Elhart Cares Be Nice.

___________________________________________________________Holland Sentinel Article, August 2022
Rates of anxiety and depression among U.S. adults were about four times higher between April 2020 and August 2021 than they were in 2019 according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
New research from Boston University School of Public Health reveals that the elevated rate of depression has persisted into 2021, and even worsened, climbing to 32.8 percent and affecting 1 in every 3 American adults.
The following is a valuable report written by Stephanie Watson and medically reviewed by Smitha Bhandari, MD, published on WebMD.com recently who writes on the most common disabilities experienced by community members today.
Anxiety and depression are types of mood disorders. Among other things, depression causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and reduced energy. Anxiety creates feelings of nervousness, worry or dread. Although the two conditions are different, you can have both at the same time. Agitation and restlessness can also be a symptom of depression.
It's normal to have feelings of anxiety or depression from time to time. But when these feelings happen often and they interfere with your life, you might have a disorder that is treatable.
Your symptoms can help your doctor figure out which of these two conditions you have, or if you have both. Some of the same treatments work for anxiety and depression.
What is depression?
Depression affects how you feel and act. When you're depressed, you may have symptoms like:

• Sadness, hopelessness or anxiousness
• A loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
• A lack of energy
• Eating more or less than you used to Sleeping too little or too much Trouble thinking or concentrating
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Trouble thinking or concentrating

For your symptoms to be considered depression, you need to have them most of the day, almost every day, for at least two weeks. And they shouldn't have a medical cause, like a thyroid problem. Your doctor can check you for medical conditions that cause depression symptoms.
What is anxiety?Worry and fear are normal parts of life. But when these feelings don't go away or they're excessive, they can be signs of an anxiety disorder.
You may have a problem with anxiety if you often feel:

• Overwhelmed by worry
• Cranky or on edge
• Sweaty or shaky 
• Like you're out of control

How are they different?
The main difference between depression and anxiety is the symptoms. Depression is a persistent feeling of sadness. You also have no energy and you lose interest in activities you once loved. Some people with depression think about hurting themselves.
Anxiety involves fear or worry that you can't control. Depending on the type of anxiety you have, the worry can surface during everyday activities like meeting new people.
How are they related?
Both depression and anxiety are very common and often happen together. About 60 percent of people with anxiety also have symptoms of depression, and vice-versa. Each condition can make symptoms of the other get worse or last longer.
The same genes may be behind both conditions. Anxiety and depression could also stem from the same structures or processes in the brain. Stress and trauma early in life can trigger both depression and anxiety.
If you have anxiety, you may be at greater risk for depression. Experts say avoiding the things you fear might lead to depression.
How do you treat depression and anxiety?
It can be harder for doctors to diagnose and treat depression and anxiety when they happen together. That's why it's important to tell your doctor about all of your symptoms.
The treatment for both anxiety and depression involves talk therapy, medication or a combination of the two. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the main talk therapies. It teaches you how to think and behave differently to stop triggering your anxiety or depression.
Antidepressants are medicines that treat depression. They change the balance of chemicals in your brain to improve your mood. Anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants and beta-blockers are treatments for anxiety.
The sooner you start treatment, the more likely it will help you. Let your doctor know if the treatment you're on doesn't relieve your symptoms or if it causes side effects. It may take a few tries to find the treatment that works best for you.
How do I see depression and anxiety in others? Pretty simple. Go to benice.org and Take the Pledge, a simple twelve minute video will provide you the simple tool to recognize the warning signs of these debilitating disorders. Join the movement and be nice.
Community Columnist Jeff Elhart is Playground Director II of the Elhart Automotive Campus in Holland. For more information, contact benice@elhart.com.
___________________________________________________________Holland Sentinel Article, July 2022
Jeff Elhart: Wayne Elhart's legacy, from Mom's perspective
Today's article is part of a series highlighting a peek into my new book: "Be Nice: Four Simple Steps to  Recognize Depression and Prevent Suicide," which can be acquired at benicebook.org. All net proceeds go to support the Be Nice Action Plan in schools, faith communities and businesses in West Michigan.
You may be curious to know how a mother can weather the storm of losing her son to depression by suicide. The road has been rugged. Let me have her tell you for herself ... after I tell you a quick story of Mom's endurance.
You may recall reading in previous articles in this series about the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan having been invited to engage a school in Pentwater in the Be Nice education program and action plan. That high school lost a boy to suicide in October 2015, just six months after Wayne's death - it happened in my mother's hometown.
Hearing this news and still raw from Wayne's death, Mom wanted to take action to help her community and local school. She wanted to bring the Be Nice program and action plan to this small village, which has approximately 270 K-12 students. Her goal was to raise money and present the gift of this program to the superintendent the day of the young man's funeral. She asked me how much that would cost. I frankly had no idea at the time, so I threw out a number that I was certain would cover the cost.
"When is the funeral?" I asked Mom.
"Tomorrow!" she said.
"Sounds like you have 24 hours to raise some money, Mom! You can do it!"
For the next several hours, I received phone calls with updates on her progress. The next day, my 86-year-old mother had raised $11,500! This was the beginning of the Wayne Elhart Be Nice Memorial Funds, which are donor-advised at three Michigan community foundations: Oceana County, Holland/Zeeland and Muskegon.
As a result, our family has been able to champion the mission of providing matching funds to schools, faith institutions, businesses and other organizations who commit to the Be Nice education program. The funds total nearly $2 million as of this writing. Had it not been for the generous support of the communities that these funds serve, over 700,000 youth and adults would not have been equipped with the Be Nice education program. And probably, neither would this book.
Thank you, Mom. I love you.
Now in her words ...
It's been six years since Wayne died. I just turned 90 years old as this book is being printed. Wayne would be turning 67 this year. God, I miss him. I think about him every day. I miss him every, single day. I speak to him every day.
From my journal, Sept. 7, 2015 (five and a half months after Wayne died):
Hi Wayne, just checking in on you. You won't believe what happened today. I saw a monarch that reminded me of you. There you were. Checking on me. You inspired me to write these words in a form of a poem that will remind me that every time I see a monarch, I will know it is you, Wayne.
A Butterfly Message A monarch butterfly I saw today, His wings were damp. I let him cling to my finger, Till his wings were dry.

I know he was trying hard to fly away, Where he was going, I do not know.
But I do know the butterfly was here,
To let me know, That my son Wayne is OK. I said, "I love you and miss you." And watched him fly away.
Where I do not know,
But I sent him on his way,
To land near someone else, Who is missing a loved one, And say it's OK
I felt so much better because the monarch was your message to me, and that's why I decided I would write you a note every day. I'm going to have this poem typed and put on the refrigerator so you will remind me when I have a low day to get up and move, laugh and have fun because you don't want me to grieve. It's very hard, Wayne, but I know you wouldn't want that.
I'm going to finish this now and write more tomorrow.
I'm tired and thank you and God for visiting me today. I know you will come again.
Love you and miss you,Mom

Learn more at benice.org. Take the 12-minute video pledge to Be Nice.

- Jeff Elhart is Playground Director II of the Elhart Automotive Campus in Holland. 

For more information, contact benice@elhart.com. 

___________________________________________________________Holland Sentinel Article
Putting 'Be Nice' Into Action
Over the next three months, this article will provide you highlights of a book that will be available to the public beginning September 2021. This book, "Be Nice: 4 Simple Steps to Recognize Depression and Prevent Suicide" is the works of myself and co-author Christy Buck, executive director of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan. Beginning this month, you will read the summary points of each chapter. The book provides knowledge on how to recognize depression and prevent suicide, which creates confidence in the reader to take action to help someone struggling with depression and potential suicidal ideation. A quick snapshot of the knowledge you can expect:
Chapters 1-2: Could I Have Prevented My Brother's Suicide?Knowledge: After reading these chapters, I realize that suicide is not a selfish act. It is an action taken by someone who is sick with a mental illness. Their pain exceeds their ability to cope with feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness.
Chapter 3: Understanding Mental Illness and SuicideKnowledge: One in five people struggle with a mental illness in our country. The most common disability in the world is anxiety, followed by depression. Less than 50 percent of adults suffering with these diseases will receive professional help.
Chapter 4: Nobody Is ImmuneKnowledge: Anyone can be affected by mental illness. The densest segment of people who die by suicide is males aged 35 to 54 years. It is the second-leading cause of death in 10- to 34-year-olds. Twenty percent of suicides are 65 and older.
Chapter 5: Dispelling the MythsKnowledge: I know now that if I ask someone whether they are thinking of killing themselves, this question does not put the idea in their head. Rather, this question can help.
Chapter 6: A Program and an Action PlanKnowledge: The Be Nice Action Plan, which is more than a simple call to kindness, gives me the tools to take action when it comes to mental health among myself and those around me.
Chapter 7: NoticeKnowledge: I will recognize what is right about anyone. I will notice what is different. If someone exhibits changes in their behavior lasting two weeks or longer, I'm going to invite myself to ask, "Are you OK?"
Chapter 8: inviteKnowledge: When I invite myself to have a loving and caring conversation with someone who may be struggling with depression, that person will appreciate my reaching out. This person may be in pain and may not know how to get help as this book provides it.
Chapter 9: ChallengeKnowledge: I know that mental illness can be a silent disease, and 90 percent of the people who die by suicide currently struggle with a mental illness, mostly depression. I know that by asking, "Are you thinking of killing yourself?" I can open the door to a potentially lifesaving conversation.
Chapter 10: EmpowerKnowledge: People who suffer with mental illness may need immediate professional attention, especially if they have been experiencing changes in their behavior lasting two weeks or longer. Those with suicidal ideation need immediate attention. I know there are coping skills and protective factors I can implement into own my life to build resiliency and protect my mental health. I also know what resources are available when it comes to mental health.
Chapter 11: Be Nice in ActionKnowledge: The Be Nice Action Plan has proven to be an effective way to notice risk factors that people face regarding depression and suicidal ideation. This plan gives me the tools to take action.
Chapter 12: Changing the Culture with Be NiceKnowledge: I know that depression does not discriminate. I also know that 20 percent of people in our country struggle with a mental illness.
Chapter 13: Saving Lives with Be NiceKnowledge: here are many ways that we can take action to protect our mental health before a concern becomes an illness and requires professional help. Protective factors and coping skills such as exercise, social connection, volunteering, and generally being an active person can make a big difference.
Chapter 14: Managing Your Mental HealthKnowledge: If symptoms last two weeks or longer, I know that because mental illness is a disease, like diabetes or a heart condition, it is treatable.
-Community Columnist Jeff Elhart is Playground Director II of the Elhart Automotive Campus in Holland. For more information, contact benice@elhart.com or 616-546-6258.

___________________________________________________________Holland Sentinel Article
Jeff Elhart: How is Your Heart & Spirit?
I was making the rounds the other day at work, saying hello to our employees when I was greeted with some surprising questions. Part of the joy that I have while at my job is checking in with our team to see how they are doing. How is their family? What's going really well in their life? What's not going so well? How can I help?
On that day, when I shook the hands of one of our technicians, I asked him, "How are you doing?" He responded, "I'm doing well. Thanks for asking." Then before I could get into my routine of questions, he looked me in the eyes and asked, "Jeff, how is your family?" Well, that was nice of him to ask that. I responded that our family was doing well and, in fact, we were expecting our first grandchild soon! He wanted to know all about this news and when the expected date of birth was and so on. My friend was in control of the conversation.
What happened next threw me for a loop. He asked, "Jeff, how is your heart?" I hesitated and probably looked down not knowing how to respond. The first thing that came to my mind was, did he think that I had a heart attack recently? Was he concerned about my health for some reason? What seemed like a few minutes for me to realize that he was genuinely asking me about the condition of my heart and soul, I naturally paused and thought, "What is he asking me?"     
When was the last time someone asked you that question? When was the last time you gave any thought to the condition of your heart? If you were to stop right now and honestly examine your heart, what would you find?
Would it be love? Joy? Peace? Gratitude?
Or, would it be anger? Rage? Bitterness? Resentment? Worry? Fear? Suspicion? Jealousy? Lust? Greed?
How's your heart?
The scriptures tell us to guard our hearts because everything that we do flows from them (Prov. 4:23). All the decisions that we make, the desires that drive and motivate us, the feelings we experience, the words that we say, the thoughts that we think, they all come from our hearts.
So how about taking a little bit more time and answering the question, "How's your heart?"
Then, as if the question of "How is your heart?" wasn't enough, my friend and co-worker asked me, "How is your spirit?" Wow! I can't remember the last time that someone has asked me that question, particularly in our workplace!
This last question prompted a wonderful conversation that lasted another 20 minutes. I answered his question that my spirit is at peace as I have God in my heart. His spirit gives me peace in times of celebration and in times of struggle. As I have mentioned in this column several times before, I am one of the 20-25 percent of the country affected by depression. He shared with me that he is on a journey trying to discover the spirit in his life in God's word. He is a seeker and that is exciting to me. He is thirsty for God's promises and the comfort that only he can provide.
Spirit can mean different things to different people. Usually, it is something that we don't see or touch, it's a sense of something that exists within us, maybe the "alive" part of us. For lots of people, being spiritual means observing rituals, studying religious texts and attending regular services. For others, it might be about the energy that flows in us which helps guide and motivate us.
Perhaps a simple way of defining spirituality is anything you consider meaningful and special. Whether you find it in God, in people, in nature, or in art, it can be a place of lightness and release from every day pressures and pains.
Get to know your spiritual side. It'll give you a:
reassuring belief that you don't have to know how to control everything sense of purpose and meaning feeling that you are part of something bigger than yourself way to understand suffering connection with others reminder of the good in the world
So let me challenge you today: How is your family? Have you checked in on them lately? What is good about them and what has changed in their behavior lately?
How is your heart? What or who drives your decision making? Is your heart driving your actions?
Finally, how is your spirit? Is your spirit somehow separate from the rest of your being? If so, maybe it's time to consider tending first and foremost to your spiritual health, and from there gage how you're doing.  
The action plan Be Nice can help anyone be a better listener like my friend and co-worker. Take time to get to know how to use the Be Nice action plan to check in on your family and friend's family, heart and spirit.
- Community Columnist Jeff Elhart is Playground Director II of the Elhart Automotive Campus in Holland. For more information, contact benice@elhart.com. 
___________________________________________________________Holland Sentinel Article
Jeff Elhart: Commit today to take the pledge
Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, many mental health organizations join the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year, these organizations fight against stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.
When Mental Health America (MHA) started Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949, they did so to communicate the importance of mental health to overall health. Their insights about the factors that lead to mental health for all - including embracing diversity, equity and inclusion in all we do - have grown since then. 
Together, we can realize our shared vision of a nation where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives - a nation where no one feels alone in their struggle.
In November 2020, the CDC reported that 44 percent of us were dealing with either depression or anxiety. While historically data shows us that 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental health problem - these days it certainly feels like it's 5 in 5. Mental health is essential to everyone's overall health and wellbeing, and mental illnesses are common and treatable.
Consider the following facts and factors which can provide a positive impact on your mental health and for your loved ones:
• While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on the mental health of people of all ages, and now more than ever it is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles that commonly prevents individuals from seeking help.
• There are practical education tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health knowledge and increase resiliency, regardless of the situations they are dealing with. The one common language that this article commonly refers to is "be nice." Take the pledge to be educated at benice.org. 
• It's important to accept the situations in life that we cannot change, actively work to process the mental struggles associated with big changes, manage anger and frustration, recognize when trauma may be affecting your mental health, challenge negative thinking patterns, and make time to take care of yourself.
• Knowing when to turn to friends, family and co-workers when you are struggling with life's challenges can help improve your mental health.
• One way to check in with yourself is to take a mental health screen at MHAscreening.org. It's a quick, free and private way for someone to assess their mental health and recognize signs of mental health problems.
• Living a healthy lifestyle and incorporating mental health tools to thrive may not be easy but can be achieved by gradually making small changes and building on those successes.
• Seeking professional help when self-help efforts to improve your mental health aren't working is a sign of strength, not weakness.
This past year presented so many different challenges and obstacles that tested our strength and resiliency. The global pandemic forced us to cope with situations we never even imagined, and a lot of us struggled with our mental health as a result. The good news is that there are tools and resources available that can support the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Now, more than ever, we need to combat the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. 
Taking on any new challenge requires education. Through education we build confidence in our ability to understand. And through confidence we are driven to take action. During May, let's challenge each of our family members, co-workers, church members and our community to not only observe National Mental Health Awareness Month but to dig in and commit to be educated on this epidemic. 
The time is now! Start now by taking the pledge at benice.org. Come on, Holland/Zeeland! We can do this. Let's make one small commitment during this nationally recognized month of May. Investing only 12 minutes from our lives during May will equip each of us with perhaps the easiest four-step action plan to help improve and potentially save a life from mental illness. Schools, make a commitment! Businesses, make a commitment! Faith communities, make the commitment!  
Be nice. Mental illness is treatable. Suicide is preventable.
- Community Columnist Jeff Elhart is Playground Director II of the Elhart Automotive Campus in Holland. For more information, contact benice@elhart.com.

___________________________________________________________Holland Sentinel Article
Jeff Elhart: 100 local businesses 'Be(ing) Nice'
"I am nothing more than the sum of my actions, and for a long time I have not been myself. It is time for me to start caring again - time for the real me to return. I hurt you, and sent you a cry for help and you helped me. I am forever grateful for what you have done for me." - Employee of a Holland business
Equip your staff to help the depressed and even potentially save a life.
"I believe in my company, and I cannot express how thankful I am that I am employed here because over the last five years this company has helped me to grow more than I ever could have imagined." - Employee of a Holland business
Bring the action plan and culture enhancement movement Be Nice into your workplace.
"Thank you for supporting me throughout my struggle. I appreciate everything you guys do for me and I'm not sure where I would be if it wasn't for my employer. I now look forward into the future and see possibility rather than darkness." - Employee of a Holland business
These are real thoughts and words - real feelings. They are good people who you work with, you employ and you are friends with.
Please join us and 100 other local Holland/Zeeland-area businesses in bringing the Be Nice action plan for mental illness awareness and suicide prevention. The Wayne Elhart Be Nice Memorial Fund is proud to partner with the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, Lakeshore Advantage and the West Coast Chamber of Commerce to sponsor the 100 Be Nice Business Challenge.
Approximately 20 percent of our society struggles with a mental health disorder, most often depression. In fact, depression is the world's most common disability. Those who struggle with depression can be filled with hopelessness, helplessness, isolation and more. People who have depression generally do not take it upon themselves to seek professional help. In fact, less than 50 percent of people with depression ever receive professional treatment.
Take a look at your business. You can easily estimate the impact that depression has on your organization and employees. (There is no business too small or too big). If you're a company with 100 employees, realize your organization has approximately 20 employees struggling with depression. That also means that you have 80 employees who can be trained and equipped to be lifeguards for the 20 who are struggling. We have a choice. We can standby and observe. Or we can take action to help change, improve or even save a life. The only way this happens is through education. Education breeds confidence. And confidence breeds action. You can make a difference right now!
During this past year, depression and anxiety has spiked to two to three times normal levels. We are at a critical moment with regards to our workforce mental well-being. By joining the Be Nice movement, you will equip your entire workforce, their families and clients with the simplest tool to help themselves and others with noticing warning signs of depression, inviting themselves to have a caring conversation with the person struggling, challenging the stigma associated with this common disease and empowering them to help those struggling to get help.
So here's the challenge. We challenge you and your business to join us in creating a healthier, safer workplace. You and your company can be one of the first 100 businesses in the greater Holland/Zeeland area who become an accredited Be Nice business.
Together, we can make a significant difference in our community and potentially spark a tsunami of one common voice in mental illness awareness and suicide prevention.
Please join us and the team at the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, founders of the Be Nice program in an upcoming virtual "Get to know Be Nice" one-hour session:

• Jan. 20, 10 a.m.
• Jan. 27, 3 p.m.
• Feb. 11, 9 a.m.
• Feb. 17, 10 a.m.
• March 17, 10 a.m.

Sign up for this free informational session at benice.org/100-business-challenge. We encourage you to invite the people in your organization that will benefit from this information and be able to make a decision to move forward with this important action in your business.
We look forward to including you and your team in this important initiative to equip 100 companies in the greater Holland/Zeeland area to improve and save lives. If you have any questions, call 616-546-6250 or email jeff@elhart.com.
- Jeff Elhart is Playground Director II of the Elhart Automotive Campus in Holland. For more information, contact benice@elhart.com.

___________________________________________________________Holland Sentinel Article
Jeff Elhart: 100 local businesses 'Be(ing) Nice'

"I am nothing more than the sum of my actions, and for a long time I have not been myself. It is time for me to start caring again - time for the real me to return. I hurt you, and sent you a cry for help and you helped me. I am forever grateful for what you have done for me." - Employee of a Holland business
Equip your staff to help the depressed and even potentially save a life.
"I believe in my company, and I cannot express how thankful I am that I am employed here because over the last five years this company has helped me to grow more than I ever could have imagined." - Employee of a Holland business
Bring the action plan and culture enhancement movement Be Nice into your workplace.
"Thank you for supporting me throughout my struggle. I appreciate everything you guys do for me and I'm not sure where I would be if it wasn't for my employer. I now look forward into the future and see possibility rather than darkness." - Employee of a Holland business
These are real thoughts and words - real feelings. They are good people who you work with, you employ and you are friends with.
Please join us and 100 other local Holland/Zeeland-area businesses in bringing the Be Nice action plan for mental illness awareness and suicide prevention. The Wayne Elhart Be Nice Memorial Fund is proud to partner with the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, Lakeshore Advantage and the West Coast Chamber of Commerce to sponsor the 100 Be Nice Business Challenge.
Approximately 20 percent of our society struggles with a mental health disorder, most often depression. In fact, depression is the world's most common disability. Those who struggle with depression can be filled with hopelessness, helplessness, isolation and more. People who have depression generally do not take it upon themselves to seek professional help. In fact, less than 50 percent of people with depression ever receive professional treatment.
Take a look at your business. You can easily estimate the impact that depression has on your organization and employees. (There is no business too small or too big). If you're a company with 100 employees, realize your organization has approximately 20 employees struggling with depression. That also means that you have 80 employees who can be trained and equipped to be lifeguards for the 20 who are struggling. We have a choice. We can standby and observe. Or we can take action to help change, improve or even save a life. The only way this happens is through education. Education breeds confidence. And confidence breeds action. You can make a difference right now!
During this past year, depression and anxiety has spiked to two to three times normal levels. We are at a critical moment with regards to our workforce mental well-being. By joining the Be Nice movement, you will equip your entire workforce, their families and clients with the simplest tool to help themselves and others with noticing warning signs of depression, inviting themselves to have a caring conversation with the person struggling, challenging the stigma associated with this common disease and empowering them to help those struggling to get help.
So here's the challenge. We challenge you and your business to join us in creating a healthier, safer workplace. You and your company can be one of the first 100 businesses in the greater Holland/Zeeland area who become an accredited Be Nice business.
Together, we can make a significant difference in our community and potentially spark a tsunami of one common voice in mental illness awareness and suicide prevention.
  

Suicide prevention must be a national priority

This summer, a national organization called the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention - which I have the privilege of serving on its executive board - teamed up with The Harris Poll along with other national mental health and suicide prevention agencies, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), and Education Development Center (EDC) to conduct a survey on our national mental health and suicide epidemic.

The new national survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older shows that the majority of those surveyed (81 percent) say that, as a result of the pandemic, it's more important than ever to make suicide prevention a national priority. It also revealed that 52 percent surveyed reported being more open to talking about mental health as a result of COVID-19.

The survey, which builds upon similar surveys conducted in 2015 and 2018, shows respondents overwhelmingly believe suicide can be prevented (93 percent). While 95 percent of those surveyed said they would do something if someone close to them was thinking about suicide. 

Most people (69 percent) identified barriers that keep them from discussing suicide with others, such as not knowing what to say (31 percent), feeling they don't have enough knowledge (28 percent), or not feeling comfortable with the topic (19 percent).

These findings underscore the importance of equipping all Americans with the necessary tools and resources to feel empowered to have conversations about mental health and suicide prevention, and to take steps to care for their own mental health. Additionally, this data points to the critical role technology plays in providing support and services, particularly important given today's social-distancing rules in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"These new findings indicate that the American people are ready for the nation to take action now to mitigate the short-term, and prevent any long-term, negative mental health or suicide-related consequences of the pandemic," said Colleen Carr, director of the Action Alliance. "These complex and urgent public health issues require multi-sector perspectives and solutions."

Some helpful ways people can be there for someone who may be struggling or in crisis include:

Recognizing the risk factors and warning signs.

Learning the action steps for talking with someone who might be suicidal.

Staying socially connected to family, friends and loved ones.

Sharing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (800-273-TALK), which provides 24/7, free, and confidential support or the Crisis Text Line (text TALK to 741741).

"Our country has never witnessed a public health and economic event of this proportion in recent history. The pandemic continues to take a toll on many people's health and well-being," said Dr. Jerry Reed, senior vice president for practice leadership at EDC. "Yet, with challenges come opportunities. This data shows us that Americans see these issues as critically important and that they want to play a role in addressing them. We must take bold steps now to support those who are struggling and to emerge a stronger country."

To help change the public conversation about these issues and empower Americans with action steps they can take to support others, as well as to strengthen mental health and suicide prevention, the Action Alliance recently launched the Mental Health & Suicide Prevention National Response to COVID-19.

I am a mental health and suicide prevention advocate involved in local, regional and national mental health organizations. One of the most effective programs I've found is the Be Nice action plan from the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan (MHF).

For five years, I have been a trained educational liaison for Be Nice and I serve on the MHF board. My company, Elhart Automotive Campus, supports the MHF's mission. To take the pledge, find help, learn about their programs, or get involved, please visit benice.org.

- Jeff Elhart is Playground Director II of the Elhart Automotive Campus in Holland. Contact him at benice@elhart.com.

__________________________________________________________________Holland Sentinel Article

What a long, dark winter can feel like

Some days it's only a couple of inches. It's a pain in the neck, but you still make it to work, the grocery store. Sure, maybe you skip the gym or your friend's birthday party, but it IS still snowing and who knows how bad it might get tonight. Probably better to just head home. Your friend notices, but probably just thinks you are flaky now, or kind of a jerk.

Some days it snows a foot. You spend an hour shoveling out your driveway and are late to work. Your back and hands hurt from shoveling. You leave early because it's really coming down out there. Your boss notices.

Some days it snows four feet. You shovel all morning, but your street never gets plowed. You are not making it to work, or anywhere else for that matter. You are so sore and tired you just get back in the bed. By the time you wake up, all your shoveling has filled back in with snow. Looks like your phone rang; people are wondering where you are. You don't feel like calling them back, too tired from all the shoveling. Plus, they don't get this much snow at their house, so they don't understand why you're still stuck at home. They just think you're lazy or weak, although they rarely come out and say it.

Some weeks it's a full-blown blizzard. When you open your door, it's to a wall of snow. The power flickers, then goes out. It's too cold to sit in the living room anymore, so you get back into bed with all your clothes on. The stove and microwave won't work so you eat a cold Pop Tart and call that dinner. You haven't taken a shower in three days, but how could you at this point? You're too cold to do anything except sleep.

Sometimes people get snowed in for the winter. The cold seeps in. No communication in or out. The food runs out. What can you even do, tunnel out of a 40-foot snow bank with your hands? How far away is help? Can you even get there in a blizzard? If you do, can they even help you at this point? Maybe it's death to stay here, but it's death to go out there, too.

The thing is, when it snows all the time, you get worn all the way down. You get tired of being cold. You get tired of hurting all the time from shoveling, but if you don't shovel on the light days, it builds up to something unmanageable on the heavy days. You resent the heck out of the snow, but it doesn't care, it's just a blind chemistry, an act of nature. It carries on regardless, unconcerned and unaware if it buries you or the whole world.

Also, the snow builds up in other areas, places you can't shovel, sometimes places you can't even see. Maybe it's on the roof. Maybe it's on the mountain behind the house. Sometimes, there's an avalanche that blows the house right off its foundation and takes you with it. A veritable Act of God, nothing can be done. The neighbors say it's a shame and they can't understand it; he was doing so well with his shoveling.

I don't know how it went down for Anthony Bourdain or Kate Spade. It seems like they got hit by the avalanche, but it could've been the long, slow winter. Maybe they were keeping up with their shoveling. Maybe they weren't. Sometimes, shoveling isn't enough anyway. It's hard to tell from the outside, but it's important to understand what it's like from the inside.

I firmly believe that understanding and compassion have to be the base of effective action. It's important to understand what depression is, how it feels, what it's like to live with it, so you can help people both on an individual basis and a policy basis. I'm not putting heavy stuff out here to make your day suck. I know it feels terrible to read it, and realistically it can be unpleasant to be around it, that's why people pull away.

I don't have a message for people with depression like "keep shoveling." It's ridiculous. Of course, you're going to keep shoveling the best you can, until you physically can't, because who wants to freeze to death inside their own house? We know what the stakes are. My message is to everyone else. Grab a darn shovel and help your neighbor. Slap a mini snow plow on the front of your truck and plow your neighborhood. Petition the city council to buy more salt trucks, so to speak.

Depression is blind chemistry and physics, like snow. And like the weather, it is a mindless process, powerful and unpredictable with great potential for harm. But like climate change, that doesn't mean we are helpless. If we want to stop losing so many people to this disease, it will require action at every level."

I am a mental health and suicide prevention advocate involved in local, regional and national mental health organizations. Find out more on mental illness awareness and suicide prevention at benice.org.

- Jeff Elhart is Playground Director II of the Elhart Automotive Campus in Holland. For more information, contact benice@elhart.com.

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God provides you tools to save lives.

Suicide literature often distinguishes between suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. "Vention" comes from the Latin venire (to come) plus pre (to come before), inter (to come between) and post (to come after).

The following resources are credited to Pastor Paul Tautges' Counseling One Another website.

You have the character to help others: As a believer, you are "full of goodness." You care about others and you seek to do them good, not harm.

You have the knowledge to help others: You may not know everything about the problems your friend is confronting, or be an expert on suicide, but you have access to divine wisdom.

You have the motivation to help others: You are "competent to instruct one another." The word translated "instruct" in the NIV means "to put or place into mind," and is elsewhere translated "admonish," "warn" or "counsel." It carries the idea of lovingly confronting someone with the purpose of bringing about desirable change in his or her thinking and living. Your motivation for helping others is their welfare, not your own personal gain.

Remember, don't try to be a hero. If your friend or family member is in imminent danger, you need to employ the civil authorities. Once safety is regained, however, don't merely leave your friend "to the professionals." You are the person your friend needs right now. Trust the Lord to use you to direct the mind and heart of your friend to Jesus Christ, the one who came to give not only eternal life, but also the abundant life (John 10:10).

When depression is present, suicidal persons can send out conflicting signals. One of the most dangerous periods is on the way down, when they are unhappy with life and close to the bottom, but still have enough energy to carry out a plan.

At the bottom of the curve, life is flat and depressed persons have little energy to do anything. This is when they don't go to school or work, don't seem to get anything done, and spend a lot of time unable or unwilling to get out of bed or off the couch. When they start to come out of the depression, that's the next most dangerous period because they are beginning to regain energy and can again carry out a plan. Often friends are misled into thinking that the suicidal person is getting better: "He seemed so much happier the last few days ..." That apparent happiness may be because the person has a plan and now has the energy to carry it out.

The point here is we are not done with our work caring for those considering suicide even after they have received professional help. Stay connected. Learn the life-improving and life-saving action plan Be Nice by taking the pledge.

I am a mental health and suicide prevention advocate involved in local, regional and national mental health organizations. One of the most effective programs I've found is the Be Nice action plan from the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan. For five years, I have been a trained educational liaison for Be Nice, and I serve on the MHF board.

My company, Elhart Automotive Campus, supports the MHF's mission and has successfully implemented the Be Nice program. To take the pledge, find help, learn about their programs, or get involved. Please visit the MHF website at benice.org.

- Jeff Elhart is Playground Director II of the Elhart Automotive Campus in Holland. For more information, contact benice@elhart.com.

_________________________________________________________________Holland Sentinel Article

Be Nice, and the Good Samaritan.

The parable of the Good Samaritan tells the story of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, and while on the way he is robbed of everything he had, including his clothing, and is beaten to within an inch of his life. That road was treacherously winding and was a favorite hideout of robbers and thieves. The next character Jesus introduces is a priest, only telling of how the priest showed no love or compassion for the man by failing to help him and passing on the other side of the road so as not to get involved. If there was anyone who would have known God's law of love, it would have been the priest. By nature of his position, he was to be a person of compassion, desiring to help others. Unfortunately, "love" was not a word for him that required action on the behalf of someone else. The next person to pass is a Levite, and he does exactly what the priest did: He passes by without showing any compassion.

The next person to come by is the Samaritan, the one least likely to have shown compassion. Samaritans were considered a low class of people by the Jews since they had intermarried with non-Jews and did not keep all the law. Therefore, Jews would have nothing to do with them. We do not know if the injured man was a Jew or Gentile, but it made no difference to the Samaritan; he did not consider the man's race or religion.

The Good Samaritan saw only a person in dire need of assistance, and assist him he did, above and beyond the minimum required. He dresses the man's wounds with wine (to disinfect) and oil (to sooth the pain). He puts the man on his animal and takes him to an inn for a time of healing and pays the innkeeper with his own money. He then goes beyond common decency and tells the innkeeper to take good care of the man, and he would pay for any extra expenses on his return trip. The Samaritan saw his neighbor as anyone who was in need.

By ending the encounter in this manner, Jesus is telling us to follow the Samaritan's example in our own conduct; i.e., we are to show compassion and love for those we encounter in our everyday activities. We are to love others regardless of their race or religion; the criterion is need. If they need and we have the supply, then we are to give generously and freely, without expectation of return.

So, what is the connection of the great parable of the Good Samaritan and the action plan Be Nice?

The man on the side of the road is the man who is beaten down with his silent depression or anxiety. No one knows the pain he is feeling. He is like one of America's growing population given the pandemic today that suffers with this silent disease and most cases goes unnoticed as he did (even though he was visibly beaten) by others.

The priest and the Levite are bystanders. Without compassion, they pass.

The Samaritan then arrives and first notices the man needs help. The Samaritan possessed no special assets or position; the Samaritan invited himself to use his God-given love and compassion (which we all possess). Then he challenged himself to bring the beaten man to get professional help. He took him to the inn and empowered himself to help the man even further.

You too can learn the simple action plan of Be Nice by going to benice.org and taking the pledge (a 12-minute video). Do you have the need to know how to show compassion for those hurting with the silent disease of depression and anxiety? Start today by receiving the knowledge of how to notice, invite, challenge and empower.

- Jeff Elhart is Playground Director II of the Elhart Automotive Campus in Holland. For more information, contact benice@elhart.com.

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Sacrifice. Be bold. Take a chance.