MentalNote – Winter 2022 Edition

MENTALNOTE Quarterly Magazine

Winter 2022

Mental Health and Well-Being for All

TIPS TO STAY ON TRACK WITH YOUR GOALS IN THE NEW YEAR •

Spend time planning and be specific about the steps you will take to obtain your goals.

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Be realistic. Make your goals attainable. Start with small steps.

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Track your progress. Make a chart or keep a journal so you can see your progress.

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Remember that making change is a process. Reward yourself for successes and don’t beat yourself up if you fall short.

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Never give up!

MENTALNOTE

WE PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES IN MULTIPLE COLORADO COMMUNITIES, ONE PATIENT OR FAMILY AT A TIME. OUR EXCEPTIONAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOCUS ON ASSISTING YOU WITH COUNSELING, PSYCHIATRY, ADDICTION, AND CRISIS. FEEL CONFIDENT IN THE CARE YOU RECEIVE. CONTACT US TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AND GET STARTED TODAY: (719) 572-6100.

P4: Community Update

P5&13: Client Experience

P6: Spotlight

P7: Spotlight

P8-9: SAD

P10-11: Leading in MH

P13: IOP

P14-15: Well-Being for All

P16-17: Connecting

P18-19: Game Over

P20-21: Man Therapy

P22: Attitude of Gratitude

P23: Crisis Services

P24-25: Wellness

P26-27: Veteran Strong

A letter to the community from the President & CEO.

Diversus Health community activities.

Intensive Outpatient: What to expect.

How to recognize and help with gaming addiction.

Available 24/7/365.

Client testimonials about Diversus Health.

Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Diversus Health can help.

Therapy comes in many forms.

Three pillars of health.

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Spotlighting providers at Diversus Health.

How each challenge provides a new opportunity.

How to connect with loved ones around successes.

Key ingredient to happiness.

Honor and support.

Community Partner

UPDATE Dear Valued Community Partner:

The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year, and I hope you all had an opportunity to disconnect, relax, and enjoy time with your friends and family.

As I reflect on all that has transpired in 2021, I am excited at all that we have accomplished as an organization. From rebranding and clarifying the services we offer to our communities, to significant progress around our strategic priorities, I am proud of what has been developed and implemented over the past year. We have also continued to provide as much care as possible to our community. I am continually humbled by the increasing demand for our services and take the responsibility of ensuring we are continuing to improve as an organization very seriously.

As individuals and families continue to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for mental and behavioral health services continues to rise. Our focus will continue to be on enhancing the overall experience all individuals have with Diversus Health and expanding access to care.

To that end, we have some exciting new developments happening in 2022. There will be more to come around how we continue to evolve as an organization, and I look forward to sharing these developments with you.

Have a wonderful New Year and continue to stay safe and well.

Best Wishes, ADAM C. ROBERTS, MBA PRESIDENT & CEO DIVERSUS HEALTH

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Experience & Voice When I really began to use the services at [Diversus Health], I was in full fledged depression, with very high anxiety, and was beginning to have suicidal thoughts.

Four years later, I am stable and much better equipped to cope and protect others from my mental illness. Without this organization, I’m certain I would not be alive today.

I am blessed to have an amazing support system and mental health [services] from Diversus Health is a major part of that support.

Life-saving services. So grateful for Stephanie. She listens with empathy and offers reasonable solutions. I came here looking for tools to help my mental health and I was given more than enough time and attention to help me help myself to survive.

Blessed to have been referred here. Thank you!

~ D.F. - Ruskin (Google)

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3/17/21

~ A.F. - Moreno (Google)

3:06 PM

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Spotlight DIVERSUS HEALTH PROVIDERS

ANDREW WALLS Andrew has been with Diversus Health for over four years. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and has recently been promoted to the Adult Clinical Supervisor. He works primarily with adults and specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for processing trauma, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for building inner resources and improving functioning in life and relationships. Andrew thrives on helping patients arrive at a real insight that helps transform and heal some aspect of their life. He enjoys his many talented coworkers who share the common goal of helping others heal and improve their lives.

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ROSLYN HENCE

In his free time, Andrew enjoys drawing, writing, playing strategy-based board games, hiking and camping, sharing music interests with his two sons, and building Lego’s with his grandchildren.

Roslyn has been with Diversus Health since January 2020. She is the Offender Behavioral Health Services (OBHS) Case Manager, working closely with other OBHS clinicians and criminal justice partners, including the probation department and the Criminal Justice Center. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.

Roslyn enjoys working in the community with those who have had challenges maintaining their daily living and accessing resources and treatment due to their criminal history.

In her free time, Roslyn loves to travel.

Andrew Walls

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Spotlight DIVERSUS HEALTH EVENTS

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COVID Re

sponse Te table d am Interacti ve isplay

Diversus Health was a proud sponsor of the annual Race Against Suicide, a fundraising event to support the Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership, so they can continue to support our community with outreach programs and education.

We had the highest participation number of all the sponsors. Diversus Health employees ROCK!

Diversus Health showed team spirit during numerous athletic events. If it was raining at a soccer game, or the sun was shining brightly at a baseball game, employees showed up ready to cheer for their teams!

Some watched the games from the stands, while others manned a booth, getting the word out about the services available at Diversus Health.

Diversus Health COVID Response Team members were interviewed by news media, discussing grant-funded services at Diversus Health and the innovative ways we are able to connect with patients during the pandemic.

LaDonna Reed

Roberta Renfro and Karen Morgan

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im Roy and K

Walker

Seasonal Affective Disorder HELP AND HOPE

EXERCISE REGULARLY Regular exercise is a powerful way to improve your mood, especially in the winter months.

Exercise boosts endorphins, serotonin and other beneficial neurotransmitters. Little known fact, exercise can actually treat some forms of mild to moderate depression as well as some antidepressant medications. Exercises that are continuous and rhythmic can often have the best effects (i.e. a long walk, biking, running, swimming, cross country skiing). If possible, try to get active for 30 to 60 minutes.

If you are part of the roughly three percent of the population that experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the 10-20 percent that report feeling more down in the winter months, you likely can feel it coming as the seasons start to change.

It may feel like there’s no escaping the cold, gloomy weather that seems to zap your energy and lower your mood.

Here are a few strategies that can help with coping through the winter months, whether you are impacted by SAD or simply want to find ways to have more energy this coming season.

ADDRESS STRESS Excessive stress anytime of year is uncomfortable, but can also be a major contributing factor to SAD. Take the time to proactively identify stressors in your personal and work life, then do your best to find proactive ways to manage it. Whether it be engaging in daily relaxation, better managing your work calendar, or spending more/less time with specific friends – these activities can go a long way in supporting your overall mood.

PRIORITIZE SLEEP Many people with SAD experience insomnia or hypersomnia — sleeping too little or too much.

Because sunlight helps sync your sleep/wake cycle with your circadian rhythm, a lack of sunlight can interrupt sleep. So, in the darker winter weather, improving the quality of your sleep will decrease depression symptoms. Getting sunlight when it is out there shining bright is essential.

Even when it’s cold, bulk up and do your best to go for a little walk or read a book in the window.

DON’T JUST SLEEP ENOUGH - HAVE A SCHEDULE This one is tough. Resist the urge to sleep in on weekend mornings. Commit to a schedule — set an alarm, practice good sleep hygiene (going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time every day), and put yourself and your mental health first. Exceptions will occur, but do your best to maintain a schedule and don’t be hard on yourself if/when you slip for a few days. You can always hit the figurative “reset button” and get back on track.

CONSIDER PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT While many of these ideas can be a great start, it’s important to connect with professional support when they don’t get the job done. If you are feeling sad, down, and/or depressed for more than a few weeks this season – it’s time to consider reaching out for support. Counseling, or supports such as light therapy, seeing a nutritionist, in addition to the tactics listed above, can have the best impact.

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Please note, Seasonal Affective Disorder and other forms of depression can be incredibly overwhelming at times. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of harming themselves or someone else call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK, our crisis line at 1-844-493-8255, 9-1-1, or go to your nearest emergency room.

LEADING in mental health How Each Challenge Provides a New Opportunity

It has been said that as human beings, we are creatures of habit. We develop systems and routines for ourselves, our families, and for the organizations we lead – often with the objective of being more efficient and maximizing time and making our day-to-day tasks more effective.

Adam C. Roberts

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Over the past 18 months, the COVID-19 global pandemic has significantly disrupted the systems and routines we have either carefully crafted or naturally developed. Instead of going to an office, we went to work from our kitchen tables. Instead of sending our kids to school, we logged them into Zoom. The consistency we often crave seemed to evaporate, leading us to create our own versions of the common phrase, “the new normal.”

As leaders, we must understand the unique role we play in providing guidance, reassurance, and comfort to our teams and the broader communities we serve during unpredictable and turbulent times. The current uncertainty and division that exists across the country provides a great opportunity to answer this call, and with Diversus Health in particular, an opportunity to meet the increasing and rapidly surging demand for mental health services.

In March of 2020, as a response to the pandemic, Diversus Health transitioned the majority of our workforce to remote work in a span of 48 hours and began offering mental and behavioral health services almost exclusively through a telehealth model. This was a significant, but needed, change for our clients, our employees, and our community.

By shifting to this model, we were able to minimize the disruption to services for those that needed them the most. This adaptation also provided our teams with some clarity as to what the coming weeks and months may look like.

As one of the newest CEO’s of a community mental health care system, I never imagined I would be leading an organization with nearly 400 employees during unprecedented times through the significant challenges that have affected all businesses and the broader world over the past year and a half. At the same time, the concept of servant leadership is an ideal I have seen practiced from an early age. My mom was a Registered Nurse in various capacities in the rural San Luis Valley, and as I grew up watching her in her career, I was inspired to work in healthcare because of the opportunity to simply help others.

As a graduate of Regis University in Denver and a student of the Jesuit model of education delivery, 11

where servant leadership is a fundamental component, my desire to help and serve others was only solidified. Following graduate school, I worked as an administrator in the Department of Veterans Affairs. It was a life altering experience to serve those who have served our country.

These experiences have been fundamental to the development of my leadership philosophy, which is focused around using your capacity and influence as a leader to help others and advance causes that support the greater good.

When I attended the Colorado Springs Leadership Institute (CSLI) earlier this year, I had an opportunity to complete several exercises focused on introspection. The experience with CSLI improved my self-awareness and only deepened my belief that as leaders, we can constantly be growing and learning, especially about ourselves.

It is paramount for leaders, especially in these trying times, to be focused on enhancing the overall experience of those we are fortunate enough to lead and serve.

As our world constantly changes, we have to find balance while being aware of new opportunities to make a positive difference. I am very grateful for the opportunity to keep striving to continually improve as a mental health leader and strive to make a positive impact in a changing society and in the community in which I live. Colorado Springs is thriving, and the mental health and well-being of our communities is a critical component to continued growth and development of our city and our society. I am humbled and privileged to be a leader in this space and look forward to seeing our shared progress continue to come together.

As always, be well, be present, and be the positive change this community needs.

Adam C. Roberts, MBA President & CEO Diversus Health

INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT (IOP) WHAT IS IOP?

WHAT TO EXPECT

IOP provides a safe, structured, and compassionate environment that allows clients to enhance their mental, physical, and social awareness through the introduction of skills and practice.

An individualized team will wrap around each client and can include family, a primary therapist, a psychiatrist, and other members. IOP uses evidence-based practices, in a group setting.

WHAT IS IOP FOR?

Topics include:

IOP helps treat the following conditions:

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Healthy lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, sleep, etc.)

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Anxiety / Panic Disorders

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Stages of change

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Depression

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Social and communication skills

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Mood Dysregulations

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Stress management

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Bipolar

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Goal-setting

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Various other mental health conditions

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

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Healing from trauma

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Compassionate self-talk

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Family support

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, request an appointment with one of our professional providers today. diversushealth.org | (719) 572-6100

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Experience & Voice I love my counselor. I’m making constant progress. My ways of thinking have changed and I am developing good habits.

I’ve been going to Diversus for years now. Everyone I have dealt with from the clerks at the counter to my Psychiatrist have been super nice and professional. My therapist goes out of her way to help me in any type of crisis, including providing me with a Thanksgiving dinner when I didn’t have enough money, through the many resources this agency has.

Very sympathetic and caring. I recommend it to anyone looking for a safe place to get their mental health issues taken care of.

~ N.N. - Jet Wing (Google)

I think Diversus Health is absolutely amazing. They help anyway they can and I think it’s a blessing having people like this around.

~ C.S. - Moreno (Google)

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3/10/21

~ J.D. - Ruskin (Google)

9:13 AM

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MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FOR ALL. 14

THE REALITY IS...

The past year and a half has been filled with waves of uncertainty: growing COVID-19 infection rates, changing public health guidelines, students returning to school. It can feel incredibly difficult to stay focused and be our best selves when

WE ARE SURROUNDED

BY UNCERTAINTY. Our brains are wired to identify patterns in an attempt to predict the future to save energy and make sense of the world around us. However, there are many times that it is simply not possible to solve the equation of what lies ahead, and we have to focus our energy on accepting the fact that we don’t have all the answers. There are ways to cope and stay ahead of it.

WE CAN HELP.

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, request an appointment with one of our professional providers today. diversushealth.org | (719) 572-6100 /diversushealth

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/diversus_health

Connecting With Loved Ones Around Successes You just aced that last work presentation, confirmed an interview for the role that has been vacant for a long time, and something you ordered months ago is finally set to ship (thanks supply chain). Overall, you are feeling pretty great. As you log off from work, you call your partner to share the news and they say “cool, but what are we having for dinner tonight?” While it may seem small, your partner accidentally, and likely unconsciously, minimizes your feelings of joy in the moment.

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There is a prevailing assumption that one of the fundamental purposes of relationships is to provide support in times of hardship. But research has shown that the way we show up for those we care about for positive events might have a significant impact on overall well-being for all parties.

Researchers who study this phenomena coined the term active constructive responding, or simply put, how we respond when someone shares good experiences or information. Traditionally, people respond in one of four ways:

PASSIVE DESTRUCTIVE

PASSIVE CONSTRUCTIVE

Passive Destructive usually involves disinterest, change of topic, a focus inward on themselves, or ignoring.

Passive Constructive is characterized by somewhat uninterested engagement and little enthusiasm.

Example: Changing the topic to “What’s for dinner?” or “Guess what happened to me today?”

Example: “That’s nice.” or “Neat.”

ACTIVE DESTRUCTIVE

ACTIVE CONSTRUCTIVE

Active Destructive actively points out the problems associated with the ‘good’ news and creates doubt and concern about the scenario.

This can lead to shutting down any enthusiasm.

Active Constructive enthusiastically supports the good news and asks questions that help to almost re-experience the moment.

Example: “That’s amazing, I’m so happy for you – tell me how you felt when you found out!”

Example: “Wow, are you sure you want to do that? Have you considered the risks?”

Next time your partner shares good news, actively think about the way you want to respond. While it might feel like a slight shift, it can have a drastic impact on the quality and satisfaction of your relationship, in addition to both of your overall mental health and well-being. Your partner in the opening scenario might be responding in a passive and destructive way, which can impact your sense of well-being.

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the brain is rewarded. Over time, gaming can be physiologically responsible for patterns of substance use addiction.

Gaming is a fun hobby and a way to unwind after a stressful day, but like with anything in life, too much gaming can become a problem. So, when does gaming go from a coping mechanism to an addiction distracting one from school, work, relationships, and/or sleep?

SOCIALIZATION: Today’s games also appeal to and stimulate the parts of our brain that reward users for socializing.

This fact is also further complicated by the ongoing uncertainties of COVID, which can leave gaming feeling like a safe alternative to going out. Gaming with users all over the world feels much like hanging out with others – despite the fact that these relationships are often based solely around the premise of the game and not about users as individuals. These relationships can have significant positive or negative impacts – leaving users feeling elated from a compliment or betrayed and distraught if left behind. Complicating the matter, gaming ecosystems are basically available 24/7, making it

Similar to other addictions, gaming taps into the brain’s neural reward systems providing it the ability to grow from a simple pleasurable activity into something that we feel we cannot live without even at the expense of other essential responsibilities. Here are a few examples: REWARD SYSTEMS: Levels, bonuses, points, etc. are designed to keep users engaged by tapping into the brain’s reward systems. Figuring out the perfect move or strategy makes getting the rewards all the more desirable and releases dopamine – the neural transmitter for reward-motivated behavior inducing a feeling of pleasure. The more we repeat these behaviors, the more

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easy to step in whenever there’s a free moment, or play at the expense of sleep and other forms of self-care like eating well and exercising.

AUGMENTED REALITY: Humans often feel the need to escape from the reality they are living in. Video games transport users to an “alternate universe” with adventures, capabilities, and dilemmas that are quite frankly captivating. This constant reward system can be an appealing alternative that can unfortunately lead to addiction if left unchecked.

Regardless of the game, know that moderation is key to being successful in both the real and virtual worlds.

Here are a few signs that gaming use might be a problem: •

Thinking/talking about gaming all or a lot of the time

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Needing to spend more and more time playing to feel good

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Feeling unable to cut down on gaming

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Choosing to game instead of doing previously enjoyable activities

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Having problems at work, school, or home because of gaming

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Hiding how much time you spend playing

If gaming starts to get in the way of work, family, relationships, or other important elements of life – consider talking to a trusted friend or counselor about your use. While challenging, it’s better to be proactive than wait until one is at the brink of failing a class, losing a job, or harming relationships. Request an appointment by calling (719) 572-6100.

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MAN

THERAPY PROVES THERAPY COMES IN MANY FORMS our mental health, making sure we are in tip-top shape for the coming winter and whatever challenges lie ahead.

When it comes to changing the conversation about mental health (as well as any seismic societal change), it is always a good practice to learn from those who have had success in doing so. One example is ManTherapy.org, an internationally acclaimed, evidencebased campaign that decreases stigma and increases the likelihood of men engaging in their own mental health. This campaign was developed right in our own backyard with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The following is a piece written by Joe Conrad, one of the founders of ManTherapy.org highlighting its unique approach, lessons learned, and how to make the most of the free, confidential site to support men in our lives.

Man Therapy is a men’s mental health campaign that takes a no BS, straightforward and humorous approach to a serious subject.

At ManTherapy.org, men can explore the issues and feelings they may be dealing with and learn more about topics like anxiety, anger, depression and even suicidal thoughts. The therapist in residence is Dr. Rich Mahogany –– part doctor, part football coach and 100 percent action hero who is committed to helping men lead happier and healthier lives. He reminds men that taking care of their mental health is the manliest thing a man can do.

It’s that time of year when men turn their attention to getting the house ready for winter, trimming back the plants, giving the lawn a final cut for the year and blowing out the sprinkler system. What a perfect time to also pay some long overdue attention to 20

Created by Cactus and Grit Digital Health, Man Therapy has developed a cult-following in the mental health world and a clinical study sponsored by the CDC found that Man Therapy helps increase help-seeking behavior and reduces suicidal ideation in working-age men.

When you arrive at ManTherapy.org, you are greeted by Dr. Rich who tells you about all the tools and resources you can find in his office. If you choose to take the 20-point head inspection, Dr. Rich will encourage you to be honest with yourself and your answers. The head inspection covers a broad range of men’s mental health issues and only takes 5 minutes to complete. From there, Dr. Rich tabulates your results and gives you some personal advice on how to take action and take charge of your mental health.

He points you to specific information and resources that will help you take some steps in the right direction.

By Joseph Conrad Founder and CEO at Grit Digital Health

Guys can also hear stories directly from other men about the trials and triumphs they have had along their journey. And men can connect directly to a wide range of useful content and resources, including onthe-ground resources right in their community to support any type of challenges they may be facing, including job training and placement, food, housing, counseling and every other type of support they might need.

WALK-IN CRISIS SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE 24/7/365

1-844-493-TALK (8255)

Since Man Therapy launched in 2012 in Colorado,

Text “TALK” to 38255

more than 1.5 million men have visited the site and more than 400,000 have completed the 20-point head inspection.

115 S. Parkside Dr. Colorado Springs, CO

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An attitude of gratitude.

For millennia, people have been searching for answers to what makes a life well-lived. While it may seem like a greeting card, research is pointing to gratitude as a key ingredient to happiness. Now can be a great time to cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

Simply put, gratitude is the recognition that there are good things in our lives, and the source of this goodness is outside of ourselves. We acknowledge that other people, or things, have given us something that contributes to our happiness.

Gratitude has been shown to positively benefit our individual physical health and mental health in the following ways: PHYSICAL HEALTH • • • • •

MENTAL HEALTH

Improved heart rate variability, blood sugar control and blood pressure Stronger immune systems Better sleep quality and quantity More willingness to engage in exercise and other healthy activities More willingness to seek help for concerns

• • • •

Higher levels of positive emotions (happiness, pleasure) Increased life satisfaction More optimism Lower levels of stress, depression and anxiety

Socially, gratitude can inspire people to be more generous, kind, and helpful, and help build and maintain relationships. Make it a point to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Not only will you feel happier, it will benefit your relationships and those around you.

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WALK-IN CENTER CRISIS SERVICES, HOTLINE AND RESPITE

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK IMMEDIATE HELP? If you’re thinking about ending your life or hurting others.

You need a break from a stressful situation.

Making choices that put you or a loved one in serious danger.

Becoming unable to care for yourself.

GET HELP

Struggling with addiction or substance use issues.

1-844-493-TALK (8255)

Available 24/7/365 If you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of immediate assistance our Walk-in Center is available 24/7/365.

The Walk-In Center offers a confidential, safe place to de-escalate from crises and receive early intervention care. Services are available to people of all ages, regardless of ability to pay. Walk-ins are welcome, as are referrals from medical and emergency response personnel.

Text “TALK” to 38255

115 S. Parkside Dr. Colorado Springs, CO A PROVIDER OF

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WELLNESS IMPLEMENTING THE THREE PILLARS OF HEALTH

BY LADONNA REED, WELLNESS COORDINATOR

Your wellness journey makes micro-moves that equal improvement in many areas like family life, education, health, career, and finances, just to name a few. It doesn’t happen overnight. As the world globally adjusts to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all evaluating our lives and what the ‘new normal’ may be.

Can you eat healthier? Yes, you can if you desire the outcomes of what good health brings.

NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OVER YOUR HEALTH.

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The world we live in is moving at a fast pace. The conscious thinker is used to quick, fast deliverables that give immediate satisfaction. This is why fast food is popular. Wellness doesn’t work that way.

As a company, our staff focus on three pillars of health. Each day we wake to begin a new workday and focus on: MOVE Being active can help with blood circulation to help organs function, lower blood pressure, and help lose fat. A healthy weight is important to maintain for lifelong benefits. Incorporate small mini workouts throughout the day - it provides the same benefits as hitting the gym for an hour.

Example exercise routine (modify as your body allows): •

Jumping jacks (20-50)

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Squats (15-30) Use a chair or bench and add weights to hold

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Planks or push-ups (10-20) Go for time or number of sets

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Ab crunches (20-40+) Bend your knees and try different angles

CONNECT

FUEL Having the proper nutrients to fuel the body for activity is crucial. Ensure you are eating the rainbow (fruits and vegetables), use macronutrients of carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle development, and healthy fats for proper systems in the body.

Example meal (modify based on your health needs, work with your physician or nutritionist): •

Breakfast: Eggs, lean turkey, spinach, onions, peppers, hearty seed bread, herbal tea and water

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Mid-morning snack: Any fruit or vegetable, a hand full of mixed nuts

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Lunch: Salad with lean protein

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Dinner: Lean protein with quinoa or couscous, and mixed vegetables

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Evening snack: yogurt and granola

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Now, more than ever, making connections during this pandemic promotes wellness from the start.

Learn about yourself, your interests and draw upon those.

Examples of connecting: •

Write a letter, or text a friend you haven’t spoken with in months

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Join someone for a meal

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Donate your time or services to a local organization you value

Wellness is up to each individual to incorporate into their daily lives.

Take small moments of opportunity to improve your wellness, and see the benefits it can provide. Enjoy your journey.

LaD onna Reed

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STRONG With the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and incredibly difficult transitions following the 20 year war – it is essential that we take the time to honor and support those who have served, and continue to serve our country.

This includes understanding, exploring, and furthering the conversation about mental health in the Veteran community. A stark reality lies in the fact that Veterans are more than two times as likely as civilian counterparts to die by suicide. Furthermore, Veterans living in rural areas throughout the country are at even heightened risk. While the causes are many, the important fact is that this cannot be ignored.

To zoom in on Colorado, we lost 217 Veterans in 2019, which reflects a 25 percent increase from 2018 culminating in an all time high. While there are over 600 registered Veteran organizations throughout the state, connecting Veterans with the right support at the right time is where we often miss the mark. We have to adjust our mindset from reactionary to proactivity. Rather than waiting until a Veteran is experiencing a crisis, we have to find ways to connect them with the support they need to thrive in life postservice. We all can play a role in this – from expressing gratitude, to reaching out to offer support, to finding ways to

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connect Veterans to Veteran-serving organizations. While an important first step is to raise awareness of the issue, it’s time we move towards taking action.

One example is Operation Veteran Strong, a website that supports Veterans, their families, and community members in navigating the many online, as well as brick-and-mortar Veteranserving organizations in the state of Colorado.

It’s essential to prioritize finding innovative ways to support our Veterans, approaching the challenge with multidisciplinary teams to move beyond the confines of traditional thinking. Find a way to connect with and thank a service member in your community. After all, expressing gratitude is shown to have just as much positive impact on your well-being as meditation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of harming themselves or someone else call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK, our crisis line at 1-844-493-8255, 9-1-1, or go to your nearest emergency room.

(719) 572-6100

ARM DAY. LEG DAY. BRAIN DAY.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FOR ALL