JUNE 2023
LIFE | LOVE | LOSS
“The most important things in life are the connections you make with others.”
Tom Ford
CONNECTIONS & COMMUNITY
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
-Brene Brown
This month on June 24th the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Utah Vision Day Rally Ride will take place. It’s an amazing day to come together as a community making and strengthening connections to honor those who are no longer with us.
This got my wheels spinning on the deep importance of community and connection in life, for love and certainly through loss. Our community stood up for us in so many ways when my grandma passed after living with us for a couple years. Then again in an even bigger and more profound way with the unexpected loss of our fifteen-year-old son Joey to suicide.
I remember driving in the rain to his viewing and there were ribbons tied to trees, two nights after he died someone had organized a candlelight vigil at the very spot where he took his last breath. At first, we weren’t sure we could be in that place so soon. Yet when we crested the hill and saw the crowds of people, the teenagers who too were suffering the loss with us we knew we needed to stand with and for them.
One of Joey’s favorite movies was Cat in the Hat with Mike Meyers. After his funeral when we walked into a luncheon put on by my wonderful friends and community it was all decorated like Cat & the Hat! The food was all things Joey loved, corn dogs, nacho cheese Doritos chips, Oreos and more. I didn’t think I had a tear left in me. The time, effort, love, and thoughtfulness put into that lunch warmed and melted my heart.
I know we were being held together by the love, kindness, prayers, and service through the connections we had around us in the powerful friendships from those in our community. Being a part of and contributing to a community is important to both mental and emotional wellbeing.
If you do not already belong to a strong community with connections that make you feel seen, heard, and valued then seek one out and join or create your own! If you are part of one continue to find ways to show up, add value, give to others, share your talents and the things that make your heart smile!
These connections through community can enrich our lives in deep and meaningful ways. They can be a source of joy in the good times and bring life changing strength and support during difficult times.
Come rally with us June 24th! Visit www.thmemorialfoundation.org to get your tickets now!
All my best,
Genna
RESOURCES
988 – National Mental Health Hotline
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
Crisis Hotlines: Common Hotline Phone Numbers | Eluna Network
Mental Health App’s
Talkspace – Best Overall Therapy App
Calm – Best Mindfulness App
My3 – Three People / Three Distractions / Safety Plan App
Chopra App – Great mindfulness and free meditations
Pride Counseling – Best Queer Mental Health App
Youper – Best Self-Guided Therapy App
Headspace – Best Anxiety App
UTAH VISION DAY
RAISING AWARENESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH & SUICIDE PREVENTION
This is the main fundraiser for the Taylor Hagen Memorial Foundation to fund programs and retreats all year.
Vision Rally June 24, 2023 Harley Davidson of Salt Lake City
Vision Gala August 26, 2023
Bereaved Mother’s Retreat’s
Bereaved Mother’s Retreat’s sponsored by Cristie North of Taylor Hagen Memorial Foundation and Leigh Anne Garcia of Andrew Garcia Memorial Foundation.
2023 Dates:
September 29th – October 1st
Visit www.thmemorialfoundation.org or email cristie@thmemorialfoundation.org
UTAH COUNTY RESIDENTS
Anyone in the Utah County area that would be interested in partnering/facilitate with Dawn Christensen. It is with Compassionate Friends.
They meet last Thursday of the month at 7PM. She is looking for help.
Santaquin TCF of Utah County
364 N state Road 198
Santaquin, UT
Dawn – 801-471-7011
dchriste@nuskin.com
LOTUS
You are invited to join LOTUS for our Psychic Fair first Saturday of every Month
Multiple Reader/Healers at Lotus doing mini sessions at $15
LOTUS
12896 S Pony Express Rd Ste 200
Draper, UT 84020
SUPPORT
Mental Health Urgent Care
https://mentalhealthurgentcare.com/
Live On Utah
Caring Connections
SLC, Midvale & Orem
www.nursing.utah.edu/caring-connections
801-585-9522
What’s Your Grief?
A website about grief & loss & ways to cope.
The Sharing Place
Support for families and children 3 ½ and up.
801-466-6730
Canary Garden
Helping children in their grief process.
801-960-2684
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line
Text TALK to 741741
The Next Adventure 