In this month’s RCCS Tidbit, we share ways of bringing joy to the soul and better ways of understanding of how laughter affects human physiology.

A Component of Reducing Harm – One of the Five Conversations of the RCCS. As psychologists continue to explore the healing impacts on our brains from the practice of gratitude, one thing is clear: Gratitude offers extensive benefits of well-being.

In meeting with and listening to staff, clients, and members, we hear that many individuals at Telecare programs seem to be alone in life. Making and building strong, supportive connections takes time. Past hurts and trauma can make it hard for clients and members to engage and trust others. Individuals need to re-learn skills and practice. In the video to the right, one Telecare HOMES member illustrates the power of connection through their story.

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

In meeting with and listening to staff, clients, and members, we hear that many individuals at Telecare programs seem to be alone in life. Making and building strong, supportive connections takes time. Past hurts and trauma can make it hard for clients and members to engage and trust others. Individuals need to re-learn skills and practice. In the video to the right, one Telecare HOMES member illustrates the power of connection through their story.

Do you remember when you were growing up being taught the phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? We were taught that so we could remain strong when we were bullied or disrespected by others. However, you might also remember that while you weren’t physically harmed by another person’s words, their hurtful language left an invisible wound that sometimes took longer to heal than a physical wound might have.

Through the RCCS, we strive to become more aware of our judgments and bias. Becoming more aware requires us to give others permission to have sensitive conversations with us and give us respectful feedback. To increase more awareness of your own unconscious bias towards diverse people, explore the Implicit Association Tests from Harvard University.

What a year these past 525,600 minutes have been for us, our communities, for Telecare, and for our country. We have lost more than one person a minute due to the pandemic, we’ve experienced difficult social and political times throughout, and we’re still waiting for the country to recover.