Your Oxygen Mask First Unicorn Wellness

Trigger warning: discussion on firearms, suicide, and violence.

As the discussion around firearm ownership and accessibility becomes more and more heated in America, the conversation around mental health can be overshadowed.  Politics and passion aside; focusing on having accessible mental health care without judgment for everyone (including those who own firearms) is critical.

We recorded this episode a few months ago, however, I did not publish it when I planned due to multiple suicides by firearm deaths that happened in our community at the time.  I felt the timing was not appropriate at that moment with these incidents still fresh.  The more I held on to release, the more incidents kept happening around the country.  I realized there would never be a "right" time to talk about it.  The right time is now.

In this episode, I talk to Jake Wiskerchen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zephyr Wellness, and Michael Sodini, Founder of the non-profit Walk the Talk America. They have partnered to make mental health resources more accessible to firearm owners, as well as delivering training to mental health professionals to be more culturally competent when treating people in crisis who own firearms (are afraid of the ramifications of disclosing that information).

It was an eye-opening conversation and I learned so much more about the importance of treating the source of the problem and not just the symptom.

To learn more about their programs:


Jake Wiskerchen: https://www.zephyrwellness.org/
Michael Sodini : https://walkthetalkamerica.org/


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“Did you really want to die?"
"No one commits suicide because they want to die."
"Then why do they do it?"
"Because they want to stop the pain.”
― Tiffanie DeBartolo, How to Kill a Rock Star

There are many misconceptions floating around now surrounding suicide.  I even subscribed to some of them at the beginning of this podcast journey, out of my own grief and misunderstanding.  

Today, we flip some of those narratives on their heads with Dr. Steven Nicholas, Ed. D, MFT, NCC.  Dr. Steve is taking an innovative approach to those seeking to end the pain by showing us that connection could be the key to keeping those who want to end the pain from dying by suicide. He details this idea (and more) in his new book "Living Ideation: A New Approach to Suicide Prevention and Intervention".

You can find Dr. Steve's book at most major book retailers, including Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736488902/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_EY6PE6XH1GXRZKD5DG9T.

Email: contact@livingideation.com


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What if you could have your own personal health and wellness coach to guide you through a program that teaches you and your co-workers proper nutrition, stress management, sleep hygiene, and a kick-ass workout program?

First In Wellness is a new organization that is doing just that! In this episode, we chat with Danielle Cook Kawash, a registered dietitian and the founder of the program; with her trusty sidekick Simon Matthews, Psychologist, and Director of Coaching.

We will hear all about their new pilot program they are running with a fire department in California and hear some secret tips on how to change your habits to live a happier and healthier life!

To learn more about the program:

firstinwellness.com

danielle@firstinwellness.com

simon@firstinwellness.com



Resources:

www.ouraring.com

www.geteversleep.com


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The way we communicate about mental health can dramatically shift the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. This is especially true in the world of a first responder and how we talk about depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide can make or break a responder in crisis.  

I am excited to introduce you to Erin Craw, a second-year Ph.D. student at Chapman University.  She is delving into the world of mental health for first responders and her dissertation is taking a look at how messaging and communication impacts the mental health of first responders and how improving the narrative can help save lives.

Connect with Erin:
craw@chapman.edu
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-s-craw-ma-73b66487/
https://www.academyhour.com/


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Talking about bias and discrimination can be difficult, but it is necessary conversation... especially for first responders.  In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kimberly Miller about her upcoming intensive course that is a no-blame, no-shame look at racism, privilege, implicit bias and ethics and is filled with tools, resources, and strategies on how you can heal relationships in your community, and establish trust and legitimacy.

To learn more about Dr. Kimberly Miller or her classes, visit or contact her at: 


Website: https://www.kimberlymillerphd.com/
email: dr.miller@kimberlymillerconsulting.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkimberlymiller/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kimberly-A-Miller-Associates-225461697591731/


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We are facing uncertain times with information changing by the minute.  How is a first responder or hospital/EMS worker supposed to cope in the face of the COVID-19 crisis?  In this raw and unedited episode (recorded in a firehouse...don't worry, we didn't touch anything), we sit down with Dr. Steve Nicholas, who is a trauma-informed clinician who works with first responders and Northern Nevada Peer Support Network President Derek Reid to discuss how to navigate this uncharted territory and how to show up for work and at home with a sense of purpose. We discuss anxiety, "spinning", and the danger of isolation and what you can do to find connection in the absence of physical connection.  We all hope this helps!


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youroxygenmaskfirst/support