When Life Gets Tough

This month, we sit down with Simon Kalkbrenner, Zero Suicide Coordinator at Foundation 2 Crisis Services. Simon works with individuals after they leave residential substance use disorder treatment to help reduce the risk of a suicide attempt. Learn how you can help someone in your life who is experiencing a substance use disorder and how it can impact their mental health.

This month, we host Nicole Watters, law enforcement mental health liaison with the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Nicole talks about her role, including what calls she responds to, how she approaches mental health care in an emergency situation, and how she helps individuals and families with a trauma-informed approach.

The Foundation 2 Crisis Services' law enforcement liaison program is available through the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Department, Marion Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Department, Hiawatha Police Department, Delaware County Sheriff, and the Dubuque County Sheriff. Between June 2021-July 2022, the liaisons responded to 1,194 dispatches.

This month, we are sharing a mindfulness exercise led by Jana Mahmens, licensed therapist and MCO counselor, to help you practice self-care for mental wellness. Jana takes you through a 15-minute mindfulness exercise to help you clean your mind, create a feeling of calm, and improve your mood. We encourage you to regularly check in on your mental health and be proactive about caring for your mental wellness.

Foundation 2 Crisis Services counselors are available 24/7, every day of the year to support you or a loved one during a difficult time. All services are free and confidential. Contact "When Life Gets Tough" host Katie Curtis at kcurtis@foundation2.org to learn more.

Suicide content warning: this podcast contains discussion about thoughts of suicide and suicide deaths. Use discretion when listening. 

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and guest Drew Martel, Chief Clinical and Training Officer, talks with us about suicide trends, stats and information, and how you can be a valued piece of prevention and intervention efforts. Drew is our go-to source for data, training, and more. He's a busy guy, so we're excited to have him on the podcast! Plus, he leaves us with a personal musical exit to today's episode. 

Suicide content warning: this podcast contains discussion about thoughts of suicide. Use discretion when listening.

This month, we welcome Foundation 2 Crisis Services COO Erin Langdon to talk about the newly re-branded 988 national suicide crisis line and how we are serving more Iowans than ever with its rollout. Learn how you can better access mental health support and dispel myths about the long-time service, operated through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  

To learn more about 988, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988. To ask questions about Foundation 2 Crisis Services' roll in 988, contact us at info@foundation2.org.

Happy anniversary! We are celebrating 52 years of crisis services this month, and invited CEO Emily Blomme to reflect on the recent agency growth and new, exciting changes in our future! Learn about the rollout of the national 988 mental health crisis number, where we are going in the next year, and more. 

Foundation 2 Crisis Services provides 24/7 mental health support and suicide prevention and intervention services for all people, any time, every time. Call for free, confidential support at 319-362-2174. Learn more at foundation2.org.

Music courtesy of Coma Media https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-simple-and-relaxing-minimal-ambient-12161/

Suicide content warning: this podcast contains discussion about suicide and thoughts of suicide. 

Hear how a Thanksgiving prank led to the formation of the Iowa Giving Crew - an expanding grassroots group that supports individuals in need, including those who experience mental health struggles. In this episode, we host Iowa Giving Crew members Nick Dusil and Jesse Theoming to talk about what the organization means to them, including their personal stories of friends lost through suicide and how it motivates them to support mental health and suicide prevention efforts. 

This month, Iowa Giving Crew is doubling its impact to Foundation 2 Crisis Services. They will match every dollar donated in May, up to $2,000. You can contribute to the matching donation at:

Venmo: Iowa-GivingCrew

PayPal: IowaGivingCrew@outlook.com

Foundation 2 Crisis Services provides 24/7 mental health support and suicide prevention and intervention services for all people, any time, every time. Call for free, confidential support at 319-362-2174. Learn more at foundation2.org.

Music courtesy of Coma Media http://pixabay.com/music/corporate-simple-and-relaxing-minimal-ambient-12161/

Suicide content warning: this podcast episode contains a substantial discussion about suicide and thoughts of suicide. Please use discretion when listening.*

This month, we welcome Taylor Vanderlind, who tells her story of her dad Brian's death by suicide in 2018. Taylor reflects on navigating life after loss, and how she has pivoted to become a dedicated advocate for mental health access and suicide prevention and intervention services. Taylor now lives with her husband and their dog in Cedar Rapids.

*Podcast timestamps for content navigation:

00:00 - 1:06 - Introduction

1:07 - 5:49 - Taylor's personal story about suicide loss (content trigger warning)

5:50 - 9:43 - The grieving process

9:44 - 11:54  - Practicing resilience   

11:55 - 13:44 - Becoming an advocate

13:45 - 12:58 - Words of comfort and advice

12:58 - 16:53 - Honoring a loved one

16:54 - 17:38 Available support services & conclusion

Foundation 2 Crisis Services provides 24/7 mental health support and suicide prevention and intervention services for all people, any time, every time. Call for free, confidential support at 319-362-2174. Learn more at foundation2.org.

Music courtesy of Coma Media https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-simple-and-relaxing-minimal-ambient-12161/

Suicide content warning: this podcast contains discussion about suicide and thoughts of suicide.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us, and our youth and teens can be particularly impacted by feelings of anxiety, depression, uncertainty, and isolation.  In this episode, we talk about the mental health challenges many youth are struggling with, how to spot warning signs, and what to do if you are concerned about a child or teen in your life. We welcome Sydney Carpintero, youth services coordinator with Foundation 2 Crisis Services.

Foundation 2 Crisis Services provides 24/7 mental health support and suicide prevention and intervention services for all people, any time, every time. Call for free, confidential support at 319-362-2174. Learn more at foundation2.org.

Music courtesy of Coma Media https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-simple-and-relaxing-minimal-ambient-12161/

Suicide content warning: this podcast contains discussion about suicide and thoughts of suicide. 

In this episode, we talk about how the words we use to discuss mental health can impact perception, treatment, and attitudes toward mental health and suicide. Do you know what phrases to use, or how to start a conversation about mental health? We will walk you through best practices with Foundation 2 CEO Emily Bloome.

Foundation 2 Crisis Services provides 24/7 mental health support and suicide prevention and intervention services for all people, any time, every time. Call for free, confidential support at 319-362-2174. Learn more at foundation2.org. 

Music courtesy of Coma Media https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-simple-and-relaxing-minimal-ambient-12161/