United Way Fox Cities Emerging Leaders’ Post

Let's Talk About Mental Health Mental health is a cause close to my heart. I've seen firsthand how it can affect loved ones, and it's a very real and complex issue. Did you know 1 in 2 of us will be impacted by mental illness at some point in our lives? That's why I believe raising awareness and supporting organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is crucial. National Alliance on Mental Illness: nami.org How can you help? Share this post, donate to mental health charities, or simply start a conversation. Together, we can break the stigma and ensure everyone has access to the support they need. #mentalhealthmatters #endthestigma

I'm curious, are you engaged in any volunteering these days... and, if so, why do you do it - and if not, what holds you back? I'd love to hear your story! Where do you volunteer? Has anything about it surpised you, brought you joy? What have you learned about yourself, others and the world? Or, if you don't volunteer, what are the blocks? What changes or transofrmations does society need to accomodate volunteers and unleash more giving? Many moons ago now (16 in fact!) the New Economics Foundation found that ''Give'' - giving our time and energy to others - was significantly beneficial to our personal and public mental health and wellbeing...if you're in Australia and interested in learning more check out this website: https://lnkd.in/gFWaHxqU ''Scientific studies show that helping others boosts happiness. It increases life satisfaction, provides a sense of meaning, increases feelings of competence, improves our mood and reduced stress. It can help to take our minds off our own troubles too!'' So intuitive of course, just common sense, but also validating to know there is science that backs this up!! #volunteerweek #climatecare #ecowellbeing

My mother, Marleen Stroobants, was born on November 6, 1948 in Overijse, Belgium. Across the Atlantic, also in 1948, Fountain House was founded in NYC by a group of former patients of Rockland Psychiatric Center. Fountain House originated the clubhouse model of community mental health that has been replicated more than 200 times in nearly 40 U.S. states to support the dignity and rights of people living with mental illness and help them in their recovery and thriving. We need to have more clubhouses across the city, state, and country so that folks like my mom can get the support they need. My mother would have turned 75 today, but instead she died by suicide when she was 57. Please consider donating to Fountain House in memory of my mother, Marleen Stroobants, to support the amazing work that happens here every day: https://lnkd.in/ePaQ_yyD And please read about the Healing Minds, Powering Communities multi-year campaign to increase public funding and expand access to care by investing in evidence-based, community-centered solutions. We urgently need an ambitious national strategy for tackling serious mental illness that leans away from late-stage medical and psychiatric treatment and instead connects people to community as a catalyst for their recovery. Clubhouses and respite centers are prime examples that fill a void in our health care system by supporting the full humanity of a person living with mental illness and opening doors to a meaningful life. https://lnkd.in/eVQVemMe #suicideprevention #fountainhouse #clubhousemodel #psychosocialsupport #healingminds #poweringcommunities #communitymentalhealth #fundingcommunitymentalhealth #increasefunding

Vulnerability is hard, and definitely not my forte. But here it goes. 3 years ago I got very sick. I did not share it here, with my "precious professional network", for fear it would make me appear weak and incapable. What I have learned in this journey is quite the opposite: I am stronger, wiser, more confident and resilient than ever. I have fought Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) with grace, grit, faith and perseverance, and it has made me a better person. I have gratitude and perspective some may never understand. I have created and unearthed new relationships, developed an immense appreciation of the medical world and its professionals, and most especially, built a respect for the disabled community that can not be articulated through words. Being paralyzed and wheelchair bound for a year gives you an undeniable, unique POV. It is no coincidence that May is both GBS and Mental Health Awareness month. Illness makes you go deep - mentally, emotionally and physically. It is a full body battle and exploratory. I am lucky. I have an immense support system, and somehow, remained positive, motivated, driven, and hell-bent on healing, whilst helping others. It is a newfound mission. It is the backbone of my new business Branson Growth Consulting where I hope to help people and companies grow - with confidence and clarity of what truly matters. Purpose and Profit. They can live under one roof. They can help fundraise for those people without financial and mental resources, and inspire innovation from businesses creating healthcare solutions. Brene says, "One day you will tell your story about how you overcame what you went through, and it'll be someone else's survival guide". That day has come and I am telling my story. And I am here to share my survival guide. This week, I had the privilege of speaking at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, my home for 4 months, where I was able to thank my medical team and share my survival guide to other patients. It was deeply emotional and rewarding. Below is my story. It is featured on my new website https://lnkd.in/enenNGd7 I share it in hopes that it might inspire some or help even one. It is our job and my life long mission.

Jess - your story is incredibly inspirational - being vulnerable and telling your story is a true life lesson in leadership...acting as an authentic human being and 'paying it forward'. with your passion, marketing expertise and amazing client service, Branson Growth Consulting is going to make a difference for the right brands and/or causes. here's to your continued personal growth journey.

Feeling overwhelmed? You are not alone. We got this! The NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine connects you with a young person who can help with resources and support. nami.org/talktous #TYAHelpLine Now more than ever, young people are struggling with mental health. The NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine is ready with resources and support to address their needs. Let them know that help is just a text, chat, or phone call away. Visit nami.org/talktous to learn more. #TYAHelpLine Helping a loved one with mental health concerns is challenging. It's hard to know what helps and what hurts. Visit NAMI’s HelpLine page today for information and resources at nami.org/talktous #TYAHelpLine Teens and young adults deserve a safe place to get support for their mental health; that's why NAMI created its Teen & Young Adult HelpLine. They are one call, text, or chat away! Learn more: nami.org/talktous #TYAHelpLine #NAMI

To help fight one of the main issues affecting the home building industry, the HBA has partnered with an organization called Face It TOGETHER. They do peer-based coaching with a focus on the person with the disease of addiction as well as their loved ones. HBA member companies, their employees, and loved ones are covered by this benefit. That means if you have a brother in TX that is struggling with addiction, he can call FIT as well. They do their coaching via video, phone sessions and in person at their physical location in Colorado Springs, CO, Coaching at FIT typically costs $300 – $500 per month, so this is an enormous benefit that HBA is providing to its members at no cost. It is increasingly difficult to find/retain good workers and trades. Further it’s worse when you have to terminate employment and trade relationships a result of someone testing positive for drug or alcohol. And when you’ve terminated that employee, they may continue to spiral without a paycheck. Face it TOGETHER is a resource that you can use to help that individual fight their addiction, help them strengthen their families, and thereby be an even better employee. We’re huge proponents of win-win’s at HBA. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ewa9Pt4

To help fight one of the main issues affecting the home building industry, the HBA has partnered with an organization called Face It TOGETHER. They do peer-based coaching with a focus on the person with the disease of addiction as well as their loved ones. HBA member companies, their employees, and loved ones are covered by this benefit. That means if you have a brother in TX that is struggling with addiction, he can call FIT as well. They do their coaching via video, phone sessions and in person at their physical location in Colorado Springs, CO, Coaching at FIT typically costs $300 – $500 per month, so this is an enormous benefit that HBA is providing to its members at no cost. It is increasingly difficult to find/retain good workers and trades. Further it’s worse when you have to terminate employment and trade relationships a result of someone testing positive for drug or alcohol. And when you’ve terminated that employee, they may continue to spiral without a paycheck. Face it TOGETHER is a resource that you can use to help that individual fight their addiction, help them strengthen their families, and thereby be an even better employee. We’re huge proponents of win-win’s at HBA. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ewa9Pt4

I'm super excited because starting November 6 we will be offering our Homeless Training: How to manage problematic behavior (compassionately!) for FREE for the ENTIRE WEEK (https://lnkd.in/einfbGRc - if clicking on the link doesn't work, copy and paste it in your browser). Crazy, right? Here's why- This training is ESSENTIAL knowledge for anyone who works with or encounters vulnerable individuals (those struggling with homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, etc.). Basically, if I only had 47 minutes of your time, this is what I would teach you. And I promise, if you watch the training and use the tools, you WILL have less conflict with vulnerable individuals. Here's what we'll cover: How trauma damages the brain Four ways trauma makes de-escalation harder What you should do in the first five seconds Three core tools + how to test for compliance PLUS there are skits, infographics, a workbook, and attendance certificate. Here's the link to sign up: https://lnkd.in/einfbGRc (if clicking on the link doesn't work, copy and paste it in your browser). Want to see a clip from the training?

🌟 October is Depression Awareness Month 🌟   At Prairie St. John’s we see the profound impact that depression can have on individuals and their loved ones every day. Depression is not a sign of weakness, but a legitimate medical condition that affects millions worldwide. It's essential to break the stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health.   Here's how you can join us in making a difference:   1️⃣ Educate Yourself: Learn more about depression, its symptoms, and available treatments. We recommend nami.org as a good place to start   2️⃣ Supportive Conversations: Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues who may be struggling. A simple conversation can make a world of difference.   3️⃣ Share Resources: Spread awareness by sharing informative articles, helpline numbers, and resources on depression..   4️⃣ Seek Help: If you or someone you know is battling depression, remember that seeking professional help is a sign of strength. If you need help finding resources you can start by asking your primary care provider, school counselor, or by giving us a call at 701-476-7200. Our team is always here to support you.   Let's work together to create a world where no one has to face depression alone. 💙 #DepressionAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone