders, Accountants, Front line workers, Middle Management Professionals, Executive Directors, Nonprofit Professionals, Educators, Board Members and co-conspirators who are committed to deepening their understanding of why Black liberation practices are crucial in interrupting anti-Black racism, macroaggressions, and white supremacist systems. This webinar will not be recorded.
Ask an Expert Series Webinar: Male Victims and Human Trafficking
Thursday, April 28th at 12pm PST
What services and support are needed for men and boys who are victims of human trafficking? How are these services different from their female counterparts? Ensuring equity and inclusion of services for all victims of human trafficking means addressing the needs of male victims. Join three national experts for this discussion on male victims’ experiences with sex and labor trafficking. Panelists will share their insight on needed services, how to talk about human trafficking and develop outreach materials in ways that are inclusive of males, and where to find additional resources on this topic.
NNEDV Advocacy Days
June 7th- June 8th
Trainings June 1st & 2nd
Opportunities and things to know about
Oregon DOJ launched Sanctuary Promise Hotline
Today, Oregon Department of Justice launches our Sanctuary Promise Hotline! This program is designed to receive reports from and provide support to individuals and families targeted in violation of Oregon’s longstanding sanctuary laws. Victims, witnesses, concerned community members, and whistleblowers can report violations to these laws, access culturally responsive support, and request a DOJ investigation into any violations of the laws.
Allstate Foundation Moving Ahead Grant Program
$1.5 Million in Funding for State Domestic Violence Coalitions Committed to Providing Financial Empowerment Services for Survivors
Over the past 16 years, The Allstate Foundation has invested more than $85 million to end relationship abuse. As part of this national effort, The Allstate Foundation is proud to continue the Moving Ahead Grant Program – a competitive grant program for U.S. state and territory domestic violence coalitions committed to the development, acceleration, and implementation of financial empowerment services for relationship abuse survivors.
This year, up to $1.5 million in Moving Ahead grants will support innovative financial empowerment programs that provide financial education services to survivors, through the implementation of The Allstate Foundation Moving Ahead Curriculum and asset-building activities in at least one of the following categories: job readiness and job training; survivor matched savings programs; micro-loans; credit building and/or repair; and micro-enterprise programs.
Eligible state and territory domestic violence coalitions are invited to apply. Grant applications will be accepted March 28 – April 25, 2022. Visit the Moving Ahead Grant Program landing page to learn more about the funding opportunity and requirements, and to register for an informational webinar.
Learn about The Allstate Foundation’s mission and our 70-year history of improving communities across the country.
NNEDV and GNWS launches Lila.Help
Advocates around the world have been discussing the need for a vetted global directory for many years and the pandemic has made the need for online resources even more clear. As a founding member of the GNWS, NNEDV has worked with the Global Network of Women’s Shelters to bring together advocates from across the globe. Since Lila.Help was conceptualized in 2019, NNEDV has partnered in its development and worked closely with other regional and national networks to bring Lila.help to fruition. This directory is a great step toward ensuring survivors around the world are connected to help, including having NNEDV’s resources.
OVW Grants Solicitation Announcements
Check out some of these opportunities for OVW funding
Grants.gov Deadline: April 19
JustGrants Deadline: April 21
Grants.gov Deadline: April 21
JustGrants Deadline: April 26
Grants.gov Deadline: April 26
JustGrants Deadline: April 28th
|
|
|
Our Work Groups and Caucuses
Advocates! Did you know that we have work groups and caucuses for you to connect with other advocates and get support for struggles you may be experiencing?
The Q Center: Out of Portland OR, Continues To Offer Several Virtual, Diverse Support Groups for People in the LGBTQ+ Community:
As the largest LGBTQ+ community center in the Pacific Northwest, Q Center proudly serves the LGBTQ2SIA+ communities of Portland Metro and Southwest Washington. Our drop-in and event space on North Mississippi Avenue is a frequent first stop for new arrivals in Portland, and for longtime residents who are newly out or questioning their sexual or gender identity.
Q Center also serves as an information hub for friends, partners, community, and family members of LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach and seek out ways to share resources with other nonprofits and public institutions locally and statewide.
To learn about the many groups offered by the Q Center, here is the link to their calendar page: https://www.pdxqcenter.org/calendar.
To register for any of these groups please either email info@pdxqcenter.org, or call 503-234-7837.
Who We Are
All family and friends of compulsive gamers welcome
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83671786251
Meeting ID: 836 7178 6251
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,83671786251# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,83671786251# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 826 013 5782
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k0jt3FGFs
All family and friends of compulsive gamers welcome
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83671786251
Meeting ID: 836 7178 6251
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,83671786251# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,83671786251# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 826 013 5782
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k0jt3FGFs
Gamers Find A Local Support Group
Use the link below to get more information about local groups and a notification when a local meeting is started. Due to the COVID pandemic, most meetings are currently held in an outdoor setting or online.
| Oregon | Contact |
| Bend, OR | bend@cgaa.info |
| Eugene, OR | eugene@cgaa.info |
| Medford, OR | medford@cgaa.info |
| Portland, OR | portland@cgaa.info |
| Salem, OR | salem@cgaa.info |
SUPPORT FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
What Can I Do?
Video gaming is a common pastime. To many people, it is surprising that it can become a serious addiction, that is, an activity that is engaged in compulsively, without control or concern for consequences.
Video gaming addiction is a very serious problem that is harmful to everyone it touches. Since everyone involved suffers from it, everyone involved needs some help. Here are some important things to know.
First, no one is responsible for someone else’s compulsive gaming. As the Al-Anon slogan goes, “I didn’t cause it, I can’t control it, and I can’t cure it.”
You didn’t cause it.
Some people partly blame themselves for the dysfunctional behavior of their family members, particularly with addicts who are very quick to shift responsibility off themselves and blame others. Perhaps you played games with your loved one, purchased games, or encouraged it, thinking it was a harmless leisure activity. Maybe you’ve been involved in some conflict and wonder if that has driven him or her to hide away in gaming. But no one is responsible for another person’s behavior or mental disorders.
You can’t control it.
You may have already tried to talk to your friend or family member. Perhaps you have bargained with them, or given ultimatums. You have tried to help them see what damage they are doing to themselves and others. And none of it has worked. This is baffling to you. Why don’t they seem to understand or care? Why can’t they see what is obvious to you? This is actually a symptom of the disease of addiction, one that destines efforts for control to failure.
You can’t cure it.
We all would like to believe that we have the ability to help those we love. We often think that if we can just get the right information, figure out the right thing to say or do, perhaps change something about ourselves, we can fix the problem. People should be able to solve their own problems. Why can’t we do that with this one? There is a simple reason. There is no cure for addiction. It requires treatment. The recovery process is long and difficult. And there is only one person who can start that process, the one who is gaming compulsively. There are things you can do. Here are some suggestions that you may want to consider, that other family members and friends have found helpful.
Get information.
The literature of recovery fellowships for family and friends of addicts (such as Al-Anon) has much helpful guidance, some of which is available online as well. There are people who have been in situations very similar to yours, who have learned much from them, and who are willing to share the lessons learned, their experience, strength and hope. We hope you avail yourself of such resources.
Detach with love.
Putting energy into arguing with someone who is playing compulsively will not help either of you. Your loved one has a serious problem that you are powerless to control or cure, and that they will not get help until they want it. As much as you love someone, you cannot force this process on another person.
Stop enabling.
Paradoxically, at the same time people are arguing with, bargaining with or shaming a compulsive gamer, they are often (perhaps without realizing it) supporting the addiction in many ways. Anything that shields an addict from the consequences of his or her behavior is enabling, and can include such basic things as providing food, shelter, money, companionship, housekeeping, and covering for employment and legal difficulties. Helping a compulsive gamer keep up an appearance of normalcy is helping him or her continue in the destructive behavior. While you cannot change him or her, you can make changes for yourself. You can shift your energy away from enabling behaviors and toward meeting your own needs.
Take care of yourself.
Whether or not your loved one ever stops gaming, you deserve to have a healthy and happy life. Once you have accepted that you are powerless over their gaming behavior, you can begin to focus on what you can do for yourself, to accomplish your own goals. With the help of others who have been where you are, you can learn to set healthy boundaries and stick to them.
Join our WhatsApp Chat Site for Family and Friends!
Game-Anon
WhatsApp Group Invite
Visit whatsapp.com/dl on your mobile phone to install.
By installing WhatsApp, you agree to our Terms & Privacy Policy.
Chat Using A Macintosh
Mac OS X 10.10 and higher. WhatsApp must be installed on your phone.
By clicking the Download button, you agree to our Terms & Privacy Policy.
Download for Windows 8 and higher (64-bit)
Download for Windows 8 and higher (32-bit)
One of the things we were trying to do with our gaming was meet some basic needs. If we do not meet those needs in normal healthy ways, we will suffer much stronger urges to game again. Some basic needs to cover are social needs, self expression, creativity, a sense of challenge and accomplishment, stress relief, a sense of purpose and meaning, and a sense of safety through control and predictability.
Here are some ideas for activities that will help meet these needs, reduce cravings, help with recovery from addiction, and fill some of the hours freed from compulsive gaming.
Please don’t let the length of this list overwhelm you. The idea is not to start ten new things and try to change everything all at once. We seek small bits of progress, not perfection. A good place to start is to put first things first. What need is currently most important? What’s right in front of me? What opportunity has come my way recently? If we take steps of small improvement with one or two areas each day, we are moving in the right direction.
Stress Relief
- Talking with a sponsor or recovery buddy, CGAA meetings, or step work
- Getting outside for fresh air and sunlight by taking a walk or doing some outdoor work
- Meditation, coloring, craft work, journaling, or reading
Sense of safety through freedom, control, and predictability
- Goal setting
- Counseling or psychotherapy
- Home organization, renovation, or spring cleaning
Sense of purpose, meaning, and self-respect
- Supporting and growing the larger CGAA fellowship through service work like helping run a meeting, starting a local meeting, doing outreach to professionals, or attending CGAA business meetings
- Attending a spiritual group like meditation, yoga, spiritual retreat, or religious gathering
- Doing volunteer work like teaching, helping others, animal care, or building community places
- Caring for a pet, house plants, or garden
Social needs
- Attending CGAA meetings, connecting outside of meetings, reaching out to newcomers, or calling someone
- Joining a hobby group like theater, a hiking group, art workshop, book club, public speaking, board games or card game group
- Hosting a fun event like board games night or karaoke
- Playing team sports, taking up martial arts, or playing one-on-one sports
- Going to fun events like concerts, dances, or events on meetup.com
- Calling up, video conferencing, or visiting with friends, family, neighbors, or other communities
Self expression and creativity
- Journaling, opening up to a CGAA sponsor, or sharing openly in a meeting
- Art work like drawing, photography, sculpting, or creative writing
- Performance art like theater, singing, playing music, or writing music
Sense of challenge and accomplishment
- Working the steps with a sponsor
- Crafts like woodworking, origami, knitting
- Outdoor activities like gardening, geocaching, bird watching, star gazing, tracking, plant identification, survival skills, or boating
- Learning something like a foreign language, dancing, magic tricks, mechanical repair, cooking, a musical instrument, or computer programming
- Career goals like getting a new job, starting a business, enrolling in school, or taking classes
Reconnection to one’s body and whole self
- Meditating on breath, sounds, or bodily sensations
- Exercise like walking, hiking, swimming, cycling, yoga, jogging, going to a gym, or playing a sport
If you are in your first week or two off of games, it’s likely that few of these ideas will appeal to you. That’s normal. Until our minds and bodies have some time to heal, we have low interest, energy, and motivation. This list will probably not give you something that you can plug in place of video games and immediately throw yourself into with the same zeal. This list is meant to help us explore new ways of spending our time, meeting our needs, and connecting with people. Find a few that hold some appeal and try taking some small steps in their direction. If you can’t seem to think of anything fun to do except game, you can come back to this list, find the most appealing thing, and just take a couple of little steps in its direction.
Consider setting reminders for yourself or keeping a schedule of your time and new activities. It is important to appreciate the small victories of exercising willpower, regaining motivation, and socializing. It helps to discuss our progress and the challenges we experience with a CGAA sponsor, recovery buddy, personal counselor, or therapist.
Rediscovering What is Fun
It is normal to think that nothing but gaming sounds fun. For most of us, our years of compulsive gaming warped and narrowed our idea of fun. As small children, it meant almost anything new or interesting or social or even mildly rewarding. Years of pulling the dopamine lever with video games changed our concept of fun to require instant gratification, frequent rewards, clear and constant progress, excitement, intense visuals, control, and/or predictability.
Part of recovery is letting our concept of fun expand back outward to a wide world of possible new challenges and experiences, many of which are calm and subtle compared to video games. It takes time to overcome withdrawals and heal from the damage, but the change does happen if we abstain from all gaming long term and focus on new pursuits and improving our lives. This list has many activities that do not meet the old, narrow, warped idea of “fun,” but those of us who persist at exploring them do find many to be gratifying and enjoyable.
Take, for example, a hike up a mountain. To a group of hikers excited to venture into the wilderness with friends and see wildlife and panoramic views from on high, all while getting a great workout, it’s a ton of fun. To someone who is uninterested in hiking, out of shape, and focused on every little unpleasant aspect of it, it’s a torturous death march. It is exactly the same hike in either case. The difference is in the attitude and conditioning.
The same is true with every item of these lists. Whether or not an activity sounds fun or torturous depends entirely upon attitude and conditioning. Every one of them has the potential to be gratifying and enjoyable if we adopt a positive attitude, try to have fun, and persist at it, especially when we involve friends and like-minded people.
Helpful fellowships and resources
While CGAA does not endorse and is not officially connected with the following groups, we believe that friends and family may be able to connect with others and find helpful resources. They can provide guidance on dealing with addiction in general, on healing from its effects, and on how to go about building a recovery fellowship. Meetings are available in many places. Al-Anon, Nar-Anon and CoDA each has its own recovery literature.
The Gamer-Anon fellowship is for parents, spouses, and other family to support each other in dealing with compulsive video gaming within the family.
The Al-Anon fellowship has existed since 1951 for the family and friends of alcoholics. As the oldest and most well attended of the fellowships for family and friends, its members have a wide breadth and depth of experience to share on living with addicts and healing from the ill effects and dysfunctional patterns.
The Nar-Anon fellowship has existed since 1968 for the family and friends of those suffering from addiction.
Co-Dependents Anonymous has existed since 1986 and is a fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships.
Hearing Loss Association of America/Oregon Meetings and Resources, 2021
HLAA of Portland meets the third Saturday each month (except June, July, and August) 10 am, in the Wistar Morris Conference Room in the Main Hospital Building on the Legacy Good Samaritan Campus, 1015 NW 22nd Ave. (at Marshall), Portland, 97210. Contact Mark Foster, president; email: hlaportland@gmail.com. Write P.O. Box 2112, Portland, OR 97208-2112; http://www.hlaa-or.org/portlandchapter.html.
HLAA of Lane County meets quarterly: second Thursday in March, June, Sept., and Dec., at 7 p.m. at the Hilyard Community Center, 2580 Hilyard St., Eugene. Right now we are scheduled to meet in person June 10 unless COVID-19 infections mandate otherwise.
Mail: P.O. Box 22501, Eugene, OR 97402. Clark Anderson; email: clarkoa@msn.com
HLAA of Linn and Benton counties meets the last Wednesday each month (except June, July, & Dec.) at 6:30 p.m. at the Reimar Building, next to Albany General Hospital, 1085 6th Ave. SW, Albany, OR 97321. Contact: John Hood-Fysh, email: jhoodfysh@gmail.com; 541/220-8541 (cell – call or text), 818 Broadalbin St. SW, Albany, OR 97321.
Note: HLAA of Douglas County no longer meets the requirements for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Reinstatement may occur, but right now, this group meets as a support group. Contacts: Vincent Portulano, president, email: HLAADC@outlook. com; or Ann Havens, secretary, 541/673-3119. Check with them for location for meetings and time.
NATIONAL HLAA EVENT CALENDARS
HLAA Calendar
https://www.hearingloss.org/programs-events/calendar/
HLAA Leaders Calendar
https://hlaagroups.hearingloss.org/g/HLAALeaders/calendar
HLAA Subgroups
https://hlaagroups.hearingloss.org/g/HLAALeaders/subgroups
HLAA Virtual Meetings / Captioned Recordings
https://www.hearingloss.org/hearing-help/communities/hlaa-national-virtual-meetings/
MORE RESOURCES
Hands and Voices
https://www.handsandvoicesor.org
Supports families and children who are deaf and hard of hearing, by connecting parents, mentorship, educational advocacy, community development and support programs. Collaborates with professionals to support families.
FACT Oregon
https://www.factoregon.org/
Supports, empowers and advocates for families who experience disability.
Family to Family Health Information Center
Oregon Family-to-Family Health Information Center | OHSU
Supports families and caregivers of children with special health needs to navigate the healthcare system. Many resources on the website.
AG Bell Oregon
https://www.agbell.org/Connect/Oregon-Chapter
- Facebook page – AG Bell Oreoon
- Instagram – aobelloreoon
Local chapter of a national organization. The focus is to promote listening and spoken language education, advocate for accessibility, educational services, and health-related rights, and create connections and memories together.
Oregon Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program
https://www.oreown ov/oha/PDH/HeaIthvP eooleFamilies/Babies/HeaIthScreenino/He arinqscreenino/Paoes/index asox
For Providers: Information on EHDI Reporting, forms, protocols, facilities, OVERS Hearing Screening Module, 1-3-6 Newborn Hearing Screening Checklist For Parents: Information on hearing screening (what it involves and why it’s important), follow-up (what happens if a newborn doesn’t pass a screening), Early Intervention/Family Services, Guide By Your Side (a Hands & Voices program that matches trained parent guides with families who have recently found out their child has a hearing loss), and other resources for families
American Cochlear Implant Alliance
https://www.acialliance.org/
Facebook page
Twitter
Contains information about research, awareness, and advocacy around cochlear implants. Information about hearing loss and cochlear implants in general.
Oregon Association for Deaf
https://oad1921.org/
Advocates for the rights of people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Oregon. The website contains articles, meeting and conference information, and youth opportunities.
Hearing Loss Association of America – Oregon State Association
https://www.hlaa-or.org/about-us.html
Education, Information and Advocacy.
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI)
https://www.cdc.oov/ncbddd/hearinqloss/e hdi-programs.html
Information about EHDI programs Information for families including:
• Questions You May Want to Ask Your Child’s Audiologist
• Just in Time for Pediatric Primary Care Providers
FACEBOOK EVENTS
• ASL Social Chat:
EVERY SUNDAY @ 12:00noon to 2:00 pm
VANCOUVER MALL – Food Court [2nd floor]
Host by: Gary Holden
• ASL Social Chat:
Host by: Gary Holden
• PORTLAND OPEN-CAPTIONED MOVIES:
(See FB page for MORE information)
Order Tickets online @ bagdadmovies.com
Host by: Isaac Stone Dick
• ASL NIGHT GAMES (announcing soon)
Every Second Saturday evening
ASL Game Night page for more information.
Host by: Stephen RodBjorn
• World Deaf Timberfest
• Camp Taloali
Contact for information: Andrea Albers
• Pacific Northwest Deaf Golf Association (PNWDGA) and Portland Metro Deaf Golf Association (FB Page).
(See FB Page for MORE information)
Host by: Craig Marineau
• Northwest Deaf Traveling League (NWDTL)
(Deaf/HOH Bowling Club)
Contact: Melody Kitty McDaniel and Andrea Albers
• NW Deaf Poker Tournaments
Announcement in Jan/Feb 2022 !!!
Host by: James Forncrook
• CYMASPACE: Announcement SOON
Host by: Myles de Bastion
• Deaf Massage Therapist (see link below)
www.openhandhealth.com/book-now
Host by: Clara Bella Storry Parnell
(Email: clara@openhandhealth.com)
• ASL Coffee Podcast – see announcements on regular posting:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/334857136618534/user/100069324005062/
ASL Coffee Chats @ 3pm on Fridays at Hidden Creek Community Center in Hillsboro
• To find a Deaf ASL tutor or mentor, see ASL TUTORS AND MENTORS FB page.
Bridges in Oregon
https://www.facebook.com/BridgesOregon
Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/portlandaslevents/
AG Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
AG Bell is another convenient resource for those seeking in-person hearing loss support groups, with 41 active chapters across the United States and Puerto Rico. Specifically designed to support children with hearing loss and their families, AG Bell hosts everything from social events to informational sessions for individuals and families impacted by hearing loss; connect with your nearest chapter to learn more. You can also join the AG Bell Facebook group to connect with fellow members online.
DeafandHoH is a website featuring hearing loss news, a discussion forum, resources for financial aid and other services, search directories for audiologists, hearing care facilities, speech-language pathologists, and more. The topics covered on the site include living with hearing loss, caring for a family member or friend with hearing loss, American Sign Language, and hearing loss products. You can also join open chat nights on select Wednesdays from 6pm-7pm PST / 9pm-10pm EST to enjoy live interaction!
CALL TO ACTION FOR PEER SUPPORT
https://www.nasmhpd.org/sites/default/files/Assessment-5_Deaf-and-Hard-of-Hearing-Peer-Support.pdf
https://www.transformation-center.org/home/community/deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-recovery-project/
https://www.nasmhpd.org/sites/default/files/BeingSeen.pdf
https://www.hearinglikeme.com/why-we-need-deaf-peer-support-in-our-communities/
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&context=jadara
12-Step online for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Sounds of Sobriety (SOS): This online email group was formed to help us who have a hearing loss (deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing) to find a place to recover from alcoholism. For many of us, face-to-face AA meetings no longer work. All members of AA, or those who think they may have a problem with alcohol, are welcome. SOS_online_group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Deaf Grateful: This is a real-time open discussion meeting on Saturday at 4 pm (EST) for deaf & HOH people who have a desire to stop drinking. Meeting uses videoconferencing software (easily downloaded) that requires a high speed internet connection and a webcam. Our communication mode is ASL only (no audio). http://doda.omnijoin.com
Perspectives of people who are deaf and hard of hearing on mental health, recovery, and peer support
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23149648/
Is Telemental Health Services a Viable Alternative to Traditional Psychotherapy for Deaf Individuals?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27260308/
https://www.arundellodge.org/omhc/telemental-health-for-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing/
Deaf Centric Approach / Peer Support Program
Human Trafficking
Crisis Line – Trafficking Survivors – Resources – Articles – Peer Support
National Human Trafficking Resource Center
The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) is a national, toll-free hotline available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
Toll Free Phone:
1-888-373-7888
Text:
“Help” or “Info” to 233733 (BeFree)
Live chat:
Referral directory:
National Survivor Network has Peer to Peer Mentors: https://
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Call to Safety Line (Portland, Oregon)
Phone: 503.235.5333
Toll Free: 888-235-5333
Multnomah County Resources andHotline for victims / survivors:
OREGON RESOURCE LIST (PDF) for Survivors
Rebecca Bender (Grants Pass, OR)
Resources Page
REBECCA BENDER IS CEO OF THE REBECCA BENDER INITIATIVE AND FOUNDER OF ELEVATE ACADEMY
The U.S. INSTITUTE AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING LAUNCHED
PROJECT: REACH OUT
Project REACH
Phone: (617) 232–1303 ex. 211
Fax: (617) 232-1280
Email: ehopper@jri.org
http://www.traumacenter.org/
FREE Training Video (Signup Required / eCourse) Utilizing Telehealth in Identifying and Resourcing Trafficking Victims
https://www.
US National Office for Victims of Crime
Upcoming events at:
https://ovc.ojp.gov/events
On-demand events at:
https://ovc.ojp.gov/events/on-
PREVENTING RETRAUMATIZATION: A MACRO SOCIAL WORK APPROACH
https://www.socialworker.com/
PEER-TO-PEER SUPPORT TOOLKIT DEVELOPMENT FOR SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING:A WORK IN PROGRESS
https://fspeel.org/wp-content/
National Human Trafficking Training & Technical Assistance Center Publications
Peer Support Groups Exploratory Brief
https://nhttac.acf.hhs.gov/
CONDUCTING SEEKING SAFETY PEER LED PROGRAM WITH INDIVIDUALS WHO EXPERIENCE HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND SUD
https://nhttac.acf.hhs.gov/
Peer-Led Support Groups: Overview of the Empirical Research and Implications for Individuals Who Have Experienced Trafficking and Substance Use Disorder (Overview, Peer Support Outcomes, etc.)
https://static1.squarespace.
Toolkit for Building Survivor-Informed Organizations (February 2018)
https://nhttac.acf.hhs.gov/
Survivor-Informed Practice: Definition, Best Practices, and Recommendations (October 2017)
https://nhttac.acf.hhs.gov/
HOPE FOR JUSTICE
-
Houses or flats with too many people, all picked up or dropped off at the same time
-
People who seem scared, confused or have untreated injuries
-
Few or no documents, or someone else in control of their documents / passport
-
No control over their own post/mail, no phone or phone held by someone else
-
Low or no pay
-
One person speaking on behalf of many others, who may avoid eye contact or conversation
-
Lights on at workplaces at strange times – are people living there?
-
Feel they are in debt to someone
-
Limited freedom of movement and dependency on others
-
Fear of police/authorities
-
Fear of a trafficker, believing their life or families’ lives are at risk if they escape or complain
-
Anxious and unwilling to tell others about their situation
-
Poor health, malnutrition or untreated dental conditions
-
Bruising; signs of other physical or psychological trauma including anxiety, confusion, memory loss
-
Less often, someone believing they are being controlled through witchcraft
Note: Those affected are unlikely to self-identify as a ‘victim’ and may not realize or accept they are being controlled
C-TEC Youth Services’ Clackamas Achievement Program supports youth ages 14-21 in and around Clackamas County who have not obtained a high school diploma or GED and have become disengaged from education during the COVID pandemic.
Services we offer include:
- case management,
- financial assistance,
- support services,
- system navigation,
- and community referrals.
Initial contacts with youth focus on the safety, health, and well-being of the youth and family, with an emphasis on a caring interaction to support the student holistically.
Students will work with a Youth Re engagement Advisor (YRA) who will stay in regular contact, providing appropriate referrals to community agencies, and helping to support the student with navigating school enrollment with their individual district, alternative, or GED program. The YRA will continue to support the youth by encouraging attendance, progress, and addressing any needs or barriers.
- Support services such as tutors, transportation assistance, school supplies, equipment, etc. will be provided as appropriate.
- Youth will be offered dual enrollment into other programs such as C-TEC’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services to leverage additional funds and services. WIOA participants are eligible for ongoing services that include transition to college, opportunities for career exploration and hands-on career exposure, work readiness training, certifications and credentials, and paid work experience.
- Clackamas Community College is partnering to provide education services such as high school credit recovery and GED preparation and testing, however, this can be arranged with Mt Hood Community College or Portland Community College for students that are closer to these institutions.
- Their Workforce Development Department will provide opportunities for youth over 18 that are interested in job training programs or increasing their skills. Assistance with financial aid will be offered, as well as one-on-one support with navigating processes and systems at CCC.
- Clackamas Workforce Partnership is partnering to provide workforce development activities such as career exploration opportunities and paid work experience, as well as coordination between school districts and workforce development entities.
The YRA will continue to follow up with students and families to offer resources and support to help ensure continued school participation and progress. This program will provide trauma informed services.
Clackamas Achievement Program FAQ
Who is eligible for CAP?
- Must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Youth ages 14-21 who are defined as a “dropout” and not exempt from attending public school;
- Youth ages 14-21 who are not enrolled in school*, and have not earned a high school diploma or GED;
- Must be at least 14 years old and under 22 years old;
- Must not have completed their high school credential prior to enrollment.
*Students who started GED classes after Sep 1st, 2021, are still eligible to enroll in CAP services.
How do I refer a youth to CAP?
Complete the following referral form: https://forms.gle/g2upqfKkc2gPi98e7
-or-
Contact Carlos with youth’s name, DOB, and contact information
Carlos Benson Martinez
How much does CAP cost?
CAP is 100% free for youth.
What expenses are paid for by CAP?
If a youth or family is unable to afford expenses associated with GED classes and testing, school supplies, etc. CAP can cover those costs or leverage funds from other resources in the community.
Can a youth be dual enrolled in CAP & WIOA services?
Yes, funds can be “braided” to address a variety of the youth’s needs. While CAP solely addresses education goals, WIOA services include employment exploration opportunities that can continue on after a youth finishes CAP.
What are a youth’s education options with CAP?
Youth can attend GED classes and testing at Clackamas Community College, Credit Recovery at Clackamas Community College, Adult High School Diploma at Clackamas Community College, or reengagement into classes at a youth’s home school district to pursue a diploma.
Can youth outside of Clackamas County apply for CAP?
Youth are eligible to receive CAP services if they live outside Clackamas County, as long as they live within a reasonable distance to receive the service from Clackamas County.
What happens after a youth finishes CAP?
If youth would like support exploring employment opportunities, they can be enrolled into C-TEC’s WIOA program to continue receiving services. You can learn more about WIOA services by visiting C-TEC’s website, c-tecyouthservices.org
Resources for Families and Children Facing Tragic Events
Racial Stress – Racism – Hate Crimes
Helpful Resources to Address the Mass Shooting in Uvalde, Texas
Many thanks to Michelle Zabel, MSS, Assistant Dean, and Director, The Institute for Innovation and Implementation, for compiling this list of resources in response to the horrific mass shooting in Texas earlier this week.
Helping Young People Cope With Mental Health Challenges
Vox Media’s NowThis is linking arms with Ken Burns and PBS to share an upcoming documentary titled “Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness.” Scenes from the forthcoming film will be shared across NowThis social platforms throughout Mental Health Awareness Month in May. NowThis will host a live TikTok conversation about the topic, as well. The goal, Burns said, is “to get this material out to young people around the country.” The film itself will debut at the end of June on PBS.
Uplift by Youth Era: Teaching Youth Peer Support Skills
More than 500 youth signed up for the most recent Uplift event! Studied by the University of Oxford and co-designed with young adults, Uplift by Youth Era is the future of peer support. Empower a young person in your life to be who they need, and apply to join the next Uplift training in June!
Randolph “Randy” Muck September 14, 1955 to April 21, 2021 in Memoriam
On the first anniversary of his death, several of us who knew and worked with Randy write this tribute to remember and honor his impact on so many people. Randy provided much-needed leadership from within the federal government to develop and disseminate evidence-based substance use treatments designed for adolescents and their families. He was successful because he had a rare ability to connect with all the groups important to improving adolescent treatment: provider organizations, schools, juvenile justice, counselors, federal agency decision-makers, researchers, private foundations, and most importantly—adolescents and their families. He saw how these groups could align their different interests and collaborate. This, in turn, helped youth, families, and systems of care in ways that continue to have an impact.
HHS Awards Nearly $25 Million to Expand Access to School-Based Health Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), recently announced nearly $25 million will be made available to improve and strengthen access to school-based health services in communities across the country. Awards will support local partnerships between schools and health centers to provide children and youth with the comprehensive physical and mental health care they need.
Investing in Prevention Makes Good Financial Sense
Primary prevention—including screening and intervention before negative health outcomes occur—is relatively inexpensive. The higher-risk behaviors it is designed to reduce are so costly to the healthcare system that it is staggeringly wasteful not to make sure that screening and treatment referrals are readily implemented and faithfully reimbursed by insurers and that interventions are convenient for parents and their children.
PAX Good Behavior Game
Speaking of prevention…
The PAX Good Behavior Game is an evidence-based universal preventive intervention applied by teachers in the classroom. This evidence-based practice consists of research-based strategies with origins in behavioral science, neuroscience, and cultural wisdom that operate together to improve children’s self-regulation. Teachers implement these strategies as part of their daily routines in carrying out tasks such as getting students’ attention, selecting students for tasks, transitioning from one task to the next, working as part of a team, limiting problematic behavior, and reinforcing pro-social behavior.
HHS Launches New Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a new, confidential, toll-free hotline for expecting and new moms experiencing mental health challenges. Those who contact the hotline can receive a range of support, including brief interventions from trained culturally and trauma-informed counselors and referrals to both community-based and telehealth providers as needed. Callers also will receive evidence-based information and referrals to support groups and other community resources.
Six Things You Need To Know About Music and Health
A growing body of research suggests that listening to or performing music affects the brain in ways that may help promote health and manage disease symptoms. More justification for the plethora of music videos posted in Friday Update!
Know Your Rights: Parity for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits
This brochure gives an overview of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. It lists some common limits placed on mental health and substance use disorder benefits and services.
Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech
Aaahhhh!!! Less than 20 days!!! Well? Have you registered for the 2022 Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech summit on June 8-9th yet? Can’t make it? Wondering if you can access all of the sessions with our hundreds of speakers after June 8-9th? YES, but ONLY if you register in advance. So, you should probably get on that.
Building a More Equitable Juvenile Justice System for Everyone
Racial inequities regarding the policing of children, and the subsequent disparities in their treatment within the juvenile justice system, have been problems in this country for far too long. It is encouraging that many states and counties are not only recognizing these issues but are taking action. The CSG Justice Center is committed to providing research-driven, data-informed solutions to our partners to continue building safer and stronger communities for everyone, especially our youth.
Disruptions to School and Home Life Among High School Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic — Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey, United States, January–June 2021
Young people have experienced disruptions to school and home life since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. From January to June 2021, CDC conducted the Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES), an online survey of a probability-based, nationally representative sample of U.S. public- and private-school students in grades 9–12. ABES data were used to estimate the prevalence of disruptions and adverse experiences during the pandemic, including parental and personal job loss, homelessness, hunger, emotional or physical abuse by a parent or other adult at home, receipt of telemedicine, and difficulty completing schoolwork. Prevalence estimates are presented for all students by sex, race and ethnicity, grade, sexual identity, and difficulty completing schoolwork.
CDC Survey Finds the Pandemic Had a Big Impact on Teens’ Mental Health
According to a survey published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than four in 10 teens report feeling “persistently sad or hopeless” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Girls were twice as likely to experience mental health troubles compared to boys. And LGBTQ students were hit the hardest. The CDC’s findings were gathered from online surveys from a sample of 7,700 US students during the first six months of 2021.
New Initiative to Define Policy Recommendations for Embedding Equity into 988
The Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity & Beacon Health Options are joining forces to create and develop an equitable crisis response for the future of behavioral health service delivery ahead of the July 2022 launch of 988.
State Policymakers Can Support Equitable School-based Telemental Health Services
This brief presents five ways state policymakers can support equitable school-based telemental health services, with recommendations based on relevant policy context, existing research, and—in some cases—feedback from interviews with five TMH providers who testified to on-the-ground experience with these interventions.
- SAMHSA Disaster/Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990
- SAMHSA Incidents of Mass Violence
- SAMHSA: Tips for Talking with and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
- CDC Infographic: 6 Guiding Principles to a Trauma-Informed Approach
- CDC Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
- NCSMH Supporting Students, Staff, Families & Communities Impacted by Violence
- NIMH Helping Children & Adolescents Cope with Traumatic Events
- Talking to Children About Terrorist Attacks & School & Community Shootings in the News
- CDC Caring for Children in a Disaster: Tools & Resources
- NCTSN School Shooting Resources
- Sesame Street in Communities: Community & Gun Violence
- AAP Talking to Children About Tragedies & Other News Events
- AAP Talking with Children About Disasters
- CDC Helping Children Cope During & After a Disaster
Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News
In times of community or world-wide crisis, it’s easy to assume that young children don’t know what’s going on. But one thing’s for sure — children are very sensitive to how their parents feel. They’re keenly aware of the expressions on their parents’ faces and the tone of their voices. Children can sense when their parents are really worried, whether they’re watching the news or talking about it with others. No matter what children know about a “crisis,” it’s especially scary for children to realize that their parents are scared.
Some Scary, Confusing Images
The way that news is presented on television can be quite confusing for a young child. The same video segment may be shown over and over again through the day, as if each showing was a different event. Someone who has died turns up alive and then dies again and again. Children often become very anxious since they don’t understand much about videotape replays, closeups, and camera angles. Any televised danger seems close to home to them because the tragic scenes are taking place on the TV set in their own living room. Children can’t tell the difference between what’s close and what’s far away, what’s real and what’s pretend, or what’s new and what’s re-run.
The younger the children are, the more likely they are to be interested in scenes of close-up faces, particularly if the people are expressing some strong feelings. When there’s tragic news, the images on TV are most often much too graphic and disturbing for young children.
“Who will take care of me?”
In times of crisis, children want to know, “Who will take care of me?” They’re dependent on adults for their survival and security. They’re naturally self-centered. They need to hear very clearly that their parents are doing all they can to take care of them and to keep them safe. They also need to hear that people in the government and other grown-ups they don’t even know are working hard to keep them safe, too.
Helping Children Feel More Secure
Play is one of the important ways young children have of dealing with their concerns. Of course, playing about violent news can be scary and sometimes unsafe, so adults need to be nearby to help redirect that kind of play into nurturing themes, such as a hospital for the wounded or a pretend meal for emergency workers.
When children are scared and anxious, they might become more dependent, clingy, and afraid to go to bed at night. Whining, aggressive behavior, or toilet “accidents” may be their way of asking for more comfort from the important adults in their lives. Little by little, as the adults around them become more confident, hopeful and secure, our children probably will, too.
Turn Off the TV
When there’s something tragic in the news, many parents get concerned about what and how to tell their children. It’s even harder than usual if we’re struggling with our own powerful feelings about what has happened. Adults are sometimes surprised that their own reactions to a televised crisis are so strong, but great loss and devastation in the news often reawaken our own earlier losses and fears – even some we think we might have “forgotten”
It’s easy to allow ourselves to get drawn into watching televised news of a crisis for hours and hours; however, exposing ourselves to so many tragedies can make us feel hopeless, insecure, and even depressed. We help our children and ourselves if we’re able to limit our own television viewing. Our children need us to spend time with them – away from the frightening images on the screen.
Talking and Listening
Even if we wanted to, it would be impossible to give our children all the reasons for such things as war, terrorists, abuse, murders, major fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes. If they ask questions, our best answer may be to ask them, “What do you think happened?” If the answer is “I don’t know,” then the simplest reply might be something like, “I’m sad about the news, and I’m worried. But I love you, and I’m here to care for you.”
If we don’t let children know it’s okay to feel sad and scared, they may think something is wrong with them when they do feel that way. They certainly don’t need to hear all the details of what’s making us sad or scared, but if we can help them accept their own feelings as natural and normal, their feelings will be much more manageable for them.
Angry feelings are part of being human, especially when we feel powerless. One of the most important messages we can give our children is, “It’s okay to be angry, but it’s not okay to hurt ourselves or others.” Besides giving children the right to their anger, we can help them find constructive things to do with their feelings. This way, we’ll be giving them useful tools that will serve them all their life, and help them to become the worlds’ future peacemakers — the world’s future “helpers.”
Helpful Hints
- Do your best to keep the television off, or at least limit how much your child sees of any news event.
- Try to keep yourself calm. Your presence can help your child feel more secure.
- Give your child extra comfort and physical affection, like hugs or snuggling up together with a favorite book. Physical comfort goes a long way towards providing inner security. That closeness can nourish you, too.
- Try to keep regular routines as normal as possible. Children and adults count on their familiar pattern of everyday life.
- Plan something that you and your child enjoy doing together, like taking a walk, going on a picnic, having some quiet time, or doing something silly. It can help to know there are simple things in life that can help us feel better, in good times and in bad.
- Even if children don’t mention what they’ve seen or heard in the news, it can help to ask what they think has happened. If parents don’t bring up the subject, children can be left with their misinterpretations. You may be really surprised at how much your child has heard from others.
- Focus attention on the helpers, like the police, firemen, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and volunteers. It’s reassuring to know there are many caring people who are doing all they can to help others in this world.
- Let your child know if you’re making a donation, going to a town meeting, writing a letter or e-mail of support, or taking some other action. It can help children to know that adults take many different active roles and that we don’t give in to helplessness in times of worldwide crisis.
What do we tell our children? How do we reassure them of their own safety?
At The Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon, we’ve provided grief support groups for children, teens, young adults and their parents or adult caregivers since 1982.
Based on our experience, here are some things for adults to keep in mind as you struggle with how to talk with children following tragic events, such as natural disasters, plane crashes, or school shootings.
1. Don’t project your fears onto your children. They take their cues from the adults around them.
You can’t hear the news about children being murdered or communities devastated by natural disasters without thinking about how you’d feel if it happened to your family, friends, or hometown. The outpouring of care and empathy for the families who lost loved ones will be powerful, and…we all know it could have been our friends, our child, our family and community members who died or were injured.
Identifying with the senselessness and randomness makes us all feel more vulnerable. But we should remember that children don’t always see things the same way that adults do, and it won’t be helpful to them for us to fall apart. They need to see that we care, that we feel terrible about this tragedy, and that we will do everything we can to keep them safe. They will take their cues from our behavior.
It’s okay to show emotion. We can model for children that feeling sad, scared, and upset is normal after tragedies. But we don’t want to overwhelm them with our emotions, or put them in the position of having to ‘parent,’ or take care of, the adults around them. Make sure you also model taking care of yourself, by sharing with trusted and supportive adult friends, eating (and drinking) healthfully.
2. Try to limit their access to the recurring news and exposure to the tragedy over and over.
Over-exposure to the graphic and emotional news can be overwhelming for children and can cause unnecessary anxiety and fear. Some children who repeatedly watched the footage of planes crashing into the towers on 9/11 thought it was happening again and again. Some children (and some adults) may have difficulty getting graphic scenes and images out of their minds. Too much exposure can fuel their fear, so don’t let them sit and watch the news over and over. Better yet, set the example of not doing so yourself as well.
3. Understand that you can’t completely shield them from what happened.
It would be next to impossible to hide these events from children, as much as we wish we could. You might be able to shield your own child in your home, for example, by not turning on (or owning) a television, but you can’t protect your children from hearing about it from other kids. The fact is, they will hear about it, so although they don’t “need” to know about it, pretending we can shield them is magical thinking.
That said, you don’t need to give them more information than they can handle, or more than they’re asking for. A simple, “Did they talk about what happened in _____ today at school?” would be a good starter. They need to know that you’re not trying to hide the truth from them, that you’re open to talking about it, but that you’re also not forcing them to do so.
4. Model truth-telling and build trust with your children by letting them hear things, even hard things, from you directly.
Eight days after the 9/11 attacks, I was meeting in small groups with pre-school workers in New York City, talking about how to respond to the young children in their care about the events. A man asked to speak to me privately after one of the trainings, and asked for my advice around his 7-year-old daughter. For the last week, since September 12th, she had been having stomach aches and difficulty sleeping. He said it was not tied to the events of 9/11 because, “We don’t have a television.” As his story unfolded it was evident that he did not want to have to explain to his child why people would do such horrible things, a normal dilemma that we face as parents and adults. This child was experiencing physical reactions, as it turned out, not primarily because of her reaction to the events of 9/11, but because she was unable to share her fears and concerns and questions in her own home, faced with her parents’ denial.
Here are some principles to keep in mind as you talk with children:
1. There is no one typical reaction one can or should expect from children.
Their responses will vary all over the ‘emotional’ map, from seeming disinterest to nightmares, eating issues, and anxiety. How any specific child will respond will depend on their age, previous experience with death and loss, and their personality style. Fearful children will tend to worry; quiet children may keep their feelings to themselves; those who want to appear unfazed may exhibit a sense of bravado or lack of caring. Of course, children directly affected – those who had a family member die; those who witnessed the tragedy; those who had friends die – will tend to have longer-term reactions and needs. Watch for changes in behavior, or concerning trends. While it would be normal to have heightened anxiety and sleeplessness, any concerning behavior or troubling symptoms should be taken seriously, and if warranted, professional help sought.
2. Many children will have an increased sense of fear about their safety.
Understandably. So will many adults. After a shooting at an Oregon mall in December 2012, the news outlets were filled with people who said they’d never take their children there again. Others said they’d return as soon as it opened in order to support the stores and employees who had experienced the traumatic events, and whose livelihoods were going to suffer as a result of the several day closure. Some runners in the Boston Marathon vowed to return; others said they would never do so again.
While we can’t guarantee to our children that nothing bad will ever happen to them, we can provide assurance that these events are relatively rare, and that we will do everything we can to keep them safe. Children may have many questions about the events, particularly about natural disasters. Answer their questions with language that fits their developmental stage. It’s okay if you don’t know the answer to a question. If it’s a question that might have an answer, offer to look up more information. You can also ask children what they think the answer is as they often have thoughts and ideas they want to share with you. In the case of natural disasters, if your child is fearful of something like that happening in your community, talk with them about the safety plan that you have in place for your family and home. You can also look into what community safety measures are in place and whatever elements are relevant with your children. Many children will be reassured knowing that there are specific, tangible things they and your family can do if something occurs. Some examples include, picking a meeting place, keeping flashlights in every bedroom, talking about where you will keep emergency water and food.
3. Children want, need, and deserve the truth.
In over 30 years of providing grief support to thousands of children and teens at The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families, we have never heard a child say, “I’m glad I was lied to.” Many, however, struggle with anger and lack of trust toward parents or other adults who lied to them. When we don’t tell the truth, they learn that we cannot be trusted. As difficult as it can be at times, and as horrendous as the truth may be, children want, need, and deserve the truth. Being able to talk openly and honestly with your children about tragic events and other losses, creates a foundation of trust, enabling them to come to you in the future with their questions, fears, and concerns.
How race-related stress affects you and your relationship with your child
What effect does racism have on your health and well-being?
Not only does racism impact you as a parent, it can also impact how you interact with your children. Experiences of racism build on each other and can chip away at your emotional, physical and spiritual resources as a parent, contributing to race-related stress. Race-related stress can make it hard to have the space needed to take care of yourself as a parent, which reduces the emotional space you need to adequately take care of your children.
Physical Effects
Physical Effects can include increased hypertension, illness and risky behaviors such as substance use.
Emotional Effects
Emotional effects can include depression, anxiety, anger, irritability and aggression.
Spiritual Effects
Spiritual effects can include a decreased sense of purpose, lack of connection with the larger community, isolation from larger social groups and reduced involvement in communal activities that you enjoy.
Potential reactions to racial stress or trauma
Insecure Feelings
Feelings of shame and lack of confidence due to feeling that a situation cannot be changed.
Lack of Trust
Feeling detached or a lack of trust for others due to experiencing multiple losses or letdowns. This can make it very difficult to seek out help and to identify potential safe sources of support.
Triggers
Reminders of the event, such as particular people or situations, can also trigger strong emotional or physical responses (e.g., crying or rapid heartbeat).
Difficulty Controlling Emotions
Difficulty controlling emotional responses (going from “zero to one hundred”) can occur as the body helps you adapt to potentially unsafe situations, making you feel constantly on “alert.”
The body’s response to the experience of racism can make accessing resources to cope with the situation difficult. Race-related stress is unique in that it threatens psychological resources that are needed to cope and fulfill basic needs such as financial support, housing, access to jobs, etc.
When your body is in stress mode, it is geared up to help you and your child survive, which sometimes leads to impulsive decisions. If you live in a chronic state of stress related to racism, you can start to engage in survival coping. Survival coping can help you to deal with very hard or potentially life-threatening situations. However, if you continue to exist in this mode long-term, it can make it difficult to enjoy being in the moment with your child and can reduce your ability to feel safe and in control.
What impact can racial stress have on your parenting?
Experiencing race-related stress can also impact the quality of parenting relationships in the following ways:
Impostor syndrome
When you are exposed to racism repeatedly, you often start doubting yourself and can feel like you are an imposter in dominant culture settings or in settings where you feel as though you do not belong. Your inner thoughts might sound something like: “Am I being judged?” “Am I worthy?” “I got lucky.” “I only got this because I am Black.”
Being overly alert (hypervigilance)
Experiencing racial stress can make you more aware of potential dangers and negative experiences that can occur. This, in turn, can make the experience of parenting even more stressful. When you interact with your children, you can sometimes be reminded of negative race-related experiences that you had when you were a child. This reminder can amp up emotional responses, or hyperarousal, making it hard for you to “keep your cool” and be open to flexible problem solving.
“Helicopter parenting” (monitoring in fear)
These experiences of racism and unwarranted blame or lack of acceptance can make you want to protect your children so much, that you don’t allow them to explore in the way that they need to. You may shelter them from failures, which everyone needs to experience in order to learn how to manage everyday life. You may tend to be overly cautious or suspicious. Examples can include not allowing your children to have sleepovers or go to the park, even with your supervision.
Difficulty regulating emotions
- When your past influences your emotional state, it can affect your emotional responses to both big and minor stressors with children, such as when they misbehave. This, in turn, can lead to being overprotective or overuse of physical discipline, as a means of survival.
- For children, having parents who can keep perspective (stay cool) when children are upset, or misbehaving is very important. Likewise, it is important to stay calm when disciplining a child, otherwise discipline may go overboard. Both of these things can be hard if you are having difficulty controlling your emotions.
Avoidance
- Avoiding situations that are related to racism can be a needed strategy to survive; such as instances that may involve violence or threat to yourself or your family. Sometimes you may avoid reminders of past experiences due to the pain or discomfort they cause.
- If you find yourself avoiding strong feelings or situations with your child that bring up painful memories, it may make it hard to show affection and support for your child. It may even make it difficult to know how to provide emotional support for your child during times of stress. For instance, if your child brings up their own experience of oppression or an event in their life reminds you of something from your own childhood.
Mistrusting others
- Racism can lead to distrust or mistrust of other communities. Internalized racism is when you begin to accept negative messages about your own abilities and inherent worth by the dominant group in society.
- When you use society’s norms to judge yourself, you can feel depressed, unworthy and just not good enough. You are taught in many ways to take these feelings and paint them onto another group.
- Intra and interracial violence, contention among disenfranchised communities or color, and the way the media conveys information about people of color, contribute to this.
- This kind of coping can make you more vulnerable to racism, because on some level you may believe in racial hierarchy and difference when you belittle other groups. And when you show your children that it is right to discriminate against certain other groups, you make them more vulnerable to discrimination that they face.
Minimizing racism
- Racism is overwhelming, as is the history of violence. You are sometimes taught that accepting this and minimizing racism is the only thing you can do. But when you ignore racism, and accept powerlessness, you encourage your kids to internalize racism. This can lead to increased levels of depression, anxiety and externalizing behaviors (e.g., engaging in risky behaviors, such as alcohol or substance use).
- When you believe that you should be able to handle and manage it all without a break or without asking for help, you are at increased risk for health problems and can miss important cues about your well-being and safety.
Self-blame
Experiencing chronically unfair and dangerous discriminatory practices due to race can lead to feelings of low worth. For parents, this can also lead to a questioning of your parenting choices and abilities.
Unbalanced Racial and Ethnic Socialization (RES)
Unbalanced messaging or communication about race and ethnicity occurs when you only promote messages of mistrust, preparation for bias, or only give racial pride messages to your children.
Strategies to deal with racial stress and practice self-care.
So, what can you do to mitigate racial stress?
As parents, it is important to develop positive identities and share your cultural identities with your children. Positive cultural identity and advocacy are protective factors against racism, which can help to reduce and prevent racial stress.
There are many other ways to cope with stress and everyone has different preferences. Reducing stress can also allow you to model healthy coping strategies for your child. Here are some suggestions you can try.
- Build or access a support network
- Incorporate traditions at home
- Get some exercise
- Deep breathing
- Journal
- Limit your media intake
- Counseling/therapy
- Spirituality
- Podcast
You are not the only person dealing with race-related stress and connecting with other people with similar experiences and feelings can help you to successfully navigate racism.
- Talk with family and trusted friends specifically about racialized events that have occurred and how to handle them
- Start or join a group with others who may have had similar experiences and similar interests, like a book club that reads books by Black authors, or spend time with other African American parents who have the same concerns you do about how your children are treated at the school.
- Seek out activities that you can do with your friends or family (e.g., exercising, cooking, watching a family show or movie together, etc.)
Legislation
Much of the debate today is around gun control. Below are links to two bills currently pending in Congress.
HR 1446 Enhanced Background Check Act of 2021
HR 8 Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Events, Education, Resources
All Month Long More Resources To Come
Events
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Twitter Chat
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 — 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
.
Past and Present: Addressing Racism and Intolerance Against Asian Americans Virtual Panel
On May 8, 2021, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH), the National Park Service (NPS), and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI) hosted a virtual panel discussion highlighting current federal efforts addressing racism and health inequities, including the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and the Presidential Memorandum Condemning and Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S.
OMH, NPS and WHIAPPI facilitated a rich discussion, featuring contemporary Asian Americans who are leading grass-roots efforts to protect and empower diverse AAPI communities nationwide.
Watch the replay below
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Event,
Register for Hill Day
What is Hill Day at Home?
Hill Day at Home is your opportunity to urge lawmakers to support mental health and substance use treatment initiatives – from your computer, without ever leaving the comfort of your home or office!
The Virtual Policy Institute Returns for 2022
In 2020, we introduced our first Virtual Policy Institute, a four-hour learning event offering keynote speakers, legislative updates, immersive breakout sessions and more. Across 2020 and 2021’s events, more than 3,300+ attendees from all 50 states and 29 partner organizations united online in support of mental health.
During Hill Day at Home, we use our influence to persuade our elected officials to support critically important legislation that will help improve access to comprehensive health care for those who need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can show your support for mental health and substance use advocacy and the Hill Day agenda at any time by signing up for National Council Advocacy Alert and urging your elected officials to take action on key legislation. Signing up for alerts will ensure you get notified when key advocacy opportunities come up for you to contact your legislators.
Food addiction can take many forms. Symptoms include obesity, under eating, and bulimia. People often think of the term “eating disorders” when describing the disease of food addiction. Food addicts are obsessed with food, body size, and weight. We spend our days thinking about when and what we are going to eat or not eat. Binging, purging, and dieting are a way of life. The bottom line is that we can’t stop thinking about eating. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) offers relief from the symptoms of eating disorders and guidance on living in recovery.
|
|
|
|
https://eatingdisorderfoundation.org/get-help/support-groups/
Eating Disorder Foundation Support Groups, Eating Disorder Foundation: External link list of recurring virtual support groups for people recovering from eating disorders, as well as family members and friends who are supporting someone through recovery.
https://www.feast-ed.org/around-the-dinner-table-forum/
Around the Dinner Table Forum, FEAST: External link online community of parents of eating disorder patients around the world. [note, I would say parents/caregivers of family members or persons experiencing eating struggles or struggling with eating, not patients!]
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/sanctuary
The Sanctuary, Beat Eating Disorders: External link information about an online chat room for U.K. residents recovering from an eating disorder.
https://rockrecoveryed.org/coffee-conversations-for-moms/
Coffee and Conversations for Moms, Rock Recovery: External link monthly virtual support group for mothers who are recovering from an eating disorder.
https://centerfordiscovery.com/groups/
Free Eating Disorder and Mental Health Support Groups, Center for Discovery Eating Disorder Treatment: External link free platform for peer-based support groups for anyone who has been affected by an eating disorder or seeking mental health support.
ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) / Duke University
Pro-Recovery Support Group, Monday Evenings
7:00 PM EST /4:00 PM PST
Pro-Recovery Support Group, Saturday Mornings
11:00 AM EST/ 8:00 AM PST
Pro-Recovery support groups are open to individuals, ages 18+, who are experiencing and/or are on the journey to recovery from an eating disorder.
Register here.
Family and Friends Group, Wednesday Evenings
7:00 PM EST /4:00 PM PST
Friends & Family support groups are 1.5 hours and are open to loved ones of individuals who are experiencing and/or on the journey from eating disorders.
Register here.
https://18percent.org
18percent is a free online community based off Slack, where one can receive peer to peer support. 18percent has channels on various mental health issues, one of which is eating disorders. They offer free, 24/7 eating disorder support in a moderated environment. For more information, click the link below and sign up.
May Mental Health Awareness Month
Events
Title: Mental Health 101 – Overview of Mental Health Issues in the Modern World
Date: May 4, 2022 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST)
Summary: HUD and SAMHSA will launch their celebration of National Mental Health Awareness Month with an introduction and general overview of mental health issues post COVID-19. HUD’s Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman will kick off this first webinar in a four-part series that features Dr. Neeraj Gandotra, M.D. (SAMHSA’s Chief Medical Officer) as the keynote speaker. Dr. Mary Roary, Ph.D., M.B.A. (SAMHSA’s Director of the Office of Behavioral Health Equity) and Jayme Brown, M.P.A. (HUD’s Director of Community and Supportive Services) will moderate this webinar.
Join Now!
Access Code: 4670871#
Title: National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: Peer Support for Youth and Families
Date: May 5th, 2022 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST)
Summary: An event commemorating child and youth mental health and honoring youth and family peer support.
- Remarks by Dr. Anita Everett, Director, Center for Mental Health Services
- Remarks by Melinda J. Baldwin, Ph.D., Director, Division of Prevention, Traumatic Stress, and Special Programs
- Event Emcee Gary M. Blau, Ph.D., Senior Advisor for Children Youth and Families
Title: 988 – What’s on the Horizon
Date: May 11, 2022 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST)
Summary: SAMHSA and HUD will introduce SAMHSA’s new Suicide Prevention Hotline (988). The webinar will also address suicide prevention for youth and the BIPOC community, in addition to touching on substance use.
Access Code: 8477433#
Title: #MentalHealthAtWork Twitter Chat
Date: May 11, 1-2pm (EST)
Summary: Join the U.S. Department of Labor to talk about:
- Reducing stigma Increasing parity for mental health treatment
- Resources for workers Support for mental health providers
- Use hashtag #MentalHealthAtWork
Title: The 5th Annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium
Date: May 16, 2022
Summary: The National Council on Aging is proud to host the 5th annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium
This event is co-sponsored with the U.S. Administration for Community Living, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Registration is free and includes a full day of sessions on how to best meet the mental health needs of older adults. In partnership with Rush University’s E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging, NCOA will be offering continuing education credit for several professions.
Title: Strategies and Partnerships to Address Farm Stress and Suicide Webinar
Date: May 17-19, 2022 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm (EST)
Hosted: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Summary: Throughout the past several years, the farm economy has faced tremendous challenges, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. While mental health is a struggle many Americans face, there are a significant number of rural Americans working through tough mental health situations.
Title: Get Help – Reducing Stigma Associated with Mental Health
Date: May 18, 2022 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST)
Summary: HUD and SAMHSA will focus on reducing stigma associated with mental health, to encourage those with potential mental health issues to seek professional help. This webinar will also concentrate on the BIPOC community, addressing stigma specific to these populations.
Access Code: 5955873#
Title: Now What? – Mental Health Issues in Post COVID America
Date: May 25, 2022 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST)
Summary: SAMHSA and HUD will examine how to address mental health issues in post-COVID America. Besides the physical toll the pandemic took on Americans, it has also greatly affected our nation’s mental health. This webinar will discuss how to handle and move past multiple co-occurring pandemics, using a mental health focus on substance use disorder, housing, work, education, and transportation among other relevant topics.
Access Code: 6268721#
Sexual Assault Action Month
Domestic/sexual violence materials, resources, and actions happening across Oregon
Oregon State Proclamation of Sexual Assault Action Month from the Office of Governor Brown
Presidential Proclamation of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
VALOR 2022 SAAM Toolkit
“ValorUS (VALOR) leads with prevention of sexual violence. For 2022 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), we have released this free toolkit to empower you to lead your own community. With the theme of “Collective Action for Equity,” these resources support you to spread the message of prevention of sexual violence.”
Download in English and Spanish here
Caja De Herramientas Yo Soy SAAM 2022– A collection of 39 original and curated resources for bililngual advocates from ALAS members and allies
Reclaim/Reclama 2022 – SARC’s annual art magazine, highlighting the art of those who have been impacted by sexual violence, will be shared digitally this year at sarcoregon.org and on social media (Facebook and Instagram) through the month of April at @sarcoregon.
Events
Domestic Violence for Mental Health Providers
The first three sessions, Understanding, Screening for, and Intervening in Domestic Violence is available right now to view on demand, the recording of our fourth session will be on our YouTube channel Thursday April 21st.
Open House and Art Gallery at the Family Justice Center
Take a tour of the Family Justice Center in Washington County (FJC) and meet the other organizations co-located at FJC supporting folks who have experienced violence. View art created by people impacted by violence, collected through the Sexual Assault Resource Center’s Reclaim/Reclama Magazine. Join us on April 24th, 2022 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at 735 SW 158th Ave Suite 100 Beaverton, OR 97006. Reading of the Proclamations and some speaking from survivors of violence will start at 4:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public!
Yo Soy SAAM Webinarios offered by Alianza Latina en contra la Agresión Sexual
Talking Healthy Relationships: A Conversation Guide for Parents & Caregivers
Victim Rights Law Center When Rape Results in Pregnancy: The intersection of Rape and Abortion
Virtual April 27th at 3pm PST
Hosted by the Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC), “When Rape Results in Pregnancy: The Intersection of Sexual Violence and Abortion,” will examine the intersection of abortion laws and rape and bring together a diversity of speakers in the medical, legal, legislative, and academic fields. Listen to experts share their insights on this complex issue, and learn how you can support survivors who become pregnant resulting from an assault. 100% of proceeds will go towards supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault. Visit our website to learn more about our panelists and the event.
Ask an Expert Series Webinar: Male Victims and Human Trafficking
April 28th at 3pm EST (12pm PST)
What services and support are needed for men and boys who are victims of human trafficking? How are these services different from their female counterparts? Ensuring equity and inclusion of services for all victims of human trafficking means addressing the needs of male victims. Join three national experts for this discussion on male victims’ experiences with sex and labor trafficking. Panelists will share their insight on needed services, how to talk about human trafficking and develop outreach materials in ways that are inclusive of males, and where to find additional resources on this topic.
Events
Rose Haven Open House Event
Virtual Mental Health First Aid
Tuesday April 26th at 9am PST
Offered by Lines for Life, mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches people to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
Exploring the Incidence and Impact of Economic Abuse Among Teens
Tuesday, April 26th at 11am PST
Offered by Futures Without Violence. Despite the potential lifetime impacts, economic abuse has been long overlooked among teen dating partnerships. Knowing what is at stake, Futures Without Violence in partnership with The Allstate Foundation and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center surveyed nearly 3,000 teens to explore how economic abuse – from disrupting education to interfering with employment to financial control – shows up in their relationships. The findings are eye-opening.
Interrupting Anti-Blackness Workshop
Tuesday, April 26th & Wednesday, April 27th at 2:30pm PST
This two-part workshop series with Washington Nonprofits is a case study centered workshop for Community leaders, Accountants, Front line workers, Middle Management Professionals, Executive Directors, Nonprofit Professionals, Educators, Board Members and co-conspirators who are committed to deepening their understanding of why Black liberation practices are crucial in interrupting anti-Black racism, macroaggressions, and white supremacist systems. This webinar will not be recorded.
Ask an Expert Series Webinar: Male Victims and Human Trafficking
Thursday, April 28th at 12pm PST
What services and support are needed for men and boys who are victims of human trafficking? How are these services different from their female counterparts? Ensuring equity and inclusion of services for all victims of human trafficking means addressing the needs of male victims. Join three national experts for this discussion on male victims’ experiences with sex and labor trafficking. Panelists will share their insight on needed services, how to talk about human trafficking and develop outreach materials in ways that are inclusive of males, and where to find additional resources on this topic.
NNEDV Advocacy Days
June 7th- June 8th
Trainings June 1st & 2nd
Opportunities and things to know about
Oregon DOJ launched Sanctuary Promise Hotline
Today, Oregon Department of Justice launches our Sanctuary Promise Hotline! This program is designed to receive reports from and provide support to individuals and families targeted in violation of Oregon’s longstanding sanctuary laws. Victims, witnesses, concerned community members, and whistleblowers can report violations to these laws, access culturally responsive support, and request a DOJ investigation into any violations of the laws.
Allstate Foundation Moving Ahead Grant Program
$1.5 Million in Funding for State Domestic Violence Coalitions Committed to Providing Financial Empowerment Services for Survivors
Over the past 16 years, The Allstate Foundation has invested more than $85 million to end relationship abuse. As part of this national effort, The Allstate Foundation is proud to continue the Moving Ahead Grant Program – a competitive grant program for U.S. state and territory domestic violence coalitions committed to the development, acceleration, and implementation of financial empowerment services for relationship abuse survivors.
This year, up to $1.5 million in Moving Ahead grants will support innovative financial empowerment programs that provide financial education services to survivors, through the implementation of The Allstate Foundation Moving Ahead Curriculum and asset-building activities in at least one of the following categories: job readiness and job training; survivor matched savings programs; micro-loans; credit building and/or repair; and micro-enterprise programs.
Eligible state and territory domestic violence coalitions are invited to apply. Grant applications will be accepted March 28 – April 25, 2022. Visit the Moving Ahead Grant Program landing page to learn more about the funding opportunity and requirements, and to register for an informational webinar.
Learn about The Allstate Foundation’s mission and our 70-year history of improving communities across the country.
NNEDV and GNWS launches Lila.Help
Advocates around the world have been discussing the need for a vetted global directory for many years and the pandemic has made the need for online resources even more clear. As a founding member of the GNWS, NNEDV has worked with the Global Network of Women’s Shelters to bring together advocates from across the globe. Since Lila.Help was conceptualized in 2019, NNEDV has partnered in its development and worked closely with other regional and national networks to bring Lila.help to fruition. This directory is a great step toward ensuring survivors around the world are connected to help, including having NNEDV’s resources.
OVW Grants Solicitation Announcements
Check out some of these opportunities for OVW funding
Grants.gov Deadline: April 19
JustGrants Deadline: April 21
Grants.gov Deadline: April 21
JustGrants Deadline: April 26
Grants.gov Deadline: April 26
JustGrants Deadline: April 28th
|
|
|
|
Our Work Groups and Caucuses
Advocates! Did you know that we have work groups and caucuses for you to connect with other advocates and get support for struggles you may be experiencing?
The Q Center: Out of Portland OR, Continues To Offer Several Virtual, Diverse Support Groups for People in the LGBTQ+ Community:
As the largest LGBTQ+ community center in the Pacific Northwest, Q Center proudly serves the LGBTQ2SIA+ communities of Portland Metro and Southwest Washington. Our drop-in and event space on North Mississippi Avenue is a frequent first stop for new arrivals in Portland, and for longtime residents who are newly out or questioning their sexual or gender identity.
Q Center also serves as an information hub for friends, partners, community, and family members of LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach and seek out ways to share resources with other nonprofits and public institutions locally and statewide.
To learn about the many groups offered by the Q Center, here is the link to their calendar page: https://www.pdxqcenter.org/calendar.
To register for any of these groups please either email info@pdxqcenter.org, or call 503-234-7837.
Who We Are
All family and friends of compulsive gamers welcome
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83671786251
Meeting ID: 836 7178 6251
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,83671786251# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,83671786251# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 826 013 5782
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k0jt3FGFs
All family and friends of compulsive gamers welcome
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83671786251
Meeting ID: 836 7178 6251
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,83671786251# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,83671786251# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 826 013 5782
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k0jt3FGFs
Gamers Find A Local Support Group
Use the link below to get more information about local groups and a notification when a local meeting is started. Due to the COVID pandemic, most meetings are currently held in an outdoor setting or online.
| Oregon | Contact |
| Bend, OR | bend@cgaa.info |
| Eugene, OR | eugene@cgaa.info |
| Medford, OR | medford@cgaa.info |
| Portland, OR | portland@cgaa.info |
| Salem, OR | salem@cgaa.info |
SUPPORT FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
What Can I Do?
Video gaming is a common pastime. To many people, it is surprising that it can become a serious addiction, that is, an activity that is engaged in compulsively, without control or concern for consequences.
Video gaming addiction is a very serious problem that is harmful to everyone it touches. Since everyone involved suffers from it, everyone involved needs some help. Here are some important things to know.
First, no one is responsible for someone else’s compulsive gaming. As the Al-Anon slogan goes, “I didn’t cause it, I can’t control it, and I can’t cure it.”
You didn’t cause it.
Some people partly blame themselves for the dysfunctional behavior of their family members, particularly with addicts who are very quick to shift responsibility off themselves and blame others. Perhaps you played games with your loved one, purchased games, or encouraged it, thinking it was a harmless leisure activity. Maybe you’ve been involved in some conflict and wonder if that has driven him or her to hide away in gaming. But no one is responsible for another person’s behavior or mental disorders.
You can’t control it.
You may have already tried to talk to your friend or family member. Perhaps you have bargained with them, or given ultimatums. You have tried to help them see what damage they are doing to themselves and others. And none of it has worked. This is baffling to you. Why don’t they seem to understand or care? Why can’t they see what is obvious to you? This is actually a symptom of the disease of addiction, one that destines efforts for control to failure.
You can’t cure it.
We all would like to believe that we have the ability to help those we love. We often think that if we can just get the right information, figure out the right thing to say or do, perhaps change something about ourselves, we can fix the problem. People should be able to solve their own problems. Why can’t we do that with this one? There is a simple reason. There is no cure for addiction. It requires treatment. The recovery process is long and difficult. And there is only one person who can start that process, the one who is gaming compulsively. There are things you can do. Here are some suggestions that you may want to consider, that other family members and friends have found helpful.
Get information.
The literature of recovery fellowships for family and friends of addicts (such as Al-Anon) has much helpful guidance, some of which is available online as well. There are people who have been in situations very similar to yours, who have learned much from them, and who are willing to share the lessons learned, their experience, strength and hope. We hope you avail yourself of such resources.
Detach with love.
Putting energy into arguing with someone who is playing compulsively will not help either of you. Your loved one has a serious problem that you are powerless to control or cure, and that they will not get help until they want it. As much as you love someone, you cannot force this process on another person.
Stop enabling.
Paradoxically, at the same time people are arguing with, bargaining with or shaming a compulsive gamer, they are often (perhaps without realizing it) supporting the addiction in many ways. Anything that shields an addict from the consequences of his or her behavior is enabling, and can include such basic things as providing food, shelter, money, companionship, housekeeping, and covering for employment and legal difficulties. Helping a compulsive gamer keep up an appearance of normalcy is helping him or her continue in the destructive behavior. While you cannot change him or her, you can make changes for yourself. You can shift your energy away from enabling behaviors and toward meeting your own needs.
Take care of yourself.
Whether or not your loved one ever stops gaming, you deserve to have a healthy and happy life. Once you have accepted that you are powerless over their gaming behavior, you can begin to focus on what you can do for yourself, to accomplish your own goals. With the help of others who have been where you are, you can learn to set healthy boundaries and stick to them.
Join our WhatsApp Chat Site for Family and Friends!
Game-Anon
WhatsApp Group Invite
Visit whatsapp.com/dl on your mobile phone to install.
By installing WhatsApp, you agree to our Terms & Privacy Policy.
Chat Using A Macintosh
Mac OS X 10.10 and higher. WhatsApp must be installed on your phone.
By clicking the Download button, you agree to our Terms & Privacy Policy.
Download for Windows 8 and higher (64-bit)
Download for Windows 8 and higher (32-bit)
One of the things we were trying to do with our gaming was meet some basic needs. If we do not meet those needs in normal healthy ways, we will suffer much stronger urges to game again. Some basic needs to cover are social needs, self expression, creativity, a sense of challenge and accomplishment, stress relief, a sense of purpose and meaning, and a sense of safety through control and predictability.
Here are some ideas for activities that will help meet these needs, reduce cravings, help with recovery from addiction, and fill some of the hours freed from compulsive gaming.
Please don’t let the length of this list overwhelm you. The idea is not to start ten new things and try to change everything all at once. We seek small bits of progress, not perfection. A good place to start is to put first things first. What need is currently most important? What’s right in front of me? What opportunity has come my way recently? If we take steps of small improvement with one or two areas each day, we are moving in the right direction.
Stress Relief
- Talking with a sponsor or recovery buddy, CGAA meetings, or step work
- Getting outside for fresh air and sunlight by taking a walk or doing some outdoor work
- Meditation, coloring, craft work, journaling, or reading
Sense of safety through freedom, control, and predictability
- Goal setting
- Counseling or psychotherapy
- Home organization, renovation, or spring cleaning
Sense of purpose, meaning, and self-respect
- Supporting and growing the larger CGAA fellowship through service work like helping run a meeting, starting a local meeting, doing outreach to professionals, or attending CGAA business meetings
- Attending a spiritual group like meditation, yoga, spiritual retreat, or religious gathering
- Doing volunteer work like teaching, helping others, animal care, or building community places
- Caring for a pet, house plants, or garden
Social needs
- Attending CGAA meetings, connecting outside of meetings, reaching out to newcomers, or calling someone
- Joining a hobby group like theater, a hiking group, art workshop, book club, public speaking, board games or card game group
- Hosting a fun event like board games night or karaoke
- Playing team sports, taking up martial arts, or playing one-on-one sports
- Going to fun events like concerts, dances, or events on meetup.com
- Calling up, video conferencing, or visiting with friends, family, neighbors, or other communities
Self expression and creativity
- Journaling, opening up to a CGAA sponsor, or sharing openly in a meeting
- Art work like drawing, photography, sculpting, or creative writing
- Performance art like theater, singing, playing music, or writing music
Sense of challenge and accomplishment
- Working the steps with a sponsor
- Crafts like woodworking, origami, knitting
- Outdoor activities like gardening, geocaching, bird watching, star gazing, tracking, plant identification, survival skills, or boating
- Learning something like a foreign language, dancing, magic tricks, mechanical repair, cooking, a musical instrument, or computer programming
- Career goals like getting a new job, starting a business, enrolling in school, or taking classes
Reconnection to one’s body and whole self
- Meditating on breath, sounds, or bodily sensations
- Exercise like walking, hiking, swimming, cycling, yoga, jogging, going to a gym, or playing a sport
If you are in your first week or two off of games, it’s likely that few of these ideas will appeal to you. That’s normal. Until our minds and bodies have some time to heal, we have low interest, energy, and motivation. This list will probably not give you something that you can plug in place of video games and immediately throw yourself into with the same zeal. This list is meant to help us explore new ways of spending our time, meeting our needs, and connecting with people. Find a few that hold some appeal and try taking some small steps in their direction. If you can’t seem to think of anything fun to do except game, you can come back to this list, find the most appealing thing, and just take a couple of little steps in its direction.
Consider setting reminders for yourself or keeping a schedule of your time and new activities. It is important to appreciate the small victories of exercising willpower, regaining motivation, and socializing. It helps to discuss our progress and the challenges we experience with a CGAA sponsor, recovery buddy, personal counselor, or therapist.
Rediscovering What is Fun
It is normal to think that nothing but gaming sounds fun. For most of us, our years of compulsive gaming warped and narrowed our idea of fun. As small children, it meant almost anything new or interesting or social or even mildly rewarding. Years of pulling the dopamine lever with video games changed our concept of fun to require instant gratification, frequent rewards, clear and constant progress, excitement, intense visuals, control, and/or predictability.
Part of recovery is letting our concept of fun expand back outward to a wide world of possible new challenges and experiences, many of which are calm and subtle compared to video games. It takes time to overcome withdrawals and heal from the damage, but the change does happen if we abstain from all gaming long term and focus on new pursuits and improving our lives. This list has many activities that do not meet the old, narrow, warped idea of “fun,” but those of us who persist at exploring them do find many to be gratifying and enjoyable.
Take, for example, a hike up a mountain. To a group of hikers excited to venture into the wilderness with friends and see wildlife and panoramic views from on high, all while getting a great workout, it’s a ton of fun. To someone who is uninterested in hiking, out of shape, and focused on every little unpleasant aspect of it, it’s a torturous death march. It is exactly the same hike in either case. The difference is in the attitude and conditioning.
The same is true with every item of these lists. Whether or not an activity sounds fun or torturous depends entirely upon attitude and conditioning. Every one of them has the potential to be gratifying and enjoyable if we adopt a positive attitude, try to have fun, and persist at it, especially when we involve friends and like-minded people.
Helpful fellowships and resources
While CGAA does not endorse and is not officially connected with the following groups, we believe that friends and family may be able to connect with others and find helpful resources. They can provide guidance on dealing with addiction in general, on healing from its effects, and on how to go about building a recovery fellowship. Meetings are available in many places. Al-Anon, Nar-Anon and CoDA each has its own recovery literature.
The Gamer-Anon fellowship is for parents, spouses, and other family to support each other in dealing with compulsive video gaming within the family.
The Al-Anon fellowship has existed since 1951 for the family and friends of alcoholics. As the oldest and most well attended of the fellowships for family and friends, its members have a wide breadth and depth of experience to share on living with addicts and healing from the ill effects and dysfunctional patterns.
The Nar-Anon fellowship has existed since 1968 for the family and friends of those suffering from addiction.
Co-Dependents Anonymous has existed since 1986 and is a fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships.
Hearing Loss Association of America/Oregon Meetings and Resources, 2021
HLAA of Portland meets the third Saturday each month (except June, July, and August) 10 am, in the Wistar Morris Conference Room in the Main Hospital Building on the Legacy Good Samaritan Campus, 1015 NW 22nd Ave. (at Marshall), Portland, 97210. Contact Mark Foster, president; email: hlaportland@gmail.com. Write P.O. Box 2112, Portland, OR 97208-2112; http://www.hlaa-or.org/portlandchapter.html.
HLAA of Lane County meets quarterly: second Thursday in March, June, Sept., and Dec., at 7 p.m. at the Hilyard Community Center, 2580 Hilyard St., Eugene. Right now we are scheduled to meet in person June 10 unless COVID-19 infections mandate otherwise.
Mail: P.O. Box 22501, Eugene, OR 97402. Clark Anderson; email: clarkoa@msn.com
HLAA of Linn and Benton counties meets the last Wednesday each month (except June, July, & Dec.) at 6:30 p.m. at the Reimar Building, next to Albany General Hospital, 1085 6th Ave. SW, Albany, OR 97321. Contact: John Hood-Fysh, email: jhoodfysh@gmail.com; 541/220-8541 (cell – call or text), 818 Broadalbin St. SW, Albany, OR 97321.
Note: HLAA of Douglas County no longer meets the requirements for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Reinstatement may occur, but right now, this group meets as a support group. Contacts: Vincent Portulano, president, email: HLAADC@outlook. com; or Ann Havens, secretary, 541/673-3119. Check with them for location for meetings and time.
NATIONAL HLAA EVENT CALENDARS
HLAA Calendar
https://www.hearingloss.org/programs-events/calendar/
HLAA Leaders Calendar
https://hlaagroups.hearingloss.org/g/HLAALeaders/calendar
HLAA Subgroups
https://hlaagroups.hearingloss.org/g/HLAALeaders/subgroups
HLAA Virtual Meetings / Captioned Recordings
https://www.hearingloss.org/hearing-help/communities/hlaa-national-virtual-meetings/
MORE RESOURCES
Hands and Voices
https://www.handsandvoicesor.org
Supports families and children who are deaf and hard of hearing, by connecting parents, mentorship, educational advocacy, community development and support programs. Collaborates with professionals to support families.
FACT Oregon
https://www.factoregon.org/
Supports, empowers and advocates for families who experience disability.
Family to Family Health Information Center
Oregon Family-to-Family Health Information Center | OHSU
Supports families and caregivers of children with special health needs to navigate the healthcare system. Many resources on the website.
AG Bell Oregon
https://www.agbell.org/Connect/Oregon-Chapter
- Facebook page – AG Bell Oreoon
- Instagram – aobelloreoon
Local chapter of a national organization. The focus is to promote listening and spoken language education, advocate for accessibility, educational services, and health-related rights, and create connections and memories together.
Oregon Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program
https://www.oreown ov/oha/PDH/HeaIthvP eooleFamilies/Babies/HeaIthScreenino/He arinqscreenino/Paoes/index asox
For Providers: Information on EHDI Reporting, forms, protocols, facilities, OVERS Hearing Screening Module, 1-3-6 Newborn Hearing Screening Checklist For Parents: Information on hearing screening (what it involves and why it’s important), follow-up (what happens if a newborn doesn’t pass a screening), Early Intervention/Family Services, Guide By Your Side (a Hands & Voices program that matches trained parent guides with families who have recently found out their child has a hearing loss), and other resources for families
American Cochlear Implant Alliance
https://www.acialliance.org/
Facebook page
Twitter
Contains information about research, awareness, and advocacy around cochlear implants. Information about hearing loss and cochlear implants in general.
Oregon Association for Deaf
https://oad1921.org/
Advocates for the rights of people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Oregon. The website contains articles, meeting and conference information, and youth opportunities.
Hearing Loss Association of America – Oregon State Association
https://www.hlaa-or.org/about-us.html
Education, Information and Advocacy.
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI)
https://www.cdc.oov/ncbddd/hearinqloss/e hdi-programs.html
Information about EHDI programs Information for families including:
• Questions You May Want to Ask Your Child’s Audiologist
• Just in Time for Pediatric Primary Care Providers
FACEBOOK EVENTS
• ASL Social Chat:
EVERY SUNDAY @ 12:00noon to 2:00 pm
VANCOUVER MALL – Food Court [2nd floor]
Host by: Gary Holden
• ASL Social Chat:
Host by: Gary Holden
• PORTLAND OPEN-CAPTIONED MOVIES:
(See FB page for MORE information)
Order Tickets online @ bagdadmovies.com
Host by: Isaac Stone Dick
• ASL NIGHT GAMES (announcing soon)
Every Second Saturday evening
ASL Game Night page for more information.
Host by: Stephen RodBjorn
• World Deaf Timberfest
• Camp Taloali
Contact for information: Andrea Albers
• Pacific Northwest Deaf Golf Association (PNWDGA) and Portland Metro Deaf Golf Association (FB Page).
(See FB Page for MORE information)
Host by: Craig Marineau
• Northwest Deaf Traveling League (NWDTL)
(Deaf/HOH Bowling Club)
Contact: Melody Kitty McDaniel and Andrea Albers
• NW Deaf Poker Tournaments
Announcement in Jan/Feb 2022 !!!
Host by: James Forncrook
• CYMASPACE: Announcement SOON
Host by: Myles de Bastion
• Deaf Massage Therapist (see link below)
www.openhandhealth.com/book-now
Host by: Clara Bella Storry Parnell
(Email: clara@openhandhealth.com)
• ASL Coffee Podcast – see announcements on regular posting:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/334857136618534/user/100069324005062/
ASL Coffee Chats @ 3pm on Fridays at Hidden Creek Community Center in Hillsboro
• To find a Deaf ASL tutor or mentor, see ASL TUTORS AND MENTORS FB page.
Bridges in Oregon
https://www.facebook.com/BridgesOregon
Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/portlandaslevents/
AG Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
AG Bell is another convenient resource for those seeking in-person hearing loss support groups, with 41 active chapters across the United States and Puerto Rico. Specifically designed to support children with hearing loss and their families, AG Bell hosts everything from social events to informational sessions for individuals and families impacted by hearing loss; connect with your nearest chapter to learn more. You can also join the AG Bell Facebook group to connect with fellow members online.
DeafandHoH is a website featuring hearing loss news, a discussion forum, resources for financial aid and other services, search directories for audiologists, hearing care facilities, speech-language pathologists, and more. The topics covered on the site include living with hearing loss, caring for a family member or friend with hearing loss, American Sign Language, and hearing loss products. You can also join open chat nights on select Wednesdays from 6pm-7pm PST / 9pm-10pm EST to enjoy live interaction!
CALL TO ACTION FOR PEER SUPPORT
https://www.nasmhpd.org/sites/default/files/Assessment-5_Deaf-and-Hard-of-Hearing-Peer-Support.pdf
https://www.transformation-center.org/home/community/deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-recovery-project/
https://www.nasmhpd.org/sites/default/files/BeingSeen.pdf
https://www.hearinglikeme.com/why-we-need-deaf-peer-support-in-our-communities/
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&context=jadara
12-Step online for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Sounds of Sobriety (SOS): This online email group was formed to help us who have a hearing loss (deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing) to find a place to recover from alcoholism. For many of us, face-to-face AA meetings no longer work. All members of AA, or those who think they may have a problem with alcohol, are welcome. SOS_online_group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Deaf Grateful: This is a real-time open discussion meeting on Saturday at 4 pm (EST) for deaf & HOH people who have a desire to stop drinking. Meeting uses videoconferencing software (easily downloaded) that requires a high speed internet connection and a webcam. Our communication mode is ASL only (no audio). http://doda.omnijoin.com
Perspectives of people who are deaf and hard of hearing on mental health, recovery, and peer support
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23149648/
Is Telemental Health Services a Viable Alternative to Traditional Psychotherapy for Deaf Individuals?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27260308/
https://www.arundellodge.org/omhc/telemental-health-for-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing/
Deaf Centric Approach / Peer Support Program
Human Trafficking
Crisis Line – Trafficking Survivors – Resources – Articles – Peer Support
National Human Trafficking Resource Center
The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) is a national, toll-free hotline available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
Toll Free Phone:
1-888-373-7888
Text:
“Help” or “Info” to 233733 (BeFree)
Live chat:
Referral directory:
National Survivor Network has Peer to Peer Mentors: https://
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Call to Safety Line (Portland, Oregon)
Phone: 503.235.5333
Toll Free: 888-235-5333
Multnomah County Resources andHotline for victims / survivors:
OREGON RESOURCE LIST (PDF) for Survivors
Rebecca Bender (Grants Pass, OR)
Resources Page
REBECCA BENDER IS CEO OF THE REBECCA BENDER INITIATIVE AND FOUNDER OF ELEVATE ACADEMY
The U.S. INSTITUTE AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING LAUNCHED
PROJECT: REACH OUT
Project REACH
Phone: (617) 232–1303 ex. 211
Fax: (617) 232-1280
Email: ehopper@jri.org
http://www.traumacenter.org/
FREE Training Video (Signup Required / eCourse) Utilizing Telehealth in Identifying and Resourcing Trafficking Victims
https://www.
US National Office for Victims of Crime
Upcoming events at:
https://ovc.ojp.gov/events
On-demand events at:
https://ovc.ojp.gov/events/on-
PREVENTING RETRAUMATIZATION: A MACRO SOCIAL WORK APPROACH
https://www.socialworker.com/
PEER-TO-PEER SUPPORT TOOLKIT DEVELOPMENT FOR SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING:A WORK IN PROGRESS
https://fspeel.org/wp-content/
National Human Trafficking Training & Technical Assistance Center Publications
Peer Support Groups Exploratory Brief
https://nhttac.acf.hhs.gov/
CONDUCTING SEEKING SAFETY PEER LED PROGRAM WITH INDIVIDUALS WHO EXPERIENCE HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND SUD
https://nhttac.acf.hhs.gov/
Peer-Led Support Groups: Overview of the Empirical Research and Implications for Individuals Who Have Experienced Trafficking and Substance Use Disorder (Overview, Peer Support Outcomes, etc.)
https://static1.squarespace.
Toolkit for Building Survivor-Informed Organizations (February 2018)
https://nhttac.acf.hhs.gov/
Survivor-Informed Practice: Definition, Best Practices, and Recommendations (October 2017)
https://nhttac.acf.hhs.gov/
HOPE FOR JUSTICE
-
Houses or flats with too many people, all picked up or dropped off at the same time
-
People who seem scared, confused or have untreated injuries
-
Few or no documents, or someone else in control of their documents / passport
-
No control over their own post/mail, no phone or phone held by someone else
-
Low or no pay
-
One person speaking on behalf of many others, who may avoid eye contact or conversation
-
Lights on at workplaces at strange times – are people living there?
-
Feel they are in debt to someone
-
Limited freedom of movement and dependency on others
-
Fear of police/authorities
-
Fear of a trafficker, believing their life or families’ lives are at risk if they escape or complain
-
Anxious and unwilling to tell others about their situation
-
Poor health, malnutrition or untreated dental conditions
-
Bruising; signs of other physical or psychological trauma including anxiety, confusion, memory loss
-
Less often, someone believing they are being controlled through witchcraft
Note: Those affected are unlikely to self-identify as a ‘victim’ and may not realize or accept they are being controlled
C-TEC Youth Services’ Clackamas Achievement Program supports youth ages 14-21 in and around Clackamas County who have not obtained a high school diploma or GED and have become disengaged from education during the COVID pandemic.
Services we offer include:
- case management,
- financial assistance,
- support services,
- system navigation,
- and community referrals.
Initial contacts with youth focus on the safety, health, and well-being of the youth and family, with an emphasis on a caring interaction to support the student holistically.
Students will work with a Youth Re engagement Advisor (YRA) who will stay in regular contact, providing appropriate referrals to community agencies, and helping to support the student with navigating school enrollment with their individual district, alternative, or GED program. The YRA will continue to support the youth by encouraging attendance, progress, and addressing any needs or barriers.
- Support services such as tutors, transportation assistance, school supplies, equipment, etc. will be provided as appropriate.
- Youth will be offered dual enrollment into other programs such as C-TEC’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services to leverage additional funds and services. WIOA participants are eligible for ongoing services that include transition to college, opportunities for career exploration and hands-on career exposure, work readiness training, certifications and credentials, and paid work experience.
- Clackamas Community College is partnering to provide education services such as high school credit recovery and GED preparation and testing, however, this can be arranged with Mt Hood Community College or Portland Community College for students that are closer to these institutions.
- Their Workforce Development Department will provide opportunities for youth over 18 that are interested in job training programs or increasing their skills. Assistance with financial aid will be offered, as well as one-on-one support with navigating processes and systems at CCC.
- Clackamas Workforce Partnership is partnering to provide workforce development activities such as career exploration opportunities and paid work experience, as well as coordination between school districts and workforce development entities.
The YRA will continue to follow up with students and families to offer resources and support to help ensure continued school participation and progress. This program will provide trauma informed services.
Clackamas Achievement Program FAQ
Who is eligible for CAP?
- Must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Youth ages 14-21 who are defined as a “dropout” and not exempt from attending public school;
- Youth ages 14-21 who are not enrolled in school*, and have not earned a high school diploma or GED;
- Must be at least 14 years old and under 22 years old;
- Must not have completed their high school credential prior to enrollment.
*Students who started GED classes after Sep 1st, 2021, are still eligible to enroll in CAP services.
How do I refer a youth to CAP?
Complete the following referral form: https://forms.gle/g2upqfKkc2gPi98e7
-or-
Contact Carlos with youth’s name, DOB, and contact information
Carlos Benson Martinez
How much does CAP cost?
CAP is 100% free for youth.
What expenses are paid for by CAP?
If a youth or family is unable to afford expenses associated with GED classes and testing, school supplies, etc. CAP can cover those costs or leverage funds from other resources in the community.
Can a youth be dual enrolled in CAP & WIOA services?
Yes, funds can be “braided” to address a variety of the youth’s needs. While CAP solely addresses education goals, WIOA services include employment exploration opportunities that can continue on after a youth finishes CAP.
What are a youth’s education options with CAP?
Youth can attend GED classes and testing at Clackamas Community College, Credit Recovery at Clackamas Community College, Adult High School Diploma at Clackamas Community College, or reengagement into classes at a youth’s home school district to pursue a diploma.
Can youth outside of Clackamas County apply for CAP?
Youth are eligible to receive CAP services if they live outside Clackamas County, as long as they live within a reasonable distance to receive the service from Clackamas County.
What happens after a youth finishes CAP?
If youth would like support exploring employment opportunities, they can be enrolled into C-TEC’s WIOA program to continue receiving services. You can learn more about WIOA services by visiting C-TEC’s website, c-tecyouthservices.org
Resources for Families and Children Facing Tragic Events
Racial Stress – Racism – Hate Crimes
Helpful Resources to Address the Mass Shooting in Uvalde, Texas
Many thanks to Michelle Zabel, MSS, Assistant Dean, and Director, The Institute for Innovation and Implementation, for compiling this list of resources in response to the horrific mass shooting in Texas earlier this week.
Helping Young People Cope With Mental Health Challenges
Vox Media’s NowThis is linking arms with Ken Burns and PBS to share an upcoming documentary titled “Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness.” Scenes from the forthcoming film will be shared across NowThis social platforms throughout Mental Health Awareness Month in May. NowThis will host a live TikTok conversation about the topic, as well. The goal, Burns said, is “to get this material out to young people around the country.” The film itself will debut at the end of June on PBS.
Uplift by Youth Era: Teaching Youth Peer Support Skills
More than 500 youth signed up for the most recent Uplift event! Studied by the University of Oxford and co-designed with young adults, Uplift by Youth Era is the future of peer support. Empower a young person in your life to be who they need, and apply to join the next Uplift training in June!
Randolph “Randy” Muck September 14, 1955 to April 21, 2021 in Memoriam
On the first anniversary of his death, several of us who knew and worked with Randy write this tribute to remember and honor his impact on so many people. Randy provided much-needed leadership from within the federal government to develop and disseminate evidence-based substance use treatments designed for adolescents and their families. He was successful because he had a rare ability to connect with all the groups important to improving adolescent treatment: provider organizations, schools, juvenile justice, counselors, federal agency decision-makers, researchers, private foundations, and most importantly—adolescents and their families. He saw how these groups could align their different interests and collaborate. This, in turn, helped youth, families, and systems of care in ways that continue to have an impact.
HHS Awards Nearly $25 Million to Expand Access to School-Based Health Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), recently announced nearly $25 million will be made available to improve and strengthen access to school-based health services in communities across the country. Awards will support local partnerships between schools and health centers to provide children and youth with the comprehensive physical and mental health care they need.
Investing in Prevention Makes Good Financial Sense
Primary prevention—including screening and intervention before negative health outcomes occur—is relatively inexpensive. The higher-risk behaviors it is designed to reduce are so costly to the healthcare system that it is staggeringly wasteful not to make sure that screening and treatment referrals are readily implemented and faithfully reimbursed by insurers and that interventions are convenient for parents and their children.
PAX Good Behavior Game
Speaking of prevention…
The PAX Good Behavior Game is an evidence-based universal preventive intervention applied by teachers in the classroom. This evidence-based practice consists of research-based strategies with origins in behavioral science, neuroscience, and cultural wisdom that operate together to improve children’s self-regulation. Teachers implement these strategies as part of their daily routines in carrying out tasks such as getting students’ attention, selecting students for tasks, transitioning from one task to the next, working as part of a team, limiting problematic behavior, and reinforcing pro-social behavior.
HHS Launches New Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a new, confidential, toll-free hotline for expecting and new moms experiencing mental health challenges. Those who contact the hotline can receive a range of support, including brief interventions from trained culturally and trauma-informed counselors and referrals to both community-based and telehealth providers as needed. Callers also will receive evidence-based information and referrals to support groups and other community resources.
Six Things You Need To Know About Music and Health
A growing body of research suggests that listening to or performing music affects the brain in ways that may help promote health and manage disease symptoms. More justification for the plethora of music videos posted in Friday Update!
Know Your Rights: Parity for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits
This brochure gives an overview of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. It lists some common limits placed on mental health and substance use disorder benefits and services.
Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech
Aaahhhh!!! Less than 20 days!!! Well? Have you registered for the 2022 Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech summit on June 8-9th yet? Can’t make it? Wondering if you can access all of the sessions with our hundreds of speakers after June 8-9th? YES, but ONLY if you register in advance. So, you should probably get on that.
Building a More Equitable Juvenile Justice System for Everyone
Racial inequities regarding the policing of children, and the subsequent disparities in their treatment within the juvenile justice system, have been problems in this country for far too long. It is encouraging that many states and counties are not only recognizing these issues but are taking action. The CSG Justice Center is committed to providing research-driven, data-informed solutions to our partners to continue building safer and stronger communities for everyone, especially our youth.
Disruptions to School and Home Life Among High School Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic — Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey, United States, January–June 2021
Young people have experienced disruptions to school and home life since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. From January to June 2021, CDC conducted the Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES), an online survey of a probability-based, nationally representative sample of U.S. public- and private-school students in grades 9–12. ABES data were used to estimate the prevalence of disruptions and adverse experiences during the pandemic, including parental and personal job loss, homelessness, hunger, emotional or physical abuse by a parent or other adult at home, receipt of telemedicine, and difficulty completing schoolwork. Prevalence estimates are presented for all students by sex, race and ethnicity, grade, sexual identity, and difficulty completing schoolwork.
CDC Survey Finds the Pandemic Had a Big Impact on Teens’ Mental Health
According to a survey published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than four in 10 teens report feeling “persistently sad or hopeless” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Girls were twice as likely to experience mental health troubles compared to boys. And LGBTQ students were hit the hardest. The CDC’s findings were gathered from online surveys from a sample of 7,700 US students during the first six months of 2021.
New Initiative to Define Policy Recommendations for Embedding Equity into 988
The Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity & Beacon Health Options are joining forces to create and develop an equitable crisis response for the future of behavioral health service delivery ahead of the July 2022 launch of 988.
State Policymakers Can Support Equitable School-based Telemental Health Services
This brief presents five ways state policymakers can support equitable school-based telemental health services, with recommendations based on relevant policy context, existing research, and—in some cases—feedback from interviews with five TMH providers who testified to on-the-ground experience with these interventions.
- SAMHSA Disaster/Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990
- SAMHSA Incidents of Mass Violence
- SAMHSA: Tips for Talking with and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
- CDC Infographic: 6 Guiding Principles to a Trauma-Informed Approach
- CDC Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
- NCSMH Supporting Students, Staff, Families & Communities Impacted by Violence
- NIMH Helping Children & Adolescents Cope with Traumatic Events
- Talking to Children About Terrorist Attacks & School & Community Shootings in the News
- CDC Caring for Children in a Disaster: Tools & Resources
- NCTSN School Shooting Resources
- Sesame Street in Communities: Community & Gun Violence
- AAP Talking to Children About Tragedies & Other News Events
- AAP Talking with Children About Disasters
- CDC Helping Children Cope During & After a Disaster
Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News
In times of community or world-wide crisis, it’s easy to assume that young children don’t know what’s going on. But one thing’s for sure — children are very sensitive to how their parents feel. They’re keenly aware of the expressions on their parents’ faces and the tone of their voices. Children can sense when their parents are really worried, whether they’re watching the news or talking about it with others. No matter what children know about a “crisis,” it’s especially scary for children to realize that their parents are scared.
Some Scary, Confusing Images
The way that news is presented on television can be quite confusing for a young child. The same video segment may be shown over and over again through the day, as if each showing was a different event. Someone who has died turns up alive and then dies again and again. Children often become very anxious since they don’t understand much about videotape replays, closeups, and camera angles. Any televised danger seems close to home to them because the tragic scenes are taking place on the TV set in their own living room. Children can’t tell the difference between what’s close and what’s far away, what’s real and what’s pretend, or what’s new and what’s re-run.
The younger the children are, the more likely they are to be interested in scenes of close-up faces, particularly if the people are expressing some strong feelings. When there’s tragic news, the images on TV are most often much too graphic and disturbing for young children.
“Who will take care of me?”
In times of crisis, children want to know, “Who will take care of me?” They’re dependent on adults for their survival and security. They’re naturally self-centered. They need to hear very clearly that their parents are doing all they can to take care of them and to keep them safe. They also need to hear that people in the government and other grown-ups they don’t even know are working hard to keep them safe, too.
Helping Children Feel More Secure
Play is one of the important ways young children have of dealing with their concerns. Of course, playing about violent news can be scary and sometimes unsafe, so adults need to be nearby to help redirect that kind of play into nurturing themes, such as a hospital for the wounded or a pretend meal for emergency workers.
When children are scared and anxious, they might become more dependent, clingy, and afraid to go to bed at night. Whining, aggressive behavior, or toilet “accidents” may be their way of asking for more comfort from the important adults in their lives. Little by little, as the adults around them become more confident, hopeful and secure, our children probably will, too.
Turn Off the TV
When there’s something tragic in the news, many parents get concerned about what and how to tell their children. It’s even harder than usual if we’re struggling with our own powerful feelings about what has happened. Adults are sometimes surprised that their own reactions to a televised crisis are so strong, but great loss and devastation in the news often reawaken our own earlier losses and fears – even some we think we might have “forgotten”
It’s easy to allow ourselves to get drawn into watching televised news of a crisis for hours and hours; however, exposing ourselves to so many tragedies can make us feel hopeless, insecure, and even depressed. We help our children and ourselves if we’re able to limit our own television viewing. Our children need us to spend time with them – away from the frightening images on the screen.
Talking and Listening
Even if we wanted to, it would be impossible to give our children all the reasons for such things as war, terrorists, abuse, murders, major fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes. If they ask questions, our best answer may be to ask them, “What do you think happened?” If the answer is “I don’t know,” then the simplest reply might be something like, “I’m sad about the news, and I’m worried. But I love you, and I’m here to care for you.”
If we don’t let children know it’s okay to feel sad and scared, they may think something is wrong with them when they do feel that way. They certainly don’t need to hear all the details of what’s making us sad or scared, but if we can help them accept their own feelings as natural and normal, their feelings will be much more manageable for them.
Angry feelings are part of being human, especially when we feel powerless. One of the most important messages we can give our children is, “It’s okay to be angry, but it’s not okay to hurt ourselves or others.” Besides giving children the right to their anger, we can help them find constructive things to do with their feelings. This way, we’ll be giving them useful tools that will serve them all their life, and help them to become the worlds’ future peacemakers — the world’s future “helpers.”
Helpful Hints
- Do your best to keep the television off, or at least limit how much your child sees of any news event.
- Try to keep yourself calm. Your presence can help your child feel more secure.
- Give your child extra comfort and physical affection, like hugs or snuggling up together with a favorite book. Physical comfort goes a long way towards providing inner security. That closeness can nourish you, too.
- Try to keep regular routines as normal as possible. Children and adults count on their familiar pattern of everyday life.
- Plan something that you and your child enjoy doing together, like taking a walk, going on a picnic, having some quiet time, or doing something silly. It can help to know there are simple things in life that can help us feel better, in good times and in bad.
- Even if children don’t mention what they’ve seen or heard in the news, it can help to ask what they think has happened. If parents don’t bring up the subject, children can be left with their misinterpretations. You may be really surprised at how much your child has heard from others.
- Focus attention on the helpers, like the police, firemen, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and volunteers. It’s reassuring to know there are many caring people who are doing all they can to help others in this world.
- Let your child know if you’re making a donation, going to a town meeting, writing a letter or e-mail of support, or taking some other action. It can help children to know that adults take many different active roles and that we don’t give in to helplessness in times of worldwide crisis.
What do we tell our children? How do we reassure them of their own safety?
At The Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon, we’ve provided grief support groups for children, teens, young adults and their parents or adult caregivers since 1982.
Based on our experience, here are some things for adults to keep in mind as you struggle with how to talk with children following tragic events, such as natural disasters, plane crashes, or school shootings.
1. Don’t project your fears onto your children. They take their cues from the adults around them.
You can’t hear the news about children being murdered or communities devastated by natural disasters without thinking about how you’d feel if it happened to your family, friends, or hometown. The outpouring of care and empathy for the families who lost loved ones will be powerful, and…we all know it could have been our friends, our child, our family and community members who died or were injured.
Identifying with the senselessness and randomness makes us all feel more vulnerable. But we should remember that children don’t always see things the same way that adults do, and it won’t be helpful to them for us to fall apart. They need to see that we care, that we feel terrible about this tragedy, and that we will do everything we can to keep them safe. They will take their cues from our behavior.
It’s okay to show emotion. We can model for children that feeling sad, scared, and upset is normal after tragedies. But we don’t want to overwhelm them with our emotions, or put them in the position of having to ‘parent,’ or take care of, the adults around them. Make sure you also model taking care of yourself, by sharing with trusted and supportive adult friends, eating (and drinking) healthfully.
2. Try to limit their access to the recurring news and exposure to the tragedy over and over.
Over-exposure to the graphic and emotional news can be overwhelming for children and can cause unnecessary anxiety and fear. Some children who repeatedly watched the footage of planes crashing into the towers on 9/11 thought it was happening again and again. Some children (and some adults) may have difficulty getting graphic scenes and images out of their minds. Too much exposure can fuel their fear, so don’t let them sit and watch the news over and over. Better yet, set the example of not doing so yourself as well.
3. Understand that you can’t completely shield them from what happened.
It would be next to impossible to hide these events from children, as much as we wish we could. You might be able to shield your own child in your home, for example, by not turning on (or owning) a television, but you can’t protect your children from hearing about it from other kids. The fact is, they will hear about it, so although they don’t “need” to know about it, pretending we can shield them is magical thinking.
That said, you don’t need to give them more information than they can handle, or more than they’re asking for. A simple, “Did they talk about what happened in _____ today at school?” would be a good starter. They need to know that you’re not trying to hide the truth from them, that you’re open to talking about it, but that you’re also not forcing them to do so.
4. Model truth-telling and build trust with your children by letting them hear things, even hard things, from you directly.
Eight days after the 9/11 attacks, I was meeting in small groups with pre-school workers in New York City, talking about how to respond to the young children in their care about the events. A man asked to speak to me privately after one of the trainings, and asked for my advice around his 7-year-old daughter. For the last week, since September 12th, she had been having stomach aches and difficulty sleeping. He said it was not tied to the events of 9/11 because, “We don’t have a television.” As his story unfolded it was evident that he did not want to have to explain to his child why people would do such horrible things, a normal dilemma that we face as parents and adults. This child was experiencing physical reactions, as it turned out, not primarily because of her reaction to the events of 9/11, but because she was unable to share her fears and concerns and questions in her own home, faced with her parents’ denial.
Here are some principles to keep in mind as you talk with children:
1. There is no one typical reaction one can or should expect from children.
Their responses will vary all over the ‘emotional’ map, from seeming disinterest to nightmares, eating issues, and anxiety. How any specific child will respond will depend on their age, previous experience with death and loss, and their personality style. Fearful children will tend to worry; quiet children may keep their feelings to themselves; those who want to appear unfazed may exhibit a sense of bravado or lack of caring. Of course, children directly affected – those who had a family member die; those who witnessed the tragedy; those who had friends die – will tend to have longer-term reactions and needs. Watch for changes in behavior, or concerning trends. While it would be normal to have heightened anxiety and sleeplessness, any concerning behavior or troubling symptoms should be taken seriously, and if warranted, professional help sought.
2. Many children will have an increased sense of fear about their safety.
Understandably. So will many adults. After a shooting at an Oregon mall in December 2012, the news outlets were filled with people who said they’d never take their children there again. Others said they’d return as soon as it opened in order to support the stores and employees who had experienced the traumatic events, and whose livelihoods were going to suffer as a result of the several day closure. Some runners in the Boston Marathon vowed to return; others said they would never do so again.
While we can’t guarantee to our children that nothing bad will ever happen to them, we can provide assurance that these events are relatively rare, and that we will do everything we can to keep them safe. Children may have many questions about the events, particularly about natural disasters. Answer their questions with language that fits their developmental stage. It’s okay if you don’t know the answer to a question. If it’s a question that might have an answer, offer to look up more information. You can also ask children what they think the answer is as they often have thoughts and ideas they want to share with you. In the case of natural disasters, if your child is fearful of something like that happening in your community, talk with them about the safety plan that you have in place for your family and home. You can also look into what community safety measures are in place and whatever elements are relevant with your children. Many children will be reassured knowing that there are specific, tangible things they and your family can do if something occurs. Some examples include, picking a meeting place, keeping flashlights in every bedroom, talking about where you will keep emergency water and food.
3. Children want, need, and deserve the truth.
In over 30 years of providing grief support to thousands of children and teens at The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families, we have never heard a child say, “I’m glad I was lied to.” Many, however, struggle with anger and lack of trust toward parents or other adults who lied to them. When we don’t tell the truth, they learn that we cannot be trusted. As difficult as it can be at times, and as horrendous as the truth may be, children want, need, and deserve the truth. Being able to talk openly and honestly with your children about tragic events and other losses, creates a foundation of trust, enabling them to come to you in the future with their questions, fears, and concerns.
How race-related stress affects you and your relationship with your child
What effect does racism have on your health and well-being?
Not only does racism impact you as a parent, it can also impact how you interact with your children. Experiences of racism build on each other and can chip away at your emotional, physical and spiritual resources as a parent, contributing to race-related stress. Race-related stress can make it hard to have the space needed to take care of yourself as a parent, which reduces the emotional space you need to adequately take care of your children.
Physical Effects
Physical Effects can include increased hypertension, illness and risky behaviors such as substance use.
Emotional Effects
Emotional effects can include depression, anxiety, anger, irritability and aggression.
Spiritual Effects
Spiritual effects can include a decreased sense of purpose, lack of connection with the larger community, isolation from larger social groups and reduced involvement in communal activities that you enjoy.
Potential reactions to racial stress or trauma
Insecure Feelings
Feelings of shame and lack of confidence due to feeling that a situation cannot be changed.
Lack of Trust
Feeling detached or a lack of trust for others due to experiencing multiple losses or letdowns. This can make it very difficult to seek out help and to identify potential safe sources of support.
Triggers
Reminders of the event, such as particular people or situations, can also trigger strong emotional or physical responses (e.g., crying or rapid heartbeat).
Difficulty Controlling Emotions
Difficulty controlling emotional responses (going from “zero to one hundred”) can occur as the body helps you adapt to potentially unsafe situations, making you feel constantly on “alert.”
The body’s response to the experience of racism can make accessing resources to cope with the situation difficult. Race-related stress is unique in that it threatens psychological resources that are needed to cope and fulfill basic needs such as financial support, housing, access to jobs, etc.
When your body is in stress mode, it is geared up to help you and your child survive, which sometimes leads to impulsive decisions. If you live in a chronic state of stress related to racism, you can start to engage in survival coping. Survival coping can help you to deal with very hard or potentially life-threatening situations. However, if you continue to exist in this mode long-term, it can make it difficult to enjoy being in the moment with your child and can reduce your ability to feel safe and in control.
What impact can racial stress have on your parenting?
Experiencing race-related stress can also impact the quality of parenting relationships in the following ways:
Impostor syndrome
When you are exposed to racism repeatedly, you often start doubting yourself and can feel like you are an imposter in dominant culture settings or in settings where you feel as though you do not belong. Your inner thoughts might sound something like: “Am I being judged?” “Am I worthy?” “I got lucky.” “I only got this because I am Black.”
Being overly alert (hypervigilance)
Experiencing racial stress can make you more aware of potential dangers and negative experiences that can occur. This, in turn, can make the experience of parenting even more stressful. When you interact with your children, you can sometimes be reminded of negative race-related experiences that you had when you were a child. This reminder can amp up emotional responses, or hyperarousal, making it hard for you to “keep your cool” and be open to flexible problem solving.
“Helicopter parenting” (monitoring in fear)
These experiences of racism and unwarranted blame or lack of acceptance can make you want to protect your children so much, that you don’t allow them to explore in the way that they need to. You may shelter them from failures, which everyone needs to experience in order to learn how to manage everyday life. You may tend to be overly cautious or suspicious. Examples can include not allowing your children to have sleepovers or go to the park, even with your supervision.
Difficulty regulating emotions
- When your past influences your emotional state, it can affect your emotional responses to both big and minor stressors with children, such as when they misbehave. This, in turn, can lead to being overprotective or overuse of physical discipline, as a means of survival.
- For children, having parents who can keep perspective (stay cool) when children are upset, or misbehaving is very important. Likewise, it is important to stay calm when disciplining a child, otherwise discipline may go overboard. Both of these things can be hard if you are having difficulty controlling your emotions.
Avoidance
- Avoiding situations that are related to racism can be a needed strategy to survive; such as instances that may involve violence or threat to yourself or your family. Sometimes you may avoid reminders of past experiences due to the pain or discomfort they cause.
- If you find yourself avoiding strong feelings or situations with your child that bring up painful memories, it may make it hard to show affection and support for your child. It may even make it difficult to know how to provide emotional support for your child during times of stress. For instance, if your child brings up their own experience of oppression or an event in their life reminds you of something from your own childhood.
Mistrusting others
- Racism can lead to distrust or mistrust of other communities. Internalized racism is when you begin to accept negative messages about your own abilities and inherent worth by the dominant group in society.
- When you use society’s norms to judge yourself, you can feel depressed, unworthy and just not good enough. You are taught in many ways to take these feelings and paint them onto another group.
- Intra and interracial violence, contention among disenfranchised communities or color, and the way the media conveys information about people of color, contribute to this.
- This kind of coping can make you more vulnerable to racism, because on some level you may believe in racial hierarchy and difference when you belittle other groups. And when you show your children that it is right to discriminate against certain other groups, you make them more vulnerable to discrimination that they face.
Minimizing racism
- Racism is overwhelming, as is the history of violence. You are sometimes taught that accepting this and minimizing racism is the only thing you can do. But when you ignore racism, and accept powerlessness, you encourage your kids to internalize racism. This can lead to increased levels of depression, anxiety and externalizing behaviors (e.g., engaging in risky behaviors, such as alcohol or substance use).
- When you believe that you should be able to handle and manage it all without a break or without asking for help, you are at increased risk for health problems and can miss important cues about your well-being and safety.
Self-blame
Experiencing chronically unfair and dangerous discriminatory practices due to race can lead to feelings of low worth. For parents, this can also lead to a questioning of your parenting choices and abilities.
Unbalanced Racial and Ethnic Socialization (RES)
Unbalanced messaging or communication about race and ethnicity occurs when you only promote messages of mistrust, preparation for bias, or only give racial pride messages to your children.
Strategies to deal with racial stress and practice self-care.
So, what can you do to mitigate racial stress?
As parents, it is important to develop positive identities and share your cultural identities with your children. Positive cultural identity and advocacy are protective factors against racism, which can help to reduce and prevent racial stress.
There are many other ways to cope with stress and everyone has different preferences. Reducing stress can also allow you to model healthy coping strategies for your child. Here are some suggestions you can try.
- Build or access a support network
- Incorporate traditions at home
- Get some exercise
- Deep breathing
- Journal
- Limit your media intake
- Counseling/therapy
- Spirituality
- Podcast
You are not the only person dealing with race-related stress and connecting with other people with similar experiences and feelings can help you to successfully navigate racism.
- Talk with family and trusted friends specifically about racialized events that have occurred and how to handle them
- Start or join a group with others who may have had similar experiences and similar interests, like a book club that reads books by Black authors, or spend time with other African American parents who have the same concerns you do about how your children are treated at the school.
- Seek out activities that you can do with your friends or family (e.g., exercising, cooking, watching a family show or movie together, etc.)
Legislation
Much of the debate today is around gun control. Below are links to two bills currently pending in Congress.
HR 1446 Enhanced Background Check Act of 2021
HR 8 Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021