In this Newsletter:

QPR, Mental Health First Aid, Trauma 101 and more training options!
Upcoming community events - including a night with the Ice Dogs in Fairbanks, October 20!
Updates from Alaska Seeds of Change: Weekly Drop In Hours

A note about self care.

The world is particularly full of heavy news these days. You can balance the need to stay informed with maintaining your mental health. Some ideas to consider:

choose when and how to take in the news
consider sources other than social media
turn off video autoplay on social media to avoid unexpectedly seeing graphic content
take breaks from the news / social media
stay connected to your off-line support network via phone or in-person
take a walk outside, using your five senses to be present in the moment
reach out for help if you need it

For tips about how to talk to children about terrorism and war, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers guidance.

Upcoming Trainings: Mental Health First Aid, Trauma 101, and more

Our next QPR training is MONDAY- October 16 at 12:00!

You can register for this virtual training right up to the start time.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. It is a practical and evidence-based approach to helping individuals in crisis. The training equips participants with the skills and knowledge to recognize warning signs of suicide, ask the right questions, and connect the person to professional help when needed. The training is open to everyone, and no prior experience in mental health is required. By joining the QPR Suicide Prevention Training, you will learn practical steps to help save lives, reduce stigma, and promote mental wellness.

Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

MHFA is an introductory training, meant for students and individuals without clinical mental health training.

We are pleased to offer an IN PERSON training on November 9 at the BP Energy Center in Anchorage. Register here.

We're offering a virtual Trauma 101 training on December 1!

Trauma 101 training focuses on understanding how trauma impacts the body and the brain, how people adapt to trauma, and what we can do as providers, caregivers and community members to support recovery and resiliency. The Trauma 101 training is not a training on a specific type of intervention, but is focused on how we can use a better understanding of trauma to be trauma-informed. Register here.

Check our community calendar for upcoming public training events, or request a specific training for your workplace or group from our training page.

Mental Health Topic of the Month: Depression

Depression in the second most common mental illness in America, and 1 in 5 (21%) of US adults are diagnosed with depression sometime during their lifetime. This month, we’re focusing on sharing information, tips and resources about depression on our social media accounts.

With shorter daylight hours and little to no snow cover, October can feel like the darkest month in some parts of Alaska. This month we’ll also talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, and how to cope.

Join us on instagram or facebook to follow along - links at the bottom of the email!

Community Events!

Join us at Alaska Public Media's second annual Mental Health Resource Fair at the Fairview Rec Center (1121 E. 10th Ave. in Anchorage) on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. The fair is free and family-friendly with complimentary food and kids activities. Stop by to learn about everything from what to do in a crisis, how to apply for benefits, to where to find a therapist.

Come see us at the Ice Dogs hockey game in Fairbanks, October 20 @ 7:30!

As game night sponsor of the week, we'll be hosting an info table, giving away a $100 gift card, raising awareness of mental health, and recruiting for staff.

Can't wait to see you at the Big Dipper Arena this Friday!

Mental Health at the Movies - Save the Date!

Monday, December 11 @ 6pm Bear Tooth Theatre Pub: Mending the Line

A Marine wounded in Afghanistan returns to a VA hospital in Montana where he meets a Vietnam vet who teaches him fly fishing as a means to coming to terms with his physical and emotional trauma.

Resources and support will be available.

Tickets here!

Updates from Alaska Seeds of Chage

Drop in Vocational Hours

Alaska Seeds of Change is now hosting weekly drop-in hours for anyone who wants to learn more about the program! The doors are open every Thursday from 1-5 pm at 704 W. 26th Avenue in Anchorage for tours of the indoor hydroponic farm and outdoor gardens, with the opportunity for hands on engagement.

Staff will help any youth ages 13-23 who are interested in ongoing work with Seeds complete paperwork and take the next steps.

Learn more about Alaska Seeds of Change!

Join Our Team