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You’re not alone

On June 10th, please join us Berg Park (the corner of Scott Ave and San Juan Blvd) around 7:30 pm at the Pavilion- for an intimate gathering with families & community members who have lost a loved one to suicide.

Bring a photo and your memories of your loved one as we come together and celebrate their memory … and honor their memory with a moment of silence and close out the evening with a full candle light vigil.

If you are a survivor of a attempted suicide- we are glad you are still among us… join so we can remind you of the love and support you still have and may you be a reminder to others who are struggling- that there still is hope!

Activities, 5K, Kids fun one mile, local provider booths, speakers, butterfly release for lost loved ones, silent auction, music and fun surprises! Proceeds go to Desert View Family Services & Counseling. 

^{Registration Information BELOW!}

About this event

We are working to break the stigma around suicide and help the community find their people in the community. We have been talking for sever years about keeping this conversation going… and now we want to ask each of you, how will you start the conversation about suicide? It starts with a few caring words and a sincere connection!

2022 Event schedule

6:30am- Packet pick-up

7:20am- Line up for Speakers

7:45am- Race Line-up

8:00am- 5K Begins! (Also the children’s 1 mile will begin)

10:45 am- Announce Winners/Award Medals/ Boulevard Knights presents donation to Desert View*

11:00 Silent Auction Winners/Festival/Music/Vendors

11:15pm- Butterfly Release

11:30pm- Closing Speaker/Thank You

Noon- Music & refreshments

To participate in our 5K (walk or run) and receive a t-shirt and be timed for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place- there are several registration options for child, adolescent and adult (with or without t-shirt)

REGISTER HERE: ACTIVE.COM

https://www.active.com/farmington-nm/running/distance-running-races/strides-against-suicide-2022

**Families are allowed to participate without a paid registration- however they still must register the day of the walk and sign a waiver a liability.

We realize not everyone can pay- that’s okay- we just want you, your family and your fur babies there to walk with us and be a voice for those who can cannot have a voice!

Parenting Class is the 2nd Saturday of every month.

Next Class- September 11 , 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.

We use evidenced based curriculum.

6 credit hours of court approved material .

Call 505-326-7878 Option 1 to get signed up!

**Participants must be present and have camera on the entire time to participate – otherwise you may be removed from group.

https://zoom.us/download

If you do not have ZOOM please click this link above.

Please give yourself time to get on and get situation so you are ON TIME FOR CLASS.

Watch the Video Sample of of our evidenced based curriculum!

Substance Abuse every Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.

** GROUPS ARE NOW BACK IN PERSON- SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON CURRENT COVID UPDATE **

Life Skills/Anger Management every Thursday at 4:00 p.m.

** GROUPS ARE NOW BACK IN PERSON- SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON CURRENT COVID UPDATE **

https://zoom.us/signin

Click this link to “download Zoom” for free (available for desktop and phone).

We have group every week-Call 505-326-7878 Push opt 1 to get and get on the list!

Evidenced based- and court approved!

Wednesday Class: Substance Abuse at 4:30

Thursday Class: Skills/ Anger Management at 4:30

Be sure to stay on track with your requirements, spite the pandemic.

if we should go back to class… the directions below will apply:

You must be on time and have your camera on the entire time or risk being removed from the group!

The day before group we will send you a separate link (via text ) and that is how you will participate.

https://pulltogether.org/

RESOURCES MAP NOW AVAILABLE

You can now see a map view of the various resources to support children, youth and families available throughout New Mexico. The map includes names and locations of different service providers and more detailed information.

https://pulltogether.org/resources-by-county

What is PullTogether?

As New Mexicans, we are all responsible for making our state a great place to grow up. We may face challenges, but our strong communities and diverse cultures make it possible to give all children the love, support, and guidance they deserve.

PullTogether is about enlisting parents, families, community members, and young people in the fight to make sure our children are safe, cared for, and ready to succeed.

If we all work together, we can make New Mexico the best place to be a kid.

Support for Parents

“When I feel myself losing patience with my kids, it really helps to take 5 minutes of alone time to calm down.”

“I plan small breaks for myself throughout the day, like listening to relaxing music or taking a walk outside with my baby. It helps keep stress from building up.” 

“I lose my patience more quickly when I’m worried about things other than my kids, like work or friends. Acknowledging that keeps me from taking it out on them.”

For more advice from parents who have been there before, click here.prevnext

HELP AND ADVICE FOR NEW MEXICO PARENTS

Being a parent is hard. But you don’t have to do it all on your own.

• Feeling frustrated? Get advice from parents who have done it before.
• Find child care in your area here. You may qualify for financial assistance—find out more.
• New parents may qualify for a free parenting coach. Learn more about free home visiting programs. 
• Need expert help with homework? Log on to Brainfuse for one-to-one, online homework help.
• Having fun with your family doesn’t have to break the bank. Click here to find low-cost family activities. 
• We all have the power to stop tragedies before they happen. Give a child a voice.
• Nobody should have to feel scared in their own home. If you do, reach out for help.  
• Summer months mean more mouths to feed at home. Find out where to get free meals for kids.
• To find other resources in your area, click here.

Don’t see what you need? Call PullTogether at 800-691-9067, email us at info@pulltogether.org, contact your local community hub, or see what’s happening in our online community forum.

What is PullTogether?

As New Mexicans, we are all responsible for making our state a great place to grow up. We may face challenges, but our strong communities and diverse cultures make it possible to give all children the love, support, and guidance they deserve.

Community Hotlines

If you need immediate assistance or feel that you or your child is in danger, call 911.

GENERAL SERVICES	PHONE
NM Child Abuse / Neglect Hotline	#SAFE from cell phone 1-855-333-7233
NM Crisis Line	1-855-662-7474 1-855-227-5485 (TTY)
Poison Control	1-800-222-1222
NM Adult Protective Services	1-866-654-3219
SUICIDE PREVENTION	PHONE
NM Help Line (Agora)	1-866-HELP-1-NM
Spanish-Language Suicide Hotline	1-800-784-2432
Suicide Text Line	741741
24/7 Emergency Line	575-758-1125
SUBSTANCE ABUSE	PHONE
NM Substance Abuse Helpline	1-855-505-4505
Agora Crisis Center	505-277-3013
NATIONAL SERVICES	PHONE
National Hopeline Network	1-800-SUICIDE
National Domestic Violence Hotline	1-800-799-7233 1-800-942-6908 (Español) 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
National Sexual Assault Hotline	1-800-656-HOPE
National Child Abuse Hotline	1-800-24-ACHILD
National Child Abuse Prevention Line	1-800-CHILDREN
National Teen Dating Abuse Help	1-866-331-9474
National Runaway Switchboard	1-800-637-0701 Ext. 118
Gambling Addiction	1-800-522-4700

While the outbreak of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) has created a great physical health concern, it has also created a large mental health concern as a result of the increased fear and anxiety connected with it.  It is important that along with taking preventative and precautionary steps to protect ourselves from the infection, that we take steps to protect out mental health as well.

We have included information and tips for the following groups:

• General Population
• Individuals Receiving Mental Health Services
• Parents and Caregivers of Children and Caregivers of Elderly Individuals
• Mental Health Providers and First Responders

General Population:

Anxiety and fear are normal reactions to stress and danger, but during a pandemic the levels can spiral out of control.  It is important to ensure that you monitor these levels and track increasing levels of anxiety and fear. 

1. Normal stress reactions are to be expected with the increasing worry connected to COVID-19. Some normal stress reactions are the following:
   1. Change in activity levels.
   2. Decreased efficiency and effectiveness.
   3. Difficulty communicating.
   4. Increased sense of humor/gallows humor.
   5. Irritability, outbursts of anger, frequent arguments.
   6. Inability to rest, relax, or let down.
   7. Change in eating habits.
   8. Change in sleep patterns.
   9. Increased focus on cleanliness or infection.

When stress and fear interfere with your ability to do daily tasks and normal reactions become extreme or prolonged, this should be addressed with outside support and professional help.

• There are several daily items which can serve to reduce anxiety and fear during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Shelter in Place Order.
  • Washing hands, using hand sanitizer, carrying hand sanitizer with you, and social distancing to reduce worry of infection.
  • Setting up options for working remotely.
  • Setting schedules and prepare for the next 7 days, but being flexible and willing to change plans as needed will help with a sense of normalcy.
  • Reference and research information you read on social media to prevent increased worry.
  • Practice self-care and include items such as: exercise, healthy eating, time with family, connecting with friends virtually, focusing on the positive moments.
• Avoid increased alcohol or substance use to avoid anxiety and stress or to assist with difficulties sleeping.
• If the anxiety and fear become overwhelmingly strong and prolonged, you feel hopeless, or have thoughts of self-injury or suicide, seek help immediately by calling the Mental Health Resources, Inc. Crisis Hotline at 1-800-432-2159 or the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Practicing grounding, mindfulness exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques can be helpful.

Individuals Receiving Mental Health Services

It is important to contact your mental health provider and schedule a time to speak with them as soon as possible. 

1. Identify coping skills and mindfulness exercises which will assist you with reducing anxiety and managing your stress or fear during difficult times.
   1. Identify a therapeutic plan to ensure that you are able to continue mental health services during the crisis.  (Referral to a different provider, phone or tele-video sessions, health home/care coordination services.)
   1. Request refills of medication to ensure that if there is a service interruption, medication refills are on hand with your pharmacy.
   1. Identify additional support systems.  Connecting with support groups, friends, and family who can provide non-judgmental support can be key in anxiety provoking times.
   1. Mental Health Resources, Inc. will be providing services during all levels of the CODVID-19 crisis via telephone or tele-video for therapeutic and psychiatric appointments, and crisis services through the MHR Crisis Line, 1-800-432-2159.

Parents and Caregivers of Children and Caregivers of Elderly Individuals

Parents and Caregivers will face a special challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is important to acknowledge that there are two major types of challenges you will likely face; addressing your own feelings, and challenges addressing the crisis with those you care for (elderly, child, mentally disabled)

1. Gauge the need and level of information to share and how to best discuss the changes and events that are occurring.  Almost all children as young as grade school have heard the term Coronavirus or COVID-19 and have heard individuals talk about the crisis and what is happening in our nation.  Children respond more to how a parent shares information that what is shared and as such making sure that you are prepared, understanding, and confident when discussing the topic with them is key. 
   1. Use words and terms that are age appropriate and share the level of information that they need to hear and providing information that is beyond what is asked for by the children.  Don’t give blind reassurance or dismiss the negative, but avoid oversharing. 
   1. Younger children will be less likely to understand what is going on or why the changes have occurred.  Older children will be more aware how the world works and be more inclined to seek their own information in the absence of information provided by caregivers and parents.  For the elderly and/or mentally disabled, assessment of what level of information will be understood will be a case by case item.
2. Set boundaries related to access of information that is viewed.  Unfortunately, in the age of 24-hour news and social media there is a lot of wrong information online and this can cause undue anxiety and fear.  Additionally, there is also the need to guard against information overload and constant updates.  Limiting the amount of time spent online and watching news while being more available and discussing what any concerns.
3. With elderly or mentally handicapped, they may have a difficult time understanding what is explained.  Focus on helping them understand the changes, not focus on the causes, if mental capacity is an issue, but this is a case by case issue to be assessed.
4. Those in long-term care facilities may feel isolated, especially if they are used to daily visits from loved ones.  Understand that the absence will most likely increase anxiety and feelings of loneliness, so make accommodations that can support the mental health of those individuals. Find ways which you can interact and visit with them by phone or virtually. 
5. Young children may feel overwhelmed and overly anxious when expected to not attend school, see friends, play sports, etc. Remember to remain calm in interactions and not let the stress of the situation to impact how you react.
6. Connected to anxiety, watch for signs of depression and/or hopelessness. Make sure children and adults you care for know you are available to talk, and if needed, seek professional help by contacting the MHR Crisis Line, 1-800-432-2159, or an outpatient provider.
7. Make sure you take time for you.  As the caregiver you can only help reduce anxiety of those you care for by addressing your own anxiety and stress.  (See General Population Section.)

Mental Health Providers and First Responders

As professionals used to high stress jobs and situations we often forget or pretend that we are not impacted by events such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.  Make sure that you assess and address your own stress, anxiety, and fear around events.

1. Prepare yourself for the impact that dealing with the anxiety and stress of those you encounter as part of your professional role will have on you.  Prepare yourself for what you will see, hear, and experience and have plans for how to share and address these items.
2. Make self-care a priority, this includes:
   1. Physical health: adequate sleep and rest, health diet and not skipping meals, exercise, and assessment of physical impact for your body.
   1. Mental health: making sure to take time away, maintaining social connections, separating work and home life, peer supports and peer interactions.
3. Work with coworkers, superiors, and supporting agencies to assist with contingency plans as needed and possible.  Options to consider are items such as working virtually, employing crisis management services, working rotating shifts, and coordination of support to family members as needed.
4. Remember you are human and to seek professional help if you become overwhelmed by what you experience or vicarious traumatization.  It is crucial that you protect your own mental health and address your own anxiety, fear, and stress.