February 2022 News!
When you love someone, there is never enough time.
We know that to be all too true and every February, we’re reminded of that cruel truth. Jackson turns 30 today! That’s a big birthday, another decade. A decade he won’t see in person. There’s pain in that recognition and as his family, we’ll feel that reality deeply the rest of our lives. But the beauty in the grief comes in the celebrating and safeguarding of his life. This month also marks the five-year anniversary of his death. The beginning and the end all in one.
We had 25 precious years with our son and do our best to remind ourselves that while it will never be “enough” time, we still had him. Raised him. Watched him grow and become great. What a gift he was to our family, and always will be. We wish he was still here, and we’ll love him like he is. We have something special to help us celebrate him all month long—and you are invited to be part of it.
Help us celebrate!
XOXO
Reyne & Scott Roeder
Today, we celebrate Jackson’s milestone birthday—30 years ago today, we met our son for the very first time. It was a day we’ll never forget, a day every year we honor him and celebrate him and mourn his loss. An act we will do every single year. Since this year is a milestone birthday, we wanted to do something special in his memory.
#30actsforjackson
All February long, we’re commemorating Jackson through a positive social movement we’re tagging as #30actsforjackson—our goal is simple. We want to unite people across our network and community and encourage them to do something in his honor. Call it a random acts of kindness campaign, a pay-it-forward challenge, a social media blitz. Whatever you call it, just share it with us.
How It Works:
Some ideas our team had include volunteering at a favorite cause of yours. Bring your kids or a friend. Deliver a meal or treats to someone in quarantine. Shovel a neighbor’s sidewalk. Offer to run a carpool or rideshare to give someone a break. Leave a note for a stranger. Hand a latte to someone working long or extra hours. Compliment a stranger. Donate unused winter clothing to an organization that can redistribute it those who need it. Bring dog treats to a shelter or boarding facility. Buy art supplies for an after school program. Tuck a $5 into a napkin dispenser at a fast food restaurant. Start a “coffee chain” at a drive through. Do the same at a brewery or an energy shake place.
Where You Come In:
There are a million ways to lift the spirits of strangers and those you love. Do you have to complete 30 separate acts? No! We hope to encourage those across our network to think of one way to make a difference for someone else in their life, big or small.
Uniting to share the positive message of our efforts as they relate to Jackson can be a surge of goodness across our screens, channels, pages, and hearts. Won’t you join us in February for #30actsforjackson? We could all use a little levity and light and know it will bring a smile to Jackson when he sees what’s being done in his wake.
Share It With Us:
Simply do something good and add the hashtag, and share with us—our Facebook page is here. You can like, follow, and tag us on Facebook, or on Instagram, just use the hashtag!
Next month, we’ll highlight all the acts we witness or are shared with us so we can all see the collective impact we have together.
Happy Birthday, Jackson. We love you!
Loving Someone with Mental Health Issues
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five people suffer from a mental illness. Due to the stigma that often surrounds the topic, many individuals who suffer from it may find it harder to date and develop meaningful relationships. When they find someone, it is important that he or she is understanding and is willing to build a good relationship, in spite of the condition.
Dating someone who struggles with their mental health issues may be challenging, but it is possible to construct a healthy relationship with a solid effort and the proper boundaries. Following the best guidelines can ensure that both individuals can find the greatest joy and happiness possible while in a romantic relationship. If one sees that the person that they are dating with mental illness is getting worse or showing signs of suicidal behavior, it is critical to help them get help immediately.
Waiting until the other person is comfortable asking for help may never come, so concerned partners should watch closely for warning signs of more serious symptoms. You can definitely be in a healthy relationship with someone who has a mental illness but keep an eye out for when things get unhealthy.
Some of the tell-tale signs that might be seen in unhealthy relationships where mental health issues are present are: Violence (verbal, physical, or sexual), inability to control emotions, hallucinations, disrespect, lack of remorse or empathy for people, or animals, and narcissistic behaviors.
Let’s learn more about dating someone who struggles with their mental health.
The Eight Dimensions of Wellness: How to Develop & Maintain a Wellness Plan
Back by popular demand, join the Minnesota Suicide Prevention Taskforce, Intervention Subcommittee, for a 1-hour repeat session to explore a holistic approach to mental health and wellness. During this session learn how to create and use a wellness plan. Wellness plans provide evidence-based benefits that can help assess a person’s current mental health and wellbeing, as well as set goals for how to improve and maintain overall wellness.
Tuesday, February 22, 2022, from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. CST
To register, please click here: Eight Dimensions of Wellness: How to Develop and Maintain a Wellness Plan - Thursday, February 22nd at 6:30 pm
Thursday, February 24, 2022, from 11:00a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CST
To register, please click here: Eight Dimensions of Wellness: How to Develop and Maintain a Wellness Plan - Thursday, February 24th at 11am
Resources & Can't-Miss:
Mental Health Priority in 2022
Article from Psych Central focusing on emerging trends and focus in mental health-related support and services to help aid in healing.
My Ascension Documentary
Event screening of My Ascension, a feature length documentary that chronicles Emma Benoit's inspiring journey following a suicide attempt that left the 16-year-old varsity cheerleader paralyzed. A live panel discussion with Emma follows the screening Tuesday, February 8th at 6pm at Eagle’s Healing Nest in Sauk Centre.
Hope for Recovery 2 in Mental Illness
Online event covering depression and anxiety of teens and young adults. It features strategies for helping and communicating with loved ones as well as ways to access support and services. Saturday, February 19 from 9am-12pm. Registration is free.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255 or text “MN” to 741-741