| | | In Her Name NewsletterMarch 2024 – Issue 19 www.inhernamekp.org | Our MissionTo build an informed, supportive community that collaboratively addresses mental health challenges.… in Kathy’s name. | |
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| | A Note From Our FounderDr. Michelle Boodoo | Happy International Women's Day to all the incredible women out there! Every day, I am continuously inspired by your strength, resilience, and beauty. Thank you for being a source of support, wisdom, and empowerment. Here's to celebrating you and your contributions to the world.
Always Strong, Always Fierce, Always Beautiful! |  | | Honoring Kathy’s 27th Birthday |  | Honoring the memory of your loved one is a way to cope with grief while keeping their spirit alive through whatever means possible.
This year, on Kathy's birthday, her dad and I embarked on a pilgrimage—a walk/hike that started in France and ended in Spain.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of individuals walk the path for weeks with only the essentials in their backpacks. Through the Pyrenees and ancient cities like Pamplona, Leon, and Burgos, they seek clarity, peace, and whatever else their hearts desire. Everyone completes the walk for different reasons, but many do it to connect with God, nature, and loved ones.
This was a journey Kathy had dreamed of doing with us many times, but unfortunately, it never happened. As we walked each step on the pilgrimage, we carried Kathy with us in our hearts and hoped she felt our love. | | Men Have Mental Illness Too!
Both men and women experience mental health challenges, yet men are often less likely to seek treatment, resulting in significantly higher suicide rates compared to women.
If you're silently struggling with your mental health, please reach out to your loved ones and seek support from a professional. Hiding your depression is not the answer; there's no need to feel afraid or ashamed. Please ask for help; your mental well-being is just as important!
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| | | Check on Your Happy Friends Too!Please remember to check in on your loved ones who may be struggling with their mental health. They might be smiling outside, but it's a different story inside.
If you are experiencing depression, please reach out for support. Talk to your doctor, a mental health professional, or a trusted friend or family member. They can provide guidance and connect you with the necessary resources to begin your journey towards healing.
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| | Talking About Suicide Can Save Lives
The topic of suicide often goes silent, yet it's vital to acknowledge the profound impact that open dialogue can have in preventing suicide. Suicide is a complex and delicate issue, and talking about the subject may feel daunting. However, breaking this silence is essential for nurturing empathy, understanding, and support. Don't hesitate to ask the tough questions. |
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| | Your life is a precious gift, and the world is a better place with you in it. So please, take care of yourself, be kind to yourself, and never forget that you are loved and valued, and your life matters more than you could ever know. | Sometimes, All They Need is Someone to Listen
During those tough moments when everything feels overwhelming, dealing with mental health challenges can be incredibly difficult for those who are struggling. Please be the one to lend a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, or just a quiet presence whenever they need it. Simply having someone there to listen can make all the difference. You could be the glue that holds them together during their darkest moments.
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| | | Be Kind
We never truly know what someone else is going through behind the scenes. Even the people who seem the happiest or most put-together may be silently battling their own struggles. That's why it's so important for us to spread kindness wherever we go. A simple act of kindness, a smile, or a thoughtful gesture can have a ripple effect, brightening someone's day and lifting their spirits in ways we may never fully understand. Let's consciously try to be kinder to one another and offer support and compassion without judgment. Let's be kind to each other. |
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Men and Suicide Rate
One of the most concerning outcomes of untreated mental health issues among men is the high rate of suicide. In many cultures, seeking help for mental health struggles is perceived as a sign of weakness, leading men to suffer in silence rather than reaching out for support.
As a society, it's crucial to break down these barriers and encourage men to seek help when needed. Creating safe spaces for men to open up about their feelings, providing accessible mental health resources, and challenging harmful stereotypes are essential steps in addressing this issue.
By fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance, we can work towards lowering the male suicide rate and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, receive the support they need to prioritize their mental health and well-being.
It's okay not to be okay, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. |
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All around the world, men face their own set of challenges when it comes to mental health. Societal expectations and traditional gender norms often discourage men from seeking help or expressing vulnerability. As a result, many suffer in silence with their inner struggles alone. | |
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In the digital age, social media has become the canvas upon which we paint picture-perfect versions of our lives. We carefully curate an image of happiness, success, and fulfillment with every post. Yet, beneath the surface, a stark reality often goes unseen. | |
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| |  | How do you "carry on" after losing a loved one to suicide? I ask this question to find ways to ease the pain in my grieving heart.
As April approaches, I find myself lost in thoughts about what Kathy's 27th birthday might have been like. I imagine her surrounded by loved ones, feeling peaceful as she blew out her candles and made a wish. I wonder if she would have felt the warmth of our hugs and the love flowing everywhere. I wonder, and wonder and panic set in, knowing that the thoughts in my head could never happen again. My heart hurts from missing her. | | Disclaimer: In Her Name & Online Community is for informational purposes. It is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace consultation with your physician or mental health professional.
If you or someone you know is in distress, CALL or TEXT 988 or go to https://988lifeline.org for help. The counselors will also help family members. | | | |
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