ONE pill can kill. And—it is not just pills like Percocet, Adderall, and Xanax—it is being found in other street drugs such as marijuana, heroin and cocaine.

Parents like Rebecca Kiessling did not realize the threat our nation is truly facing until her two boys died of fentanyl poisoning. She expressed in an interview with Tucker Carlson, “People didn’t used to die from experimenting with drugs.” Before Congress, she stated, “…law enforcement made it clear to me that this fentanyl came from Mexico. It came from our southern border. I didn’t know what fentanyl was. I didn’t know what Narcan was. …I didn’t know people were dying.”

Parents, they need you. Your son or daughter is not immune—talk to your children. It is not your father’s Percocet or your grandmother’s weed. Prevention starts at home; keep communication open and build those relationships. Kids often do not want to disappoint mom and dad; this can lead to hiding from you or running toward you in times of trouble. Which will it be?

Ms. Kiessling mentioned Narcan earlier; this is a vital tool in saving lives from opioid overdose deaths. Narcan is a nasal spray version of naloxone, an opioid antagonist; used to temporarily push opioids off opioid receptors in the brain, blocking their effects. Without a prescription, you can get Narcan from a pharmacy or find a local distributor on NaloxoneAZ.com, free-of-charge! Having Narcan on hand is vital in today’s world, and you can find out how to use it among many other free resources at wayoutwestcoalition.org/resources.

We exist to serve you, our community. Please spread this information to everyone; we want to see more lives saved from fentanyl poisoning and accidental overdose.

The WOW Coalition is a prevention association that promotes safe and healthy choices and responds to problems caused by marijuana, nicotine, and opioid use by implementing strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use. For additional information, visit wowcoalition.org, call us at (623) 208-3230 or email: info@wowcoalition.org.

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Being grateful, hopeful, and optimistic can change how you see and cope with everything.

You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once, but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.

— Michelle Obama

Gratefulness is feeling appreciation for what we have—when we are not taking our blessings for granted. To experience the benefits of gratitude, we must practice gratefulness in our everyday lives because it does not come naturally for everyone. When you feel grateful, you can show it without words or actions. And it goes beyond feeling thankful, even if being thankful is the first step that grows with time into a lasting feeling of gratefulness. Often, being grateful for what we have is the fuel that pushes people to go the “extra mile” even when no one is asking this of us. It is something you simply do willingly.

Hope is more than a feeling or a dream, it’s not a prayer. Hope is when you are willing to put your all into your desire and your heart into an outcome that will better your life. Hope doesn’t directly reflect what we think the outcome will be, but reflects what we want the outcome to be, when you put your heart into what you do, you will see all the negativity and hopelessness will disappear.

Optimism is your mindset seeing everything in a positive way with a higher expectation that things will go well most of the time. Optimism partnered with hope can be immensely powerful by projecting a positive motivational impact on your mindset, long-term.

Try changing your mindset to have more hope, gratefulness, and optimism in your life. But don’t do it just for you, do it for your family. Work towards not being isolated, closed off and negative, because that can be so toxic for you and the people around you. Focus on being a positive example for your family. If they were to see you behaving in a negative or closed-off way, they would think that is how they are supposed to behave when they should not. It is so important to set a good example of an optimistic and hopeful mindset for them. Just think if your children chose to be isolated, closed off and negative; they could miss all the beautiful, good things happening around them. Having that kind of mindset could make it where they could miss things in life, by allowing those opportunities to pass them by and that would be a tragedy. Being optimistic will help fuel their passions in their daily activities so they can live a full life. Learn and share the importance of being around more optimistic and hopeful people. It is just human nature to think like the people and sources we spend the most time with. Taking the negative and toxic people out of your life is tremendously important for yourself and your family’s healthy survival. The importance of having a good, strong, optimistic, and hopeful support system around you will feed your gratefulness mindset.

Having hope and optimism puts you in control of your attitude, mindset, and then over all your life, which will fuel how grateful you feel on a regular basis. You can choose to isolate yourself, think negatively about the world and society, but life will pass you by. Life is short, no one is promised tomorrow, so you may want to choose to accept what is in your control and that’s… YOU. Only you can control yourself, your attitude, your views, and your mindset. Believe that you are here for a purpose, focus on your dreams, and hope for a brighter future. Then go out and make it happen. Remember,

When the world says, “give up,” HOPE whispers, “try one more time”.

— Author Unknown

Article provided by Alva Tovar, Coordinator of Community Programs for the WOW Coalition; a prevention association in Buckeye, that promotes safe and healthy choices and responds to problems caused by alcohol, marijuana, and Rx abuse by implementing strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use.

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Counterfeit pills are just like counterfeit money. They look like the real thing, and in fact, you cannot tell the difference. Most, if not all, street drugs are now laced with this deadly killer, fentanyl, a synthetic opioid similar to morphine but up to 100 times more potent and highly addictive. Think of a grain of salt. A standard dose of fentanyl would be equivalent to 5 grains of salt. 12 grains can cause an overdose, and in many cases, death. These counterfeits are especially dangerous because the amount of fentanyl varies from pill to pill. They are mixed in five-gallon buckets, pressed into pills, and find their way across the border into our communities. You could take that one pill thinking it is Percocet, Vicodin, Oxycodone, or hydrocodone. But instead, it’s a counterfeit pill with a lethal dose of fentanyl.

“Blues,” the street name for counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl (because of their color), have become common. You may also hear them referred to as “M30s” for the stamp commonly found on each pill.

The efforts of the Way Out West Coalition include sharing stories much like Marissa’s to create awareness and educate parents and youth about underage drinking, substance use, and especially the rise of fentanyl. We share these stories through our various social media platforms. We receive countless comments from people who have lost multiple friends, family members, and children to counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. Marissa would give anything to have the chance to go back in time to have that conversation with Issaiah. She would tell him how much she loves him and that he needs to know how dangerous it can be to take just one pill, because that One Pill Can Kill.

It is never too early to have a conversation with your children about the dangers of underage drinking and substance use. To learn how visit our Resources page or TalkNowAZ.com. You can follow the Way Out West Coalition on various social media platforms, such as Facebook. Article provided by Alva Tovar, Coordinator of Community Programs for the WOW Coalition.

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It’s that time again, time to hear the morning rush. “Time to get up! Where is my backpack? Did you brush your teeth? Did you pack your lunch? Let’s go, we are going to be late!” Yup, it is time to prepare for Back-to-School. This school year will be the first day back in school since the COVID-19 pandemic. This year everyone is back in the classroom, and this will take some getting used to after doing virtual learning for so long. The virtual learning may have created some not-so-good habits, may have broken various routines, and even may have created some social anxiety in some students. This new school year is an opportunity to start a new chapter to reach for new goals, restart your routines, and build new positive habits.

It is so important to keep the lines of communication open between you and your children. It may best to also observe your child’s behaviors, watching for signs of back-to-school anxiety. Many children feel anxious about going back to school and not know how to tell you that do. This article will provide you with signs of anxiety, coping skills, tips and ideas to help your students transition smoothly into the new school year.

There are many different forms of anxiety, for example:

Separation anxiety: A child is worried about being separated from parents/caregiver
Social anxiety: The child is excessively self-conscious, making difficult to socialize and function in group settings.
Selective mutism: The child has a tough time speaking in some settings, like to a teacher, classmates, or even parents when they are anxious.
Attendance problems: A child refusing to go to school, saying they are sick when they may not be sick

Make sure they know they can talk open and freely with you about their feelings regarding going back to school or anything else they could be worrying about. Try to make sure you do something fun to diffuse the stress and to help them to confide in you. Talk to your child about different skills they can use to cope with their anxiety such as:

1. 4 count breathing technique to help them relax – inhale through nose slowly for four (4) counts, hold their breath for four (4) counts, exhale through mouth slowly for four (4) counts
2. Journaling – write down their feelings, experiences, and dreams in a notebook
3. Take a break – Sometimes it is best just to walk away from something that could be stressing them out. In some situations, they may not be able to do this per say, like get up during class and just take a break. But if they are having trouble with something they can go and take a break from that problem and return later. Read a book – Whether it is before bed or during their free time, sometimes reading a book to help take their mind off their day can help them to relax.

The next tips will help establish new routines and habits to have a successful school year. Now the sooner you initiate these tips the better prepared you and your children will be for the new school year.

Quick Tips for the family:

1. Designate a specific place where everything goes. We will call it a “school staging area.”
   1. Teach your child to always put their bookbag, books, notepad, lunchbox, and face masks in the same place.
   2. Teach your child to always put their homework in the same place.
2. Create a designated quiet space for study/homework area.
   1. Pay special attention to lighting, noise, and distractions.
   2. The more personalized the space is, the more ownership your child will have.
   3. Set expectations on when homework should be done, make sure they understand how important their work is.
3. Develop a routine of planning tomorrow the night before.
   1. As a family plan what you are going to wear the night before. Set it out if possible.
   2. Know what you have planned to do for tomorrow. What special classes or events do you have? What assignments are due?
   3. Start your routine early for getting ready for bed.  So, get washed up, teeth brushed, hair brushed, and into your pajamas ready for bedtime on time. A good sleep pattern is essential for a everyone’s mind and body.
   4. As a family review tomorrow in your minds just before bedtime. Tell them to see themselves being successful in everything they do.
4. Develop the habit of using a daily planner.
   1. Most schools have Agendas for each student. Learn to use this great tool or use a phone app for homework and assignments. Try apps like The Homework App, Egenda, and My Study Life.
   2. Parents should check their child’s planner and assignments daily or weekly at the minimum.
   3. Learning to use these tools effectively may payoff big when report cards come out.
5. Communicate about schedules
   1. With work, school, events, and other extracurricular activities busy families can struggle keeping everyone’s schedule straight. It helps to create a shared calendar where everyone can see what is planned.

The key to making this all work is being consistent. Consistency helps maintain expectations and routines to create solid foundations. Having consistency and structure helps provide children with a sense of stability and safety. With some dedicated effort and persistence your child could be on their way to having their best school year ever!  All of us at the WOW Coalition wish you all a great school year!!

Author Alva Tovar is the Program Coordinator for the WOW Coalition. This prevention association promotes safe and healthy choices and responds to alcohol, marijuana, and Rx abuse problems by implementing strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use. For additional information, visit wowcoalition.org/resources or email: alva.tovar@wowcoalition.org

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I remember back in junior high my first time being offered marijuana at a friend’s house party. I said no that I didn’t want to, but then felt so embarrassed because everyone made fun of me after that. I lost many friends after that party, and as a teen, that is a horrible feeling because you want to be accepted. Looking back as an adult, I know now, they weren’t real friends.

“Peer pressure” is potent and very real. I remember wanting to call my mom, but I couldn’t call her to get me. I knew if she had come to get me, everyone at that party would have got in trouble. I didn’t want to be seen calling my mom and be embarrassed more than I already was. Instead, many teens will give in to peer pressure, because at that time, it will seem so much easier than offering themselves up for ridicule by peers, endless nagging & questions, or punishment by their parents.

Nowadays, with technology and an Exit Plan, a teen may be able to avoid much of that peer pressure. You can develop an Exit Plan with your family.

(I wish when I was a teenager, I could have done this.)

So, if this happens, your child can secretly text a family member a code word, phrase, an emoji, or number to activate the Family Exit Plan, then the family member receiving the text will call the child to start the secret rescue.

For example, say your son is hanging at the park with his friends, and they offer him to try vaping with THC. But he doesn’t want to, so your son texts you a NO symbol emoji activating the “Exit Plan.”

You then call your son,

Mom: “Odysseus, ‘Hey boy, something has come up and I need your help right now. Can I go pick you up? It’s really important.'”

Odysseus: “Well, what is it mom?”

Mom: “It’s crazy family stuff, and it will be easier and faster if I explain when I get you. Please, where are you? Or can I meet you somewhere now?”

Odysseus: “Ya, ok Ma, meet me at the Park by our house, I’ll be there in a few.”

Then you go pick him up. His friends see that his family needed his help and don’t think anything else about it. Keep in mind your child wasn’t being dishonest with his friends because something did come up and he needed to go; it just wasn’t shared what exactly came up. Once you pick up your child, it is so important to tell your child you love them, that you are proud of them, and if they want to tell you anything, you are there to listen when they are ready.

I am a parent now, so believe me, I know it is so hard that when your child’s fear kicks into gear, you want to know everything that happened to make your child uncomfortable enough to ask for help. And, you want to ensure it won’t happen again, but in your exit plan, you have agreed to no prying, no lectures, and no pressure. So, stop and think before you say anything; remember, sometimes just letting your child know you love them is all you have to do. If you do pry, lecture, or pressure for information, your child is more likely not to reach out for help in the future. Show your child you are there for them no matter what. Now I am not saying never ask or talk about what happened, but don’t do it then.

Maybe another day, share your own stories of what happened to you when you were young. And remind them how proud you are of them that they did ask for help. Remind your child that you love them unconditionally and that you will always be there for them. Explain to them that life is full of lessons that we all must learn. Some life lessons we learn through mistakes. However, an early mistake in using alcohol or drug use as a teen may put them on a path of a lifetime of poor decision-making. Anything we can do to postpone the initial first use as a teen dramatically increases their chances of success in life.

A vital life lesson is learning to have the knowledge and courage to ask for help when you need it. It does not make you weak to ask for help; it makes you smart.

Whether you are a child or an adult, one thing for sure is the world is continually changing, and it seems to be getting even scarier. Do what you can to work with your family to help make sure everyone is safe and plan to get out of difficult situations. Keep those short but meaningful conversations going with your children. We know that parents and caregivers who talk early and often and verbalize a no-use message significantly reduce the chance of underage drinking and teen drug use. And most of all, always remind them that you love and support them.

Author Alva Tovar is the Program Coordinator for the WOW Coalition. This prevention association promotes safe and healthy choices and responds to alcohol, marijuana, and Rx abuse problems by implementing strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use. For additional information, visit http://www.wowcoalition.org/resources or email: alva.tovar@wowcoalition.org.

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Life takes lots of turns; many turns are out of our control, so once a person’s Anxiety and/or Depression are triggered, it is hard to be resilient. That trigger can cause a chain reaction for a person that has a Substance Use Disorder. Most of the time, resilience coping mechanisms are to be active or around positive people who care. There are also those people that require in-person interactions to stay positive and to keep moving forward. It is a real struggle to keep it together because we are forced to social distance and quarantine due to the pandemic.  It can be scary for some to just get out of bed.  People with invisible diseases like substance use disorder or depression get tired of being asked and hearing:

• Did you go to the doctor?
• Have you tried this?
• Have you tried that?
• I don’t know what else we can do for you…

People who suffer from these silent, invisible diseases are stronger than they realize, but even the strongest warrior can struggle daily. They must know and believe they aren’t alone. These warriors need your support, patience, and compassion. One coping mechanism that helps with these conditions can help one person and not another person or help with one situation and not help with a different situation. That is why it is so important to know yourself, to know what works for you. Now that 2021 is here, it is a great time to start fresh and decide to work on the most important person you know, YOU! You are AMAZING and can make it through that moment, that day, that crazy year. Let’s make 2021 a year not about avoiding life and the negative triggers but learning to thrive with life and finding positive triggers that come with life.

Ways to Develop Resilience Skills:

Self-Awareness: Helps you to know yourself better. Take time to recognize your strengths, weaknesses, different beliefs, and different emotions. Writing a personal inventory of strengths and weaknesses is a good starting point.

Inner Dialogue: Listen to your inner dialogue, which is your more dominant. Your inner critic or your inner hero, the I can or I can’t? Consciously choose which voice you will listen to in 2021.

Mindfulness: Helps you to recognize your emotional and mental state of mind as it increases and decreases. Pay attention to what affects your different states of mind. Mindfulness will help you embrace the things that make you happy.

Self-Care: Create a time and space for yourself with no distractions so you can focus on you—Journal about your day and the feelings you experienced. Life is busy, and many don’t take the time to do something good for themselves. Here are some self-care ideas: giving yourself a facial, get yourself a new outfit, or go for that scenic drive you have wanted to take. Get a different perspective on things by asking people you trust for advice in some situations.

Purpose: This is so important to embrace. You must realize YOU MATTER, YOU BELONG! You must shape your mindset and attitude that we have towards others, events, and experiences. Look for purpose in your faith, family, political party, or being a part of an organization. People must not remain overwhelmed; they must find their purpose to find their light and break through the darkness.

Positive Relationships: One of the most profound experiences we can have in our lives is our connection with other human beings. Having positive relationships with others, we will be happier and more fulfilled and feel supported, supportive, and connected. Even though we have to social distance and at times quarantine, try to find ways to nurture the relationships you have with family and friends. Because by having these positive, supportive relationships, you will feel healthier, happier, and fulfilled all-around.

Remember being resilient doesn’t mean that our hardships in life will go away. Life is hard for everyone; everyone faces loss, change, disappointment, and other challenges. Being more resilient means, you have better ways to cope with the different hardships thrown at you. I know many people thought 2020 would be their year to get everything they wanted, but that changed. So, we faced 2020 and got through it. You are still here, so say it loud and proud, “I MATTER, and I LOVE MYSELF!” Finally, 2021 is here, so let’s bounce back better and stronger than ever! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Author Alva Tovar is the Program Coordinator for the WOW Coalition. This prevention association promotes safe and healthy choices and responds to alcohol, marijuana, and Rx abuse problems by implementing strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use. For additional information, visit http://www.wowcoalition.org/resources or email: alva.tovar@wowcoalition.org.

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It is never too early to talk with your children about the risks of substance abuse. Research suggests that one of the most influential factors for children is a strong, open relationship with a parent. Though it may not seem like it, children really hear your concerns, and it is important that you discuss the risks of substance abuse with them.  Young people are more likely to listen when they know you are on their side. Reinforce why you do not want your child to drink or use other drugs—because you want your child to be happy and safe. The conversation will go a lot better if you are open and you show concern.

Try to hit all 5 of these talking points when you speak with your children:

1. Let them know you are NOT ok with underage drinking or using drugs
2. Tell them you care about their health, well-being, and success in life
3. Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs
4. Show you are paying attention so you can discourage risky behavior
5. Build your child’s strategies and skills to avoid alcohol and drug use

An important part of the strategies and skills is to develop an exit plan with your family. An Exit Plan will help your child know what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs with their peers, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they’ll say “no thanks.”

What is also important to realize is the talk does not have to be this long drawn out conversations.  It can be a series of short talks and they can be impromptu, such as in the car or during dinner. Because lots of little talks can be a lot more effective than a big long talk.

It’s important to continue the no use message throughout adolescence, especially as they enter junior high and high school, where the pressure to try alcohol or drugs increases. Having those short conversations will help build an open trusting relationship with your child. With that openness they will feel more comfortable coming to you when to discuss serious situations with alcohol or other drugs.

Remember when you talk often with your child about alcohol or drug use, it is important to set a good example. If you choose to drink, you can positively influence your child by drinking in moderation and NEVER driving when you have been drinking. Be aware of where you keep your alcohol, prescription drugs or other substances and always remind your child that those substances in your house are off-limits.   Even though the talk can be awkward, remember, this is your child’s future at stake, do not wait Get in the Way.

Author Alva Tovar is the Program Coordinator for the WOW Coalition. This prevention association promotes safe and healthy choices and responds to alcohol, marijuana, and Rx abuse problems by implementing strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use. For additional information, visit http://www.wowcoalition.org/resources or email: alva.tovar@wowcoalition.org.

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Parents are the #1 influence on their kids growing up. BUT, as they get older, peers take on that influence. Teen’s priorities switch from making their parents proud, to making their peers proud; a people-pleasing mentality that is detrimental when the influencer is not a positive one.

So, What Can You Do?

Get to know who your teen hangs with and their parents, without being overly intrusive as to shut off communication entirely. Observation and a few open-ended questions. For example: How did they get to know their friend(s)? What are their friends’ hobbies/interests? What are their goals in life, or what do they hope to pursue as a career? Get to know their parents through any open doors, your questions and teen’s answers. You can gain a lot of insight through observation. These conversations open the door and allow trust to form between you and your teen, a vital component in influencing their decisions when you are not around.

(Side note on open-ended questions: Open-ended questions often get a person to think about things long after the initial conversation. One key to success is to ask a great question and then shut up. I know that is blunt, but I want you to get the point. Silence is good. It allows the person to process the question and think about the answer. In certain situations, it may help someone to understand their motives or reasons for specific relationships. It is basically, the why. Let me ask this; Which would be more productive; you telling your son or daughter what they should do or asking a great question causing them to think about things and realizing things on their own? All you did was ask a great question and point their mind in a specific direction making your idea (the question) their idea. Another critical point is to keep in mind, self-reflection and awareness usually happens after the fact may be hours or days after the question. All you did was create the opportunity for your teen to make your idea become their idea.)

When in need of addressing their friends’ behavior, make clear statements, and express your desire to see them succeed and do well in life. Your teen can and will most likely be on the defense for their friends, so this is important that you share your good intentions and let them know you care.

Establish “What if?” Scenarios

What if your teen is in a bad situation, like being at a party where they realize drugs are present and they want out, but they are afraid of what their peers will say or do. Establish a keyword or phrase that they can communicate to you over the phone, so you know to come and get them out of the situation. Talk about how to say “no” when others ask them to do, or pressure them into doing drugs, and reinforce a greater importance on respecting themselves when others attempt to drag them down with them. Make sure they know self-esteem and worth comes from within, not in others acceptance of them. That is why it is called self-esteem rather than other-esteem. Always verbalize you are there for them and love them.

Help your teen to think for themselves and be future-oriented in everything they do. Ask them where they see themselves going, who do they want to be in the future, and discuss how they are going to get there. (see Get in the Way | Tip #5 ⁠— Create Purpose: The IT Formula)

Preventing your teen from using starts at home, and if you are not exemplifying the same behavior that you expect from them, you are fighting a losing battle. Reinforce expectations of your teen throughout their childhood for the best outcome, as we say “early and often.” But if you have failed to do so, transparency goes a long way with your children. You can uphold your integrity through humility, so if an apology is needed, so be it – you will gain more ground in influencing your child’s behavior when they respect you.

Handling Online Associations and Friends

Encourage and advise your teen to follow positive influencers and express the reality that bad company corrupts good morals—both online and in person. This conversation is vital, as kids/teens are heavily influenced by social media and this can affect their self-esteem. Follow your teen’s account(s).

Be aware that some teens create separate accounts that they keep from their parents.

Conversations & Behaviors

• Get to know their friends and parents
• Practice “what if” situations and how to say “no”
• Be awake when they come home
• Model the behaviors
• “What would your future-self tell your present-self about your choices and behaviors?”
• “Where do you want to be after high school?”

Warning Signs

• Smelling alcohol on breath
• Problems concentrating or remembering
• Coordination problems
• Slurred speech
• Finding alcohol among their belongings
• Hangovers, nausea and vomiting
• Behavioral issues
• Change in social group
• Home or car related issues
• Low energy level
• Less interest in activities and/or care in appearance
• School or work issues

Negative Consequences

• Vandalism
• Inhibition and memory problems
• Abuse of other drugs
• Changes in brain development
• Alcohol Use Disorder
• Teens who start drinking by age 13 have a 43% chance of becoming alcoholic.

The WOW Coalition is a prevention association that promotes safe and healthy choices and responds to problems caused by alcohol, marijuana and Rx abuse by implementing strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use. For additional information visit wowcoalition.org or contact at (623) 208-3230 or email: larry.tracey@wowcoalition.org.

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During the COVID-19 quarantine, mental health has been a hot topic. Tragically, many have committed suicide due to the overwhelming nature of such a pandemic, and the social isolation that has come along with it. The question remains: how do we aid in the prevention of suicide?

Stay Connected with Others

Check up on your friends and family and see how they are doing. Do not be afraid to ask pointed questions, as many will appreciate the sincerity of the inquiry. If you are struggling, let others know—you are not alone. You may see smiles on other’s faces, but often times people can relate to having suicidal thoughts or intense sorrow at some point. During this time, we can all come together in our struggles and encourage each other to keep going.

Be Future-Oriented

Keep your mind on future goals. If someone you know is struggling, give them the task of thinking about and writing down some future goals. Focusing your mind on something that excites you can provoke positive thoughts, and give a better outlook on the future than the present stresses of life.

Show Gratitude

Everyday, ponder upon what you are grateful for. What do you have, what positives have come from such a difficult time in the world, what can you gain from what you have lost? Ask others who may be struggling what they are grateful for—even if it is just having more time to work on themselves or spend time with their family.

Work On Self-care & Tidy-up

Often we feel self-care to be a selfish thing to spend time on, but this is vital for your overall well-being and mental health—encourage others with this reality. Run a bath, get some rest, go for a walk, listen to a podcast, read a book—do something to benefit your mind, body and soul. Take some time to tidy-up your room or house—clutter can cause anxiety, and clearing it up can give mental clarity.

What is the main cause of suicide?

Ranking 2nd under unintentional injury, from 10-34 years of age is death by suicide.

This is staggering, and the sad reality is⁠—these individuals only want their pain to go away, not to die. Many who commit suicide are facing intense mental strain; feeling hopeless, worthless, depressed, anxious, lonely or even post-traumatic stress symptoms from traumatic events that may or may not have been properly addressed.

Whatever the case may be, the key to overcoming these emotions is to set your mind on greater things. It’s okay to acknowledge your pain, but this is not the end—it will get better. Shift your focus from the present negatives to the positives of going through a rough patch in life. How can this situation better your future? Defaulting to this mindset through any hardship is highly beneficial, as you’ll begin to see hardships and difficulties as opportunities. Opportunities for growth; increased gratitude, strength, patience, etcetera.

If you’re contemplating suicide, please visit this site for ways to stay safe and find treatment. For immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline here: 1-800-273-8255 or chat here with someone who can listen and help.

Source(s): leading causes of death by age group 2017 (CDC)The WOW Coalition is a prevention association that promotes safe and healthy choices and responds to problems caused by alcohol, marijuana and Rx abuse by implementing strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use. For additional information visit wowcoalition.org or contact at (623) 208-3230 or email: larry.tracey@wowcoalition.org.

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Research started by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente leaves no doubt that the developing brain of a child subjected to adverse experiences, thereby toxic stress, is at far greater risk of succumbing to one or more of the leading causes of death in adulthood.  There are solutions to this problem, but right now data shows a dramatic worsening of ACEs in our youth.  Maricopa county is not exempt from this problem. Data from the National Survey of Children’s Health 2011-12 found “the number of Arizona children with 2 or more ACEs is significantly higher than the U.S. as a whole.” (www.azaces.org)

The price tag on outcomes related to toxic stress from childhood adversity is yet another factor compelling society to take note and make changes. According to the CDC, “the economic and social costs to families, communities, and society totals hundreds of billions of dollars each year.” (cdc.gov).

The ultimate goal is prevention of ACEs and building resilience for those who have experienced ACEs. Widespread improvements in policies and practices within organizations, communities, caregiving settings and households can turn this trend around. Just as research has made us aware of the shocking extent of the problem, research is also providing tools and new ideas for prevention and healing.

The Way Out West (WOW) Coalition formed for substance abuse prevention in Buckeye, is embracing the ACE movement by promoting education and incorporating awareness of research findings into their activities. Understanding substance abuse behaviors as reactive adaptation and mitigation leads to a better understanding of effective strategies for prevention and treatment.

The WOW Coalition is a prevention association that promotes safe and healthy choices and responds to problems caused by alcohol, marijuana and Rx abuse by implementing strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use. For additional information visit wowcoalition.org or contact at (623) 208-3230 or email: larry.tracey@wowcoalition.org.

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