October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the serious effects of domestic violence, including intimate partner violence (IPV). During this month, various programs focus on this critical issue to support those affected by domestic violence and to educate professionals who assist them.
As I sat down to write this this blog, numerous thoughts came to mind as to what I wanted to write for National Substance Use Prevention Month. We all too frequently hear the statistics across various sources regarding the opioid crisis, the rising numbers of overdose, and the impacts substance use has on the individual, families, relationships, and communities. With my thinking cap on, I contemplated the direction for the blog. Most of my career has been working within the addiction and comorbid behavioral health fields, so while statistics and assessment have their own importance, my mind kept going to the process of transformation that can occur and the creative process that individuals can take to reach the end goal of sustained recovery
It is coming up on that time change time-of-year. Many look ahead to having to change the clocks with dread, while others may go about their days in blissful ignorance until a well-meaning coworker or friend sends a reminder. When the time comes, most people will experience at least some sleep disruption, feel moody or irritable, and some will be involved in a traffic accident or work mishap.
As Suicide Prevention month just wrapped up, I wanted to share an article I recently read focusing on the suicide risk for transitioning Service members. Data has shown that the period of transition from military service to civilian life is one of increased risk for Service members.
When we were first kicking around the idea for the Practical for Your Practice podcast, we decided we wanted the show to feel like a conversation among colleagues–nothing scripted and nothing preachy or condescending–about the real world challenges of implementing EBPs. Our intent from the very beginning was to invite listeners into these conversations–to feel as though they were our colleagues participating in these discussions, either while driving in to work, taking a walk at lunch, or winding down after a long day.