MindWise Innovations

Riverside Trauma Center and MindWise clinicians have been providing consultation and support to staff at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory who were impacted by the LA wildfires.?????? ? After returning from the JPL campus in Pasadena, California last week, Michael Bonadio Jr, LMFT. and Lawrence Berkowitz both commented on the impressive sense of employee pride and commitment from JPL managers and staff, saying: “JPL’s cohesion as a workplace community will go a long way in helping them move through this challenging time together.”???? ? Information about our trauma response services and workplace consultation is available at: https://lnkd.in/euuBfZXJ https://mindwise.org/

Based on decades of experience responding to critical incidents, our Riverside Trauma Center colleagues recently updated their?postvention guidelines?for schools and communities. Feel free to share this resource with anyone needing step-by-step guidance following a tragedy: https://lnkd.in/eZ7zbvke Additionally, in support of this important topic, we’re pleased to offer a live, virtual training on March 5th to offer an interactive, discussion-based program on Suicide Postvention. Attendees will learn: - An overview of suicide, including risk factors and warning signs - The scope and impact of a death by suicide - The goals, guiding processes, and timeline of a postvention process - The 12 key tasks of a best practice postvention process. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eXmGT2jq

Many clients with suicidal thoughts and behaviors will also have a history of trauma. However, little is known about the ways that mental health clinicians implement a trauma informed approach with this population or the challenges they encounter in this work. Our colleagues, Jim McCauley, Rebecca Mirick, and Joanna Bridger, recently explored the use of trauma-informed approaches to address suicidal thoughts and behaviors in a recent study. Their analysis identified several barriers to the use of a trauma-informed approach with individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors such as: - insufficient knowledge and skills - systemic barriers - and a lack of integration of the fields of trauma and suicide Read the full paper to learn more about the implications for clinicians, educators, and organizations: https://lnkd.in/ezpTf6pE #suicide #suicideprevention #suicideresearch

Our team was thrilled to have been invited to share research and learnings from our postvention and peer support models at last week’s #IASPMINNEAPOLIS2024. Michael Bonadio Jr. and Lisa Desai, Psy.D. presented a session titled: Peer Support in the Workplace: An Upstream Prevention Model This workshop provided a comprehensive look at a proactive, prevention/early intervention peer support model. Using program implementations in several industries, including first responder departments and construction - two industries with higher than average rates of suicide - they?shared the need for peer support within the workplace and discussed data to support the creation of peer support programs. Lawrence Berkowitz and Carla Stumpf Patton,EdD,LMHC presented: Comprehensive, Evidence-Informed Models of Suicide Prevention. This session highlighted two life-saving examples of comprehensive, evidence-informed approaches to postvention. Dr. Stumpf Patton described the model developed by the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a non- profit founded in 1994 to support military families and communities. And Dr. Berkowitz presented the second model which illustrates postvention responses to support schools in the aftermath of a student suicide death. The model is based on Riverside Trauma Center’s protocols which were listed in the 2015 Best Practices Registry of the national Suicide Prevention Research Center.?For more information on these postvention protocols, visit https://lnkd.in/eZ7zbvke

Have you checked out a sample of our new suicide prevention training for college and university faculty/staff yet? SOS for Higher Ed is a 30-minute, self-guided online training designed to prepare university faculty and staff to respond to signs of distress in students. Using the ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) framework, the course shares campus staff who have real experience supporting students at risk for suicide. It also offers hands-on scenarios to practice how to: ?? Recognize signs of suicide in a student ?? Engage in conversations with students in need ?? Keep a student safe / connect them to resources ?? Help students build connections on campus ?? Feel prepared and confident to support students Check out the video to see a sample of the course: https://lnkd.in/gpsE-C7E

There's still time to register for our November 14 training designed to help schools learn how to address non-suicidal self-injury in students. Led by Dr. Janis Whitlock, the founder and director of the Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery, this 2-hour session will include: ?? Recommendations on specific signs to look for ?? What types of behavior are considered self-harm ?? The difference between self-harm and suicidal thoughts ???So much more Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/e8-8k2kb

Children don't take an active role in elections, but they too can feel stressed by what they are hearing, reading, or experiencing. To help children understand election stress, we've pulled together a few helpful tips: ??Explain the Election Age-Appropriately Hopefully parents and caregivers will be the first to talk with children about current events. Explain in simple, clear terms what is going on, using words and concepts they can understand. ??Listen to What They Are Saying Ask what they’ve heard about the situation. Let them tell you in their own words and answer their questions truthfully, at an age-appropriate level. It can be helpful to have this conversation during an activity like drawing or in the car. ??Focus on Their Safety Once you understand their perception of current events, be clear that you will always do your best to keep them safe. Tell them adults are working hard to make sure they’ll be alright. ??Pay Attention to Your Own Reactions Your children will watch you carefully and take their cues from you. If you can manage your anxiety in response to current events, your children will be more reassured. It’s okay to let them know you’re anxious, upset, or concerned – but be sure to show them how you stay calm and tell them what helps you feel safe. ??Monitor Access to Media Older children and adolescents can engage in conversations with you about your reactions to what you see in the news. For adolescents, focus on positive, solution-oriented websites and messages. Ask your older children what they are seeing or hearing on social media. ??Maintain Your Routines Sticking to a daily structure like mealtime, bedtime, etc. can reduce anxiety and help children feel more in control. Continue to help your children understand what to expect these days. If you have familial or cultural routines that your child finds comforting, be sure to use these. ??Keep the Door Open Encourage your children to come to you with questions or concerns and do not assume the questions will stop after a few days or even a few weeks. Let them know their fears and questions are normal and you will always make time for them.

The days leading up to an election, and the days after, may pose unique challenges in the workplace. And with 45% of U.S. employees engaging in political conversations at work, it's important to navigate them thoughtfully. Here are some strategies to maintain a collaborative work environment. ?Establish boundaries between your work and personal life, especially during politically charged times. It’s easy for lines to blur with remote and hybrid work, and it’s vital to consider what language, views and disclosures are not appropriate for workplace discussions. ?Recognize how your own views are impacting your behaviors. Take responsibility for your actions and words. Identifying how you may be contributing to a tense or uncomfortable environment can help decrease conflicts at work. And remember that you don’t always know the political views of your co-workers, so it’s important not to make assumptions. ?Be respectful during interactions at work. A survey from the Society for Human Resource Management found that 45% of U.S. employees say they have personally experienced political disagreements at work. Respect includes listening to what your co-worker is saying. If you begin to feel disconnected and that your emotions are clouding your ability to listen, it may be time to politely bow out of the conversation. Respectfully agreeing to disagree can go a long way. ?Strive to be inclusive as a leader or coworker. Some people have differing levels of comfort talking about private matters or political views at work. Notice who is and isn’t participating in conversations, and it could imply that the topic isn’t one that everyone wants to discuss. According to Gartner, 47% of employees reported feeling uncomfortable discussing their political opinions with coworkers. ?Focus on your work. Remember where you are and what tasks are in front of you. During times of stress and preoccupation, focusing on one work-related task at a time can help improve productivity and provide a sense of accomplishment. #ElectionStress #Work

With the elections quickly approaching, we know this time of year can be stressful. According to an American Psychological Association survey, 69% of respondents said elections are a significant source of stress for them. During these times it is vital that we turn to internal and external support systems that allow us to function, move forward with respect, and prioritize our emotional and physical health. Here are a few recommendations to keep in mind: ??Identify Positive Aspects of your Life What parts of your life will continue to be satisfying regardless of the election outcomes? Which of your interests, talents, or positive habits can become a source of strength during these times? ??Safety, Predictability, Control (SPC) SPC is a framework to help us manage stress. Prioritize self-care to keep yourself safe and healthy, ensure predictability by keeping a routine, and do your best to control the things you can - while letting go of what you cannot. Be Mindful Mindfulness refers to being in the moment, whether with a friend, taking a walk, etc. Try to focus your attention and energy by being present – even if only for 10 minutes - to relieve stress on your mind and body. ??Be Social Connect with your friends, family, and colleagues. Try to veer away from politics if possible, particularly with those that have differing views. Additionally, while talking politics with like-minded folks can be supportive and cathartic, it’s also important to take breaks to avoid mental overload. ??Take a Break from the Media This is important to prevent cognitive overload. With a 24/7 news cycle, it’s tempting to check the news repeatedly throughout the day. This can become exhausting. Try to designate specific times of the day to unplug and not check the news or social media. ??Nurture Yourself Whether it’s with healthy foods, spiritual or religious practices, or a long walk, make the time to be kind to yourself. This may involve social interactions or be deeply personal and singular. ??Prepare for Potential Pitfalls Stressful times can make you more vulnerable to substance use, alcohol, food misuses, and more. Make sure to turn to supports that have helped in the past – whether professional, groups, or friends and family to prevent relapses.

Ensure your school is equipped to make a difference with suicide prevention. Our comprehensive suicide prevention education programs are designed to educate everyone on what to do if they’re worried about themselves or a friend. What We Offer: Education Programs -- Our programs provide essential knowledge on recognizing the signs of suicide and depression. Equip your students, staff, and community with the skills to support those in need. Support Resources -- Beyond education, we offer a wealth of resources for ongoing support. From professional development for staff to community outreach materials, we have everything you need to maintain a supportive environment. Why It Matters: Prevention is possible. With the right tools and knowledge, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone. Let’s work together to make a difference. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3UgwckC.