BEE HEARD: Do not forget to Love You

Like many across these lands, Valentine’s day this year was either greatly anticipated or dreaded. Either way, we were all exposed to the do’s and don’ts, the social media memes, the social media timeline reminders, and of course all the candy and marketing we ran into at every store. But no matter what your relationship status was over this past holiday, we might have forgotten how important it is to love ourselves. So, what did you do to show yourself TLC (tender, loving care) on Feb. 14?  

It’s never too late.  

Okay, V-day is over and maybe you didn’t get a chance to show yourself the love and appreciation you wanted. Or maybe you are feeling a little anxious about all the expectations this holiday put on us to be loved or to give love. These tips can help balance all that energy we spent or did not spend on someone else these past couple of weeks. So, here we go: what can we do to create love and care for ourselves? Here are two tips from the “How to Survive (Thrive) This Valentine’s Day” article by Mental Health First Aid USA: 

1. Try positive self-talk. The way we speak to ourselves and about ourselves informs how we feel. Try replacing, “I hate being alone,” with “I accept and love myself, and I choose to focus on positive thoughts.” If you’re interested in learning more positive affirmations, try googling “Positive Affirmations,” and start from there. A couple good ones are “I am a good and kind person” or “I look forward to a happy bright future.” 
2. Treat yourself. Enjoy your self-care time! Do something you enjoy that also refuels you. Some ideas include practicing yoga or meditation or indulging in a midday nap if you are tired.  

You may want to invest in learning a new skill, like cooking or dance. Whatever it is, do something that brings you joy even when no one else is around.  

Last but certainly not least, practice gratitude. 

We can practice gratitude any time of the year. We do not need a holiday to tell us, but it does help to remind us of how important other people such as friends, family, partners, co-workers, are in our lives. It’s nice to show your appreciation for them and for yourself by doing something or saying something like “I’m grateful to have family who ___”, “I’m grateful to be so loved by friends who ___.”  

If you need to talk to someone, please reach out. It’s okay not to feel okay. If you or someone you know has been struggling with their emotions, behaviors, or substance use please reach out to us. We can help you find appropriate tools and services that could help you overcome obstacles in your life. We are here for you. Please contact the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division or the Native Connections Program at 970-563-5700 for more information or to set up an appointment to see a counselor or therapist.  

References 

Mental Health First Aid USA, (2022). How to Survive (Thrive) This Valentine’s Day Retrieved from www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2022/02/how-to-survive-and-thrive-this-valentines-day   

LOCAL RESOURCES 

• Southern Ute Health Center: Behavioral Health Division, 4101 CR 222 Durango, Co 970-563-5700. For local Native Americans. We are here to support mental health, substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. Please call to schedule an appointment to talk to someone.  
• Southern Ute Division of Social Services: 116 Capote Drive, Ignacio, CO 970-563-2331 or dss@southernute-nsn.gov for local Native Americans needing assistance with child welfare needs and family support.  
• Southern Ute Police Department: Anonymous Tip Hotline Do you have information about a crime? Please call (970-563-4999. This “Tip Line” was designed to allow you the ability to provide law enforcement with information, anonymously if need be, regarding criminal, drug, or suspicious activity. The “Tip Line” is monitored around the clock by SUPD Investigators, but it DOES NOT replace 9-1-1 or the non-emergency police number (970) 563-4401. 
• St Ignatius Catholic Church: Pastor Cesar Arras, 14826 CO-172, Ignacio, CO 970-563-4241. 
• Ignacio Community Church: Pastor Randall Haynes 405 Browning Ave, Ignacio, CO (currently located inside ELHI) 970-759-3633  
• Second Wind Fund of the Four Corners: Believes that every child and youth at risk of suicide should have access to the mental health treatment they need. We match children and youth at risk for suicide with licensed therapists in their communities, 720-962-0706. 
• Women’s Resource Center: Creates personal, social, and professional growth opportunities for all women in La Plata County, 970-247-1242. 

24/7 STATE OR NATIONAL RESOURCES   

• Colorado Crisis Line: 844-493-8255 or Text “TALK” to 38255. You’ll immediately be put in contact with a trained counselor, ready to text with you about anything. 
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Has both an online chat and 24/7 phone line at 1-800-273-8255 if you are thinking of suicide or need help for a loved one. 
• The Trevor Project: Seeks to serve LGBT youth, has a 24/7 suicide prevention line at 866-488-7386. 
• We R Native Movement: Join them by liking them on Facebook (www facebook  com/weRnative) , signing up for the text messaging service (text NATIVE to 24587). 

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