Humane Kinect

At Humane Kinect, vulnerability is our strength. By sharing our stories openly, we invite others to break down their barriers and discover genuine connection. In our peer support groups, authentic sharing not only builds deeper connections but also fosters self-acceptance, just as you are. Want to experience this for yourself? Join our monthly video chat peer support group. No pressure—just a space to connect and be yourself. Participation is always optional. As a nonprofit, we provide our services free to the public. Sign up now: https://lnkd.in/gg2_GeWu #peersupport #nonprofit #community

For eight years, I felt trapped in a cycle of loneliness, questioning my worth and struggling to find meaningful connections. My fear of judgment kept me isolated, leading me to hide my true self and settle for surface-level interactions. It turns out, more than half of the US population may be struggling from feelings of loneliness. A 2021 Cigna survey revealed that 57% of men and 59% of women also reported feeling lonely, showing just how widespread this struggle really is. Admitting to feeling lonely isn't a weakness; it's a testament to how deeply we value connection. If you also experience loneliness, know that you’re not alone. Take the first step towards ending your loneliness. Join Humane Kinect, a nonprofit offering free, compassionate peer support across various life challenges. Through Humane Kinect, I found understanding and connection. I believe you can too. We provide an online forum where you can post and find others to relate to, and a monthly video chat where you can share and listen in a safe, understanding space. Connect with others who understand and are ready to listen. You deserve to be heard, understood, and supported. Don’t wait—reach out today and start building those connections. https://lnkd.in/gg2_GeWu

On October 22, 2009, my Dad died by suicide after taking my Mom's life. The news reduced him to just another man who committed a terrible act, but he was more than that. He was a coworker, neighbor, churchgoer, and dedicated family man. He was a corporate Vice President in construction, raised five kids, coached my baseball team, and took us boating every summer weekend. He was passionate about mentoring and helping others. My parents had a loving, supportive relationship for most of their lives, so everyone who knew our family was shocked when my Dad, overwhelmed by the pressures in his life, did what he did. I was just as shocked. I grew up in a loving home where the positives far outweighed the negatives. My Dad could have been your coworker, neighbor, or someone you sit next to at church. Some people are closer to the edge than you might suspect. Depression, anxiety, despair, stress, and exhaustion can affect anyone. Every tragedy like this involves someone's loved one—whether that be a father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, friend, or coworker. If you're someone who could benefit from added support or who is interested in supporting others, consider joining Humane Kinect, a multi-category, peer-support community. Categories discussed evolve to the public's needs and include relationships, job, finances, depression, addiction, physical health, trauma, and parenting. We offer an online forum and a monthly video chat support group, all free of charge. Talking to others won't solve everything, but it can help you feel less alone, and that has helped me immensely. I know it would have benefited my Dad too. See how sharing your stories might help to not only add more connection to your life, it also can help someone else. In honor of these two who I love and miss very much. https://lnkd.in/gg2_GeWu If you need immediate help, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

A big thank you to YOU, those who follow us and support us! Thank you for being part of Humane Kinect’s mission to help those needing a place to open up to be able to do so within a community that promotes compassion and prohibits judgement. Thank you for helping increase our reach by following us, reacting to our posts, and commenting. Having someone to talk to who cares and is present for us is sometimes all we need to get ahead of our negative thinking. It’s more powerful and impactful than some might know when we discover there’s someone else out there in this world who has a heartbeat and took the time to listen. Thank you!!!!! 😊😊🙏🙏😊😊🙏🙏😊😊

Peer support offers a range of benefits, including: Emotional Support: It provides a safe space for individuals to express their feelings and share experiences with others who understand their situation. This can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Confidence: Engaging with peers who have overcome similar challenges can inspire hope and motivate individuals to take charge of their own recovery or personal growth. Shared Learning: Peer support allows for the exchange of practical tips, coping strategies, and resources. Individuals can learn from each other's successes and challenges. Validation and Understanding: Being with peers who have similar experiences can validate one’s feelings and experiences, helping individuals feel understood and accepted. Reduced Stigma: Peer support can help reduce stigma by normalizing struggles and promoting open conversations about mental health, illness, or other issues. Sense of Community: It fosters a sense of belonging and community, which can be particularly beneficial for those who feel marginalized or isolated. Encouragement and Accountability: Peers can offer encouragement and hold each other accountable for personal goals, whether related to health, recovery, or personal development. Enhanced Coping Skills: By observing and interacting with peers, individuals can develop new coping skills and resilience. Cost-Effective Support: Peer support is often a cost-effective complement to professional services, providing accessible and affordable support options. Improved Well-Being: Overall, participating in peer support can lead to improved emotional and mental well-being, as it provides a supportive and understanding environment. https://lnkd.in/gg2_GeWu

Why are individuals who had a parent or sibling die by suicide 3 to 5 times more likely to die by suicide themselves compared to the general population? I can’t speak for everyone, but these are my thoughts from personal experience. My Dad took his life in 2009. I had a plan to end my life in 2018. As a result of my Dad taking his life, he unintentionally influenced me to think that if he couldn’t get through his life challenges, how can I? A thought that lurks in my brain is if my Dad took his life, someone who was my childhood hero, someone I looked up to and thought of as much mightier than me, how am I supposed to weather my own storms? How can I measure up to the man who stood up for me, protected me, and was a devoted family man and hard worker? I also ended up forming the misconception that life isn’t worth it if it gets too hard. In 2018, when I was struggling with suicidal ideation, I wanted my suffering to end. The mental battles I endured didn’t seem worth the effort to keep going. I became worn down by my pain. Not everyone reacts the same way to losing someone to suicide, and while circumstances vary greatly from one person’s life experiences to another, anyone with enough years on this earth eventually experiences some form of anxiety, angst, sadness, anger, hurt, pain, stress, overwhelm, exhaustion, doubt, despair, and hopelessness. If you’ve also been affected by losing a loved one to suicide or you struggle with suicidal ideation yourself, and you’re in need of support, consider joining Humane Kinect. We are a multi-category, peer-support community. We have an online forum and a monthly video chat peer support group. Our services are free. If you need immediate help, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Talking to others won’t solve all your problems, but it can help you to not feel alone, and as simple as that might seem, it’s helped me immensely. https://lnkd.in/gg2_GeWu

"I’m struggling. I feel angry and scared. I feel hopeless. I’m not sure why I haven’t yet been able to break through the negative mindset I’m in. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to reset and get my bearings back. I know my problems won’t go away just by talking to someone about them, but from past experiences, I know it can help. It helps me feel like I’m not alone. It helps me feel like there’s a heartbeat in this world other than my own. It helps me break through whatever is holding me back sooner than I otherwise would be able to do on my own. I’m not sure when I’m going to break through this negativity, but I am grateful to be able to talk to others who listen compassionately and don’t judge." -Anonymous Humane Kinect team member #peersupport #nonprofit #community

Humane Kinect talks about listening in relation to peer support (part 2 of 2). This webinar is led by Tom Howard. Tom is the founder and executive director of First Responder Peer Initiative LLC as well as Captain, Evanston Fire Department. He has spent 35 years in the fire service, with over 30 years as a career firefighter and paramedic. https://lnkd.in/eef9DusX

Not everyone has the same support network, and not everyone knows how to ask for help. Humane Kinect is a peer support option open to the public. We have an online forum and a monthly video chat peer support group. Our services are free. #community #peersupport #nonprofit