An online community to talk about practical tools and perspectives for your every day stresses.
WHEN: Mondays, 6-7 pm
WHERE: Zoom — Click this link* to join the meeting
*The Zoom link will be the same for every meeting, every week.
Who is this for?
From construction workers, to maintenance teams, teachers, nurses, emergency responders, and anyone who counts themselves as the working class, folks on the front line that keep society moving.
Who is the facilitator?
This group will be facilitated by Alex Stenner, IBEW Local 134 Journeyman and Counselor in Training. Alex began his work in mental health as the unofficial gang box therapist on jobsites across Chicago. After hearing the stories of struggle of fellow workers it became clear that there was a need for mental health services tailored to the blue collar community. It was time to “be the change.”
So, why a peer support group?
Simple: Stigma sucks
Mental health stigma oppresses working class people, and it has for generations. Working class life is stressful and these stresses add up: long hard hours, long commutes, bad bosses, and everyday stresses at home. Because of stigma, people often shoulder all of these stresses until they can’t: their life is falling apart and it’s either ask for help or risk losing everything.
In other words, because of stigma and shame, they wait for a train wreck to finally answer the wake up call.
Being part of this group will mean you are overcoming this legacy of oppression for yourself and helping others do the same.
What happens in the meetings?
Every meeting will begin with a brief introduction of a topic or mental health strategy based on what members decide to focus on, followed by group discussion, and ends with an open floor to share whats on your heart and mind.
What’s it cost?
No charge – no barrier.
Topics we might address in group
• how to deal with bullies effectively
• the stress of being “low on the totem pole”
• navigating challenging relationships
• healthy boundaries
• burnout
• being laid off
• grief from any kind of loss
• being a new a parent
• sleep issues
• substance use challenges
• gambling