The United Socialist Republic of Seattle???

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Ahhhh, did I catch your attention???  It’s not what you think!!!  I’ve been very blessed to have traveled this great country and Keynote in 43 states.  I also travel with speakers from Seattle and each of us run into the same thing at conferences from the participants.  When I mention that I’m from the greater Seattle area (I’ve since moved), people always say, “So you’re from that socialist city and state.”  At first I was caught off guard by these kind of comments but the more I presented the more often I heard the same thing over and over as did my counterparts from Seattle.

I started asking around and inquiring why people thought this way.  Many informed us that they felt that Seattle had an over the top liberal, elitist attitude catering to special interest groups and attempted to demonstrate that they were “better” than anyone else in the country.  The more I traveled I started to realize there may be something to this in regards to mental health and substance abuse treatment.  I deal with these issues for first responders on a nationwide level.  Seattle and the State of Washington is a very progressive city and state.

One area that disappoints me and I am going to challenge the cities, counties, State Legislature and the Governor to step up their game in regards to mental health and substance abuse treatment not only for first responders but for the entire general population.  I was shocked to see the services and treatment offered in other states and how far superior they are to those in the State of Washington.  As an organization we are blessed to be working with the finest facilities and individuals in the country and did so because we opened our eyes and went out and searched to see what was out there.

States that most people think are regressive far exceed any treatment platform that currently is in place in Washington State.  I have to ask myself why this is even possible due to the fact that this state believes in helping those that are afflicted in the disease model.  I have to guess maybe it’s because they haven’t seen what we have seen in person to understand that the care out there is what everyone in this state as well as other states deserves.

So here’s my call to action!!!  Seattle, the State of Washington, open your eyes, seek, understand and not rest on our laurels when it comes to getting help.  Reach out and see what other states have to offer and most of all let’s remove the stigma attached to what the State of Washington has to offer and go out and save lives like no other!!! 


 

Getting a #1stresponder Into Treatment...

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When someone you love is struggling with a behavioral or mental health disorder that requires residential care, you’re well aware that one difficult conversation is a price worth paying.

The good news is that with proper preparation, the talk may go much more smoothly than you anticipate – and the result may change (or save) your loved one’s life.

That said, here a few important issues to consider when preparing to talk to your loved one about getting treatment.

Conversation

DO be empathetic and compassionate

Never lose sight of the fact that your loved one is in pain – not as a result of a lack of willpower or a failure of character, but because he or she has a very real disease. Because of this disease, your loved one has literally lost control of his or her behavior, and cannot make the types of healthy decisions that seem so obvious to you.

You wouldn’t blame someone for getting cancer or diabetes – so please don’t ever accuse your loved one of “causing” his or her addiction, eating disorder, mood disorder, or chronic pain.

DON’T accept (or make) excuses

Understanding that the disease itself is beyond your loved one’s control doesn’t mean excusing (or making excuses for) his or her behaviors. You might think you’re trying to help, but when you look the other way, cover up damage, or otherwise try to minimize the impact of the behaviors in question, you allow the problem to take a stronger hold on your loved one and prevent him or her from getting help.