DBSA Omaha New Hope

On Thursday September 11, Don shared with us his presentation entitled “ I Believe “

Don began by sharing that we all have our own beliefs.  The truths that Don believes may not be your own beliefs, but these beliefs are true according to Don.  We all have our own sets  of values and beliefs. 

Knowing and living your own beliefs may be difficult, but it is a way to your true self. And an alignment of your own beliefs will help you get through many of life’s storms. 

Don also had us participate in an exercise about finding your authentic self. He handed out a sheet with a title of “ Fast Values Exercise “ at the top. 

There were approximately 93 choices on this list, and our job was to choose and circle all of the words that most appropriately described us. 

And then we had to choose our top five words that described us best. 

My chosen top five words were Family, knowledge, Spirituality, mindfulness, and thoughtfulness.  

I love presentations such as this, that really make us stop and think about what we value and to also learn more about ourselves.  And most importantly to remind ourselves of the many gifts we each have that we can also share with others. 

This past Thursday, our fearless leader Miriam shared with us her presentation entitled “ Family Events “

She began by asking us to share a word that would describe how you feel at family events.  Some of the words shared were hopeful, scared, and anxious.

Or maybe we even have bad memories of the Holidays last year. 

Miriam shared that she visited her Mom last Summer in July.  She was a little anxious about visiting her Mom and family,  but to her surprise everyone got along and it all worked out.  So, when we have these visits with our families, what if it all works out?  

Miriam gave us different ways that we can have a better family event.  There are ways that you can prepare in advance for your defense.

1) Identify your triggers, and prepare for them.

2) Set realistic expectations.  Find little moments of joy that can supersede the negative things.

3) Establish and communicate boundaries.

4) Plan a self-care strategy for when you start to feel anxious.

5) Arrange an exit strategy for your departure.  Remember it’s okay to walk away from people who are not treating you well.

6) Find an ally.   Find someone who you do like and have a good conversation.

7) Use effective communication.

8) Practice active listening.

9) Try to focus on the moments of joy.

10) Reflect on what went well and what did not go well.

And finally, practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself.  

Miriam gave us great helpful tips and advice for when we get together with our families.  I for one will try and use some of this information the next time I am with my family! 

Yesterday, Don graduated from the Nebraska State Certified Peer Support Specialist training course at Community Alliance! In attendance for the graduation ceremony were several past and present DBSA board members. Not on to the state certification test and hopefully in the next few months a new career direction!

This past Thursday, we had a guest speaker.  Jennifer from Douglas County Mental Health shared with us her presentation on the proper use of Narcan. 

Narcan is a one use nasal spray that is used in the event of a drug overdose.

She shared that not only do people overdose on illegal drugs, but they can also overdose on prescription drugs. 

Jennifer advised that Opioids, which can be either prescription pain killers or illegal drugs,  are a common source of an overdose. 

One way to identify an overdose is if the person seems too relaxed. Too many Opioids can cause your body to relax too much.

She also shared an acronym that will help even more to identify an overdose.

A- is the person alert? If they are talking, then they’re alert.

B- Breathing?  Is their breathing decreased, is there less breathing or an absence of breathing?

C- Color of lips or fingertips. Is there a change in their skin tone? 

Narcan is only one dose, and will normally assist with breathing. However after 3-4 minutes, if there is no response, you can use a second dose if needed. 

If you are dealing with someone who is experiencing an overdose, first and foremost it’s important to call 911. There is no limit on the age of someone who can overdose. Sixty percent of overdoses happen in residential settings. 

When calling 911 for someone who has overdosed, make sure and be aware of your surroundings, noting the nearest entrance and exit.  This will be important for any emergency services that come to assist. Jennifer also talked briefly about Nebraska’s Good Samaritan Law, which encourages people to call 911 if someone is experiencing an overdose.

The Good Samaritan Law , basically allows for one person to provide emergency care at the scene of an emergency, and the person assisting is relieved of any civil liability. Jennifer provided a very informative, and helpful presentation for us and did an amazing job.

Thank you, Jennifer! 

You can find a full definition of Nebraska’s Good Samaritan law on Nebraska’s Legislature website at: 

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=25-21,186

On Thursday the 14th of August, Carolyn shared with us her presentation entitled “ Freedom”

She opened by singing one of her favorite songs that reminds her of freedom. “ Country Roads “ by John Denver.

So when it comes to freedom, what does it mean to you?  Freedom has different meanings for different people.  Freedom doesn’t just mean independence.  It can mean being free of control from others who are trying to control our lives. 

We want to be able to move freely and not feel like we are in someone else’s clutch all the time.  Carolyn shared that this is exactly where she is right now, feeling like she is in someone else’s grip.  She said it’s been going on for a long time. And it has felt like self-imprisonment to her since she hasn’t done anything about it.  

But she feels more determined than ever before to get released from this hold on her.  How about you?  Do you have something that is holding you in a tight grip?  So what exactly is it that has a grip on you?  And what exactly is freedom to you?  Can you define it?  

Remember you have the freedom of your mind.  Do you feel any constraints?  Physical, mental or emotional?  Feeling free and being free can be two different things. 

Are you free if you feel obliged to help someone?   There is such a thing as time freedom.  Time freedom is the ability to choose what you want to do with your time. It’s doing what you love doing most. Now! Not later!  You need to focus more on your well being and happiness. Maybe do something crazy that you always wanted to do. 

So, is total freedom good for you?  Not if you lose your self respect. We all need a certain level of control and responsibility. We have the freedom to acquire knowledge, or to get a job. 

We can use the lack of freedom that many of us feel as motivation to push us further.  Freedom isn’t always happiness, but your actions, the creating, and helping others in rough spots so they can improve their lives. This can be very satisfying to most . 

Freedom is something most people take pride in. Is anyone completely free? 

Can true freedom exist without limits or rules?  Real freedom is when you can decide for yourself to do what you think is right. The greatest freedom you can positively choose, is to say no and mean it.  But we can’t always get what we want in life. And we can’t always get what we need either. But sometimes we do and it works out okay. 

So, the bottom line is think before you act. Be thankful for the freedoms you do have and for the gift of choices you get to set your mind to. 

This last Thursday, Justin shared with us his latest presentation entitled “ Starting to Rebuild Momentum “

Justin began by sharing that when we are wanting to rebuild momentum in our lives, we will want to start from a specific point.  When you are starting to rebuild momentum, it may feel like you are starting all over again.  However just remember that every time you do start over, that you know even more than you did before.

So what is momentum?  It can be something that is moving that has usually started with a small action.  If there is something in your life upon which you would like to build more momentum, just remember to write it down.  If you write it down and tell someone who cares about you what you are doing, it’s more likely to happen. 

Make a list the of pro’s and con’s.  This can be a helpful way to get yourself motivated and organized.  Consider a schedule you know you can commit to. You will need the discipline to do whatever it is you decide to do. 

Meditation can be helpful as well, but you need to schedule the time for meditation. This could help quiet your mind.  

The motivation to begin building momentum is an internal state that effects our choices.  And the commitment will keep you obligated to that choice. Inspiration can be like a spark that will help you think creatively.  Remember waiting for inspiration and motivation may not come easy.  You won’t know how far you can go if you never start. 

On Thursday July 31st, Miriam shared with us her surprise presentation.  Earlier in the week, Miriam and Don had attended a mental health fair, with several mental health professionals in attendance. While scanning the crowd, Miriam spotted a t-shirt that said “ What if it all Works out” ?  This statement inspired Miriam for her latest presentation.  

She began by asking a question we have probably all asked ourselves before. When we show up to our DBSA group every Thursday night,  we may be asking ourselves why are we all here?  

More than likely we have come to group because we want change. But the change we want can bring on different emotions that we don’t like.  Which leads back to Miriam’s question, what if it all works out?  

What if I fail?  What if I don’t?  

I myself have been considering a major career change for a little while, so this topic could not have come at a better time.

What if the idea you have for a new business were to turn into something?  

What if the risks you are too afraid to take work out for you?  Miriam assured us all that we are stronger than we may realize. 

Is this fear you may have about change causing you to consider less than you deserve?  

Sometimes you have to take a risk and try a new adventure or make new friends. What if that relationship you are afraid to pursue brings you more happiness?  

Remember, life isn’t just about what goes wrong, but also about what goes right.  So, the next time doubt creeps in, ask yourself what if it all works out? 

On Thursday, I presented my latest presentation entitled “ Routine 101”

I remember a time a few years back, when I was truly struggling with anxiety and my mental health. When I think about it, the one common factor that probably contributed to my struggles back then, was a lack of structure and routine in my life. 

What I have learned over the past few years is that I usually need to go beyond my “ comfort zone “ to challenge myself and at the same time adding new routines to my life. With my recent life experiences, I would say that having Structure and Routine are possibly two of the most important parts of staying mentally healthy.

Some things to remember about routine ;

Having a regular routine creates a sense of familiarity and control that can reduce stress levels, and help you feel more in control of your time, and life in general.

Having some structure also helps to fight back against anxiety, because you start focusing more on your daily routine and improving your life, and less on the feelings of anxiety. Lack of routine can make you feel unmotivated and distracted. Structure is necessary for creating stability in our life and routine can help you stay focused and to get things done.

There are some things you can do that will help when you struggle with anxiety;

Think about the many things you’re grateful for before getting out of bed, or when you go to bed at night. Being grateful for what we have is so important.

Sleep does play a big role in our mental and physical health. Work on getting between 7-9 hours per night.

Every night when I am getting ready for bed, I make my to do list for the next day. For me, there is something about the physical act of writing things down that seems to motivate me to get those things completed the next day. 

Slowly add new things into your routine. There are a lot of things you can start doing daily that will help with anxiety and depression. Such as: working out, eating anxiety reducing foods, reading a good book, walking, and journaling. 

Take it one day at a time…learning to take things one day at a time helps you to stay mindful and keeps you more in the moment. It also takes the pressure off. Try to enjoy the process as you are building up a new routine for your life. Focus on today, and remember what you are grateful for. 

Push yourself, but don’t overdo it. Work on putting yourself out there, just pull back before you reach the point of hating something so much that you never want to do it again.

 Try setting an alarm  about an hour before bed. Make this a time you turn off your electronics, and as a reminder it’s time to go to bed. Try cutting off all screen time at least an hour or two before bed. Maybe even do the same with your phone? Not sure if turning off our phones would work for most of us. This will give your mind time to settle and relax before bed. They say that when we are on our phones or tablets too late in the day, it stimulates our brain and makes it harder to go to sleep at night. 

 Write down anything that’s bothering you…before you nod off to sleep, try writing down anything that you’re worried about. This will also help you go to bed with a relaxed and clear mind.

In closing, when it comes to routine and structure in our lives, about four years ago I honestly wasn’t very familiar with this terminology . But now that I attend DBSA meetings most every Thursday, I totally understand the importance of structure and routine and have learned to understand what it means in our lives. Just coming to this group every week is an important piece of the much needed routine and structure in my own life. And it’s an important part of the routine in your life as well.

On Thursday July 17th, Don offered his latest presentation entitled “ Turning Points “

Don spoke about common conditions and reasons that members come to group, things that they want to talk about.  Maybe it’s only depression or only anxiety?  Or maybe both?  He did talk about the characteristics of normal anxiety.  Normal anxiety may be when you’re meeting someone new or possibly how you may perform on an upcoming test.  Don also shared that changes in mood are usually changed by an external force.  We all get snippets of news which can bring their own drama.  And how can we forget our own family drama.  Seems since family knows us so well, they always know how to push our buttons. 

During this presentation, Don did present us with a homework challenge.  

He wants us to write down five external events that are triggers for us.  In addition, also list things you can do to avoid these triggers. 

If you can name these triggers, you will have a more calm life.

He also spoke about points of infection in our lives.  A point of infection is usually a time of change or a turning point in our life.  It can also be maybe when things are getting worse for you.  When this happens, this is when you really need to go to your toolbox.  Your toolbox should be a place you can turn to when you need to start using more self-care to get you through the tough times. 

Maybe there are certain songs or a playlist that are meaningful to you?  You could add those to your own toolbox.  Maybe your toolbox is all about meditation, or going for a walk, or reaching out to friends and family?  

Just remember, belief is everything! 

On Thursday July 10th, Carolyn shared with us her presentation entitled “ What If? “

Carolyn began by asking what if we here at DBSA did not have someone up in front of the room for first hour, giving their latest presentation.  Our goal is always to get you to think of how important the topic is that we are about to present.  Those of us that are giving the presentation’s are always supporting you, and encouraging, nurturing, and even challenging you. We are trying to give you the strength that you need. She shared that we want those attending to flourish, as someone who is flourishing is full of vitality and energy. 

The thing to remember with flourishing is that you cannot do it all alone. 

Flourishing or thriving is more than happiness. It is brought about by your choices and actions.  And by a supporting and nurturing environment that is designed to make it happen for you. 

Most of us have experienced flourishing at some point in our lives. Maybe you excelled in Math, or maybe at sports.  Whatever it was that you did great in, may have seemed insignificant, but things just seemed to come together for you. 

So, what if you joined a group, one that has your same interests.  Such as cooking, dancing, crafts, shopping, or anything at all.  Carolyn told us that she has joined an art group, and when they get together they sit around talking about their lives and just listening to each other. They also go around the room and admire each other’s art and encouraging each other.  They share their troubles with each other and sometimes offering criticism of each other’s work, and then they decide if they want to accept  that criticism or not.   Carolyn also belongs to a singing group where she leads them in singing and she also has a piano player accompanying her.  Many times they sing hymns and patriotic songs. She shared being a part of this singing group makes her feel like she is living life to the fullest.

And she shared when it comes to flourishing, what provides us with a supporting and nurturing environment?  Is it your group of friends, DBSA, church, school, your workplace, or family?  And she asked the question when was the last time you felt amazing?  Has it been awhile?  Maybe it was a smile or a hello from someone?  Sometimes if it has been awhile since we have felt amazing, it may be hard to imagine ever feeling amazing again.  Maybe it’s time to flourish?  But you can’t do it alone. You need support that includes people, food, exercise. It we need to try and rid our environment of any toxicity we may have.         

Sometimes we can complicate our lives in ways that empty the joy from our days. We may try to do more than we have time for.

And then Carolyn asked us to picture we are in a deep hole on 72nd st. What if you are sick of falling into that same hole day after day. Are you ready to try a different street?  Sometimes it is so easy to walk down the same hole we are familiar with, and falling into that same hole again and again.  So, what if tried a different street to walk down.  Maybe you would surprise yourself and you wouldn’t fall into a hole again. You still have to be aware and it takes courage to take a different street.  And to embrace a new direction in your own life. Maybe it is now time to get yourself out of the hole you’re in, and find a new path. Are you ready for a new path?  Carolyn shared a very profound quote statement with us.  “ If you Aim at Nothing, you Will hit it every time “

She closed by saying, what if we had no sense of humor.  We need to try and not take life so seriously.  We need to remember to look on the bright side of life, and know you are not alone!