Although our habits, patterns, and routines can feel familiar, no day is exactly identical because we are always growing, learning, and changing ourselves! Enjoy the moment you’re in!
Friendships are important to children. If your kid is having a hard time fitting in, there are ways you can help your child make friends.
https://childmind.org/article/kids-who-need-a-little-help-to-make-friends/
Learn more here.
Tired of the New Year’s Resolution game that doesn’t work? Want lasting change when it comes to alcohol and substance use? Reach out today! We can help!
Looking for mental health and substance use awareness training for your organization’s leadership team? We can help!
If you’re dealing with loss this holiday season, please read the article below by Kristen Carpenter, PhD. The link to the full article is below.
“If this is your first holiday season after the death of a loved one, you might be grappling with whether you should carry on traditions while grieving. And guess what? It’s perfectly normal and important to give yourself some grace.
Let yourself feel the way you feel
Feelings are facts. Everyone copes with loss in their own way. Your emotional responses to loss are valid and are part of your unique healing process. Don’t waste energy on feeling ashamed or guilty about your feelings; invest that energy in making concrete efforts to feel better and heal.
Be open to adjusting your holiday traditions
The first holiday after the passing of a loved one is often the hardest, especially if the loss is unexpected.
When a loved one is lost, some families find comfort in the familiar and incorporate a time of remembrance into their holiday celebrations.
Others find the usual traditions too painful, especially if the loss occurred recently. If this is the case, it can be helpful to celebrate the holiday in an entirely different way and consider resuming traditions when you’re ready. You might find it helpful to change the location of a celebration and consider taking a trip or visiting a family member in a different city.
Some prefer to be alone in their grief, and that’s okay too. Simply explain your need to your family and friends, who’ll likely care and understand.
Incorporate a time of remembrance into your holidays
How you celebrate the life of someone who died is unique to you, depending on what the person meant to you and how you feel comfortable commemorating your relationship.
Here are a few ideas:
Have those gathered together share a story or memory of the person.
Light a candle.
Plant a flower or tree.
Visit the person’s grave.
Say special prayers.
Keep photos close; for instance, wear a photo of the person in a locket or keep a picture with you during a special event you wish the person could have attended, such as a religious ceremony or wedding.
Don’t hesitate to seek support from others and don’t be afraid to accept help. Here are some easy ways to make sure your family and friends can help in the most meaningful ways.
Lead the way in letting people know what you need
Be clear about whether you prefer to grieve privately, with the support of close friends or with a wide circle of people accessible through social networks.
Tip for friends: Don’t take to social media to offer support, particularly if someone who’s experienced loss isn’t communicating publicly online. This could lead to you sharing something personal that the person prefers not to share.
Ask a friend to set up a meal train
People love to bring food, but nobody needs three lasagnas on the same day. Online tools make meals easy to coordinate, so this doesn’t happen.
Don’t be afraid to ask for food you can freeze — this can be especially helpful for a parent who’s handling the death of a spouse while raising children.
Write down what you need (the “notecard method”)
The “notecard method” will save you from trying to think of something in the moment and make your life easier when asked by a supportive friend, “What do you need?” or “How can I help?”
Here’s how it works:
Sit down and make a list of what you need, including things for tangible and emotional support. Things like:
Holiday or grocery shopping
Food preparation
Wrapping gifts
Household chores, like cleaning, mowing or maintenance
Get a stack of notecards and write down one item on each card.
When people ask how they can help, hand them a note card or have them choose something they feel they can do.
There isn’t one right way to deal with grief during the holidays
Everyone copes differently and you’ll find ways that are easier or more helpful for you than others. Allow yourself to feel the emotions, listen to yourself during this time and seek help if you need it. Taking care of yourself, sharing memories and being surrounded by supportive people are a few great ways to get through this time, but you’ll have to decide which methods work best for you.
Source: https://health.osu.edu/…/ment…/grief-during-the-holidays
Author Unknown
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — seasonal affective disorder (SAD) begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer months. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer and resolves during the fall or winter months.
Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), counseling, and medications.
Don’t brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the “winter blues” or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.
Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/…/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Learn more in this article by Keri Lipperini, Director, Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs, Administration for Community Living.
“Winter is upon us. While some may enjoy the colder climates, others may start withdrawing from activities and disconnecting from family and friends. Those who suffer from seasonal depression will face an even harder battle as they withdraw until springtime returns. The decline of outdoor activities, followed by a lack of social interaction during the winter months, could easily lead you to feel isolated and lonely.
Research shows that social isolation and loneliness can have a detrimental impact on your health and well-being. In fact, studies by Julianne Holt-Lunstad at Brigham Young University found that prolonged social isolation is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and more harmful than obesity. Other studies have found that being socially isolated increases your risk of being targeted for abuse and neglect. Older adults who lack social connections or report frequent feelings of loneliness also tend to suffer higher rates of injuries, infection, depression, cognitive decline, and early death. That is a profound impact!
Social isolation is complex. Chronic disease, speech or hearing impairments, inadequate transportation options, and settings that are not accessible for people with physical and mental disabilities can each make social isolation worse. You may choose to stay home, where you feel comfortable, because you feel anxious or embarrassed about your health or disabilities. Depression, anxiety, early-stage dementia, and other mental health concerns, can also increase your risk of social isolation. Additionally, If you no longer drive and have limited, or no, access to public transportation, you are more likely to face social isolation. This is a particular concern in many rural communities.
In addition to social isolation being complex; it is not always easy to spot. Just because you live alone, or spend a lot of time alone, doesn’t mean you are socially isolated and you can be socially isolated even if you have an extroverted personality and appear socially engaged. Social isolation is not about being in a room full of people, or having a lot of “friends” on social media, it is about feeling connected.
Feeling connected means being understood. People often isolate themselves because they feel no one understands what they are going through.
So, how do you spot social isolation? You may want to start by thinking about how you have changed over time. For example, are you less excited about things you once enjoyed? Do you feel distant from people or misunderstood? If you are a caregiver, does your loved one seem less excited about events they once looked forward to, such as the annual car show or regular social functions? These changes could be red flags indicating social isolation.
Your risk of social isolation can increase as you get older for a variety of reasons, including bereavement and greater risk of disabilities that effect mobility or communication. Nearly one in five Americans age 65 and older are socially isolated.
However, social isolation can effect anyone at any time. As a veteran who experienced deployments and the transition from military to civilian life, I am no stranger to the effects of social isolation. Anyone, no matter their age, can withdraw or disconnect from family, friends, or the community.
You may be wondering, what can be done? Studies show that being active and engaged in your community are great ways to tackle social isolation.
One such study was an evaluation of ACL’s nutrition program, which provides meals to older adults. Ninety three percent of participants who receive meals in congregate settings, such as senior centers, were socially active and satisfied with their opportunities to spend time with other people. The typical congregate meal participant does not experience loneliness and only seven percent of congregate meal participants screened positively for depression.
Some other ways to engage in meaningful social activities include:
Volunteering or mentoring in your community
Visiting your local senior or community center
Seeking out leadership roles in a civic organization or faith community
Signing up for a cooking, exercise, falls prevention, chronic disease self-management, or other class
You can also learn about assistive technology solutions, such as hearing aids and wheelchair ramps, which can make it easier for you to stay active in your community. If you are a caregiver, encourage your loved ones to engage in meaningful social activities that increase opportunities for socialization. If your loved one is unable to get out of the house, a daily phone call or visitor can make a huge difference.
Ultimately, tackling social isolation is about making our communities more accessible, inclusive, and caring. If you think someone in your community is at risk of social isolation, you can start by reaching out. Try asking if they would like a visit or invite them to join you on an outing.
To learn more about programs and services in your community that can help you or a loved one get more engaged, go to eldercare.acl.gov or call 800-677-1116.”
Source: https://acl.gov/…/acl…/staying-socially-connected-winter
It’s extremely difficult to lose people we care deeply for whether they move on from a shared workplace, move out of a residence, leave a relationship, or pass away. Please take some time to care for yourself in you’re dealing with grief this holiday season.
Iowa Co.
Sharing Grief of Loss- 2nd Thursday of each month.
7:00pm – 9:00pm at Iowa County Health and Human Services Building. 303 W. Chapel St. Dodgeville, WI 53533.
Compassionate Friends -(608) 604-1723 julie.henneman9@gmail.com
3rd Tuesday of Each Month 7:00pm. @ Grace Lutheran Church, 1105 Bequette St. Dodgeville, WI 53533
Veterans Mental Health
Iowa County Veteran Services Office location at 303 Chapel st., Suite 1300, Dodgeville, WI 53533
1st & 3rd Friday of every month 9:00am-3:30pm. Sponsored by:
Madison Vet Center at 608-264-5342 Jonathan Howell
Sauk Co.
Grief Support Group: 1670 S. Boulevard Baraboo, 800-553-4289. (also Richland County)
Grant Co.
Grief Support Group- Schreiner Memorial Library. Last Monday of each Month @ 6:30pm. Lead by Kim White, Mindfulness Matters
Compassionate Friends- 2nd Monday of the month at 6:30pm. Boscobel Public Library. Lead by Tammy Clauer: tammy.clauer@gmail.com
LaFayette Co.
Survivors Grief Support Group
2nd Monday Monthly 6-8pm
Lafayette Co Multi-Use Bldg 11974 Ames Rd. Darlington
Vernon Co.
Survivors Grief Support Group
3rd Tuesday @ 7pm- 8pm
Coulee Recovery Center 933 Ferry St. LaCrosse, WI
(608) 633-3135
Crawford Co.
Survivors Grief Support Group
3rd Monday @ 6:30pm- 8pm
River District Hotel 130 S. Main St., Prairie du Chien
sonya.anderson@crossingrivers.org
Grief Support Group
1st Monday @ 5:00pm
Crossing River Health-Polodna Conference Room
Haley Kregel: 608-357-2449
ONLINE RESOURCES:
Support Group
• Wisconsin Based: 2nd & 4th Thursday 7:00pm-8:30pm. Contact psw@Mhawisconsin.org (414) 336-7970
Survivors Loss –18yrs+
• Healingconversations@afsp.org
Sharing #grief 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the Month. Confidential SOS Group at Journey Mental Health Center, Madison, WI 608-280-2435
E-Mail: sos@journeymhc.org
We appreciate the article today in the Grant County Herald Independent covering Unified Community Services being one of only two governmental entities recognized in the State of Wisconsin as a “Vets Ready Employer!”
Check out the full article on our Facebook page: Unified Community Services
