Make a Difference in Someone's Life

Recently, an old friend of the family, who I've known since I was a little girl, committed suicide. He left behind three beautiful girls, and I have been wondering how something like this happens. Overall, I don't know, but in this case, I had some ideas. 

My friend was always very popular, very charismatic, and well-loved. He was very talented, he could sing and play the piano very well, and we all enjoyed his playing and singing when he would share. Despite this, he didn't call anyone and ask for help. He could have called any one of hundred of people, but he didn't. Why not?

Perhaps because he was so popular, that it was difficult for him to sort through what was real and what was not. People who are famous or rich, or in the lime-light for whatever reason, seem like they have perfect lives, but I'm wondering if it's not all that great. 

I have a hard time determining who are the good guys and who is trying to take advantage of me and my family. No matter how old I get, I still get tricked from time to time. However, take the example of the famous person - there are apt to be more bad guys trying to take advantage of them than of me. On top of that, some folks may not mean to hurt another, but just want to ride on the coat-tails of someone who appears to be doing well. 

For someone who is popular or famous and suffers from mental illness, this can be very dangerous. Even with all our faculties we still have a hard time making good judgements and choices. When some of our abilities to interpret data are damaged or not working very well, we end up with the wrong responses in our behavior. This could be as innocent as thinking someone is our friend when they really aren't, or as serious as believing we are a burden to our friends and family. 

When someone pretends to be your friend, you feel pretty icky, but imagine thinking that the people who love you the most would be better off without you around? More than icky. 

If someone you know struggles with the question of whether or not you need them, remind them. If you have an acquaintance that seems different, say something. When you walk down the street, or go in and out of a business, hold the door for someone, smile, make eye contact, be nice. Those kinds of things helps people who feel lonely and depressed to question their decision about the world, and helps them see that there is good out there. You really can make a difference in someone's life. Please try at every chance you get.

EAGALA - The Professionals

EAGALA stands for the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, and their website can be found here:

http://www.eagala.org

Fresh Steps EAP is not only an EAGALA Distinguished Program Member, but has always promoted and adhered to the EAGALA code of ethics. This includes having both a Licensed Mental Health Professional and and Equine Specialist. (See earlier blogs). This isn't about being on a 'high-horse' about what EAP should be, rather, it is about protecting the public. It is common sense that you would go to a specialist in the medical field, and this is no different. You should look for someone who is licensed (or license eligible under the supervision of a licensed professional) any time you need mental health services.

Certainly, only a licensed professional can bill you insurance, but it isn't just about funding. Licensing exists to provide an avenue for lodging complaints if a licensee is not providing ethical care. Without a license, if you are unhappy or worse, hurt in some way, it is just too bad. Sorry, no refunds, no recourse. Just learn to live with it.

Therapist work hard to acquire their licenses, and are very proud to have it. If they decide to move away, their license is often transferable to another state, because the standards are often the same. The same is true for credentialing in such a specialty as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. When you hire someone to guide you through this amazing process, you want to know that your team is certified and knows what they are doing! An Equine Specialist not only has specialized training with communicating with horses and interpreting behaviors, but also to use this information in mental health.

Both human members of the team invest in themselves to be trained through EAGALA, and maintain continuing education requirements and pay for their membership to the organization. If they do not adhere to the ethics of EAP, a complaint could be lodged against them, and they could not only lose their membership, but also their credential. This is a huge investment in both time and money, and would not be taken lightly! Continuing education is provided by EAGALA who also approves of seminars by members for members. I can't say enough about how important continuing education is. It makes sure that your providers are giving you the best possible care with the most up-to-date treatment methods available. Since EAP is so new, this is even more important.