December 1, 2025 • 54 mins
Washington County Mental Health knows that many of us are unhappy for a number of different reasons. We all have unique experiences in life. Here’s your reminder that better mental health is achievable. Take the first step with a simple, discreet phone call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you're looking for support for yourself or you have a loved one who needs support, help is available through Washington County Mental Health. Here's the number; 802-229-0591. Again open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For the suicide crisis line, call 988For the Veterans crisis line call 988 and press 1Text VT to 741741 for the Crisis Text LineCall or text 833-VT-TALKS or 833-888-2577 for the PATHWAYS PEER SUPPORT WARMLINE Call 866-488-7386 for the Trevor Project ** YOU ARE NOT ALONE. HELP IS HERE. And remember - suicide can be prevented. Help is available to you always around the clock, not matter what it is you are dealing with. Washington County Mental Health has been serving the Central Vermont community for 60 years with person-centered care. Each year, over 6,000 Vermonters have benefited from WCMHS directly and indirectly. Discover a full list of career opportunities at wcmhs.org/careers. Find them on Facebook and Instagram at WCMHS
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
Look at a live picture of Waterberry this morning, Exit
ten right there, as you can see, the roads are
pretty clear going. There's Bethel, there's Brookfield, there's Hartford. Clear
roads this morning. Another shot of Brookfield and Hartford. That's
(02:17):
you know, a little bit of snow in the forecast,
but again the roads are well this morning, in good shape.
We do have some snow coming. Yeah, I guess you
could say it's the first official winter storm, if you
want to say, storm of the winter that is coming
(02:39):
our way. But that looks like twenty eight degrees right now,
nine oh four. Partly cloudy today, some snow showers, and
around thirty degrees only for the daytime high, so not
going to be warming up too much beyond where we
are right now. Tonight cloudy and cold fourteen that's going
to be a chilly one, and then tomorrow several inches
(03:01):
of snow. How much snow it kind of depends on
where you are. I've seen one to three, I've seen
three to five, and i've seen you know, eighty inches
in the hills. So just drive carefully tomorrow. Depended on
where you need to be. I think you're going to
be in pretty good shape, especially if you got the
(03:23):
snow tires on. There is so much that needs to
be and will be said this week. Here on aired
out a long, long laundry list, and we're going to
get to it. We are going to be chipping away.
(03:43):
There's going to be a massive amount of content this week.
It is a busy, busy time. Of course. Our community
calendar is just chammed up with everything that's going on,
not only the Toys for Tots event up at five
Below up at the Berlin Mall on Saturday, but the
(04:08):
coin drop with Christmas for Kids on Saturday. We've got
Donnybrook Fight Promotions doing the Battle in Barry eighteen at
the Burry Auditorium on Saturday night. Heartless is signed on,
They're part of the bill. They're gonna be rocking out.
It's gonna be a fantastic week. And again there's gonna
(04:34):
be content that has come in your way that is
all over the spectrum. This morning, a guest that I
have had booked for quite a while, and I am
so glad that we finally reconnected. Karen Curly. You were
(04:54):
from Washington County Mental Health. You were on the air
with me a time ago. Yes, well, welcome back. Thank
you glad that you're here. We were just chatting off
the air about the holidays and how mental health can
(05:15):
be very, very challenging during the holidays, and I'm talking
even well before Thanksgiving. Anticipatory stress of leading up to
it can trigger all kinds of stuff. Some of us
have had great years, some of us have had some
unfortunate things that have happened to us. And this might
(05:37):
be one of the first holidays that we're having without someone,
whether it's another individual or a pet, or something that
we love and have cherished in the past. And where
do we begin to buckle up on stuff like this?
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Yeah, thanks, first of all so much for having us
here this morning to talk about mental health and suicide
prevention and mental wellness and connection with others and supports
for ourselves and others. So I just want to say
thank you first of all for having us here. You
(06:20):
are so right JD around. Holidays are complicated. Times, the
end of the year are complicated. I think sometimes there's
a stereotype that these are joyous times and festive times,
and they certainly can be. They certainly can be very
fun and can be about gathering and enjoying each other's company.
(06:45):
And they also can be as you were talking about,
really complicated related to reflecting on the year and potential loss.
They can be times that trigger memories for folks that
are unpleasant and complicated and complex related to potential trauma.
(07:07):
They can be really stressful, stressful related to I may
just event your introduction about this week and it's a
really really busy time. They can be stressful in terms
of your schedule. They can be stressful in terms of finances,
in terms of conflictual relationships. There's a number of different
(07:30):
stressors that also can be present. The other piece this
time of year that you've also already mentioned is the weather,
and in Vermont, while snow it can be really beautiful,
it's also dark and cold and can be really isolating.
And so we're really grateful for the opportunity to promote
(07:53):
mental health resources for folks, to promote some ideas about
healthy coping during this time of the year and let
folks know we're here. We're here to help and to
support people.
Speaker 3 (08:09):
We're going to put out.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
A whole ton of information here, but I don't want
you to feel like you need to write any of
this down, because we will have it in the comments,
especially if you're driving. We'll have all this information put
right in the comment section here on this episode to
make sure that you have that available to you. But
(08:31):
mental health is it's achievable, I think is the main
message that Washington County Mental Health is trying to push
here is that regardless of what time of year, regardless
of whether there's a crisis that's going on in your
life or not, there's resources available to you. You don't
(08:52):
have to be a client of Washington County Mental Health
to call any of these phone numbers or to speak
with a real person on the other end of the line.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Yes, absolutely so, there are a few resources that are
really important to highlight. And you're absolutely right. We're here
to promote mental health for everyone, and so our line
is available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
Anyone can call. They can call about themselves, they can
(09:23):
call about someone else. It doesn't have to be an emergency.
And our number is eight oh two two two nine
zero five nine to one. There is always somebody available
to answer the phone and answer the call. They're also
in our state now is a number nine eight eight
(09:44):
that people can call, and you can also text that line,
it's answered informont. We work really closely with the folks
who answer that line where they provide the support, and
then they also can transfer folks over to us for
more localized resources in Washington County. Anyone can also call
(10:10):
to say hey, I can call eight oh two two
two nine zero five nine one to say I'm looking
for services for myself or a family member related to
mental health, related to substance use, services related to developmental services.
Speaker 3 (10:31):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
And if you're a veteran and you call the nine
eighty eight, there's a separate part of that. You press one.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
That's correct. That's correct. So veterans, first of all, thank
you to them for their service for our country. And
they absolutely can call our number any again, anyone can
call our number because veterans don't always want to use
veterans specific services, so they absolutely can call our number.
Can call nine to eight eight and push one and
(11:02):
they will get a specialized contact related to veterans or
they could not. And then also there is a special
line through the Veterans Association that is available for vet's
twenty fourths of them as well.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
Some of us feel that just that that a person
on the other end of the phone isn't going to
solve our problems, so why bother calling you know that?
That's the notion. I think that is counterproductive and we
(11:43):
need to push against that. We need to we need
to get people to realize that just beginning a conversation
is the start of maybe gathering some resources or knowing
which road you're going to go down, but also just
having some conversation. There's a level of privacy that that's
(12:07):
that's there.
Speaker 2 (12:09):
Yes, absolutely, and you're right j D. I don't know
as though I can solve anybody's problems. I don't have
magic answers to people's real, genuine stressors and hard feelings,
So I don't pretend to have any of those things.
(12:31):
What I what I will say is that sharing with
someone else in whatever you're struggling through, that connection, uh
makes the weight of that burden shared and therefore less heavy. Yeah,
and you're not alone. And that's what we absolutely can offer.
(12:55):
We also can offer some trained idea related to healthy
coping strategies to deal with stressors. We also have connection
to resources that can help people with lessening their burden,
lessening their problems. All of our calls are confidential. So
(13:17):
to your point about privacy, I am not interested in
gossip or telling someone else's story. I feel very strongly
that everyone has their own story. Everyone has strengths, and
everyone has challenges, everyone has stressors they face. No one
(13:39):
knows what it's like what another person is going through,
And sometimes I think there's a perception that other people
have everything together, they know what they're doing, and it's
just me and I'm the only one by myself. And
I can assure you after all these years that everybody,
I think there's lots of quote out there now around
(14:01):
everyone's carrying a burden you don't know anything about, and
everyone has a story to tell that other people will
never know the complications and intricacies.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
Of that story or even hear it.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
Exactly, yeah, exactly.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
Last night, first of all, an amazing weekend for me.
Went to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra. We got the
Christmas Tree. I mean, it was just an incredible weekend.
Last night, We're sitting on the couch, we got the uh,
we got the tree all lit up for the first time,
(14:41):
and we're doing the hot Coco, my wife and my
little girl, and we're just we're having such a great time,
and we got the music of course going and I'm
a big, big Andy Williams fan, and the song came on,
(15:01):
it's the most wonderful time of the year, and I
got thinking about every time I hear that song during
the holidays, how it's not the most wonderful time you
hear for so many of us. It's the worst time
of year. The music, the decorations. And I don't want
(15:29):
to sound like Adebbie Downer here this morning, you know,
first thing on a cloudy, dreary Monday, but it's it's
hard for a lot of people. And there's almost this
expectation that if your friends or your other family members
or who your co workers, whoever, are feeling festive and
feeling good, feeling happy, that you have to ride that wave,
(15:55):
and if you don't, you might be called the grin
or whatever.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
You know what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Yeah, I think one of the things that you pointed
out really well there is related to just a reminder
for ourselves around what we're saying to others, and even
in just even in joking around, like oh, you're being
such a grinch, No one intends any sort of harm
(16:26):
in saying something like that, but it is a great
reminder that this time of year is complicated, and even
when somebody enjoys the festivities and enjoys the busy schedule,
it still also can lead to not sleeping as much,
not eating in your usual way, not having your usual routine,
(16:47):
not going out for a walk that you normally would
because you're so busy. And so I think the message
that I would promote is related to I don't know
if this is the best time of the year necessarily,
but we could say it's a time of connection and
a time of kindness for others, related to accepting that
(17:10):
people are in different places related to the holidays and
they have their reasons for that, and being kind to
them around It's good to see you, good morning, I'm
glad you're here. Whatever type of little tincture of connection
goes a really long way.
Speaker 1 (17:28):
And you don't have to overdo it and to overcompensate
and wrap garland around their neck and you know, throw
a bunch of decorations their way either, right, you know,
just allow them to whoever they are, to have their
(17:49):
space and explanations aren't really needed.
Speaker 2 (17:55):
Exactly exactly, And I think just having that bit of
pati and that bit of thinking around. I guess what
I would say is that would be the best way
to share the holiday season is to have patients and
kindness for others and small ways of connecting that are
(18:17):
genuine and just remembering in those ways for each of us.
I think we all always are grateful when somebody says
something kind to us, does a small kind gesture, has
patients for us in our own way. Again, we all
have strengths, and we all have challenges, and people accepting
(18:40):
each other for those, particularly during such a busy time
of the year that can be filled with lots of stress,
is super important.
Speaker 1 (18:50):
Washington County Mental Health has been serving this central Vermount
community for I want to say, what sixty five years?
Speaker 2 (19:00):
I think so yes, so many many decades.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
We're talking about right around ten thousand plus Vermonors directly
or indirectly every single year, and that number has been
on the uptick since COVID. I'm told from Washington County
Mental Health there's such a wealth of information here again
(19:27):
two two nine oh five nine one locally, I say,
locally anywhere anywhere in Vermont eight oh two two two
nine oh five nine one that's the main, most important
number that's available twenty four to seven yes, which is remarkable.
(19:48):
And then we have the Pathways peer support Warmline. I'm
going to post all of this. I'm going to get
all of this up on the page here eight six
six four eight eight seven eighty six for the for
the Trevor Project.
Speaker 3 (20:03):
But I think we just need to.
Speaker 1 (20:07):
Remember that we're not alone, that there's others that can
relate to us who maybe have a sense of understanding
or even a remote sense of understanding of what it
is that we're going through. That help is here. That's
the message that we need to push and that you know,
(20:34):
I can't imagine being a suicide, a mental health screener
and someone who's who's taken a call from someone who
is that depressed, at that level of despair. I mean,
it's it's really really serious. We need to remember remember
(20:57):
a lot more than look the others. There's so many
others that love you. This goes far beyond that, This
goes far beyond that. Of course, we all have people
in our lives that love us, But the message from
a screener, I can't imagine what it would be. Just
(21:22):
I think the message of hope that things can really
turn around. I mean, look at how many stories there
are of people who have contemplated but held on and
now they're happy and maybe they've got kids and a
whole new life. Hope is a powerful word. Yes, really is.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
Yes, absolutely, So I'll go back and then I'll come
forward related to the last piece you said, But just
going back to your point about the Pathways Warm line.
Pathways does a great job. They have a twenty four
to seven peer based line where they also are available
(22:12):
to folks throughout the state of Vermont and provide support
through conversation to folks. The Trevor Project is a wonderful
initiative specific to the LGBTQ plus community, and they have
a specific line. They're just really quickly about that line.
(22:36):
The current administration in the nation had discontinued funding for
the Trevor Project. They have figured out currently how to
keep their line available. If anyone runs into any trouble
with that, please just call us at two two nine
erh five nine to one and we will figure out
(22:57):
what is happening there. But just wanted to promote those
two lines as well, because they're incredibly important and vital
resources that are also available to folks. So in terms
of being an emergency screener, this is what I will
say that I always say about our jobs, the person
who's answering that phone twenty four hours a day, seven
(23:19):
days a week. I always say that we have the
most hopeful jobs in the world. And people can think
that's a really strange thing to say as a crisis clinician,
But from my perspective, I'm still talking to the person,
and I'm still listening, and I'm still trying to have
that connection, and that is such an honor and a
(23:40):
privilege to be able to do that to the people
trust us with in their hardest time, that maybe we
could provide some kind of help and support. Is we
have the best jobs in the world from my perspective,
and I'm so grateful when people reach out and give
(24:04):
us the opportunity to try to be helpful.
Speaker 1 (24:07):
There's a documentary that we have been promoting here on
our page, but let's talk about it right now because
it's coming I think a week from tomorrow, Yes, all right,
at the Savoy Theater and it's called The S Word.
Tell me about this.
Speaker 2 (24:26):
Yes, yep. So this is part of Washington County Mental
Health is sponsoring this event next Tuesday, December ninth, six o'clock.
The door is open at five point thirty at the
Savoy in Montpellier. It's a free event and we will
show a viewing of the S Word and then we
have a panel discussion after with some folks related to
(24:51):
We have a person on our panel who is a
suicide experience survivor. We have people on the panel from
the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Health,
and we have folks from Washington County Mental Health Emergency
Services on our panel. So that will be following the film.
(25:14):
The film itself is a film that was made in
twenty seventeen. The woman who came up with the idea
for the film is a person who attempted to take
her own life and felt really strongly that she wanted
to ensure that people are not alone and they have
(25:37):
connection and that they know there are people out there
who understand what it's like to have thoughts about taking
your own life, even when it doesn't make any sense
to the person themselves. So she goes around and interviews
folks who have attempted to take their own lives. And
(26:00):
their different reflection reflections. One of the things that I
love about the film is that it's a wide variety
of people. So mental health, mental illness, mental stress, substance use,
developmental disabilities do not discriminate, and every walk of life
(26:22):
is touched by them. It doesn't matter what your socioeconomic
status is, it doesn't matter what your ethnic background is,
it doesn't matter who you are. Mental health does not discriminate.
And so the film, we want to promote the film
related to suicide prevention efforts and allow people the opportunity
(26:47):
for connection and understanding of resources.
Speaker 1 (26:52):
My programming on Wednesdays is connect Did to Sweethearts and Heroes,
incredible organization that is a student empowerment organization that was
rooted here in Vermont and goes to schools everywhere. They've
(27:15):
been to thousands of schools all over the region. And
it was interrupted last week with a last minute guest
that that had to come on to replace someone else.
Speaker 3 (27:30):
That was.
Speaker 1 (27:33):
My actual guest. They had a teenager in the school
who committed suicide. So they're dealing with that, you know,
the day before Thanksgiving. Yeah, so they're they're digging their
(27:54):
their heels into that and dealing with that at the school.
Speaker 3 (28:00):
Today. But this is it happens everywhere. It happens everywhere.
Speaker 2 (28:07):
Yeah. Yeah. Suicide is the second leading cause of death
in young people ages ten to thirty, and the only
other cause of death in teenagers that's higher is accidental
deaths like car accidents. And I'm really sorry for that
(28:29):
community's loss, for that young person's loss, for their family,
and that community's loss. I'm familiar with the situation that
you're talking about, and our sympathies and condolences certainly go
out to that community. The school systems are they get
(28:52):
training related to suicide prevention, intervention, and what we call postvention,
which means what are doing today are considered postvention efforts.
And we partner the local designated agency, which Washington County
Mental Health is for our county. We partner with our
school systems to work together to promote mental health, to
(29:19):
promote healthy coping strategies, to promote connection, and trying to
promote the message of you are not alone. Being a
kid and a teenager is both wonderful and amazing and
is also incredibly complicated and stressful and anxiety producing, and
(29:42):
is a time of life that I feel like ignites
in many people of you don't understand I am alone,
I'm weird or a misfit, or even when I'm with people,
I feel alone. And I think the school systems work
(30:02):
really hard with their guidance departments, with their lots of
them have social workers who work in the school systems
to promote mental health resources and social connection and social
acceptance for their student body. And it is really sad
(30:26):
they Our school systems all have plans in place for
responding to tragedies when someone dies by suicide.
Speaker 3 (30:37):
Again, the.
Speaker 1 (30:40):
Screening of this the S word is one week from tomorrow,
so it's a Tuesday.
Speaker 3 (30:48):
What is the date on that day?
Speaker 2 (30:49):
December ninth, the ninth.
Speaker 1 (30:51):
Okay at the Savoy Theater in Montpelier, five point thirty doors,
six o'clock showing. Yes, okay, what's the Do we know
that the ticket price to get into it?
Speaker 2 (31:04):
It's free, It's free, free, absolutely, it's free. Yes, yes.
We At Washington County Mental Health there's an initiative, a
public health initiative called Zero Suicide and the mission of
Zero Suicide is to reduce the goal is to reduce
deaths by suicide to zero. And at Washington County Mental Health.
(31:28):
We have a committee, We have received donations, we have
received grants in order to promote events like our event
next Tuesday the ninth at the Savoy, and so it's free.
Speaker 1 (31:47):
Is Washington County Mental Health able to get hold of
this documentary and actually have it?
Speaker 2 (31:55):
We do?
Speaker 3 (31:56):
Okay, perfect, we do. Yes.
Speaker 1 (31:58):
This is you know, knee jerk here, but it's like,
this is the kind of thing that should be shown
more than just once a year. Yes, you know, if
there's any conflict that someone's not able to make it
or whatever, it should be something that you know, I
(32:19):
think should be shown again.
Speaker 2 (32:20):
Yes, yes, So if anybody is listening to this and
can't make it next Tuesday and wants information, they can
call me at that same number two two nine zero
five nine one, and I'm happy to problem solve with
anyone around or happy to talk through. If someone isn't
available to make it next Tuesday, someone could also rent
(32:41):
the movie themselves on Amazon for three dollars. The only
thing I will say about that is watching a movie
by like that by yourself, just making sure that you
have resources and supports available.
Speaker 3 (32:56):
It's heavy.
Speaker 2 (32:57):
It's heavy, it is, it is and so we just
want to make sure that people are supported, and we
will at our event, we have people there to ensure
that people are supported.
Speaker 1 (33:11):
Let's also mention this morning that if you're going through
a rough patch, Washington County Mental Health's Access Hub on
Berry Street in Montellier is ready to help you. I
think you've got to be eighteen plus yes to get
some services there.
Speaker 3 (33:31):
But it's you'll walk in.
Speaker 1 (33:33):
Yes, no appointment needed, yep, absolutely, no matter what it is.
You can talk about anything, yes, physical, mental, whatever, yes.
Speaker 2 (33:41):
Yes. So the Access Hub is a wonderful program that
was developed a couple of years ago. It's located at
thirty four Berry Street. It's meant to be a mental
health urgent care clinic, and it's based upon a model
called the living room model, which is meant to be
(34:03):
really welcoming to folks to your point JD. For whatever
stressor they're going through, whether it's mental health, whether it's
substance use, whether it's physical resources that are needed. We
want people. We welcome people to walk through our doors.
We have peer support specialists who welcome folks in and
(34:24):
say we're glad you're here. Come on in, let's talk
through what's happening for you. We have access to case
management through access Hub. We have access to brief therapy,
to psychiatric services and also to nursing services there. So yes,
anyone is welcome at any point in time to Monday.
(34:47):
Access Hub is open Monday through Thursday from seven o'clock
in the morning till seven pm on Fridays from seven
to four and anyone is welcome to walk through our
doors for supports.
Speaker 1 (35:01):
It's on the Downing Street side thirty four Barry Street.
I think there's a sign right out there.
Speaker 2 (35:07):
There is.
Speaker 3 (35:08):
There is eighth two.
Speaker 1 (35:09):
Three oh one thirty two hundred and again I'm going
to be posting all this stuff up up there, but
you know, in even mental health providers themselves, my gosh,
I mean, we can't forget about that.
Speaker 2 (35:25):
Yes, yeah, that's a great point. It's really important. I'll
tie this together to both mental health providers and also
the holidays. It's really important to take care of yourself
as well. And I think you know, our profession has
a term for it called vicarious trauma, and what that
(35:46):
means is when listening to other people's stories or being
present with other people's stories of hardship and stress and
heightened emotions. It can be really hard for the person
and the mental health provider, or it can be very
stressful and overwhelming, and so it's really important that mental
health providers take care of themselves. And that's the same
(36:09):
for all of us at the holiday seasons as well,
related to sleep and eating and any way we can
move ourselves. Physical movement is a healthy coping strategy, even
if it's an even if it's in your own home
and you're taking some steps from within your home from
(36:32):
the couch to the kitchen to the bathroom, you're taking
some steps, you're moving. Any way that we can help
ourselves physically will also help us emotionally. That's just an
example of a healthy coping strategy.
Speaker 1 (36:48):
Central fromont counsel on Eaching just posted a nice rite
up in the world about caregivers and how difficult that
can be. And man, the word caregiving is a massive umbrella.
(37:09):
I mean, you could be caregiving for an elderly parent,
or a sick patent at home, or a child in
school that's having particularly difficult time. You could be trying
to caregive for yourself and maybe not doing a great job,
justifiably so, but caregiving is throw that into the mix,
(37:34):
especially during the holidays. It's big stuff. And none of us,
not all of us are walking around with cape song.
I mean, we're trying to be superheroes, but some of
us are just having a hard time. Yeah, this is
(37:55):
a perfect example of another way, another resource from Washington
County Mental Health where you can walk in there no
appointment needed, to the access Hub and say, hey, here's
what's going on, what advice do you have for me?
And at the very least you're going to get pointed
(38:16):
in the right direction.
Speaker 2 (38:17):
Yes, absolutely so at the access Hub. That is true.
I'll talk quickly about a few different resources that we had.
So the access Hub is a place you can walk into.
You can also call too to nine SERA five, nine
to one and say i'd like I'm interested in some services,
(38:38):
and we will then schedule you with someone. We have
different programs available for folks who are having an urgent
need for services. We also have access to appointments for
folks who are looking for ongoing therapy or ongoing other services.
(39:00):
And it really is as straightforward as calling that line
and saying something like I'm interested in services, and then
it's our job to get you to the right place,
and that should happen for folks with welcoming. We're where,
(39:20):
we want people, We're happy you're here. We want people
to call, we want people to walk into access hub.
We want to be helpful to folks, and so that
is another way. That number is the door in to
our service array for mental health, for substance use services.
(39:43):
So we have a wide array also of substance use
services for folks who are struggling with substance use, and
also for our developmental service programs. We serve everyone babies
through the geriatric population. So anyone is welcome to receive
(40:06):
services from us, including to your point, caregivers. So caregivers,
back to your point about caregiving, caregiving is an incredibly complicated,
uh complicated thing. I don't know what else to call it.
Related to uh, there's lots of love that goes into caregiving,
(40:32):
and it also can be incredibly complicated, incredibly stressful, and
then people feel guilty because they're stressed and it's complicated
and they're exhausted. And yes, yeah, yes, absolutely, and so
yes we are here to try to be helpful to
(40:54):
anyone for whatever the reason that they are stressed, including caregiving.
Speaker 1 (40:58):
The Phoenix Recovery Group just real briefly on that. I
know they meet what Saturday morning's over at the well
Space building which is right behind us on Summer Street.
Speaker 2 (41:10):
They do they do that is an incredible initiative of
a collaboration. I think. Actually it's through the Green Mountain
United Way, who has organized the Phoenix program, and then
it's housed in a Washington County Mental Health building on
(41:31):
Saturday mornings over on Summer Street, our well Space building,
And so I'm always excited when we're doing collaborative work
together with community partners. They've done some extraordinary work related
to the recovery community for folks who have experienced substance
(41:52):
use struggles, and they do an incredible powerful job of
supporting people in the recovery journey.
Speaker 1 (42:03):
That building, twenty three Summer Street is such a powerhouse
in our community.
Speaker 3 (42:12):
If you're.
Speaker 1 (42:14):
Maybe going through a little bit of the winter blues,
you need to take a step into discovering self care wellness. Wednesday,
and the next one is going to be December tenth. Wednesday,
December tenth, right there in the well Space building and
(42:35):
it's free. Everything's free all the services, acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, massage, table, massage, chair, massage,
sound healing. What am I forgetting? There's so much more,
but I'm just scratching the surface here.
Speaker 2 (42:53):
Yes, so you're absolutely right here in very well space
is probably our washing and Encounty Mental Health Hub. So
and and folks can certainly walk in there and say hey.
During the daytime hours, there's always our wonderful administrative professional
is there Monday through Friday and the front and she's
fantastic to greet people and she'll get you, Yes, Robin
(43:19):
is amazing and we'll get you where you need to
go for supports. That building is a super cool, eclectic
project of every single one of our divisions, our clinical
divisions has a presence in that building in a lot
of different ways. There's a gym, which is what Phoenix
Rising uses as well, but there's a gym there. There's
(43:41):
also a lot of art that is in the building
related to different people have made the art and now
it is on the walls and in the spaces. It's
really cool. It's a very welcoming atmosphere. And then to
your point, on Wednesdays, uh, there are wellness Wednesdays meant
(44:04):
for people who are served by Washington County Mental Health,
people who are employees of Washington County Mental Health, and
community members who have nothing to do with Washington County
Mental Health to promote again, one of the things that
I love about Wellness Wednesdays is it promotes healthy coping
strategies for our to try to decrease our stress and
(44:27):
increase our healthy emotional bank if you will. And there's
a lot of different options available, like you said, like
massage and acupuncture and sound tuning is another crazy Yeah,
they do some really incredible work there for sure.
Speaker 3 (44:47):
Detox of mind and body.
Speaker 2 (44:51):
Yes, yes, yes, the mind body connection is incredibly important
and incredibly valuable and powerful all UH and UH. That
event does a great job of showing people there are
lots of different options available for UH coping and it's
(45:13):
a it's a great event. If folks haven't gone, they
should go and check it out.
Speaker 1 (45:17):
It's my hope that folks will share this episode knowing
that I think beyond that, and I know we all
we all want to be happy and positive this time
of year.
Speaker 3 (45:33):
Of course I get that, But share this episode.
Speaker 1 (45:38):
With with whoever that you think could or should or
might benefit from it, Even even just a little can
make a big difference. And you know I have I've
always said, and I've always felt, if we can connect
(46:02):
with one person, we've medical we're successful. And I'm hoping
that just in my brief chat with you this morning,
that we've we've done that. I really hope that. Is
(46:23):
there anything else you can think of that we should
that we should mention.
Speaker 2 (46:27):
The only other thing that I would say, I'll just
piggyback on what you just said. So back to promoting
suicide prevention efforts and what folks who have attempted suicide want.
The number one thing they say is people connecting with them.
(46:47):
Asking how they are is the most valuable thing that
any of us can do. Yeah, And I think sometimes
we're really afraid to ask those questions of how are
you and genuinely asking it, because then we're afraid of
what if they don't answer? What if they answer in
a way that I don't know how to handle. And
(47:08):
what I want to say to folks is please ask
the question, and we're here to help you. You also
aren't alone around If someone then gives you an answer
that's scarier, they say, yes, I am feeling suicidal. We
are here to help walk folks through that, to be
with people, and so again it's connection is a bit
(47:31):
of like a ripple effect in a positive way related
to asking that question will never promote ideas in somebody's
head related to oh, I hadn't been thinking about suicide,
and now you've made me think about that. Their research
(47:52):
absolutely shows that people already have those thoughts when they
have endorsed them. And the number one thing we can
do as people to help each other is to your point,
the connection and the genuinely asking how are you, or
if I'm worried about someone saying to them, I'm concerned that,
(48:14):
you know, you seem down. I'm concerned that during the
holidays you seem stressed. I'm concerned that during this time
when we're going all these festivities, it seems to be
exhausting you. How are you doing? Asking those questions related
to question to connection is the number one thing we
can do to be helpful to each other.
Speaker 1 (48:38):
One point two million people commit suicide every year. Yes, unbelievable.
And the holidays are the uptick Yes, yes, yes, don't
miss the screaming of the S word. Tuesday, the ninth
(48:59):
of dis five point thirty at the Savoy Theater in Montpillier.
It's free be there. We're going to go out this
morning with the trailer of the S word. Thank you
so much for coming in here. I really appreciate it.
Let's do it again.
Speaker 2 (49:20):
That sounds great. Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (49:22):
It's and thank you to Washington County Mental Health for
supporting this podcast for several years now. They've been one
of my prime presenting sponsors. And I'm blessed to have
you guys. There's always a great, powerful message. May not
always be happy and laughable, but it's so profound and
(49:48):
it needs to be said. It needs Everything that you
guys do is remarkable and it should be pushed on
everyone's social media, not just mine.
Speaker 3 (49:58):
Thank you so much for coming in here, Thanks for
having me, and let's do it again soon.
Speaker 2 (50:02):
Sounds great.
Speaker 4 (50:17):
I remember thinking, God, just hold on because somehow, some
way this is going to make sense.
Speaker 2 (50:28):
The reaction of people around me was just shut up.
Speaker 5 (50:42):
Anybody who has lost anyone through suicide, you always say
what did I miss? Why couldn't I say him?
Speaker 1 (50:54):
Suicide?
Speaker 2 (50:55):
That's scary word, isn't it. I just always felt like
an alien, like a burden.
Speaker 3 (51:05):
I started to look for other people like me, and
I couldn't find anything, Like where were these.
Speaker 4 (51:11):
People to say? I'm an attempt survivor, and you can
say the word suicide is a record stopper.
Speaker 5 (51:20):
I just want people to look into these people's eyes
because we've always looked away, you.
Speaker 2 (51:26):
Know, hashtag suicide so white. My name is Leah Harris,
and I am a survivor. When I'm grumpy, I'm an
activist and I'm nice.
Speaker 3 (51:35):
I'm an advocate.
Speaker 2 (51:38):
It's a project about suicide, but I'm focusing on life.
Speaker 1 (51:42):
It's not the word suicide that is the problem.
Speaker 2 (51:44):
It is the deafening silence around it.
Speaker 5 (51:52):
We lose one hundred and twelve people every day.
Speaker 4 (51:55):
That's bigger than a small jet airplane.
Speaker 2 (52:00):
I'm not doing well.
Speaker 5 (52:02):
I find myself wanting to hurt myself.
Speaker 2 (52:05):
I just don't really know how to handle it. The
revolution and mental health is happening, and we are at
the forecrost. Suicide is still an option for you.
Speaker 4 (52:18):
I don't want it to be what change a culture.
Speaker 5 (52:23):
More and more it becomes clear to me that I
am never alone, that we are never ever alone.
Speaker 3 (52:28):
What would you say to suicide or was a thing.
Speaker 2 (52:30):
If it was a person, I'd say, suck it.
Speaker 4 (52:35):
This S word.
Speaker 1 (52:36):
It's only scary if you give it this sort of
boogeyman weight.
Speaker 4 (52:41):
I used to think, man, maybe life just isn't for everybody.
I was done, and I was wrong.
Look at a live picture of Waterberry this morning, Exit
ten right there, as you can see, the roads are
pretty clear going. There's Bethel, there's Brookfield, there's Hartford. Clear
roads this morning. Another shot of Brookfield and Hartford. That's
(02:17):
you know, a little bit of snow in the forecast,
but again the roads are well this morning, in good shape.
We do have some snow coming. Yeah, I guess you
could say it's the first official winter storm, if you
want to say, storm of the winter that is coming
(02:39):
our way. But that looks like twenty eight degrees right now,
nine oh four. Partly cloudy today, some snow showers, and
around thirty degrees only for the daytime high, so not
going to be warming up too much beyond where we
are right now. Tonight cloudy and cold fourteen that's going
to be a chilly one, and then tomorrow several inches
(03:01):
of snow. How much snow it kind of depends on
where you are. I've seen one to three, I've seen
three to five, and i've seen you know, eighty inches
in the hills. So just drive carefully tomorrow. Depended on
where you need to be. I think you're going to
be in pretty good shape, especially if you got the
(03:23):
snow tires on. There is so much that needs to
be and will be said this week. Here on aired
out a long, long laundry list, and we're going to
get to it. We are going to be chipping away.
(03:43):
There's going to be a massive amount of content this week.
It is a busy, busy time. Of course. Our community
calendar is just chammed up with everything that's going on,
not only the Toys for Tots event up at five
Below up at the Berlin Mall on Saturday, but the
(04:08):
coin drop with Christmas for Kids on Saturday. We've got
Donnybrook Fight Promotions doing the Battle in Barry eighteen at
the Burry Auditorium on Saturday night. Heartless is signed on,
They're part of the bill. They're gonna be rocking out.
It's gonna be a fantastic week. And again there's gonna
(04:34):
be content that has come in your way that is
all over the spectrum. This morning, a guest that I
have had booked for quite a while, and I am
so glad that we finally reconnected. Karen Curly. You were
(04:54):
from Washington County Mental Health. You were on the air
with me a time ago. Yes, well, welcome back. Thank
you glad that you're here. We were just chatting off
the air about the holidays and how mental health can
(05:15):
be very, very challenging during the holidays, and I'm talking
even well before Thanksgiving. Anticipatory stress of leading up to
it can trigger all kinds of stuff. Some of us
have had great years, some of us have had some
unfortunate things that have happened to us. And this might
(05:37):
be one of the first holidays that we're having without someone,
whether it's another individual or a pet, or something that
we love and have cherished in the past. And where
do we begin to buckle up on stuff like this?
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Yeah, thanks, first of all so much for having us
here this morning to talk about mental health and suicide
prevention and mental wellness and connection with others and supports
for ourselves and others. So I just want to say
thank you first of all for having us here. You
(06:20):
are so right JD around. Holidays are complicated. Times, the
end of the year are complicated. I think sometimes there's
a stereotype that these are joyous times and festive times,
and they certainly can be. They certainly can be very
fun and can be about gathering and enjoying each other's company.
(06:45):
And they also can be as you were talking about,
really complicated related to reflecting on the year and potential loss.
They can be times that trigger memories for folks that
are unpleasant and complicated and complex related to potential trauma.
(07:07):
They can be really stressful, stressful related to I may
just event your introduction about this week and it's a
really really busy time. They can be stressful in terms
of your schedule. They can be stressful in terms of finances,
in terms of conflictual relationships. There's a number of different
(07:30):
stressors that also can be present. The other piece this
time of year that you've also already mentioned is the weather,
and in Vermont, while snow it can be really beautiful,
it's also dark and cold and can be really isolating.
And so we're really grateful for the opportunity to promote
(07:53):
mental health resources for folks, to promote some ideas about
healthy coping during this time of the year and let
folks know we're here. We're here to help and to
support people.
Speaker 3 (08:09):
We're going to put out.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
A whole ton of information here, but I don't want
you to feel like you need to write any of
this down, because we will have it in the comments,
especially if you're driving. We'll have all this information put
right in the comment section here on this episode to
make sure that you have that available to you. But
(08:31):
mental health is it's achievable, I think is the main
message that Washington County Mental Health is trying to push
here is that regardless of what time of year, regardless
of whether there's a crisis that's going on in your
life or not, there's resources available to you. You don't
(08:52):
have to be a client of Washington County Mental Health
to call any of these phone numbers or to speak
with a real person on the other end of the line.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Yes, absolutely so, there are a few resources that are
really important to highlight. And you're absolutely right. We're here
to promote mental health for everyone, and so our line
is available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
Anyone can call. They can call about themselves, they can
(09:23):
call about someone else. It doesn't have to be an emergency.
And our number is eight oh two two two nine
zero five nine to one. There is always somebody available
to answer the phone and answer the call. They're also
in our state now is a number nine eight eight
(09:44):
that people can call, and you can also text that line,
it's answered informont. We work really closely with the folks
who answer that line where they provide the support, and
then they also can transfer folks over to us for
more localized resources in Washington County. Anyone can also call
(10:10):
to say hey, I can call eight oh two two
two nine zero five nine one to say I'm looking
for services for myself or a family member related to
mental health, related to substance use, services related to developmental services.
Speaker 3 (10:31):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
And if you're a veteran and you call the nine
eighty eight, there's a separate part of that. You press one.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
That's correct. That's correct. So veterans, first of all, thank
you to them for their service for our country. And
they absolutely can call our number any again, anyone can
call our number because veterans don't always want to use
veterans specific services, so they absolutely can call our number.
Can call nine to eight eight and push one and
(11:02):
they will get a specialized contact related to veterans or
they could not. And then also there is a special
line through the Veterans Association that is available for vet's
twenty fourths of them as well.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
Some of us feel that just that that a person
on the other end of the phone isn't going to
solve our problems, so why bother calling you know that?
That's the notion. I think that is counterproductive and we
(11:43):
need to push against that. We need to we need
to get people to realize that just beginning a conversation
is the start of maybe gathering some resources or knowing
which road you're going to go down, but also just
having some conversation. There's a level of privacy that that's
(12:07):
that's there.
Speaker 2 (12:09):
Yes, absolutely, and you're right j D. I don't know
as though I can solve anybody's problems. I don't have
magic answers to people's real, genuine stressors and hard feelings,
So I don't pretend to have any of those things.
(12:31):
What I what I will say is that sharing with
someone else in whatever you're struggling through, that connection, uh
makes the weight of that burden shared and therefore less heavy. Yeah,
and you're not alone. And that's what we absolutely can offer.
(12:55):
We also can offer some trained idea related to healthy
coping strategies to deal with stressors. We also have connection
to resources that can help people with lessening their burden,
lessening their problems. All of our calls are confidential. So
(13:17):
to your point about privacy, I am not interested in
gossip or telling someone else's story. I feel very strongly
that everyone has their own story. Everyone has strengths, and
everyone has challenges, everyone has stressors they face. No one
(13:39):
knows what it's like what another person is going through,
And sometimes I think there's a perception that other people
have everything together, they know what they're doing, and it's
just me and I'm the only one by myself. And
I can assure you after all these years that everybody,
I think there's lots of quote out there now around
(14:01):
everyone's carrying a burden you don't know anything about, and
everyone has a story to tell that other people will
never know the complications and intricacies.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
Of that story or even hear it.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
Exactly, yeah, exactly.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
Last night, first of all, an amazing weekend for me.
Went to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra. We got the
Christmas Tree. I mean, it was just an incredible weekend.
Last night, We're sitting on the couch, we got the uh,
we got the tree all lit up for the first time,
(14:41):
and we're doing the hot Coco, my wife and my
little girl, and we're just we're having such a great time,
and we got the music of course going and I'm
a big, big Andy Williams fan, and the song came on,
(15:01):
it's the most wonderful time of the year, and I
got thinking about every time I hear that song during
the holidays, how it's not the most wonderful time you
hear for so many of us. It's the worst time
of year. The music, the decorations. And I don't want
(15:29):
to sound like Adebbie Downer here this morning, you know,
first thing on a cloudy, dreary Monday, but it's it's
hard for a lot of people. And there's almost this
expectation that if your friends or your other family members
or who your co workers, whoever, are feeling festive and
feeling good, feeling happy, that you have to ride that wave,
(15:55):
and if you don't, you might be called the grin
or whatever.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
You know what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Yeah, I think one of the things that you pointed
out really well there is related to just a reminder
for ourselves around what we're saying to others, and even
in just even in joking around, like oh, you're being
such a grinch, No one intends any sort of harm
(16:26):
in saying something like that, but it is a great
reminder that this time of year is complicated, and even
when somebody enjoys the festivities and enjoys the busy schedule,
it still also can lead to not sleeping as much,
not eating in your usual way, not having your usual routine,
(16:47):
not going out for a walk that you normally would
because you're so busy. And so I think the message
that I would promote is related to I don't know
if this is the best time of the year necessarily,
but we could say it's a time of connection and
a time of kindness for others, related to accepting that
(17:10):
people are in different places related to the holidays and
they have their reasons for that, and being kind to
them around It's good to see you, good morning, I'm
glad you're here. Whatever type of little tincture of connection
goes a really long way.
Speaker 1 (17:28):
And you don't have to overdo it and to overcompensate
and wrap garland around their neck and you know, throw
a bunch of decorations their way either, right, you know,
just allow them to whoever they are, to have their
(17:49):
space and explanations aren't really needed.
Speaker 2 (17:55):
Exactly exactly, And I think just having that bit of
pati and that bit of thinking around. I guess what
I would say is that would be the best way
to share the holiday season is to have patients and
kindness for others and small ways of connecting that are
(18:17):
genuine and just remembering in those ways for each of us.
I think we all always are grateful when somebody says
something kind to us, does a small kind gesture, has
patients for us in our own way. Again, we all
have strengths, and we all have challenges, and people accepting
(18:40):
each other for those, particularly during such a busy time
of the year that can be filled with lots of stress,
is super important.
Speaker 1 (18:50):
Washington County Mental Health has been serving this central Vermount
community for I want to say, what sixty five years?
Speaker 2 (19:00):
I think so yes, so many many decades.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
We're talking about right around ten thousand plus Vermonors directly
or indirectly every single year, and that number has been
on the uptick since COVID. I'm told from Washington County
Mental Health there's such a wealth of information here again
(19:27):
two two nine oh five nine one locally, I say,
locally anywhere anywhere in Vermont eight oh two two two
nine oh five nine one that's the main, most important
number that's available twenty four to seven yes, which is remarkable.
(19:48):
And then we have the Pathways peer support Warmline. I'm
going to post all of this. I'm going to get
all of this up on the page here eight six
six four eight eight seven eighty six for the for
the Trevor Project.
Speaker 3 (20:03):
But I think we just need to.
Speaker 1 (20:07):
Remember that we're not alone, that there's others that can
relate to us who maybe have a sense of understanding
or even a remote sense of understanding of what it
is that we're going through. That help is here. That's
the message that we need to push and that you know,
(20:34):
I can't imagine being a suicide, a mental health screener
and someone who's who's taken a call from someone who
is that depressed, at that level of despair. I mean,
it's it's really really serious. We need to remember remember
(20:57):
a lot more than look the others. There's so many
others that love you. This goes far beyond that, This
goes far beyond that. Of course, we all have people
in our lives that love us, But the message from
a screener, I can't imagine what it would be. Just
(21:22):
I think the message of hope that things can really
turn around. I mean, look at how many stories there
are of people who have contemplated but held on and
now they're happy and maybe they've got kids and a
whole new life. Hope is a powerful word. Yes, really is.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
Yes, absolutely, So I'll go back and then I'll come
forward related to the last piece you said, But just
going back to your point about the Pathways Warm line.
Pathways does a great job. They have a twenty four
to seven peer based line where they also are available
(22:12):
to folks throughout the state of Vermont and provide support
through conversation to folks. The Trevor Project is a wonderful
initiative specific to the LGBTQ plus community, and they have
a specific line. They're just really quickly about that line.
(22:36):
The current administration in the nation had discontinued funding for
the Trevor Project. They have figured out currently how to
keep their line available. If anyone runs into any trouble
with that, please just call us at two two nine
erh five nine to one and we will figure out
(22:57):
what is happening there. But just wanted to promote those
two lines as well, because they're incredibly important and vital
resources that are also available to folks. So in terms
of being an emergency screener, this is what I will
say that I always say about our jobs, the person
who's answering that phone twenty four hours a day, seven
(23:19):
days a week. I always say that we have the
most hopeful jobs in the world. And people can think
that's a really strange thing to say as a crisis clinician,
But from my perspective, I'm still talking to the person,
and I'm still listening, and I'm still trying to have
that connection, and that is such an honor and a
(23:40):
privilege to be able to do that to the people
trust us with in their hardest time, that maybe we
could provide some kind of help and support. Is we
have the best jobs in the world from my perspective,
and I'm so grateful when people reach out and give
(24:04):
us the opportunity to try to be helpful.
Speaker 1 (24:07):
There's a documentary that we have been promoting here on
our page, but let's talk about it right now because
it's coming I think a week from tomorrow, Yes, all right,
at the Savoy Theater and it's called The S Word.
Tell me about this.
Speaker 2 (24:26):
Yes, yep. So this is part of Washington County Mental
Health is sponsoring this event next Tuesday, December ninth, six o'clock.
The door is open at five point thirty at the
Savoy in Montpellier. It's a free event and we will
show a viewing of the S Word and then we
have a panel discussion after with some folks related to
(24:51):
We have a person on our panel who is a
suicide experience survivor. We have people on the panel from
the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Health,
and we have folks from Washington County Mental Health Emergency
Services on our panel. So that will be following the film.
(25:14):
The film itself is a film that was made in
twenty seventeen. The woman who came up with the idea
for the film is a person who attempted to take
her own life and felt really strongly that she wanted
to ensure that people are not alone and they have
(25:37):
connection and that they know there are people out there
who understand what it's like to have thoughts about taking
your own life, even when it doesn't make any sense
to the person themselves. So she goes around and interviews
folks who have attempted to take their own lives. And
(26:00):
their different reflection reflections. One of the things that I
love about the film is that it's a wide variety
of people. So mental health, mental illness, mental stress, substance use,
developmental disabilities do not discriminate, and every walk of life
(26:22):
is touched by them. It doesn't matter what your socioeconomic
status is, it doesn't matter what your ethnic background is,
it doesn't matter who you are. Mental health does not discriminate.
And so the film, we want to promote the film
related to suicide prevention efforts and allow people the opportunity
(26:47):
for connection and understanding of resources.
Speaker 1 (26:52):
My programming on Wednesdays is connect Did to Sweethearts and Heroes,
incredible organization that is a student empowerment organization that was
rooted here in Vermont and goes to schools everywhere. They've
(27:15):
been to thousands of schools all over the region. And
it was interrupted last week with a last minute guest
that that had to come on to replace someone else.
Speaker 3 (27:30):
That was.
Speaker 1 (27:33):
My actual guest. They had a teenager in the school
who committed suicide. So they're dealing with that, you know,
the day before Thanksgiving. Yeah, so they're they're digging their
(27:54):
their heels into that and dealing with that at the school.
Speaker 3 (28:00):
Today. But this is it happens everywhere. It happens everywhere.
Speaker 2 (28:07):
Yeah. Yeah. Suicide is the second leading cause of death
in young people ages ten to thirty, and the only
other cause of death in teenagers that's higher is accidental
deaths like car accidents. And I'm really sorry for that
(28:29):
community's loss, for that young person's loss, for their family,
and that community's loss. I'm familiar with the situation that
you're talking about, and our sympathies and condolences certainly go
out to that community. The school systems are they get
(28:52):
training related to suicide prevention, intervention, and what we call postvention,
which means what are doing today are considered postvention efforts.
And we partner the local designated agency, which Washington County
Mental Health is for our county. We partner with our
school systems to work together to promote mental health, to
(29:19):
promote healthy coping strategies, to promote connection, and trying to
promote the message of you are not alone. Being a
kid and a teenager is both wonderful and amazing and
is also incredibly complicated and stressful and anxiety producing, and
(29:42):
is a time of life that I feel like ignites
in many people of you don't understand I am alone,
I'm weird or a misfit, or even when I'm with people,
I feel alone. And I think the school systems work
(30:02):
really hard with their guidance departments, with their lots of
them have social workers who work in the school systems
to promote mental health resources and social connection and social
acceptance for their student body. And it is really sad
(30:26):
they Our school systems all have plans in place for
responding to tragedies when someone dies by suicide.
Speaker 3 (30:37):
Again, the.
Speaker 1 (30:40):
Screening of this the S word is one week from tomorrow,
so it's a Tuesday.
Speaker 3 (30:48):
What is the date on that day?
Speaker 2 (30:49):
December ninth, the ninth.
Speaker 1 (30:51):
Okay at the Savoy Theater in Montpelier, five point thirty doors,
six o'clock showing. Yes, okay, what's the Do we know
that the ticket price to get into it?
Speaker 2 (31:04):
It's free, It's free, free, absolutely, it's free. Yes, yes.
We At Washington County Mental Health there's an initiative, a
public health initiative called Zero Suicide and the mission of
Zero Suicide is to reduce the goal is to reduce
deaths by suicide to zero. And at Washington County Mental Health.
(31:28):
We have a committee, We have received donations, we have
received grants in order to promote events like our event
next Tuesday the ninth at the Savoy, and so it's free.
Speaker 1 (31:47):
Is Washington County Mental Health able to get hold of
this documentary and actually have it?
Speaker 2 (31:55):
We do?
Speaker 3 (31:56):
Okay, perfect, we do. Yes.
Speaker 1 (31:58):
This is you know, knee jerk here, but it's like,
this is the kind of thing that should be shown
more than just once a year. Yes, you know, if
there's any conflict that someone's not able to make it
or whatever, it should be something that you know, I
(32:19):
think should be shown again.
Speaker 2 (32:20):
Yes, yes, So if anybody is listening to this and
can't make it next Tuesday and wants information, they can
call me at that same number two two nine zero
five nine one, and I'm happy to problem solve with
anyone around or happy to talk through. If someone isn't
available to make it next Tuesday, someone could also rent
(32:41):
the movie themselves on Amazon for three dollars. The only
thing I will say about that is watching a movie
by like that by yourself, just making sure that you
have resources and supports available.
Speaker 3 (32:56):
It's heavy.
Speaker 2 (32:57):
It's heavy, it is, it is and so we just
want to make sure that people are supported, and we
will at our event, we have people there to ensure
that people are supported.
Speaker 1 (33:11):
Let's also mention this morning that if you're going through
a rough patch, Washington County Mental Health's Access Hub on
Berry Street in Montellier is ready to help you. I
think you've got to be eighteen plus yes to get
some services there.
Speaker 3 (33:31):
But it's you'll walk in.
Speaker 1 (33:33):
Yes, no appointment needed, yep, absolutely, no matter what it is.
You can talk about anything, yes, physical, mental, whatever, yes.
Speaker 2 (33:41):
Yes. So the Access Hub is a wonderful program that
was developed a couple of years ago. It's located at
thirty four Berry Street. It's meant to be a mental
health urgent care clinic, and it's based upon a model
called the living room model, which is meant to be
(34:03):
really welcoming to folks to your point JD. For whatever
stressor they're going through, whether it's mental health, whether it's
substance use, whether it's physical resources that are needed. We
want people. We welcome people to walk through our doors.
We have peer support specialists who welcome folks in and
(34:24):
say we're glad you're here. Come on in, let's talk
through what's happening for you. We have access to case
management through access Hub. We have access to brief therapy,
to psychiatric services and also to nursing services there. So yes,
anyone is welcome at any point in time to Monday.
(34:47):
Access Hub is open Monday through Thursday from seven o'clock
in the morning till seven pm on Fridays from seven
to four and anyone is welcome to walk through our
doors for supports.
Speaker 1 (35:01):
It's on the Downing Street side thirty four Barry Street.
I think there's a sign right out there.
Speaker 2 (35:07):
There is.
Speaker 3 (35:08):
There is eighth two.
Speaker 1 (35:09):
Three oh one thirty two hundred and again I'm going
to be posting all this stuff up up there, but
you know, in even mental health providers themselves, my gosh,
I mean, we can't forget about that.
Speaker 2 (35:25):
Yes, yeah, that's a great point. It's really important. I'll
tie this together to both mental health providers and also
the holidays. It's really important to take care of yourself
as well. And I think you know, our profession has
a term for it called vicarious trauma, and what that
(35:46):
means is when listening to other people's stories or being
present with other people's stories of hardship and stress and
heightened emotions. It can be really hard for the person
and the mental health provider, or it can be very
stressful and overwhelming, and so it's really important that mental
health providers take care of themselves. And that's the same
(36:09):
for all of us at the holiday seasons as well,
related to sleep and eating and any way we can
move ourselves. Physical movement is a healthy coping strategy, even
if it's an even if it's in your own home
and you're taking some steps from within your home from
(36:32):
the couch to the kitchen to the bathroom, you're taking
some steps, you're moving. Any way that we can help
ourselves physically will also help us emotionally. That's just an
example of a healthy coping strategy.
Speaker 1 (36:48):
Central fromont counsel on Eaching just posted a nice rite
up in the world about caregivers and how difficult that
can be. And man, the word caregiving is a massive umbrella.
(37:09):
I mean, you could be caregiving for an elderly parent,
or a sick patent at home, or a child in
school that's having particularly difficult time. You could be trying
to caregive for yourself and maybe not doing a great job,
justifiably so, but caregiving is throw that into the mix,
(37:34):
especially during the holidays. It's big stuff. And none of us,
not all of us are walking around with cape song.
I mean, we're trying to be superheroes, but some of
us are just having a hard time. Yeah, this is
(37:55):
a perfect example of another way, another resource from Washington
County Mental Health where you can walk in there no
appointment needed, to the access Hub and say, hey, here's
what's going on, what advice do you have for me?
And at the very least you're going to get pointed
(38:16):
in the right direction.
Speaker 2 (38:17):
Yes, absolutely so at the access Hub. That is true.
I'll talk quickly about a few different resources that we had.
So the access Hub is a place you can walk into.
You can also call too to nine SERA five, nine
to one and say i'd like I'm interested in some services,
(38:38):
and we will then schedule you with someone. We have
different programs available for folks who are having an urgent
need for services. We also have access to appointments for
folks who are looking for ongoing therapy or ongoing other services.
(39:00):
And it really is as straightforward as calling that line
and saying something like I'm interested in services, and then
it's our job to get you to the right place,
and that should happen for folks with welcoming. We're where,
(39:20):
we want people, We're happy you're here. We want people
to call, we want people to walk into access hub.
We want to be helpful to folks, and so that
is another way. That number is the door in to
our service array for mental health, for substance use services.
(39:43):
So we have a wide array also of substance use
services for folks who are struggling with substance use, and
also for our developmental service programs. We serve everyone babies
through the geriatric population. So anyone is welcome to receive
(40:06):
services from us, including to your point, caregivers. So caregivers,
back to your point about caregiving, caregiving is an incredibly complicated,
uh complicated thing. I don't know what else to call it.
Related to uh, there's lots of love that goes into caregiving,
(40:32):
and it also can be incredibly complicated, incredibly stressful, and
then people feel guilty because they're stressed and it's complicated
and they're exhausted. And yes, yeah, yes, absolutely, and so
yes we are here to try to be helpful to
(40:54):
anyone for whatever the reason that they are stressed, including caregiving.
Speaker 1 (40:58):
The Phoenix Recovery Group just real briefly on that. I
know they meet what Saturday morning's over at the well
Space building which is right behind us on Summer Street.
Speaker 2 (41:10):
They do they do that is an incredible initiative of
a collaboration. I think. Actually it's through the Green Mountain
United Way, who has organized the Phoenix program, and then
it's housed in a Washington County Mental Health building on
(41:31):
Saturday mornings over on Summer Street, our well Space building,
And so I'm always excited when we're doing collaborative work
together with community partners. They've done some extraordinary work related
to the recovery community for folks who have experienced substance
(41:52):
use struggles, and they do an incredible powerful job of
supporting people in the recovery journey.
Speaker 1 (42:03):
That building, twenty three Summer Street is such a powerhouse
in our community.
Speaker 3 (42:12):
If you're.
Speaker 1 (42:14):
Maybe going through a little bit of the winter blues,
you need to take a step into discovering self care wellness. Wednesday,
and the next one is going to be December tenth. Wednesday,
December tenth, right there in the well Space building and
(42:35):
it's free. Everything's free all the services, acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, massage, table, massage, chair, massage,
sound healing. What am I forgetting? There's so much more,
but I'm just scratching the surface here.
Speaker 2 (42:53):
Yes, so you're absolutely right here in very well space
is probably our washing and Encounty Mental Health Hub. So
and and folks can certainly walk in there and say hey.
During the daytime hours, there's always our wonderful administrative professional
is there Monday through Friday and the front and she's
fantastic to greet people and she'll get you, Yes, Robin
(43:19):
is amazing and we'll get you where you need to
go for supports. That building is a super cool, eclectic
project of every single one of our divisions, our clinical
divisions has a presence in that building in a lot
of different ways. There's a gym, which is what Phoenix
Rising uses as well, but there's a gym there. There's
(43:41):
also a lot of art that is in the building
related to different people have made the art and now
it is on the walls and in the spaces. It's
really cool. It's a very welcoming atmosphere. And then to
your point, on Wednesdays, uh, there are wellness Wednesdays meant
(44:04):
for people who are served by Washington County Mental Health,
people who are employees of Washington County Mental Health, and
community members who have nothing to do with Washington County
Mental Health to promote again, one of the things that
I love about Wellness Wednesdays is it promotes healthy coping
strategies for our to try to decrease our stress and
(44:27):
increase our healthy emotional bank if you will. And there's
a lot of different options available, like you said, like
massage and acupuncture and sound tuning is another crazy Yeah,
they do some really incredible work there for sure.
Speaker 3 (44:47):
Detox of mind and body.
Speaker 2 (44:51):
Yes, yes, yes, the mind body connection is incredibly important
and incredibly valuable and powerful all UH and UH. That
event does a great job of showing people there are
lots of different options available for UH coping and it's
(45:13):
a it's a great event. If folks haven't gone, they
should go and check it out.
Speaker 1 (45:17):
It's my hope that folks will share this episode knowing
that I think beyond that, and I know we all
we all want to be happy and positive this time
of year.
Speaker 3 (45:33):
Of course I get that, But share this episode.
Speaker 1 (45:38):
With with whoever that you think could or should or
might benefit from it, Even even just a little can
make a big difference. And you know I have I've
always said, and I've always felt, if we can connect
(46:02):
with one person, we've medical we're successful. And I'm hoping
that just in my brief chat with you this morning,
that we've we've done that. I really hope that. Is
(46:23):
there anything else you can think of that we should
that we should mention.
Speaker 2 (46:27):
The only other thing that I would say, I'll just
piggyback on what you just said. So back to promoting
suicide prevention efforts and what folks who have attempted suicide want.
The number one thing they say is people connecting with them.
(46:47):
Asking how they are is the most valuable thing that
any of us can do. Yeah, And I think sometimes
we're really afraid to ask those questions of how are
you and genuinely asking it, because then we're afraid of
what if they don't answer? What if they answer in
a way that I don't know how to handle. And
(47:08):
what I want to say to folks is please ask
the question, and we're here to help you. You also
aren't alone around If someone then gives you an answer
that's scarier, they say, yes, I am feeling suicidal. We
are here to help walk folks through that, to be
with people, and so again it's connection is a bit
(47:31):
of like a ripple effect in a positive way related
to asking that question will never promote ideas in somebody's
head related to oh, I hadn't been thinking about suicide,
and now you've made me think about that. Their research
(47:52):
absolutely shows that people already have those thoughts when they
have endorsed them. And the number one thing we can
do as people to help each other is to your point,
the connection and the genuinely asking how are you, or
if I'm worried about someone saying to them, I'm concerned that,
(48:14):
you know, you seem down. I'm concerned that during the
holidays you seem stressed. I'm concerned that during this time
when we're going all these festivities, it seems to be
exhausting you. How are you doing? Asking those questions related
to question to connection is the number one thing we
can do to be helpful to each other.
Speaker 1 (48:38):
One point two million people commit suicide every year. Yes, unbelievable.
And the holidays are the uptick Yes, yes, yes, don't
miss the screaming of the S word. Tuesday, the ninth
(48:59):
of dis five point thirty at the Savoy Theater in Montpillier.
It's free be there. We're going to go out this
morning with the trailer of the S word. Thank you
so much for coming in here. I really appreciate it.
Let's do it again.
Speaker 2 (49:20):
That sounds great. Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (49:22):
It's and thank you to Washington County Mental Health for
supporting this podcast for several years now. They've been one
of my prime presenting sponsors. And I'm blessed to have
you guys. There's always a great, powerful message. May not
always be happy and laughable, but it's so profound and
(49:48):
it needs to be said. It needs Everything that you
guys do is remarkable and it should be pushed on
everyone's social media, not just mine.
Speaker 3 (49:58):
Thank you so much for coming in here, Thanks for
having me, and let's do it again soon.
Speaker 2 (50:02):
Sounds great.
Speaker 4 (50:17):
I remember thinking, God, just hold on because somehow, some
way this is going to make sense.
Speaker 2 (50:28):
The reaction of people around me was just shut up.
Speaker 5 (50:42):
Anybody who has lost anyone through suicide, you always say
what did I miss? Why couldn't I say him?
Speaker 1 (50:54):
Suicide?
Speaker 2 (50:55):
That's scary word, isn't it. I just always felt like
an alien, like a burden.
Speaker 3 (51:05):
I started to look for other people like me, and
I couldn't find anything, Like where were these.
Speaker 4 (51:11):
People to say? I'm an attempt survivor, and you can
say the word suicide is a record stopper.
Speaker 5 (51:20):
I just want people to look into these people's eyes
because we've always looked away, you.
Speaker 2 (51:26):
Know, hashtag suicide so white. My name is Leah Harris,
and I am a survivor. When I'm grumpy, I'm an
activist and I'm nice.
Speaker 3 (51:35):
I'm an advocate.
Speaker 2 (51:38):
It's a project about suicide, but I'm focusing on life.
Speaker 1 (51:42):
It's not the word suicide that is the problem.
Speaker 2 (51:44):
It is the deafening silence around it.
Speaker 5 (51:52):
We lose one hundred and twelve people every day.
Speaker 4 (51:55):
That's bigger than a small jet airplane.
Speaker 2 (52:00):
I'm not doing well.
Speaker 5 (52:02):
I find myself wanting to hurt myself.
Speaker 2 (52:05):
I just don't really know how to handle it. The
revolution and mental health is happening, and we are at
the forecrost. Suicide is still an option for you.
Speaker 4 (52:18):
I don't want it to be what change a culture.
Speaker 5 (52:23):
More and more it becomes clear to me that I
am never alone, that we are never ever alone.
Speaker 3 (52:28):
What would you say to suicide or was a thing.
Speaker 2 (52:30):
If it was a person, I'd say, suck it.
Speaker 4 (52:35):
This S word.
Speaker 1 (52:36):
It's only scary if you give it this sort of
boogeyman weight.
Speaker 4 (52:41):
I used to think, man, maybe life just isn't for everybody.
I was done, and I was wrong.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.