THE NEWS(letter) from HQ, April 2020

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Staying hopeful in a socially-distanced life…

 

Hello my friends!

Have you noticed that here is no shortage of articles and advice telling you what you should be doing while sheltered-in-place? I’ve noticed that they all have 1 thing common. While well-intentioned and full of good information, none of them consider that different things work for different people. Find what works for you.

Just because Shawn Mendes gets on the twitters and tells you to Face Time with friends and family daily, doesn’t mean that all of us want to–but that also doesn’t mean that isn’t good advice for someone else.

Best self-care practices are as unique as we are. I only ask that if something doesn’t work for you, you keep trying.

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We wanted to give you a few ideas. We asked the HQ team :

  • What is the hardest part about sheltering in place?
  • What is your struggle?
  • I’ve found that _____ works for me.

I hope our ideas help you–and know that whatever you’re feeling, you aren’t alone. I also hope you to remember that if you or someone you know could use a friend, you can call for any reason–even if you just need to talk to another human.

Demand for our services are high right now so we ask for your patience, but you can call 24/7 and your call is always free and confidential. 785-841-2345 is our direct line.  If you call the Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255 and live in Kansas, your call will come to HQ, but it will “roll” to another crisis center if our lines are busy. You can also text KANSAS to 741-741.

Keep hope,

Allan

 

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Meg, Kansas Suicide Prevention Resource Center Program Coordinator

  • The hardest part about sheltering in place is missing my family and co-workers. Knowing my niece is growing and changing is wonderful, but I feel sad missing out.
  • I struggle with keeping a consistent schedule has been hard for me. I thrive best when I have a set schedule and people to see at the office (which also holds me accountable to wake up early, as I am not an early riser).
  • I’ve found it helpful to take frequent breaks from work, check in with my family, spend time with my partner, take care of my plants, read a lot, go on runs and do yoga.
  • I enjoy Yoga with Adriene – I have recently started a 30 day challenge. I have found that I look forward to this time every day because it provides time and space dedicated solely to my emotional and mental wellbeing.
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Allan, VP of Communication and Development.

I find the hardest part is maintaining a daily schedule.

  • I know I am most productive and happiest when following a schedule, maintaining work-life balance, and keeping homelife structured.
  • I’ve found that setting my alarm and getting up “normal time” helps a lot. I’ve also started doing an activity during lunch and/or immediately following work time.
  • I’m impatient and out of shape, so I’ve found 3 short YouTube videos that work for me. One is a 15-minute Flexibility Routine (for beginners, of course), a nice easy beginners 30-minute gentle yoga flow, and a 15-minute workout video requiring zero equipment–but let’s not even pretend that I didn’t start with the 10-minute senior’s version. I also recommend cranking up the volume, clicking this, and DANCING!
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Erica, Core Chat Program Senior Coordinator

  • For me, the hardest part about sheltering in place has been not being able to spend time with friends and family.
  • I struggle with managing anxiety, sleepiness, and motivation to get things done.
  • I’ve found that taking short breaks throughout the day to connect with coworkers via video, walk my dog, play a calming video game (briefly), or make some food has been helpful in balancing work and self-care.
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Steve Devore, President and CEO

  • the hardest part about sheltering in place is not going into the office every day and getting the comfortable and reassuring feeling of the sacrifices many people have made, and continue to make, in an effort to carry on the strong tradition of making a difference and saving lives every day!
  • I struggle with trying to build a routine schedule that allows me, and my two boys the ability to accomplish our work and school responsibilities, often all at the same time.
  • Although I normally wake early, getting up, drinking coffee on my deck watching the sunrise, and then walking inside to settle in front of my computer works for me to get the day started and feel productive.
  • There are so many things to stop and experience while working from home that you normally do not get to experience. Reminding myself that it’s OK to enjoy time at home during the day, rather than forcing myself into my home office for a specific time period.
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Jared, Training Coordinator

  • The hardest part about sheltering in place is feeling socially disconnected.
  • I struggle with not being able to see my friends and family. I’m a social guy and I love to make plans with family or spontaneously pop over to a friend’s house.
  • I’ve found that getting lost in a gardening or woodworking project works for me. I’m fortunate to have space to do my hobbies and get creative.
  • I play the card game cribbage almost daily with my partner. She’s winning.
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Resources and articles

 

If you’re not doing okay or in crisis, it’s okay. You are not alone. 

  • Reach out to a friend and talk openly about what you’re feeling
  • Call HQ at 785-841-2345. It’s always free, confidential and yes, we’re here for you too!
  • Connect through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255. If you’re calling in Kansas, you’re call will come to HQ first, but if we’re unable to answer, your call will “roll” to one of the 160 crisis centers in the national network
  • Text KANSAS to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line–also staffed by caring volunteers
  • Chat online at CrisisChat.org
  • LQBTQ+ youth can contact The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386
  • Call 2-1-1 to find local resources in your community

 

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EverybodyDay2020 has been postponed! 

EverybodyDay2020

has been tentatively rescheduled for

August 30, 2020

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The Kansas Youth Community Change Conference starts on Monday, April 20. Visit the KYC3 website to learn more, see the schedule, and learn how any civically minded youth can register. Plus, it’s free!

Crisis Center Updates:

MAD shout out to 4 over-achieving volunteers who have picked up dozens of shifts in the call room while other volunteers are quarantined or unable take shifts.

We are grateful for all of our volunteer counselors, but you 4 have gone above and beyond. As of yesterday morning, these 4 have collectively volunteered 344 hours plus since the Pandemic began.

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We’re also want to send love to our staff counselors and administrative staff who have helped fill coverage gaps in the crisis call room, not to mention our awesome chat specialists working to help others through a super-high-volume online chat system!

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Spring 2020 volunteers-in-training continue weekly training via Zoom–how amazing is that? This means, not only that these awesome folks remain committed to helping others, but the trainers and volunteers who help with training and role plays are working so much harder.

Because of everyone involved, we’re still on track to graduate the largest single group of volunteer counselors in recent memory, in person or virtually!

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Our Summer volunteer counselor training session will be starting soon. I you’ve ever wanted to learn more about joining us as a counselor and helping others, come to an info session! This May and June, info sessions will take place via Zoom. You’ll learn about out training process and schedule, have an opportunity to ask questions, and learn about our selection process.

Click here to learn more about info sessions. You can also use or share our sign up form to receive reminders and updates about info sessions as we move them to an online format.