Warning Signs of Suicide from the American Association of Suicidology

Click on the graphic below to access further resources. Note: the W should be “Withdrawal.”

The Bereaved Holiday Season Bill of Rights | The Grief Toolbox

The Bereaved Holiday Season Bill of Rights | The Grief Toolbox

“When Tomorrow Starts Without Me” performed by Stephen Meara-Blount

“When Families Grieve” by Sesame Street—A Special Guide for Parents and Caregivers

As part of Sesame Street’s “When Families Grieve” campaign, a guide has been developed for parents and caregivers. Just click on the picture to the right to go to the resource.

Are You Concerned About a Veteran in Your Life?

Did you know there is a Veteran’s Crisis Line? Please see the information below to learn more.

“One small act can make a big difference in the life of a Veteran or Service member in crisis. “The Power of 1,” a public service announcement from the Veterans Crisis Line, shows how taking the time to reach out can be the first step to getting those who served the support they need. A single action — one call, one chat, one text, one conversation — can have a significant impact. The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans or Service members in crisis, as well as their families and friends, with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential, toll-free hotline, online chat, and text-messaging service. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Reach out. One call can open the door to support.” (Obtained online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSx11Kmnmrg)

Starting a Brand New Holiday Tradition

On Monday night, we had our second and final holiday seminar for 2014. I always love this particular seminar, due to the candlelighting ritual we participate in together near the end of the evening. After the candles were lit, I played Mark Schultz’ “Different Kind of Christmas,” which I have previously posted on this blog.

My first point in the seminar was for participants to consider starting a new holiday tradition this year. For instance, if your loved one was a runner, possibly begin a family (or more widespread) run/walk in his/her memory. Maybe your loved one was an avid football enthusiastic, and the family members could begin a tradition of a “friendly” flag football game. If she was a teacher, you might establish a scholarship fund in her memory, and assist future aspiring teachers in obtaining the necessary education. What about your loved one? What did he/she love? How might you incorporate their passion into a new holiday tradition, either for you personally or for your family collectively?

If you have any questions or need any assistance during this holiday season, please don’t hesitate to call me (Kim) at 504-734-0140 or e-mail me at ksmith@stjosephhospice.com.

My3 App: A Suicide Prevention Tool for the App Generation

I was looking over the blog moments ago and noticed one of the suicide prevention graphics did not make it up on the blog. I apologize for that. However, in the midst of trying to find the graphic on the web so that I could repost, I came across an amazing tool, the My3 App.

Please see this information from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website:

“The MY3 app lets you stay connected when you're struggling with tough emotions or having thoughts of suicide.

With MY3, you define your network and your plan to stay safe, so you can be prepared to help yourself and reach out to others when you are having thoughts of suicide.

Remember: there is hope and a life to look forward to, even in your darkest moments.

MY3 can help you get through your most difficult times.

Who are your 3? Is it your sister? Your therapist? Maybe even a neighbor down the street? Download MY3 to make sure that your 3 are there to help you when you need them most.

MY3 is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play, free of charge.” (Obtained online at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/gethelp/my3-app.aspx)

Santa Without Fighting the Crowds

Each year in our building’s Atrium (824 Elmwood Park Blvd., NOLA) we offer an opportunity for our St. Joseph Hospice families and the community to visit with and take pictures with Santa in a low traffic, less hustle and bustle environment than a mall would be. We know this time of year can be especially stressful on our bereaved and providing a way to eliminate a bit of that stress is something we are thankful we can do. Please note that if you are going to bring a child, please bring a wrapped gift for Santa to give to the child. We will have light refreshments provided for all who attend. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me (Kim) at 504-734-0140 or e-mail me at ksmith@stjosephhospice.com. The opportunity to see Santa usually runs from 3:30pm-4:30pm.

“Handling the Holidays” By Therese Rando, Ph.D.

Link to “Handling the Holidays” By Therese Rando, Ph.D.

“Tell Your Heart to Beat Again” by Danny Gokey

I believe many of you will be touched by Danny Gokey’s willingness to write and then sing out of the pain of the death of his young wife. May you “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again.”

“A Different Kind of Christmas This Year” by Mark Schultz

I am seriously considering using this song in next week’s holiday seminar and have been tempted to hold it until then, but some things are just too good not to share ASAP. On my way to lunch today, I heard “A Different Kind of Christmas This Year” by Mark Schultz for the first time, and I just sat in the car, overwhelmed by the words. When I returned to the office, I pulled up the video and listened from the beginning, and I was again overwhelmed by the words.

Mark Schultz is a master story teller in song, with such heart-touching songs as “Letters from War,” “Walking Her Home” (I always said it was “The Notebook” set to music—I obviously wasn’t the only one with that idea) and “He’s My Son,” all works of art. Yet, this new song may top them all when it comes to encouraging others. If you would like to read the lyrics, you can access them here. I would love to hear from some of you after you have viewed the video. You can leave comments below.

Social Events for Wednesday, December 17, 2014

• “Heart2Heart Connections” for Widows – Wednesday, December 17, 2014, from 10am-11:30am at 824 Elmwood Park Blvd., NOLA, LCCU Conference Room #140
• “Coffee & Handshakes” for Widowers – Wednesday, December 17, 2014, from 10am-11:30am at 824 Elmwood Park Blvd., Ste 145, NOLA, St. Joseph Bereavement Office

“In the U.S., Every 13.7 minutes Someone Dies by Suicide…”