Lynn McLaughlin's Blog, page 6

How Are You Today?

How do we respond, if we are in fact, nearing the ledge?

 

Published in the Kingsville Neighbourhood Magazine, June 2021

When is the last time you openly discussed your own mental health and wellness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears when one of our own children is struggling? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?

“I’m fine thanks,” or “Couldn’t be better” are typical answers to the age-old question. But how do we respond if we are in fact, nearing the ledge? We don’t want to burden our family and friends after all. They have enough going on in their own lives, don’t they? Perhaps we are embarrassed and don’t want anyone else to know. Maybe we’re worried we’ll be judged by others or we aren’t aware of the wealth of resources at our fingertips, many of which are outside of traditional counselling and therapy.

When our day-to-day life is negatively impacted because of how we are feeling, those around us are most definitely affected, as much as we may not want to admit it. Can we recognize the signs of those who are struggling, including caregivers?

My most recent book “Jackson” was written after speaking with many people, both those in caregiver roles and struggling themselves. Although fictional, it is a compilation of the real-life experiences of a mother and son as they fight their demons and desperation with love and hope. Generating honest, open, and real conversations, “Jackson” is helping us become comfortable talking about this subject which has been “taboo” for far too long. 

Suicide is the second-largest cause of death for our youth between 15 – 24 years of age in Canada. There is a growing movement recommending that we as parents have “The Talk” with our teenagers which includes a purely preventative, science-based, 4-step script. Jackie Simmons (Co-Founder of the Teen Suicide Prevention Society) believes that having “The Talk” just might save our child’s life. Her TEDx speech is empowering.

In a series of surveys conducted by the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a world-leading research centre in this field), one year into the pandemic, “About one in five Canadians reported high levels of mental distress”. If we are not experiencing this ourselves directly, someone we care for likely is or will be.

Why not pick up the phone or visit someone you haven’t checked in with for a while? Start the conversation that may be so desperately needed, for yourself or that individual. It just may be the spark that helps you or someone else take the first step towards a hopeful future.

References

The Centre for Addictions and Mental Health

https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19/covid-19-national-survey

Lynn’s website with mental health resource links

https://lynnmclaughlin.com/jackson

Have “The Talk” to Stop Teen Suicide TEDx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzmmBXgXb70

 

 

HOW ARE YOU ANSWERING THE AGE OLD QUESTION, "HOW ARE YOU TODAY"?

How Are You Today?

When is the last time you openly discussed your own mental health and wellness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears when one of our own children is struggling? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?

“I’m fine thanks,” or “Couldn’t be better” are typical answers to the age-old question. But how do we respond if we are in fact, nearing the ledge? We don’t want to burden our family and friends after all. They have enough going on in their own lives, don’t they? Perhaps we are embarrassed and don’t want anyone else to know. Maybe we’re worried we’ll be judged by others or we aren’t aware of the wealth of resources at our fingertips, many of which are outside of traditional counselling and therapy.

When our day-to-day life is negatively impacted because of how we are feeling, those around us are most definitely affected, as much as we may not want to admit it. Can we recognize the signs of those who are struggling, including caregivers?

My most recent book “Jackson” was written after speaking with many people, both those in caregiver roles and struggling themselves. Although fictional, it is a compilation of the real-life experiences of a mother and son as they fight their demons and desperation with love and hope. Generating honest, open, and real conversations, “Jackson” is helping us become comfortable talking about this subject which has been “taboo” for far too long. 

Suicide is the second-largest cause of death for our youth between 15 – 24 years of age in Canada. There is a growing movement recommending that we as parents have “The Talk” with our teenagers which includes a purely preventative, science-based, 4-step script. Jackie Simmons (Co-Founder of the Teen Suicide Prevention Society) believes that having “The Talk” just might save our child’s life. Her TEDx speech is empowering.

In a series of surveys conducted by the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a world-leading research centre in this field), one year into the pandemic, “About one in five Canadians reported high levels of mental distress”. If we are not experiencing this ourselves directly, someone we care for likely is or will be.

Why not pick up the phone or visit someone you haven’t checked in with for a while? Start the conversation that may be so desperately needed, for yourself or that individual. It just may be the spark that helps you or someone else take the first step towards a hopeful future.

 

 

RAISING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: WRITING "JACKSON"

Women Writers, Women’s Books is an international, renowned literary magazine whose mission is to promote the visibility of women writers. This recently published article speaks to my passion for this topic.

When is the last time each of us openly discussed mental illness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears and desperation when one of our own children is living with this debilitating disease? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?

The goals for my most recent book Jackson are very clear, as a mother and son find themselves wandering through the constantly evolving landscape of acute and chronic mental health. This novel is meant to help increase understanding and raise awareness so we can recognize the signs of those around us who are struggling, including caregivers. I hope it generates honest, open, and real conversations where we can each become comfortable talking about this subject which has been “taboo” for far too long. 

The most rewarding aspect of being an author comes from the reader and book club invitations. It’s the validation that we have indeed met our goals. In the past month, after the release of Jackson, time and time again the feedback from readers (and audiobook listeners) has been heartwarming.

Thank you to Mary-Anne and her fellow book club members in LaSalle, Ontario. It was a pleasure to hear feedback from you and discover how “Jackson” touched each of you in very different ways.

Jackson is increasing awareness as affirmed by those who are facing their own mental illness.

“His experiences are raw and uncut, as confused and desperate as one can feel when all you know is heightened awareness of all that’s around you. Everyday tasks can seem like mountains to climb, and giving up looks more and more appealing.” (Savera, Goodreads)

“While this book is fictional, the situations that are dealt with are very real. I know through first hand experience of having dealt with my own mental health challenges and how people treated me, with misunderstanding, with curiosity, with insensitivity but with a single parent mother who loved me, stood by each and every moment.” (Ian, Goodreads)

This novel is also an accurate portrayal of the unique and personal battle fought by every family who is faced with the unthinkable. How do we cope as caregivers?  

“Kudos to Lynn on capturing the feelings of Jackson as he struggles with his mental illness and her portrayal of every parents’ heartache in recognizing and coping with the reality of having such a child. Very insightful and definitely worth reading!” (Mare, Amazon)

“Jackson is a stark but clear guide as to how one family finds a way to first acknowledge and then to ultimately accept the realities of mental health and through it all maintain a deep and abiding love for one another…. In its entirety, Jackson provides a sense of safety and security in the knowledge that there are pathways through the convoluted and terrifying world of mental health. There are ways that can and do nurture compassion and love.” (Introduction of Jackson by A Goyette, MSW/RSW)

“I thought of Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar as I read this. I felt a need to help Jackson but found myself wanting. Whatever. Any book on a par with The Bell Jar is worth reading, at any time, any place. Read it.”  (C. Maddox, Goodreads)

One in five of us in Canada and the United States will experience a mental illness in our lifetime. If it doesn’t happen to us directly, it likely will for someone we care for. With unwavering empathy, Jackson is a bold and unforgettable story of a family navigating through the terrifying waters of mental illness. While there is no simple fix with a kiss to the forehead, will Jackson learn to hear the chatter in his head and know what to do about it? Will love and hope prevail?

Why not pick up the phone or visit someone you haven’t checked in with for a while? Start the conversation that may be so desperately needed. You may be the spark that helps someone take the first step towards their future.

Addendum: If you are a member of a book club, I’d be honoured to join you and your group either in person or virtually. Let’s talk!

JACKSON 

Jackson battles to take control of his own mind and life but is haunted by demons. His mother faces her own turmoil and anguish, struggling to accept and understand the unthinkable, as she desperately tries to save her son.

With unwavering empathy, “Jackson” is a bold and unforgettable story of a family navigating through the terrifying waters of mental illness. While there is no simple fix with a kiss to the forehead, will Jackson learn to hear the chatter in his head and know what to do about it? Will love and hope prevail?

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE HELM TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!

 

As of January 2021, there are over 1,750,000 podcasts in this world. 36% of Canadians and 50% of Americans are podcast fans. Why and how would someone like me, a brain tumour survivor, venture into the world of podcast hosting?

“Taking the Helm” came to fruition after I was challenged by internationally recognized speaker, Michael Angelo Carusso. About to graduate from Michael’s “Present Like a Pro” course, he asked me to host an interview with him. Imagine how I felt at the time! With great trepidation, I accepted Michael’s challenge and thank him today for pushing me in this direction.

In the beginning, I became increasingly worried about remembering the next question and could not be engaged in the conversations. With valid concerns about my memory, I always had notes for reference, and still do. Now, no interview happens without a “get to know you” call and a great deal of advance research on my guest. Those notes no longer drive the interview. I now allow myself to refer to them without apology, bumble over some words, and sometimes repeat myself. It is what it is. I am who I am.

This podcast has impacted many people’s lives in a positive way. By giving guests a platform to share their own stories, they in turn empower us to take action in our own lives.

One year later, “Taking the Helm” now launches a new interview every Wednesday. Our courageous guests have each endured a crisis, tragedy, or challenge in their personal or business lives. Yet, they have opened new doors and are sharing their journeys to help others make conscious and positive choices. Entrepreneurs as well have disclosed their strategies of collaboration, marketing, and promotion. There’s something for everyone!

In celebration of these remarkable people, we’ve captured many of their quotes in two Youtube short videos. I thank each one of our guests for so passionately sharing their experiences and making a difference in the lives of others.

Most podcasts today are only provided in audio. Taking the Helm is published every week in audio and video, as you can see above. Look for a new podcast episode every Wednesday on my Youtube channel and on most podcast apps. You can also search the archives of all interviews on my website. Perhaps one of our previous guests can help you make the change in your life you’ve been looking for.

Thank you to you, our listeners and viewers as well as our sponsors who continue to make this podcast possible.

 

Why an Audiobook?

 

Are you one of the millions of people in the world who do not like reading, but love listening? Someone who seeks information, but doesn’t enjoy getting it from a book? Maybe you are one of the growing numbers of people who listen to books anywhere at any time…while driving, cooking, walking, or exercising. One in five of us are now listening to recordings of books.

As an author, do you want your book in the hands of as many people as possible? My purpose in writing Jackson is to drive conversations about mental illness, the struggles of families, of love, and hope. If those discussions happen as the results of an audiobook, why not make that available?

If you are listening to audiobooks, you learn to appreciate and seek out the highest quality. Some authors will choose to create or produce the audiobook themselves. I simply don’t have the expertise, equipment, or talent to do so. There are several options and after a great deal of research, I discovered Marnye Young who is a multi-award-winning narrator and recognized by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. Marnye had narrated my first book in 2017 and is now the owner of Audio Sorceress, which has a Canadian branch. Almost immediately, I was screening the narrators for the two main characters of Jackson and June. The choice was exciting and not at all easy, with so much Canadian talent, but Jeremy Thomas Gilmer and Nancy Petersen stepped into the roles and began production. They immediately immerse us into the lives of a mother and son who find themselves wandering through the constantly evolving landscape of acute and chronic mental health. The official release is on the horizon!

Audiobooks continue to increase in popularity with a 16% rise in market sales last year which, “Continues an eight-year trend in double-digit revenue growth”. There are countless reasons for this, and perhaps our busy lifestyle is one of them. Regardless, audiobooks provide a convenient alternative where we can lose ourselves in someone else’s story, perhaps while also exploring a trail, preparing a meal or simply enjoying a pajama day!

 

Why Are You Pushing This Aside? It's Time to Move Ahead and Publish Your Writing!

 

We had more than 10,000 books published in Canada and over 1.6 million worldwide last year. Why isn’t yours one of them? Whether you have ideas whirling around in your mind or a full manuscript sitting on a shelf - isn’t it time to take action?

2021 CAN be the year that you become published! World-renowned authors such as Stephen King were rejected when they first began. His first novel, “Carrie” was turned down thirty times. The Huffington Post reported that Stephen had tossed the manuscript in the wastebasket but his wife fished it out.

We have many more options today, whether it be traditional, hybrid, small press, or as an Indie author. If you’re on your way, we’re making the next phase easy for you! The Time to Publish series has now been split in half. You can now join a maximum of five people for two of the four-part series in December. Build your book launch and be ready to go with your marketing and promotion plan.

Why is Time to Publish different from anything else out there? I’ve done hundreds of hours of research, collaborated with many authors and my most recent book hit best-seller after having launched at the beginning of November. It’s more than possible! I’m honest about the mistakes I’ve made because I don’t want anyone else to make them and I’ve figured out many tricks!

It’s not a PDF or YouTube video to watch. Our time together is interactive and driven by your own needs. Using the Zoom platform, we will meet online. You’ll receive all course presentation slides with the resource links, access to me for any questions you may have, and an invitation to a private Facebook group where writers are supporting each other. You’ve got this and two hours, in a small group, live and in person, all for $175 Canadian.

Celebrate when you have finished with a Certification and Freedom Writer's Pledge Badge for your use as you deem fit!

Contact me for a free “Get to Know You” call. Take the first step. What are you waiting for? December 10th is our first session.

 ONLY FOUR OPENINGS LEFT!

"Jackson" Rises to #1 on Kindle in Canada. What is Happening Behind the Scenes to Make This Possible?

 












































 

It was almost one year ago when I began working with FriesenPress by receiving an Editor’s Manuscript Evaluation. After several conversations with my representative for many reasons, I chose this publishing option, but specifically because of its worldwide distribution network.

We select our launch path based on choices and what we need as an author. Jackson had two rounds of formal content editing, custom interior layout with revision rounds, and premium book cover design, all with experts in their field. After three cycles back and forth, the cover became an outstanding portrayal of the main character, better than I envisioned it ever would. The bottom line has to be quality. As an author, you are driven to offer the best possible content and overall “package” to your readers.

I’ve been working with writers who have chosen different paths to publish. There are many options today. Each one has its pros and cons. Regardless of which way you go, marketing and promotion are going to fall on your lap. You have the option of hiring a publicist should you wish. I chose to take it on myself and shared our “Time to Publish” plan on my YouTube channel for 9 weeks before our launch party. Step by step, with the help of the remarkable people on the launch team and hours of dedication, we made it happen. Trust me, we had our surprises, especially when I discovered that Jackson could to not be made available for pre-release sales. One step back, two steps forward, as they say.

Every author wants their books to become bestsellers. It means countless people worldwide are reading your work, and you hope your writing is having an impact. If Jackson drives conversations about mental illness within families and between friends, my goal will come to fruition. We need each other now more than ever before.

Jackson did not become a best seller because of its content. I would love to believe it did but would be naïve in doing so. It resulted from strategic, step-by-step actions taken over months and many people's involvement along the way.

Thank you Colleen Gascoigne, Melissa Lyons, Jenn Sadai, Chelsea Stephens and Gianna Romano. This launch team certainly found ways to think outside of the box and develop a plan that could work in the midst of a pandemic. To my family and friends, I am blessed to have you in my life and never take that for granted. Finally, to each of you who are reading this, much appreciation for your support.

Now comes the time that authors look forward to - the responses and reviews of readers. There are scenes in Jackson where you will agree or disagree with the decisions made or action taken. That’s the point. We each have our own experiences to draw upon. Let’s engage in that conversation without hesitation or fear of what others might think. Let’s listen, seek to understand, and knock down the stigma of this disease.

  

We must change the way we see and treat this mental health crisis in our world.

 












































 

Mental illness has become a crisis in Canada and around the world. 13% of us are currently struggling with some type of mental illness. The impact on the lives of those affected is overwhelming. After almost a year of research, interviews and consultations with many who have been personally affected, Jackson is now being released. A powerful new book based on true stories, Jackson’s battle to take control over his own mind and life portrays what millions of people are fighting with around the world – mental illness. His mother, desperate to free him from his demons and desperation, faces her own turmoil and anguish, doing anything possible to save her son, through love and hope. How many emotional, heartbreaking and even triumphant moments will they face? How do they move on after each? How do June and Jackson move from denial to a place of acceptance and understanding?

As written in the book’s introduction by Alan Goyette (MSW, RSW Clinical Social Worker), “For those of you who have lived this experience, that face will be all too familiar. For those of you who have not, that face will aid you in developing a greater understanding of and compassion for those who demand your support.”

Co-hosted by authors Jenn Sadai and Melissa Lyons, join us for 45 minutes at the virtual book launch party for Jackson using the Zoom platform on Wednesday, October 21st beginning at 7 pm EST.

Enjoy the book trailer created by Francis Yap of Mission Informatics and please register using the link on the top right corner of the page. Let’s continue to take action and change the conversation about how we see and treat mental illness.

  

Pick up the phone. Drop by for a visit. It could be the moment you save someone's life.

 












































 

The facts are staggering. The Canadian Mental Health Association states that…in any given year, one in five people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. By age forty, about fifty percent of the population will have or have had a mental illness.

Almost one half (forty-nine percent) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem and only one in five children with mental-health problems receive mental health services.

Some of our barriers seem almost insurmountable: People who don’t accept they need help, believing they can deal with it on their own; those who know they are not well but won’t get support because of the perceived stigma attached; people who desperately want assistance but are put on wait lists; or those who reside in communities where services are slim.

The extreme pressures that this pandemic has placed on us drives the need for even more services than ever before. A bureaucratic system delivers and administers health-care services through provincial and territorial governments. We have primary, secondary, and supplementary services that are often fragmented and certainly not a “wrap around” model. It’s so complex that private organizations are offering “health-care advocates” to help us navigate the system.

The impact on the lives of those affected cannot be overstated. Through countless experiences as an educator, a friend, family member and parent, I’m sharing the story of “Jackson” (to be released in October of this year).

Jackson’s battle to take control over his own mind and life portrays what millions of people are fighting with around the world – mental illness. His mother, desperate to free him from his demons and desperation, faces her own turmoil and anguish, doing anything possible to save her son, through love and hope. After countless emotional, heartbreaking and triumphant moments, June and her son must both accept that only Jackson can save himself. Though Jackson leaves us with hope and a promise of a healthy future after years of suffering, the reality is that not every young person has that outcome. Suicide accounts for twenty-four percent of all deaths among fifteen to twenty-four-year-olds in Canada (four times more likely for men). Twenty-four percent!

June and Craig’s characters are of typical parents who desperately find their way through each crisis with their son, questioning themselves and carrying regrets. No one is prepared for what is thrown at them when their child can’t find their way out of bed or doesn’t believe there is a reason for being. But families need not struggle alone.

We have been far too slow to change in response to this growing crisis. But there is a movement that is gaining traction. There is no “one” magic bullet. But without taking the first step, the person suffering will never know what intervention could make the difference.

What can we do as individuals? Plenty! I hope that this book empowers each of us to act in support of ourselves, a loved one, or anyone showing the symptoms of mental illness.

We are much more aware than we have ever been in the past. Knowledge is power. We can’t walk away, avoid contacting someone because we don’t know what to say. Be there. Pick up the phone, drop in for a visit. It could be the moment you save someone’s life.

  

Eight Weeks Before Your Book Launch ... There's So Much To Do!

 












































 

You want a day of celebration like no other. You've been writing for weeks, maybe even years and it’s time to bring your dream to fruition. How will your book find it’s way into the hands of as many readers as possible around the world? It’s your story! It’s time to plan all of the details leading to the day that you have dreamt about.

Planning for your book launch actually starts at least three months ahead of time. Some authors and publishers begin six months in advance! Through my own experience, collaboration with other authors, and hundreds of hours of research, I’m sharing proven strategies on how I am preparing for the launch of my next book, “Jackson” which is very different than what I have written in the past. I know it is going to change the lives of many. It already has!

Writing a book description has a strategy in itself. What do you think of this one? I’d love your input!

Jackson’s battle to take control over his own mind and life portrays what millions of people are fighting with around the world – mental illness. His mother, desperate to free him from his demons and desperation, faces her own turmoil and anguish, doing anything possible to save her son, through love and hope. After countless emotional and heartbreaking moments, June and her son must both accept that only Jackson can save himself.

For the next eight weeks, follow me on my YouTube page for an update every Friday. Each week I have action items, some of them very large and time consuming. Have you chosen your keywords and categories? Is your website ready to go? Who will be on your launch team?

You won’t believe how many ways a book launch can happen, even virtually! I’m exploring any and all options because too many people are struggling to be mentally well, more so than ever during this pandemic. “Jackson” will make a powerful impact on parents, those fighting mental illness themselves and those who are seeking to understand.

There is so much to do I can’t sleep at night!