Given the circumstances, maybe this is the best time to change, or come forward, or help out, set aside my issues with voices, move forward and help out and apply to Red Cross or work hard to get to go back to work, who knows what the future holds. Right now I want to focus on volunteering, still waiting to heard back from Red Cross on my job applications, hopefully I get an interview, I thought I would be ready for this job since I just worked full time paid $4000, a month to be a litigation secretary, I think Im at a stage in life work wise where I am able to volunteer and take life seriously and be outside of my head, or phone, or websites or Instagram for a change. Social media isn’t everything, but it has always been my happy place to explore creatively, share my personality with the world and get to be myself, to me that’s a rewarding experience. Worth the effort.

One of the requirements to work for the Red Cross is to help provide “peace of mind” to the survivors of losses occurring during the California Wildfires. I want to help, because if I can blog and help others, there’s no reason why I should not be able to work and help others, since my first job in life at age 19 was crisis hotline counselor, to people in the Boulder, CO community. I want to help because I am so fortunate to have the life that I have and have a safe place to live and proud of the life I have created for myself, and in a good place, minus the alcohol on occasion can stop, to be there for others, would be putting my life to good use, and use my experience to help provide peace of mind to others, like the peace of mind I provided counseling callers in crisis on a hotline.

To help people in crisis, google.com recommends, “To help someone in crisis find peace of mind, actively listen and validate their feelings, offer practical support when possible, let them know they’re not alone, and encourage them to reach out to professional help if needed; you can also try techniques like deep breathing exercises, focusing on positive aspects of their situation, and reminding them that their emotions are valid.” [1]

“Key Strategies for helping someone in crisis” are: [2]

• Be present and listen actively.
• Validate their feelings.
• Offer practical support.
• Remind them they’re not alone.
• Encourage professional help.

“Coping mechanisms for a person in crisis” [3]

• Deep breathing exercises: Slow, deep breathes can help calm the nervous system.
• Mindfulness practices: Focus on the present moment by observing throughs and sensations without judgment.
• Positive self-talk: Challenge negative thoughts with more supportive statements.
• Relaxation techniques: Engage in activities like listening to calming music, gentle stretching.

“Important points to remember” [4]

• Respect their boundaries: Don’t pressure them to talk if theyre not ready.
• Self-care is crucial: Ensure you are taking care of your own mental health while supporting others.
• Know when to seek emergency help: If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services or a crisis hotline.

Reference:

[1] https://www.preventivehealth.sa.gov.au/healthy-living/looking-after-your-mental-health-wellbeing/looking-after-wellbeing-during-an-emergency-or-crisis-2/taking-care-of-others-during-an-emergency-or-crisis

[2] https://www.preventivehealth.sa.gov.au/healthy-living/looking-after-your-mental-health-wellbeing/looking-after-wellbeing-during-an-emergency-or-crisis-2/taking-care-of-others-during-an-emergency-or-crisis\

[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858#:~:text=Meditation%20can%20give%20you%20a,centered%20and%20keep%20inner%20peace.

[4] https://www.preventivehealth.sa.gov.au/healthy-living/looking-after-your-mental-health-wellbeing/looking-after-wellbeing-during-an-emergency-or-crisis-2/taking-care-of-others-during-an-emergency-or-crisis