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Institutional Betrayal

Jaclyn Baker

By: Betsy Pownall

Institutional betrayal is a term that refers to a betrayal of trust or harm by an organization or institution upon the individuals it is responsible for. It can occur at work, school, religious institutions, or any organization. UO Professor Psychology Emeritus Jennifer Freyd developed the theory and defined it as “a wrong perpetrated by an institution upon an individual dependent on that institution”.

Institutional betrayal can take several forms that include:

Negligence

Negligence or failure to prevent abuse is one of the most common forms of institutional betrayal. For example: when a school fails to address bullying or harassment which can deeply affect a student’s sense of self.

Punishing Victims and Whistleblowers

Institutions that take action against individuals who report wrongdoing or abuse perpetuate a culture of silence and fear within the organization. This behavior can range from victim-blaming to firing, retaliating, and pressing charges against employees who speak out about unethical practices.

Cover-ups

Institutional betrayal can involve efforts to cover up wrongdoing to protect the institution’s reputation at the expense of the victim. For example: property owners living near toxic landfills prior to them being labeled a Superfund Site, such as Rocky Flats Plant in Boulder, Colorado, or the Love Canal Niagara Falls, NY.

Failure to Respond Adequately

If an organization doesn’t respond promptly to allegations of wrongdoing or abuse, it can make individuals feel betrayed. Inadequate responses could involve ignoring complaints, skipping investigations, and giving minimal assistance.

Normalizing Abusive Content

This includes institutions downplaying or ignoring abusive behavior or practices, making them seem acceptable or routine, which will create a toxic environment. For example: the abuse that has occurred within religious organizations in the name of god.

Some general characteristics make institutions vulnerable to institutional betrayal. These characteristics include:

  • Membership requirements: a clearly defined group with strict requirements for membership often precedes institutional betrayal, as conformity is valued and members have the potential to self-police.
  • Prestige: When institutions or their leaders play an elevated role in the community, their potential to perpetrate abuse may be deeply hidden. Leaders may lead with an assumption of trust and dependency which can be problematic when abuse is occurring, as to report the abuse would mean breaking an important relationship
  • Priorities: If Performance and reputation are valued over the well-being of members, the potential for abuse and the cover-up of abuse is high. Institutions may emphasize “maintaining appearances” above all else.
  • Institutional Denial: This is best described when an institution has had allegations of abuse waged against it and it  “others” the victims, casting doubt on the truthfulness of the allegations of abuse.

Coping with institutional betrayal can be challenging. Here are some strategies:

  1. Seek support
  2. Tell your story
  3. Advocate for change: many survivors become advocates for change to prevent future abuse from happening.
  4. Self-care
  5. Legal recourse: consulting with a lawyer can help victims explore their rights and choices

The impact of institutional betrayal can be deep and long-lasting to the individual. It can cause emotional distress, mental health issues, a diminished sense of trust in the individual, and social anxiety. 

Advocating for change and holding others accountable can give individuals a sense of agency and empowerment and has the potential of restoring trust in institutions that are meant to protect and serve others.

The Center for Institutional Courage (CIC), founded by Jennifer Freyd, PhD in January 2020, is a non-profit dedicated to research and education about institutional betrayal and how to counter it through institutional courage. CIC believes, “courage sees a figure where our institutions act courageously: with accountability, with transparency, actively seeking justice, and making changes where needed despite unpleasantness, risk, and short-term costs”.

Sources: 

“What is Institutional Betrayal and How can it Affect You?” (2023) ImPossible Psychological Services. 

 Center for Institutional Courage, https://www.institutionalcourage.org/

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Elder Abuse Awareness

Jaclyn Baker

By: Betsy Pownall

Elder abuse (age 65 and older) includes physical, emotional, sexual harm, as well as financial exploitation and neglect by others, typically by their care providers. More than half a million reports are made in the United States, with millions of cases going unreported.

Elder abuse generally occurs in the senior’s home or institutional setting. If you suspect an elderly person is at risk from neglect, physical or emotional abuse, or being financially preyed upon by someone, it is important to speak up. Here is a list of warning signs, risk factors, and how to report a problem.

Warning Signs: 

  1. Signs of physical aggression such as black eyes, bruising, and physical injury.
  2. Emotional abuse by care providers such as yelling, name-calling, ridicule, blaming, ignoring, etc.
  3. Financial exploitation such as significant withdrawals from the elder’s accounts, sudden change in financial condition, items or cash missing from the senior’s household, changes in will, power of attorney, titles and policies, suspicious ATM withdrawals, additional names added to credit cards.
  4. Healthcare fraud such as duplicate billing, evidence of over or under-medication, evidence of inadequate care after medical bills are paid in full, and problems with care facilities (poorly trained staff, crowding, insufficiently staffed, inadequate answers to questions).

Risk Factors:

  1. Depression, substance abuse, burn-out, and isolation on the part of the caregiver.
  2. Intensity of elderly person’s illness or dementia.
  3. Social isolation — elder and caregiver are alone, together, most of the time.
  4. Elder’s history as an abusive parent or spouse, history of domestic violence.
  5. Elder’s own use of verbal or physical aggression

Prevention Tips for the Caregiver:

  1. Take care of yourself and get adequate rest.
  2. Seek help for depression and social isolation.
  3. Seek help for anger management.
  4. Get respite care for the elderly.

Prevention Tips for the Neighbor:

  1. Call and visit, check in with the elders.
  2. Offer to give the care provider a break.
  3. Monitor medications to make sure the amounts taken correspond with prescription.
  4. Check bank accounts and credit card statements to check on potential unauthorized transactions.
  5. Educate yourself around signs of abuse and neglect and report anything suspicious.

Reporting:

  1. If you are a senior experiencing abuse, tell at least one person you trust: your doctor, a friend, a family member. Or call the helplines listed below.
  2. If you witness abuse of an elder, make a report, and continue making reports as you witness abuse. The more information you provide the better chance the elderly person will get the help they need.
  3. Don’t confront the abuse yourself, talk with family members, and make reports. The earlier you intervene, the better the outcome may be.

Hotlines/Resources: 

United States: 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) or find local resources at the National Center on Elder Abuse.

State of Oregon: 855-503-SAFE (7233) or 911 if you need immediate emergency assistance

Portland area: Multnomah County Aging & Disability Services: 503-988-4450; 3646 after hours

Eugene/Springfield/Lane County: Lane County Abuse Reporting & Adult Protective Services: 541-682-4140 or toll free 800-441-4038

Oregon Ombudsman: The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a state agency that serves long-term care facility residents (assisted living, memory care, etc)  through complaint investigation, resolution and advocacy in resident care. 

Their mission is to protect individual rights and quality of life, to improve care, and promote the dignity of residents in Oregon’s licensed long-term care facilities. 

Contact: 800-522-2602 or 503-378-6533; ltco.info@rights.oregon.gov

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Shifting Your State of Mind

Jaclyn Baker

Our state of mind plays a pivotal role in how we perceive and interact with the world around us. 

You can learn to optimize your state of mind to suit the situations and challenges you face.

 Here are a few strategies to help you make this shift:

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help you become more aware of your current state of mind and learn to shift it intentionally. These practices foster a sense of presence and awareness, allowing you to recognize when you’re falling into a narrow mindset and gently guide yourself back to a broader perspective.

Exposure to New Experiences: Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things can naturally broaden your state of mind. Whether it’s learning a new skill, visiting a new place, or meeting new people, each new experience adds to your repertoire of knowledge and helps shift your perspective.

Gratitude Practice: Regularly acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your life can foster a broader, more positive state of mind. Gratitude helps shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant, encouraging a more expansive and optimistic outlook.

By actively working to broaden your mental perspective, you can enhance your creativity, improve your mood, and become more open to new experiences.

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How to Celebrate And Enjoy Your Achievements

Jaclyn Baker
,

Achieving a goal is a wonderful feeling, but often we move quickly to the next task without truly appreciating our hard work and success. Taking the time to savor your accomplishments is vital for maintaining motivation and a positive mindset. Here are some strategies to help you celebrate and enjoy your achievements:

Reflect on Your Accomplishments

The first step in savoring your accomplishments is to reflect on them. Take some time to think about what you’ve achieved, how you did it, and what challenges you overcame. Journaling can be a great tool for this—write down the steps you took, the skills you utilized, and the obstacles you surmounted. Reflecting in this way not only helps you appreciate your hard work but also reinforces the lessons learned, setting you up for future successes.

Share Your Successes with Others

Sharing your accomplishments with friends, family, or colleagues can enhance your sense of achievement. When you talk about your successes, you relive the positive emotions associated with them and receive validation from others. This can be as simple as having a celebratory dinner, posting on social media, or discussing your achievements in a team meeting. The support and recognition from others can significantly boost your morale and encourage you to strive for more.

Reward Yourself

Giving yourself a reward for your hard work is an excellent way to savor your accomplishments. The reward doesn’t have to be extravagant; it just needs to be something that brings you joy and makes you feel appreciated. It could be a day off, a favorite treat, a new book, or even a small gift to yourself. Rewards help reinforce positive behavior and make the hard work feel worth it, motivating you to set and achieve more goals.

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Let’s Empower Self-Empathy

Jaclyn Baker

Cultivating self-empathy can be a transformative practice. Here are powerful tips to help you nurture and empower self-empathy:

Treat Yourself with Kindness

Imagine the kindness you extend to others—now, direct that same compassion towards yourself. Recognize your worth and treat yourself with the same gentleness and understanding you offer friends and loved ones.

Practice Self-Compassion During Hard Times

During difficult times, it’s natural to experience feelings of blame and shame. Instead, practice self-compassion. Acknowledge your struggles without judgment and offer yourself the same comfort you would give a friend facing similar challenges.

Set Respectful Boundaries

Healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining self-empathy. Learn to recognize and set boundaries with behavior that doesn’t serve your well-being. Respecting your limits is a powerful act of self-love.

Surround Yourself with Positive People

Give yourself permission to be around supportive, positive people. Their encouragement and positivity can significantly influence your self-perception and help you cultivate a more empathetic relationship with yourself.

Celebrate Your Achievements

Be happy with yourself when you do things well. Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Celebrating your successes fosters a positive self-image and reinforces your ability to empathize with yourself.

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The Impact of War on Children

Jaclyn Baker
,

By: Betsy Pownall

Prolonged exposure to war, living in areas of high conflict, and forced migration create a high risk for children in their mental and physical health. Many children are thrown into a state of “toxic stress” which could impact them for life if left untreated. Here are some ways children are affected:

Anxiety, loneliness, and insecurity: many children in war zones have lost their homes, been displaced from their neighborhoods, and have had to leave their friends and families. Children where this has occurred face high rates of depression and anxiety. Areas where there are repeated attacks will lead to children living in constant fear which leaves them profoundly worried for their safety and the safety of those around them.

Emotional Withdrawal: when exposed to a high degree of conflict, children may become desensitized and emotionally numb. They may imitate the aggressive behavior they witness, and consider violence as normal. Their ability to create and sustain relationships can be negatively impacted.

Aggression: children growing up with violence and armed conflict in their environment, may show aggression and withdrawal. They may start fighting and bullying other children.

Psychosomatic Symptoms: living in areas of high conflict may exhibit high levels of stress in children’s bodies, such as headaches, chest aches, difficulty breathing, and, at times, loss of movement in their arms and legs. Many children will have difficulty speaking, may begin stuttering, and some may experience partial amnesia.

Self-Harm: if a child sees no way out, they may try to escape their surroundings by using drugs, alcohol, self-harm, and suicide.

It is important to keep in mind that children are responding in a healthy way to a dangerous, pathological situation and that there can be wide differences in how children respond to the same thing. 

Interventions for children of violence need to provide basic needs such as safety, security, shelter, and continuity of care by a family member or loved one. 

As a child’s basic needs are met, psychological first aid should focus on reducing the post-trauma distress. Eight core actions need to be taken: contact and engagement, safety and comfort, stabilization, information gathering, practical assistance, connection with social supports, information on coping support, and connection with collaborative services. 

Building back ‘the normal’ within the abnormal is important, such as instituting a schedule and daily routine, schooling if possible, opportunities to play and socialize, and providing opportunities to express themselves and process emotions and memories. Supporting children also means supporting parents so they can care for their children. Studies have shown that parents tend to show less warmth and more harshness toward their children when they have been exposed to war. Helping parents maintain warm relationships with their children might foster healthy adjustment in their children.

War and military aggression violate children’s basic human rights, can have a huge impact on their development, and their physical and mental health, and can have long-term consequences. The experience of war and conflict for children runs diametrically opposed to their developmental needs and their right to grow up in a safe, predictable environment. 

Healing from chronic stress does not, generally, happen naturally. It will be the work of the community, the government, and the world to help children exposed to violence and war.

References: 

“5 Ways Conflict Impacts Children’s Mental Health”; Save the Children.

Catani, C. Mental Health of Children Living in War Zones: a risk and protection perspective. World Psychiatry, 2018 Feb; 17(1) 104-105.

Bürgin, D., Anagnostopoulos, D, ESCAP, Vitiello, B, et al. Impact of War and Forced Displacement on children’s mental health — multilevel, needs-oriented, and trauma-informed approaches. Eur. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 2022; 31(6) 845-853.


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Mental Health Resources

Jaclyn Baker

By: Claire Butcher

Mental health is a fundamental aspect in our well-being – influencing our functioning, relationships, and how we interact with the world. Whether it’s large-scale stressors or interpersonal struggles causing distress, it’s important to have the resources to help us manage difficult moments.  Below you will find some helpful organizations to help you through specific challenges. 

Important to note – these resources are not replacements for emergency services. If you or a loved one require immediate mental health care, please contact 911 and clarify there is a psychiatric emergency, or go to your nearest emergency room/psychiatric urgent care. Differentiating between a mental health crisis and an emergency.

National Hotlines:

Suicide and Crisis Hotlines 

  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
    • Call or text 988
    • For TTY users: dial 711 then 988
    • Spanish options for texting and chatting online
  • Friends for Survival – grief help for those who have lost someone to suicide
    • Call 916-392-0664
    • Offer monthly group meetings for support

Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault 

Substance Use 

Anxiety

Youth Lines

Veterans

Seniors – Oregon only

LGBTQIA+

Racial Prejudice/Oppression

  • Racial Equity Support Line – support for those suffering from emotional impacts of racism
    • Call 503-575-3764
    • Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm 

Oregon-Based Crisis Resources:

Eugene

  • CAHOOTS – mobile crisis in-person intervention team (available 24/7)
    • CAHOOTS Eugene: 541-682-5111
    • CAHOOTS Springfield: 541-726-3714
  • WhiteBird Clinic Crisis Line: 541-687-4000
  • Looking Glass Crisis Line – for parents of youth in crisis
    • (541) 689-3111

Portland

  • Multnomah County Crisis Line: 503-988-4888
  • Clackamas County Crisis Line: 503-655-8585
  • Project Respond – triage portal for mobile crisis in-person response
    • 503-988-4888

Bend

  • Deschutes County 24-Hour Crisis Line: 541-322-7500 ext. #9
  • Deschutes County Stabilization Center:
    • Walk-in Appointments located at 63311 NE Jamison Street in Bend
    • Non-emergency Office Line: 541-585-7210
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Mental Health in Aging / Older Adults

Jaclyn Baker

By: Tanya Kramer

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the world’s population is aging fast.

  • In 2020, there were 1 billion people who are 60 years or older
  • In 2030, it is believe that this number will increase to 1.4 billion
  • By 2050, it is believed that this number will increase to 2.1 billion
  • The number of persons aged 80 years or older is expected to triple between 2020 to 2050 (hitting over 425 million people)

There are many benefits to having a large aging population, since these individuals often give back to their family and community through volunteering and acts of service. However, many of these individuals may need additional support due to mental health conditions or physical/medical limitations. 

Mental health in aging adults is a Public Health Issue that must be addressed. This article will focus on the following topics around mental health for aging populations:

  • What external factors impact mental health as someone ages?
  • What are the key mental health concerns?
  • What are suggestions for the aging population and those that love them to improve quality of life?
  • Resources for the Aging Population and their Caregivers

   What external factors impact mental health as someone ages?

  • Bereavement / Grief – losing loved ones occurs more often
  • Serious illness
  • Drop in income
  • Reduced sense of purpose
  • Being impacted by “ageism”
  • Physical limitations / chronic illnesses / pain
  • Abuse (physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, or financial)
  • Lack of access to support
  • Loneliness / Social Isolation
  • Needing long term care

  Key Mental Health Concerns:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Substance Abuse
  • Suicide (Global Health Estimates show around a quarter of deaths by suicide occur by those age 60 or older)
  • Dementia / Alzheimer’s Disease / Cognitive Decline
  • Personality Disorders that already exist are susceptible to worsening with age

  Suggestions for the Aging Population:

  • Physical / Social environments that support well-being
  • Environments that enable people to do what is important to them (despite losses in capacity)
  • Safe person to discuss emotions – “How are you feeling right now?”
  • Stress management skills and resources
  • Financial planning to support long lives
  • Resources to access needs such as groceries, medical appointments, and important events
  • Social and Emotional Support (Family, Friends, caregivers, Therapists, Community, etc.)
  • Experiencing Life Satisfaction as a Whole
  • Maintain a Routine including a balanced diet, movement/exercise / yoga, and activities that bring joy

Identifying Gratitude / Moments of Delight / Thankful Statements:

  • Physically active to the extent the body can
  • Reduction of harmful things such as smoking, alcohol, and drugs
  • Accessing health and social programs to keep individuals engaged in their community
  • Social connections
  • Meaningful social activities
  • Counseling and Support Groups for aging experiences
  • Social Skills Training
  • Occupational Therapy as needed when adapting to new limitations
  • Creative Art outlets or groups
  • Educational opportunities / Stay active intellectually by learning new things
  • Improve sleep by setting and maintaining good sleep habits
  • Volunteering for programs
  • Leisure / Fun activities
  • Support for carers of aging individuals
  • Medication management for mental health
  • County Resources often have an Aging and Disability Department that can connect individuals to resources in their community…and these services are often free
  • Get help in a Crisis….You do not need to navigate this alone.

Resources for the Aging Population and their Caregivers:

University of Washington Health Promotion Research Center – PEARLS Toolkit 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Resources for Older Adults 

Emotional Well Being Videos 

Mass General Brigham McLean – Everything You Need to Know About Older Adult Mental Health 

Family Caregiver Alliance 



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World Meditation Day

Jaclyn Baker

Enjoy a journey of self-discovery and serenity this World Meditation Day, May 21, from Noon to 1 p.m. PST. 

Join Jen Champion in gentle movements and guided meditation to develop gratitude and peace of mind. We will have an overview of the anatomy of breathing and work with our breath as a pathway to turn our minds inward  and practice sustaining a meditative state. Together, we will embrace the power of collective

Meditation, illuminating our lives, communities, and the world.  Local guests, please arrive 15 minutes early to get settled. If you arrive on time or late, please enter quietly and sit where you are comfortable.

Vista Wellness Center, 1531 Pearl Street, Eugene, OR

Topic: World Meditation Day Zoom Meeting

Time: May 21, 2024, 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87815211431?pwd=dWNWUUFZVG8yYyt1ZmZyYzhZdGpBQT09#success

Meeting ID: 878 1521 1431

Passcode: meditate



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Surviving Mother’s Day After Loss

Jaclyn Baker

Whether your loss is recent or many years ago, navigating this holiday without your mom can be emotional. 

However, there are ways to honor her memory and find comfort in the midst of grief.

Appreciate the good things in life that would make your mom happy: 

Take a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of your life that would bring joy to your mom. Whether it’s achieving a personal goal, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing a passion, find solace in knowing that these are the things that would make her proud.

Reach out to your siblings: 

If you have siblings, consider reaching out to them on Mother’s Day. Sharing memories of your mom and supporting each other can help strengthen your bond and provide comfort during this difficult time. 

Celebrate the other moms in your life: 

While Mother’s Day may be a reminder of your own loss, it can also be an opportunity to celebrate the other moms in your life. Whether it’s your grandmother, aunt, or friend, take the time to show them appreciation and love. 

Ask questions about her: 

Take this opportunity to learn more about your mom. Ask family members to share stories, memories, and details about her life. This can help you feel closer to her and create a deeper understanding of who she was. 

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The Many Benefits of Slowing Down

Jaclyn Baker

It’s easy to get caught up in the constant motion and demands that surround us. However, taking the time to slow down and create space for stillness can have a profound impact on our personal growth and well-being. 

Create Space For Stillness: Finding moments of stillness can be incredibly powerful. Whether it’s through meditation, mindfulness practices, or simply taking a walk in nature, creating space for stillness allows you to quiet the mind and reconnect with yourself. 

Prioritize Self-Care: Self-care is often the first thing to go when life gets busy, but it’s also one of the most important aspects of personal growth. Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally is essential for overall well-being. 

Set Boundaries: Learning to set boundaries is crucial for personal growth. It’s okay to say no to things that don’t align with your values or priorities. Setting boundaries allows you to protect your time and energy, ensuring that you’re focusing on the things that truly matter to you.

Simplify Your Schedule: Our lives are often filled with endless commitments and obligations, leaving little time for rest and reflection. Simplifying your schedule by cutting back on non-essential activities can help you create more space for the things that truly matter to you. By prioritizing your time and energy, you can focus on what’s most important and avoid burnout.

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A Guide to Finding Presence in Everyday Moments

Jaclyn Baker
,

Being present and mindful can significantly improve our overall well-being. Here are five ways to step out of autopilot and into your life:

Finding presence in the mundane:

Even the most mundane tasks, like washing dishes or folding laundry, can be an opportunity to practice mindfulness. Instead of rushing through these tasks, try to focus on the sensations and movements involved. Notice the warmth of the water, the texture of the fabric, or the rhythm of your breath. By bringing your attention to the present moment, you can turn these everyday activities into mindful practices.

Finding presence in stillness/waiting:

Waiting in line or sitting in traffic can be frustrating, but it can also be an opportunity to practice mindfulness. Instead of reaching for your phone or letting your mind wander, try to focus on your breath. Notice the sensation of each inhale and exhale. You can also use this time to observe your surroundings, noticing the sights, sounds, and smells around you. By bringing your attention to the present moment, you can turn waiting into a peaceful and grounding experience.

Finding presence in busyness:

When our schedules are packed, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. However, even in the midst of busyness, it’s possible to find moments of mindfulness. Try to focus on one task at a time, giving it your full attention. Notice the sensations involved in each activity, whether it’s typing on a keyboard or chopping vegetables. By approaching each task with mindfulness, you can cultivate a sense of calm and focus amidst the chaos.

Finding presence in interaction:

In our digital age, face-to-face interactions are becoming increasingly rare. When you’re engaging with others, whether it’s a friend, family member, or colleague, try to be fully present. Put away your phone and focus on the conversation at hand. Notice the other person’s body language and facial expressions. By giving your full attention to the interaction, you can deepen your connections and cultivate meaningful relationships.

Finding presence in the senses:

Our senses can be powerful anchors to the present moment. Take a moment to tune into each of your senses, noticing what you can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. You can do this anywhere, whether you’re outside in nature or inside your own home. By bringing your attention to your senses, you can connect more deeply with the world around you and experience each moment more fully.

By incorporating these five strategies into your daily routine, you can cultivate mindfulness and presence, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.



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