A friend my age has been in love and communicating with a guy for 50+ years. Yep, fifty years. He married in college and had kids; she worked, never married, and had no kids. His wife died unexpectedly—OMG, he was available. After nearly a year of waiting a respectable time, he still had not mentioned her to his kids, and he busied himself with golf and guy things. Let me … [Read more...]
Newspaper Column, "Mental Matters" published each Wednesday in the South Platte Sentinel Health Section
Let’s be King Makers
I recently heard someone use King Maker in a sentence, and I asked what it meant. They explained with an example: Take Apple, for example—all of us using Apple products have made them a King of the tech world. We buy their phone, then we buy their cords, and then their compatible iPads and computers. The same applies to Amazon, Google, Walmart, etc. We have each likely … [Read more...]
That’s a sign
Jennifer Goble (Courtesy photo) For my final article on the painful topic of suicide, I want to address warning signs and suggest what to do if you notice the signs. If someone changes from usual behavior—That’s a sign. If they’re normally cheery, grumpy, talkative, quiet, busy, lazy, whatever, and whoever they are, if it changes, pay attention. If you fear they could be … [Read more...]
Good WILL hug you again, even though
As I address Suicide Awareness Month this month, I speak to the family and friends who are left to live without their person. I write with the utmost reverence and respect for the life ended and for the families and friends who are suffering and trying to put the pieces together. I don’t pretend to be in your shoes—I write from what I’ve read and heard. The road ahead will … [Read more...]
What I’ve learned about suicide
I’ve worked with many people who are left to survive after a suicide. The stories are tragic, and the despair is warranted, accurate, and often crippling. Here’s a bit of what I’ve learned about suicide: It does not discriminate based on a person’s color, religion, politics, sex, national origin, age, disability, talent, genetic information, or financial status. It’s a … [Read more...]
Do you really want to know?
My youngest grandson was recently in Children’s Hospital with a broken leg. I left his room to get some water and met a pretty woman wearing a purple blouse in the snack room. She asked what brought me to the hospital. I told her, and I asked the same. She looked me square and said, “Do you really want to know?” I nodded and said, “Yes.” In very few words, she told me her … [Read more...]
I felt a little hope
I watched the Democratic National Convention, and yes, It’s no secret am a proud registered Democrat. To preface, I have nothing against Republican philosophy; I often vote on that side of the ticket. But I feel the party’s color has shifted from red to something dark, and its current message and tone evoke fear and sadness in my soul. It counters what I believe to be mentally … [Read more...]
I felt like the center of an Oreo cookie
The first of three concerts I recently attended was by a local artist, Braydon Zinc, held at NJC in the Dorothy J. Corsberg Theater. He called it a 10th Anniversary Concert, which felt more like an appreciation celebration. Braydon gave credit and kudos to his roots and the many who supported and encouraged him to live his dream of writing and singing music. Braydon was crazy … [Read more...]
Venus goes to the city
Yesterday, I told myself, “Jennifer, you could feel better about your Methuselah age if you tried a little harder.” So, I made an appointment at Ulta, a beauty supply company. I told them I wanted someone to show me how to apply makeup. I intentionally put only lotion on my face, put my chin down and shoulders back, and walked into the glitz, glam, and mirrors. Did I mention … [Read more...]
Same feeling—different story
As I write this morning, a wildfire is burning close to Loveland. Isn’t it interesting how news can trigger fear, compassion, and worry in a nanosecond? The smoke billowing in the sky fed thoughts of what I should do and people I feared could be affected. I was also thankful and in awe of the firefighters who stepped up to help and the aviation masters who flew above spreading … [Read more...]
Exercise both brain and body
I’ve been thinking about the word happy recently. It means different things to different folks, but it is a universal concept, and most people would say they want to be satisfied. I consider myself happy most of the time. Some triggers drop me into a dark hole, but not often enough to cause complaining. I’ve overly tasked myself lately, and it occurred to me that I’ve had a … [Read more...]
A good time to talk about Lucy
Finding a less-than-dreary mental health topic to write about this week is difficult. It may be a good time to talk about Lucy. Lucy pooped and puked on a friend’s floor last week while we attended a birthday party. She zoomed and zipped around nonstop, and people probably thought—well, I don’t know what they thought, but I knew the buck stopped at me. Shift to when she … [Read more...]
We can still be friends
When logic and reason lose the battle, I’m stranded in a canoe with no oars. Emotions seldom drive my decisions, but feelings and frustrations can disrupt even the most beautiful sunny July day. It seems we have conflict everywhere these days. People may be on their last nerve. They may feel the need to control more intensely because there is so much in our political … [Read more...]
Put things in perspective
We’ve had much political “stuff” this week, depressing for many and joyful for others. I’m sorry to say, but large numbers of those opposites live in the same house, on the same street, attend the same church, and drink beer at the same pub. I am trying to do what my mother often told my sisters and me: “Just don’t think about it, Honey!” I wonder if she thought the … [Read more...]
Protect our America and her Flag
Tomorrow is the day of gratitude, memories, and hope. Many of us are the children of men and women who believed so strongly in freedom for all; they risked or gave their lives so we could live as we do today. Many of those very young soldiers who left the comforts of their families would be disappointed in the present state of our union and wonder why they did what they did. … [Read more...]