Chest of Hope Magazine

CHEST of HOPE

Mental Health Support

FOR

CRYING OUTLOUD FEATURING

The Law Office of Patrick J. Kindt

The Law Office of Patrick J Kindt is a dedicated immigration law practice based in Tracy, California Patrick's passion for helping immigrants stems from his personal connection to the immigrant experience His wife, now a Naturalized American from Nigeria, inspired him to start his solo law practice and continues to support him in his vocation

Through his wife's journey, Patrick witnessed firsthand the challenges and obstacles that immigrants face when trying to navigate the complex legal system He realized that many immigrants were in need of compassionate and competent legal representation, which led him to start his own solo practice

Patrick works to help other immigrants achieve their American dream He is dedicated to providing high-quality legal services to his clients and ensuring that they receive the best possible representation, with a personalized touch Patrick offers services for multiple areas of immigration law including family-based petitions, naturalization, asylum applications, and many more

Making a meaningful difference in the lives of immigrants and their families is truly a privilege for Patrick

If you or someone you know is seeking compassionate and competent legal representation, The Law Office of Patrick J Kindt is here to help With his expertise and dedication, he will work to help you achieve your immigration goals and build a brighter future for yourself and your family

Domestic Violence & Mental Health Support

Domestic violence and child abuse are pervasive issues affecting millions of women and children worldwide. The long-term mental health implications of abuse can be devastating and have far-reaching consequences.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about one in five adults in the United States experience mental illness each year. According to the National Survey of Children's Health, an estimated 7.7 million children in the United States have at least one mental health disorder. Children who experience abuse or violence are at increased risk of developing mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and behavioral disorders.

Research also shows that there is a significant gap between those who need mental health support and those who actually receive it. For women and children who have experienced domestic violence or child abuse, the statistics on mental health support are even more concerning. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, only about one-third of domestic violence victims seek medical care, while only about 10% seek counseling or mental health services. Similarly, the National Children's Alliance reports that only about one in four children who experience abuse receive any type of mental health support.

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Start a conversation: Approach your friend or family member with empathy and concern, and let them know that you are there to support them. Ask them how they are feeling and if they are struggling with any issues.

Educate yourself: Learn about the signs and symptoms of the mental illness you suspect your loved one may be experiencing This can help you understand what they may be going through and how you can best support them

Encourage them to seek professional help: Suggest that they talk to a mental health professional, such as a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist Offer to help them find a mental health provider, schedule appointments, or attend appointments with them for support

Offer practical support: Mental illness can make it difficult for people to complete everyday tasks Offer to help with practical tasks, such as grocery shopping or cleaning

Be patient and supportive: Recovery from mental illness is a journey, and it may take time Be patient and supportive of your loved one throughout their journey.

Practice self-care: Supporting a loved one with mental illness can be emotionally taxing. Make sure to take care of yourself by practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support for yourself if needed.

Remember, it's important to approach the situation with empathy and without judgment Encouraging your loved one to seek help and offering support can go a long way in helping them manage their mental illness and move towards recovery

Local organizations like Chest of Hope can be a valuable resource for women and children who have experienced domestic violence or child abuse and are in need of mental health support If you suspect that a friend or family member is suffering from

mental illness, there are several things you can do to help them. 1. 2. 3 4 5 6.

Young Children Signs & Suggestions for Supporting Mental Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019, 13.6% of U.S. children between the ages of 5 and 17 years received mental health treatment. Boys were more likely to receive treatment than girls, and older children were more likely to take medication for their conditions, which ranged from attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder to anxiety and behavioral disorders Identifying mental health issues in young children can be challenging, as many of the symptoms can be mistaken for typical childhood behavior However, early identification and intervention can be critical for improving outcomes and preventing more severe mental health issues in the future. Signs such as changes in behavior, mood changes, difficulty sleeping or eating, difficulty with concentration, regressive behavior, and more may be signs of mental health issues. It's important to note that all children may present one or more of these behaviors from time to time and that behavior may be perfectly normal.

Parents can play a vital role in supporting a young child's mental health:

Encourage communication: Encourage your child to express their emotions and feelings openly Provide a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences

Build a positive relationship: Positive relationships with parents can foster a sense of security, which can be a protective factor against mental health issues. Spend quality time with your child and show them affection and love. Create a predictable routine: Establishing a predictable routine can provide structure and stability for your child, which can help them feel more secure and reduce anxiety. Promote physical health: Physical health is

is closely linked to mental health. Encourage healthy habits such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep

Provide opportunities for play and creativity: Play and creative activities can help children express themselves and cope with their emotions Encourage your child to engage in activities they enjoy, such as playing with toys or drawing

Be a positive role model: Children learn by example, so modeling positive behaviors and attitudes can help promote good mental health Manage stress in a healthy way, practice self-care, and seek help when needed.

Seek professional help when needed: If you are concerned about your child's mental health, seek the help of a mental health professional. A mental health professional can provide a diagnosis and appropriate treatment if needed. These treatments can include medication and/or therapy. Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another It's essential to be patient and supportive while working towards solutions that work for you and your child

FOR CRYING OUTLOUD

Beautiful appetizers delicately prepared for a noble crowd dance across my taste buds. I am genuinely enjoying myself. Suddenly I taste something sour. My pulse quickens, as does my breath.

I can feel the blood rushing to my face, and suddenly my eyes begin to pool with tears. Before I knew what was happening, I had already excused myself to find the restroom. I make haste down the hallway, desperately glancing for signs to lead the way. My steps quicken as the pools of tears begin to spill out onto my cheeks I found the restroom at last and almost burst through the bathroom door, throwing myself in front of the mirror. As I stared into the scared, flushed, wideeyed girl looking back at me, my face began to soften I hardly recognized my reflection. That girl was scared. That wasn't the girl that walked into this event. What had happened? I was having such a marvelous time just moments before How did I end up here?

Hello reader!

Storytime! Let's go!

The room is full of people, and all of my senses are being stimulated at once. I see beautiful people and the flashing of lights I hear chatter, laughter, and the clinking of fine wine glasses. I smell handsome colognes, enchanting perfumes, and mouth-watering aromas being skillfully prepared behind kitchen doors and spilling out into the banquet hall. Strong hands engulf mine as introductions are made, and I am gifted soft hugs with kind strangers cheek to cheek.

You see, what I had failed to share with you was what was going on inside of my head while all of my senses were being flooded with such a pleasant experience While I was unaware of my subconscious thoughts, as I socialized and enjoyed the event I had been asked to attend, my nervous system had already been made aware of my triggers by my subconscious remembering similar settings in my past and responding in the form of what we have all experienced to some degree as an anxiety attack Through thorough reflection after the fact, I realized that I had been unlucky enough that the last few times I had been in a setting similar to the one I recently attended, It resulted in a terribly negative and painful experience for me.

FEATURING JADE

A Contributor's Column on Lived Experiences

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD

Although I knew I was in a safe place with great people for a higher purpose, my subconscious and my jolted nervous system had already begun responding in an emotional and physical way. Despite all the praise and kindness I had been receiving just moments before, all I could focus on was my inner critic starting to gain volume... "They'll see you as a fraud." "You're only here by chance." "They feel sorry for you." "Why did I wear this dress?" This harsh inner critic swirled in my thoughts for a few moments more I felt myself beginning to spiral into a fullblown anxiety attack And then I remembered I trained for this I took a deep breath, called my reflection by its name, and put my training into action. I looked into my wide, teary eyes... "Jade... Breathe." So I did. In two three four, hold two three four, release two three four five. After repeating this for approximately sixty seconds, I focused on what I knew had been causing me to react this way. My inner dialogue needed to be redirected. I reminded myself why I was there. I reminded myself what the purpose of my presence was I took a moment to express my gratitude for the opportunity and forced a smile onto my face when suddenly I started to laugh

How silly that forced smile looked on my face, but how genuine and honest that moment was.

I was relieved to have laughed, and my shoulders suddenly felt lighter When I remembered my purpose and why I needed to be present, I couldn't help but laugh a little more at the fear that had tried to overcome me I was ready

After glancing at the time, I realized I had been in there for about seven minutes I rushed out of the bathroom door and brushed shoulders with a woman who muttered something under her breath. My stomach sank, and I turned to face the young woman and her son. "Pardon me?" I had asked.

"You're a knockout." She said. I paused, not sure if I had heard correctly. And she repeated as if she had read the confused expression on my face. "A total knockout." And she gestured to me from head to toe I couldn't believe my eyes and ears; All I could do was smile and thank her for her kind words The split second this beautiful woman took to offer me, a complete stranger, a compliment in combination with my newly directed inner dialogue a few moments prior had completely transformed me back to the confident and bright person I was when I had arrived.

(Continued on page 18)

Transforming Legislation To Transform Lives

Legislating Hope Mental Health Services Act

The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) is a law in California that was passed in 2004 to expand and improve mental health services in the state. The MHSA was created in response to a growing need for mental health services in California and a desire to improve the quality of care for individuals with mental illness The MHSA is funded by a 1% tax on personal income above $1 million, which generates billions of dollars each year for mental health services. The funds are distributed to counties in California to provide mental health services and support programs

The MHSA has several key goals, including:

Expanding mental health services: The MHSA aims to expand mental health services to underserved populations, such as children, homeless individuals, and veterans

Reducing stigma: The MHSA aims to reduce stigma associated with mental illness by promoting understanding and awareness.

Promoting recovery: The MHSA aims to promote recovery by providing services and support that help individuals with mental illness manage their symptoms and achieve their goals

Encouraging innovation: The MHSA encourages innovation in mental health services by providing funding for research and new programs

Increasing accountability: The MHSA requires counties to report on the effectiveness of mental health services and use data to improve services

The MHSA has led to significant improvements in mental health services in California, including the development of new programs and services, increased access to care, and reduced stigma. However, there are still challenges in providing comprehensive and accessible mental health care for all individuals in need To learn more about the MHSA, please visit:

SELF-WORTH & SELF-ESTEEM

by Maritza Alvarez

What is the difference between self-worth and self-esteem?

Self-worth is the deep knowing that We are valuable, deserving of love, and feeling that we belong and have a purpose Self-esteem Is what we think, believe about ourselves, and have self-respect

There are some benefits on why it is important that We have high self-esteem: It can better your mental health and well-being You will also be true to yourself and be assertive in the choices you make You will be more resilient to what life throws at you and not easily give up You are more likely to be sociable and have better relationships than those with low self-esteem, as they tend to see the good in people and be less judgmental Making you more likely to take risks and bounce back from setbacks as You are willing to seek support from others and are able to self-motivate even when facing failure You confidently pursue Your own dreams rather than doing things to seek others' validation Individuals with high selfesteem also have lower stress levels because their positive outlook helps them cope better with stressful situations and maintain a healthy lifestyle as they want to enjoy a longer positive life

We can use positive self affirmations to help us build a high self esteem In which they help uplift us and they are words that communicate Your Love,appreciation and self respect

Examples of positive self affirmations:

Gratitude is Key and is a daily practice for individuals with high self worth In which You appreciate the small and big gifts of life, and express appreciation whenever and anyway possible

I am successful I am confident I am powerful I am strong I am getting better and better every day All I need is within me right now I wake up motivated I am an unstoppable force of nature

Maritza is a case worker with Chest of Hope, a non-profit organization combatting abuse in all forms.

STAR BREATHING TECHNIQUE

FOR CALMING ANXIETY

Start by spreading your left or right hand open and stretch your fingers out like a star Take the pointer finger from your other hand and pretend it is a pencil Begin going up on your thumb while inhaling through Your nose When going down the thumb, slowly exhale Repeat the motion with all other fingers and as many times as necessary until you feel a sense of calm This technique works well with many children, too!

Mindfulness & Other Therapies For Supporting Children With Mental Illness

Mindfulness can be a useful therapy for children with behavioral or mental health issues. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment or distraction and can help children develop skills for reducing stress and anxiety by focusing on the moment as opposed to worrying about the past or future; Improving attention and focus by teaching children to tune out distractions and focus on the task at hand; Developing emotional regulation skills by helping children learn to regulate their emotions, recognize their thoughts and feelings and respond to them in a healthy way; Improving self-esteem: Mindfulness can improve self-esteem by developing a greater sense of self-awareness and selfacceptance; Enhancing empathy and compassion by teaching them to be present and attentive to others' needs and experiences.

Mindfulness alone may not be sufficient for children with behavioral or mental health issues, and professional treatment may be necessary. However, mindfulness can be a helpful complement to other therapies and can provide children with valuable tools for managing their mental health. Additional therapies are listed below. Talk with your child's physician about other therapies that may benefit your child.

We all struggle with our anxieties from time to time. The key is to pay attention to what our body is trying to signal to us. Tempting as it may be, do not ignore your uncomfortable feelings but excuse yourself for a few moments to face them directly. Here are some tools that I've learned on my journey through life as an empath and psychology student to change my inner dialogue and make friends with my inner critic:

1. Notice the signs. When you feel overwhelmed, regardless of whether or not you are conscious of it, your nervous system will give you signals before things get out of hand Pay attention to them It may be mild such as a damp palm or shaky voice, or it could be more severe, like sweating or feeling faint When you become aware of these symptoms, you have the ability to take the necessary steps to soothe them.

2. Learn and understand your triggers. Knowing your triggers isn't always easy. I recommend journaling as a professional tool for caring for your mental health. After you experience any form of anxiety or panic, it is necessary to write it down. Where were you when it happened? What do you remember about your surroundings? Which senses were being simulated and how? These questions will help you pinpoint your triggers and assist you on your journey to better understand them

3. Breathe. Breathing is the oldest and most surefire technique for maintaining control of our heart rate and our thoughts. When you choose to deliberately copy a relaxed breathing pattern, you allow your nervous system to become calmer; therefore, you are gifting yourself the ability to take back control of your involuntary functions. Physiological changes occur in the body when you use controlled breathing. Amongst these changes are lowered blood pressure, decreased heart rate, and reduced levels of stress hormones in the blood So remember when you start to feel out of control Just breathe

4. Stay present. When you allow yourself to stay present, you make deliberate choices about how to respond rather than immediately reacting in a programmed way. Staying fully present helps us to live our lives to the fullest. Studies have shown that people who practice "living in the now" are less depressed, more optimistic, happier, and overall more satisfied with life. When you practice staying present, you are choosing to build good habits for your future well-being. In times of anxiousness or panic, being present is a POWERFUL tool Take a moment to take in your surroundings What do you feel? What do you hear? Where are you? Who are you with? Acknowledging your surroundings little by little is key to not overwhelming yourself and bringing your mind back to the present

5. Accept that the only thing you have control over in life is your own thoughts and emotions. When we feel stressed, it is because we are placing more importance on the issue at hand than our very selves. Accepting that we ONLY have control over our minds and nothing else helps us to understand the importance of keeping a positive inner dialogue. The way we perceive things dictates our ability to experience life As the very old and very wise saying goes, "Life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we react to it "

6. Put your mental health first. Shun negative perceptions of mental health care. Normalize talking about it The more we educate ourselves and lift the veil of unawareness, the happier we will become as a collective I believe that mental health should be cared for even more than our physical health Without a strong mind, being that our bodies listen to our minds, we would be setting ourselves up for failure We need to unlearn the negative stigmas around mental health In my experience, meditation and mindfulness are just as necessary for my everyday life as eating, drinking, or brushing my teeth Prioritizing my mental health and approaching it with compassion instead of shame, curiosity instead of rejection, and understanding instead of anger, I've been able to transform into a better version of myself in every aspect of my life Don't be afraid to seek counseling Don't hesitate to talk about your feelings with trusted family, friends, or trained listeners, and don't stop learning about maintaining a healthy state of mind Do not be embarrassed You are not alone Everyone struggles with these thoughts and feelings within themselves from time to time Although everyone experiences similar struggles, it is important to understand that everyone's experiences of them are at different degrees due to our different life experiences So be kind to yourself and practice empathy with others We truly are all in this human experience together

7. Be kind to yourself. Fight the urge to talk down to yourself. Push back when your inner critic starts to get too loud Talk to yourself in the tone which your ten-year-old self would appreciate Give yourself the patience and understanding, and compassion that you would give to someone you love and care for You deserve the positive changes that come with being Be kind to yourself, and I am rooting for you! Although it's much easier said than done, with these 7 tips and a little daily practice, you can walk into every room with the confidence you deserve in no time Stay kind and remember "L O V E (Leave Out Violence Every Day")-The Chest of Hope!

All the love and respect always -Jade

Cucumber Lemon Agua Fresca

Ingredients

10 Lemons

3 Large Cucumbers

Filtered Water Sugar

Ice

May Recipe

Steps

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Benefits

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ItcanhelpYoudetoxYourbody

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Itcanhelpwithweightlossasithaslesssugarthenmostsugar

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