Hope Out of the Darkness

Teen World-Changer, Shannon Monet, on Bullying, Suicide, and Peer Support

How does bullying affect the mental health of kids and teens? Shannon Monet candidly explains how the words of her classmates affected her, some of the choices that helped shape her emotions, and how she regained her own sense of power and purpose to help others. You won’t want to miss this 15-year-old’s perspective on mental health, her suggestions for making mental health advocacy more effective, and some amazing insights. If you are in crisis or know someone who is...please call: Suicide Lifeline at 1-800- 273-8255 or text the word “help” to 741-741 http://afsp.org/get-help [http://afsp.org/get-help] About Shannon: Shannon Monet is 15 years old. Shannon is extremely focused and desires to make a positive impact on today’s, and the next, generation. Shannon has found her value and purpose. She believes no one should be left alone, or feel alone. She wants her story to help the lost find their identity. She believes everyone has their unique purpose and should work to walk in that purpose. There are many suffering from suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, fear, and more. Her goal and purpose are to use her voice through social media, graphic design, and capturing visuals on YouTube. She has an incredible and undying love for people and wants to be a light in this very dark world. Timestamps * Shannon’s experience with being bullied in school * Our choices can shape our emotions * Recognizing your own power and purpose * The importance of a strong support system * Maintaining your own mental health while helping others * How can we make mental health advocacy more effective? * The #duckduckhope origin story Links Connect with Shell Pavlis: AFSP Board Co-Chair, Project 2025 Champion for Orange County, CA Realtor® Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties shellpavlis.afsp@gmail.com [shellpavlis.afsp@gmail.com] All Shell’s Social: https://linktr.ee/shellseeshell [https://linktr.ee/shellseeshell] Connect with our guest, Shannon Monet: https://shannonmonet.com/ [https://shannonmonet.com/] Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/shannonmonetpage/ [https://m.facebook.com/shannonmonetpage/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonmonet_/ [https://www.instagram.com/shannonmonet_/] Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/ShannonMonet_ [https://mobile.twitter.com/ShannonMonet_] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeDTawZn3hAMouWIFmQm8RA [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeDTawZn3hAMouWIFmQm8RA] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-monet-b66a7521b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-monet-b66a7521b] Council on Aging OC https://www.coasc.org [https://www.coasc.org] Children’s Hospital of Orange County https://www.choc.org/mental-health/ [https://www.choc.org/mental-health/] Hoag Hospital https://www.hoag.org/about-hoag/community-benefit/hoag-programs/mental-health-services/ [https://www.hoag.org/about-hoag/community-benefit/hoag-programs/mental-health-services/] University of California, Irvine https://counseling.uci.edu/services/ [https://counseling.uci.edu/services/] Let’s Stop Suicide. Mental Health for All. Suicide Prevention. Suicide Support. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Orange County, CA: https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county [https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county] Become a Volunteer https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county#volunteer [https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county#volunteer] Advocacy https://afsp.org/become-a-suicide-prevention-public-policy-advocate [https://afsp.org/become-a-suicide-prevention-public-policy-advocate] National Alliance on Mental Health https://nami.org/Support-Education [https://nami.org/Support-Education] DiDi Hirsch Mental Health Services (LA & OC) https://didihirsch.org [https://didihirsch.org] Connect with Hope Out of the Darkness: http://HopeOutoftheDarkness.com [http://HopeOutoftheDarkness.com] Record a Question about mental health or suicide to be answered on an episode of Hope Out of the Darkness: https://www.speakpipe.com/HopeOutoftheDarkness [https://www.speakpipe.com/HopeOutoftheDarkness] Want to be a guest, or have an idea for a discussion you want to hear? Email Shellpavlis.afsp@gmail.com [Shellpavlis.afsp@gmail.com]

Part 2: Mental Illness and Police Officers with Blue Wives Matter

Retired Police Captain Robert Sweaza and his wife, Kristen, are my guests in Part Two of Mental Illness with Police Officers, where we discuss mental illness and how it relates to law enforcement officers. Kristen and Robert are the founders of Blue Wives Matter, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support for the families of fallen law enforcement officers. In this conversation, we talk about the particular challenges of mental health and suicide prevention education in law enforcement, the mental health stigma as it relates to first responders, and what goes into supporting the families of fallen officers. If you are in crisis or know someone who is...please call: Suicide Lifeline at 1-800- 273-8255 or text the word “help” to 741-741 http://afsp.org/get-help [http://afsp.org/get-help] About Blue Wives Matter: Blue Wives Matter was founded in 2017 after the untimely death of Fountain Valley California Police Officer Rick Nilos. Officer Rick Nilos dedicated his life to helping others, as a police officer and a US Marine. It was in his death that Blue Wives Matter became inspired to help the families who are left behind. It is our mission to provide the support that families need in their time of loss and grief. We support families no matter the cause of death. Blue Wives Matter has provided support to over 100 widows and widowers. Support has been provided financially and emotionally. This year we plan to offer mental health grants for those in need while dealing with grief. Blue Wives Matter also honors the children of officers who have died through the Patches of Honor Program. Each month, these children receive police patches in the mail. Patches are donated from agencies and officers all over the world. As the children build their patch collection, they feel connected to the law enforcement community. Timestamps •Why are retired first responders at a high risk of suicide? •The surprising level of support for the families of fallen officers •Law enforcement agencies can handle the aftermath of suicide better •What is stopping first responders from seeking help with mental wellness? •How Blue Wives Matter provides support to families •Recognize when you need help and ask for it •Robert's advice for proper self-care: separate yourself from your work Links Connect with Shell Pavlis: AFSP Board Member, Project 2025 Champion for Orange County, CA Realtor® Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties shellpavlis.afsp@gmail.com All Shell’s Social: https://linktr.ee/shellseeshell [https://linktr.ee/shellseeshell] Connect with our guests, Robert and Kristen Sweaza: BlueWivesMatter@gmail.com [BlueWivesMatter@gmail.com] RSweaza206@gmail.com Blue Wives Matter website: https://www.bluewivesmatter.net/ Copline: https://www.copline.org/ Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) https://www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/ Survivors of Blue Suicide (SBS): https://www.survivorsofbluesuicide.org/ Blue H.E.L.P. : https://bluehelp.org/ Council on Aging OC https://www.coasc.org [https://www.coasc.org] Children’s Hospital of Orange County https://www.choc.org/mental-health/ Hoag Hospital https://www.hoag.org/about-hoag/community-benefit/hoag-programs/mental- health-services/ University of California, Irvine https://counseling.uci.edu/services/ Let’s Stop Suicide. Mental Health for All. Suicide Prevention. Suicide Support. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Orange County, CA: https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county Become a Volunteer https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county#volunteer Advocacy https://afsp.org/become-a-suicide-prevention-public-policy-advocate National Alliance on Mental Health https://nami.org/Support-Education DiDi Hirsch Mental Health Services (LA & OC) https://didihirsch.org Connect with Hope Out of the Darkness: http://HopeOutoftheDarkness.com Record a Question about mental health or suicide to be answered on an episode of Hope Out of the Darkness: https://www.speakpipe.com/HopeOutoftheDarkness Want to be a guest, or have an idea for a discussion you want to hear? Email Shellpavlis.afsp@gmail.com

Part 1: Mental Illness and Police Officers

We're welcoming Joseph Reid back to the Hope Out of the Darkness Podcast. Joe is the founder and executive director of BrokenPeople.org and Author of Broken Like Me: And Insider's Toolkit for Mending Broken People, which he talked about during Episode 5. In this episode, Joe talks about the relationship between insight, compassion, and law enforcement. Recently, he had the opportunity to speak to law enforcement cadets in cooperation with The Cardinal Group, who got a little more than they bargained for with Joe's speech, and how he hopes to help future law enforcement officers understand how to respond to mental health crises both with the public they serve and themselves. If you are in crisis or know someone who is...please call: Suicide Lifeline at 1-800- 273-8255 or text the word “help” to 741-741 http://afsp.org/get-help [http://afsp.org/get-help] About Joe: Joseph Reid has had a passion for loving and helping people from a very early age. He is the founder and Executive Director of Broken People, an international mental health peer support group. He is also very active as a peer support specialist and family advocate with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the nation's largest grassroots mental health nonprofit organization. He is extremely passionate about following God's direction, loving and serving his wife Melissa of 24 years, and trying to keep up with his four awesome grown kids. He currently oversees several brilliant writers on his website's blog that can be found at: www.broken-people.org Joseph has created a practical and easy-to-use scale for measuring your everyday mental wellness. He provides good tips on journaling and how to make your practice more enjoyable for those of us who are uncomfortable with the concept of journaling in general. In his book Broken Like Me: An Insider's Toolkit For Mending Broken People, Joseph acknowledges connections as vital to healthy mental health and shares how he builds and nurtures his own friendships, approaches isolation, and evaluates taking risks. Timestamps: * What happens when the career you've trained for won't work for you? * Identifying your emotions and what they're telling you * How Joseph is helping future law enforcement officers understand mental health * Statistics about law enforcement officers you may not know * Self-care is important in order for you to have the capacity to help others * Celebrating failure as the opportunity for future successes * Why building trust is important, especially for police officers * Are mental health first responders a good idea? * How we can prevent suicide by firearms * Teaching your friends how to help you weather a mental health storm * Coming up next on Hope Out of the Darkness Links Connect with Shell Pavlis: AFSP Board Member, Project 2025 Champion for Orange County, CA Realtor® Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties shellpavlis.afsp@gmail.com All Shell’s Social: https://linktr.ee/shellseeshell [https://linktr.ee/shellseeshell] Connect with our guest, Joseph Reid: Website: https://www.broken-people.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephereid Book: Broken Like Me: An Insider’s Toolkit for Mending Broken People https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095JG9D4Z/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-countyhttps://bewelloc.org/ Council on Aging OC https://www.coasc.org [https://www.coasc.org] Children’s Hospital of Orange County https://www.choc.org/mental-health/ [https://www.choc.org/mental-health/] Hoag Hospital https://www.hoag.org/about-hoag/community-benefit/hoag-programs/mental-health-services/ [https://www.hoag.org/about-hoag/community-benefit/hoag-programs/mental-health-services/] University of California, Irvine https://counseling.uci.edu/services/ [https://counseling.uci.edu/services/] Let’s Stop Suicide. Mental Health for All. Suicide Prevention. Suicide Support. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Orange County, CA: https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county Become a Volunteer https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county#volunteer Advocacy https://afsp.org/become-a-suicide-prevention-public-policy-advocate National Alliance on Mental Health https://nami.org/Support-Education DiDi Hirsch Mental Health Services (LA & OC) https://didihirsch.org [https://didihirsch.org] Connect with Hope Out of the Darkness: http://HopeOutoftheDarkness.com Record a Question about mental health or suicide to be answered on an episode of Hope Out of the Darkness: https://www.speakpipe.com/HopeOutoftheDarkness Want to be a guest, or have an idea for a discussion you want to hear? Email Shellpavlis.afsp@gmail.com

Integrative Treatment for Suicidal Thoughts and Mental Wellness with Britten Devereaux

Integrative Treatment for Suicidal Thoughts and Mental Wellness with Britten Devereaux There is much more to mental health than a person's feelings. Sleep, diet, relationships, and screen time all contribute to a person's mental well-being. Britten Devereaux explains how and why she and her colleagues treat the entire person, along with the patient's family to achieve lasting relief from mental health struggles. Her compassionate approach not only has produced amazing results but also helps her feel hopeful each and every day. If you are in crisis or know someone who is...please call: Suicide Lifeline at 1-800- 273-8255 or text the word “help” to 741-741 http://afsp.org/get-help [http://afsp.org/get-help] About Britten: Most recently, Britten changed her focus from subacute residential care to outpatient care based on families consistently seeking more flexible service scheduling. It grieves her heart to see people settle for status quo when the is a wild and free life just millimeters away. Her personal story is one of determination and leaving what doesn't work behind. Completing her Master of Science in Addiction Counseling concurrent to a role as Clinical Supervisor, then Managing Director, Britten ensures patients are treated with dignity and that care is tailored, time-bound, and specific. "Individual mental health is the axis point to family stability, marketplace innovation, and overall wellness." As a Licensed Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Britten has her MAC from the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals and is committed to see staff and patients reach the goals they did not believe possible. You will often hear her talking about Pacific Solstice being the leading force to change the landscape of psychiatry. Combining services, neurological, social, and psychological, she educates families to move from scarcity and deficits (what she calls a wasteland) to psychiatric care that is collaborative and strengths-based (what she calls a capital city). "This ultra-personal space of the service sector demands innovation and hospitality. Given over time, generations, not just individuals, live a different narrative... one of courage, health, and connection." * The integrative approach uses more, not less * We heal together and learn together * Some of the treatments offered and how they work together * Ending the stigma within families facilitates healing * How MeRT works and what it can do * The effects of screen time on mental health * Healing veterans: isolation, Afghanistan, and the warrior mentality * Preventing ER visits for mental health crises * It all starts with sleep * The little things each day add up to hopeful Links Connect with Shell Pavlis: AFSP Board Member, Project 2025 Champion for Orange County, CA Realtor® Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties shellpavlis.afsp@gmail.com [shellpavlis.afsp@gmail.com] All Shell’s Social: https://linktr.ee/shellseeshell [https://linktr.ee/shellseeshell] Connect with our guest, Britten Devereaux: Pacific Solstice Integrative Clinic: https://pacificsolstice.com/ [https://pacificsolstice.com/] Council on Aging OC https://www.coasc.org [https://www.coasc.org] Children’s Hospital of Orange County https://www.choc.org/mental-health/ [https://www.choc.org/mental-health/] Hoag Hospital https://www.hoag.org/about-hoag/community-benefit/hoag-programs/mental-health-services/ [https://www.hoag.org/about-hoag/community-benefit/hoag-programs/mental-health-services/] University of California, Irvine https://counseling.uci.edu/services/ [https://counseling.uci.edu/services/] Let’s Stop Suicide. Mental Health for All. Suicide Prevention. Suicide Support. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Orange County, CA: https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county [https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county] Become a Volunteer https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county#volunteer [https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county#volunteer] Advocacy https://afsp.org/become-a-suicide-prevention-public-policy-advocate [https://afsp.org/become-a-suicide-prevention-public-policy-advocate] National Alliance on Mental Health https://nami.org/Support-Education [https://nami.org/Support-Education] DiDi Hirsch Mental Health Services (LA & OC) https://didihirsch.org [https://didihirsch.org] Connect with Hope Out of the Darkness: http://HopeOutoftheDarkness.com [http://HopeOutoftheDarkness.com] Record a Question about mental health or suicide to be answered on an episode of Hope Out of the Darkness: https://www.speakpipe.com/HopeOutoftheDarkness [https://www.speakpipe.com/HopeOutoftheDarkness] Want to be a guest, or have an idea for a discussion you want to hear? Email Shellpavlis.afsp@gmail.com [Shellpavlis.afsp@gmail.com]

Hope, Healing and Arts

The arts can have a profound effect on a person's mental health and can offer a place of hope and healing to many people. Dylan Russell and Jake Blair, Aunt and Nephew, tell us about how the arts offered a safe place to express their emotions after losing their family member to suicide. Dylan is the Director of Education and Outreach at Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, CA and discusses Laguna Playhouse’s program for teens and young adults, talks about some of her favorite teaching experiences, and explains very well how and why art is such a great healing tool. Jake is pursuing his master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Denver after working with people who were struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse motivated him to become better educated about how to help people who are struggling. He shares his story of healing through music, what he learned working in the acute residential treatment center, and how mental health caregivers can avoid burnout. If you are in crisis or know someone who is...please call: Suicide Lifeline at 1-800- 273-8255 or text the word “help” to 741-741 http://afsp.org/get-help [http://afsp.org/get-help] About Dylan: Dylan is a director, educator, new play developer, and community engagement specialist whose passion for interactive storytelling has influenced her work with schools and organizations such as Laguna Playhouse, American Conservatory Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Oakland Public Schools, Jewish Community High School, and TheatreFIRST. Dylan envisioned, created, and leads the OUR STORIES program at Laguna Playhouse, which utilizes generative theatre practices to combat stigma, create awareness about mental health, and amplify the voices of youth and young adults ages 16-25. Dylan was recognized as a KNX Hero in 2020 for her work on Our Stories and the program was a recipient of the Biller Family Foundation COVID-19 Social Impact Theatre Innovation Award 2021. About Jake: Jake is currently a 27-year-old grad student at the University of Denver where he's studying to get his Master’s degree in Social Work. Before moving to Denver, he was living in San Francisco where he was a counselor at an acute residential treatment center, helping those with mental health conditions and substance abuse issues who were just getting out of crisis situations. Professionally, he's worked with many folks that have had suicide attempts and deal with chronic and acute suicidality as well as having personal history surrounding the topic of suicide. Timestamps • Meet this week's guests, Dylan Russel and Jake Blair • How Jake used music to process grief • Art allows people to experience their emotions with others • Laguna Playhouse has created a program that is a safe space for people to share their stories • How sharing your experiences with others is a powerful healing tool • Starting a conversation by exposing your own vulnerability and emotions • What it takes to be a good arts teacher • How can mental health workers avoid compassion fatigue? • Make the time to connect with others Links Connect with Shell Pavlis: AFSP Board Member, Project 2025 Champion for Orange County, CA Realtor® Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties shellpavlis.afsp@gmail.com All Shell’s Social: https://linktr.ee/shellseeshell [https://linktr.ee/shellseeshell] Connect with our guests, Dylan Russel and Jake Blair: Laguna Playhouse https://lagunaplayhouse.com/ Our Stories https://lagunaplayhouse.com/education-community-engagement/our-stories/ Council on Aging OC https://www.coasc.org Children’s Hospital of Orange County https://www.choc.org/mental-health/ Hoag Hospital https://www.hoag.org/about-hoag/community-benefit/hoag-programs/mental-health-services/ University of California, Irvine https://counseling.uci.edu/services/ Let’s Stop Suicide. Mental Health for All. Suicide Prevention. Suicide Support. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Orange County, CA: https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county Become a Volunteer https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county#volunteer Advocacy https://afsp.org/become-a-suicide-prevention-public-policy-advocate National Alliance on Mental Health https://nami.org/Support-Education DiDi Hirsch Mental Health Services (LA & OC) https://didihirsch.org [https://didihirsch.org] Connect with Hope Out of the Darkness: http://HopeOutoftheDarkness.com Record a Question about mental health or suicide to be answered on an episode of Hope Out of the Darkness: https://www.speakpipe.com/HopeOutoftheDarkness Want to be a guest, or have an idea for a discussion you want to hear? Email Shellpavlis.afsp@gmail.com