How To Detect Signs Of Suicidal Thoughts – Mass Appeal

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What Everyone Should Know About Suicide

  • The frequency of suicide has bee;n increasing in the US for at least the past decade.
    • 123 /day
    • Now 45,000 a year, showing a 25% increase between 1999 and 2016
    • The male suicide rate is more than 3x that of females.
    • Native Americans have the highest suicide rate in the US, Inuits in Canada, Aboriginal People in Australia (high stress/lessened access to mental health care).
    • Worldwide, 600,000 people each year die in wars vs 800,000-1 million die by suicide.
  • Most but not all people who eventually commit suicide talk about their intentions, so threats must be taken seriously and evaluated.
  • Other warning signs:
    • Repeatedly saying life isn’t worth living.
    • Giving away valued possessions.
    • Checking one’s will / life insurance policy.
  • You will NOT “put the idea into their head” by asking someone if they are thinking of killing themselves.
  • Key questions to ask a person about whom you are concerned.
    • Do you have thoughts about wanting to be dead?
    • Have you thought of killing yourself?
      • Have you thought about ways you might do it?
      • Have you felt any intention to follow through on doing this?
    • Have you ever done any preparation (collecting pills, trying the strength of a beam in the garage)/rehearsal?
  • Helping the suicidal individual stay away from their preferred method of self-harm (keeping the gun at someone else’s home, for example) can be lifesaving because the impulse to act often passes quickly.
  • Clinical depression is often a major contributing factor and all medical staff should screen for this illness, but it is not always present.
  • Despair (hopelessness) is a key factor even when no clinical depression is evident.
  • Empathy without judgment can help to keep an open line of communication and support.
  • We need to combat the stigma associated with mental health challenges so that this and other emotional health matters become easier to talk about without feeling shame.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/how-to-detect-signs-of-suicidal-thoughts/1894857649

How To Fight The Loneliness Epidemic – Mass Appeal

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The Loneliness Epidemic*

  • We evolved to live in close, collaborative connections with other human beings and when we feel alone we feel endangered/highly stressed.
  • Since the 1930s, Americans have been getting less involved with community and more isolated.
  • One study showed that, while in earlier decades Americans said on average that they have three confidants, in 2004 the average was zero confidants.
  • Translation: Many of us have no close friends.
  • Our families are more disconnected too—we don’t eat together, we don’t live near one another, we don’t do activities with our family members as regularly as we used to.
  • And, loneliness tends to spiral because as we become more isolated we often also become more suspicious of others.
  • Loneliness is a feeling of disconnection. We can feel lonely when in the company of other people.
  • Feeling lonely causes our cortisol (the “stress hormone”) to soar—as much as some of the most upsetting things that can happen to us.
  • Feeling lonely is as stressful as being punched by a stranger.
  • Isolated people get sicker.
  • Isolated people have lessened survival periods when living with cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems.
  • Loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety.
  • To end loneliness, we need to feel like we’re sharing – giving and receiving—with at least one other person.
  • We need to feel that we’re “in it together” with at least one other person.
  • Internet addiction is sometimes the attempted solution to the anxiety and depression associated with loneliness.
  • Social media is not the solution—it tends to increase feelings of loneliness.
  • Steps toward solutions:
    • Limit time online.
    • Increase time in face-to-face interaction with friends & family.
    • Get involved:
      • Volunteer – reach out to help others in need.
      • Work on community projects.
      • Take classes.

* This information comes mostly from Johan Hari’s Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression—and the Unexpected Solutions.

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/how-to-fight-the-loneliness-epidemic/1826056978

Dakin Humane Society holds event to help grieving pet owners

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Dakin Humane Society in Springfield held an event to help pet owners process the loss of their beloved animals Thursday night.

Dakin hosted family therapist and author Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio who co-authored The Pet Loss Companion.

The author said pets are a daily part of our lives and in many cases, our relationships with animals are some of our closest. He said it’s important for pet owners to grieve, and he weighed in on the difficulty of deciding when to adopt a new pet after a loss.

“Like everything about grief and loss, it’s very individualized. So, for some people, it’s a very good idea to get another pet sooner rather than later. If there’s any doubt at all, it’s always good to wait,” said Dolan-Del Vecchio.

He said for some grieving pet owners, getting a new puppy or kitten can be overwhelming at an already challenging time.

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/dakin-humane-society-holds-event-to-help-grieving-pet-owners/1818997421

Skills To Build Stronger, Lasting Friendships – Mass Appeal

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We may have more “friends” than ever thanks to social media, but we’re often missing the deeper connection of true friendship. Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio, Founder of GreenGate Leadership tells us more.

In his book Simple Habits of Exceptional (But Not Perfect) Parents, Ken describes friendship as, “Life is a team sport and having even one or two good friends on our team boosts us in countless ways. Friends give us our first experience of loving connection outside our families. Showing us the goodness in the world, genuine friends confirm our spiritual impulse to reach beyond ourselves with kindness and hope. Friends share love, support, acceptance, understanding, positive challenges, constructive criticism, a variety of perspectives, and endless inspiration. Friends buoy one another through turbulent times, giving nurturance that, for the fortunate, will last a lifetime. Bearing witness to one another’s lives across the years, friends become the coauthors of our shared life stories, helping us remember, make sense of, and cherish our time here.”

Some skills to work at to foster deeper friendships are:

  • spending time together in person
  • listening without interruption
  • showing sincere interest over time
  • taking turns
  • accepting differences
  • respecting personal boundaries

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/skills-to-build-stronger-lasting-friendships/1756649430

A Life Coach’s Best Tips For 2019 – Mass Appeal

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Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio, founder of GreenGate Leadership, gave us life coaching tips to kick off 2019.

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/a-life-coach-s-best-tips-for-2019/1686729776

What Men Should Do In The #MeToo Era – Mass Appeal

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Ken Dolan Del-Vecchio, founder of GreenGate Leadership, discussed how men should be acting in the #MeToo era that has set new standards and freedoms for all genders.

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/what-men-should-do-in-the-metoo-era/1638887341

How To Teach Your Children About Money – Mass Appeal

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Ken Dolan Del-Vecchio, family therapist and owner of GreenGate Leadership, discussed the proper ways to teach your children about money.

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/how-to-teach-your-children-about-money/1576280343

Helping Your Kids Understand The Voting Process! – Mass Appeal

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Ken Dolan Del-Vecchio, President of GreenGate Leadership shared tips to teach your children and get kids involved & excited to vote!
Source: https://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/helping-your-kids-understand-the-voting-process-/1528182447

The “Imaginary Videotape” – Mass Appeal

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If you are a parent, or a leader of any sort, it’s important to remember the things that you do and say could influence the behaviors of those around you. Ken-Dolan Del Vecchio walked us through what exactly the Imaginary Videotape is, and how it can help you out!

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/the-imaginary-videotape-/1416974326

Ways To Help Improve Communications With Your Kids – Mass Appeal

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Sometimes it feels like your older children don’t want to hear your opinion. Or they won’t open up to share what’s going on in their lives. How can we improve the way we talk to our kids?

Here to help us make our children feel comfortable enough to open up to us is Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio.

 

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/ways-to-help-improve-communication-with-your-kids/1351454470