Thank you for Pete

[KeepCalmAndCarryOn]

I am not sure if this will be seen, but wanted to take a moment to thank Pete for his discussion about suicide and providing some personal light on the subject. I lost a dear friend a few years ago to suicide; she was the funniest, brightest star in our group of friends, filled with unconditional love for everyone. It still rocks me to this day in unexpected ways. I also work in the world of special education, and have a lot of students who struggle with their mental health, and even for middle schoolers this can become all too real. It was, in a way, therapeutic to hear a conversation about this subject without shying away from it. I appreciate, always, the honesty that the podcasts bring. Thank you for your openness, Pete, and for being a voice for those who maybe are unable to put some of these issues into words.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I am not sure if this will be seen, but wanted to take a moment to thank Pete for his discussion about suicide and provide some personal light on the subject. I lost a dear friend a few years ago to suicide; she was the funniest, brightest star in our group of friends, filled with unconditional love for everyone. It still rocks me to this day in unexpected ways. I also work in the world of special education, and have a lot of students who struggle with their mental health, and even for middle schoolers this can become all to real. It was, in a way, therapeutic to hear a conversation about this subject without shying away from it. I appreciate, always, the honesty that the podcasts bring. Thank you for your openness, Pete, and for being a voice for those who maybe are unable to put some of these issues into words.

I also lost a close friend to suicide. He was hilarious, loving, generous, attentive, caring and gregarious. He went through many trials, but he always came out of them with a smile. He gave everyone all of himself and then shocked us all by taking his own life.

I was moved by Pete's honesty. More people need to talk about suicide and how it affects everyone.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Have lost several in my life, both friends and family members, to suicide, and know many more who have attempted, or had thoughts (as I will admit I have, over the years, as was discussed). I also have someone extremely close to me right now who had ideations not that long ago, and is struggling mightily with depression and anxiety, so I am struggling mightily right alongside them. I have had a range of feelings and emotions over the years, dealing with all this, and still am.

I will say that putting the issue into the light is never a bad thing, IMHO, as is speaking on mental health issues in general, and removing any shame or stigma in seeking support. I will quite openly (and unashamedly) say I have sought help over the years, both for the sense of loss and helplessness with these losses, and my own issues, and am again now, as I recently said in another thread.

I just hope the lady that caused this whole news issue to be brought forth is getting the help she needs, and deserves. We all deserve that.

 

[Lindsey17]

I am not sure if this will be seen, but wanted to take a moment to thank Pete for his discussion about suicide and providing some personal light on the subject. I lost a dear friend a few years ago to suicide; she was the funniest, brightest star in our group of friends, filled with unconditional love for everyone. It still rocks me to this day in unexpected ways. I also work in the world of special education, and have a lot of students who struggle with their mental health, and even for middle schoolers this can become all too real. It was, in a way, therapeutic to hear a conversation about this subject without shying away from it. I appreciate, always, the honesty that the podcasts bring. Thank you for your openness, Pete, and for being a voice for those who maybe are unable to put some of these issues into words.

Couldn't agree with you more. Like he said he's brought it up several times and always seems to get positive feedback, which to me means that people wish it was talked about more. Although I've never thought of myself as suicidal, I do suffer from depression and although my husband tries so hard he just can't understand why him giving me compliments or trying to make me feel better doesn't help. I really is just so hard for people that don't have mental health issues to understand how it's not exactly something you can snap out of. I also agree with your statement about how much it effects middle schoolers. When I was in middle school there were more kids that died by suicide in the school then my high school years. I think the combination of puberty, bullying, etc. are at an all time high during those years and kids at that age aren't equipped with the tools or resources to realize it's for a short period of time in the grand scheme of things.

Honestly the Dis Unplugged has really helped me over the last 2 years. Their videos serve as an escape for me. When I'm watching them I'm able to get out of my own head, kind of forget about what typically bothers me on a daily basis and just bring me a little bit closer to Disney that day or laugh at the silliness that typically ensues. I honestly have no intentions to go to Universal any time soon as my kids are only 6 and 2 and will need to be much older to really enjoy the park I think, but I still watch those shows because the Cryno interactions make me laugh all the time.

 

[KeepCalmAndCarryOn]

Couldn't agree with you more. Like he said he's brought it up several times and always seems to get positive feedback, which to me means that people wish it was talked about more. Although I've never thought of myself as suicidal, I do suffer from depression and although my husband tries so hard he just can't understand why him giving me compliments or trying to make me feel better doesn't help. I really is just so hard for people that don't have mental health issues to understand how it's not exactly something you can snap out of. I also agree with your statement about how much it effects middle schoolers. When I was in middle school there were more kids that died by suicide in the school then my high school years. I think the combination of puberty, bullying, etc. are at an all time high during those years and kids at that age aren't equipped with the tools or resources to realize it's for a short period of time in the grand scheme of things.

Honestly the Dis Unplugged has really helped me over the last 2 years. Their videos serve as an escape for me. When I'm watching them I'm able to get out of my own head, kind of forget about what typically bothers me on a daily basis and just bring me a little bit closer to Disney that day or laugh at the silliness that typically ensues. I honestly have no intentions to go to Universal any time soon as my kids are only 6 and 2 and will need to be much older to really enjoy the park I think, but I still watch those shows because the Cryno interactions make me laugh all the time.

I am fairly new to the podcasts and world of You Tube (I had a major surgery last year and spent some recovery time dreaming of Disney while the snow and cold of Maine in January was my reality) so this was the first I had heard, but it makes it even more impactful that it has been discussed before. You never know who is listening or what their history is, and who you might be connecting with. Thank you for sharing your story, too! I agree that the laughs and moments of Disney can help on stressful days. I often watch when logging miles on the treadmill (on days it's too icy or cold to get outside). They make the miles go by a touch faster!

 

[SL6827]

Didn't listen to the podcast but I always try to stress that mental health is no different than physical health. The mind can be sick just like the heart, lungs and kidneys. No different.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Didn't listen to the podcast but I always try to stress that mental health is no different than physical health. The mind can be sick just like the heart, lungs and kidneys. No different.

@SL6827 I use exactly the same analogy, when talking to people who feel ashamed to ask for help. I ask them "If you had an injured leg, and it was causing pain, and not being able to walk, either normally, or at all, , you'd seek medical attention, right?|" I've never gotten a no. I say - then that's like asking for, and using, help with mental health/pain".

And I have - with some people - asked "And if you were told you had to wear a cast, or get physical therapy to walk normally/without pain, you'd do that, right?" "Then that's like using medications/whatever therapy is suggested for mental health". The reason I'm much more selective with this part of the thought process is that not everybody needs/wants to partake of medications, or other forms of therapy, and I think that is a totally different, and very personal, decision.

But cool to see somebody else uses the same analogy!

 

[TresGriffin]

Honestly the Dis Unplugged has really helped me over the last 2 years. Their videos serve as an escape for me. When I'm watching them I'm able to get out of my own head, kind of forget about what typically bothers me on a daily basis and just bring me a little bit closer to Disney that day or laugh at the silliness that typically ensues. I honestly have no intentions to go to Universal any time soon as my kids are only 6 and 2 and will need to be much older to really enjoy the park I think, but I still watch those shows because the Cryno interactions make me laugh all the time.

I wholeheartedly agree with this. I’ve said this a while back in another post, but The DIS team has become what I (and Wendy Williams, as I got this expression from watching her show) refer to as “Friends in My Head”. There’s just something comforting about listening to these folks talk Disney and what not and they take my mind off the things that float around in my head if I sit for too long without any mental stimulation. This is why I’ve become such a fan and a consistent viewer/listener of The DIS.

I hope everyone on the team realizes that their hard work on putting out all this content means more to their viewers and listeners than they realize. They’re not just giving us information about the parks. For example, Most of the content has made me feel more comfortable with being more in touch with my “geeky” side, which I’ve always tried to keep toned down. And it’s something that I feel more fulfilled by doing and I thank The DIS for it.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

I wholeheartedly agree with this. I’ve said this a while back in another post, but The DIS team has become what I (and Wendy Williams, as I got this expression from watching her show) refer to as “Friends in My Head”. There’s just something comforting about listening to these folks talk Disney and what not and they take my mind off the things that float around in my head if I sit for too long without any mental stimulation. This is why I’ve become such a fan and a consistent viewer/listener of The DIS.

I hope everyone on the team realizes that their hard work on putting out all this content means more to their viewers and listeners than they realize. They’re not just giving us information about the parks. For example, Most of the content has made me feel more comfortable with being more in touch with my “geeky” side, which I’ve always tried to keep toned down. And it’s something that I feel more fulfilled by doing and I thank The DIS for it.

@TresGriffin Yep - totally agree (as I usually do with you, Mr. Griffin!) . I found these podcasts about 6 years ago (?) when I was going through a VERY tough time at work. Back then, the only thing that existed, as far as I knew, was the Tuesday show, and then Connecting With Walt came into my field of realization. I used the Tuesday show, and then CWW, as a "lifeline" to get me through my week. And I'd ration it out - sometimes things would be so bad I'd greedily gobble it up during 1 lunch hour, sometimes I'd restrict myself to just watching 15 minutes at at time, so I'd have something to look forward to the next day, or days. And sometimes I'd WANT to save it, and couldn't wait. And I STILL watch a LOT of the content as a coping mechanism, even though I don't have a trip planned, and no IDEA when/if I'll return to WDW.

But you are so right - they are all "friends I just haven't been able to meet/hug yet:", and I relate to them all SO personally, even though They have NO IDEA who in the HECK I am. And they have all helped me struggle through more days, and been of more help to me to hang in there, than I can EVER verbalize!!! I am hoping to maybe be able to change the "haven't hugged yet" part one day.

And, may I just say, I use this small portion of the boards (which is really the only place I visit) and my fellow posters (yes - including you!) the same way. So - thank YOU - and all.

 

[disneyworldsk]

yes yes yes and to deni who gallantly offered the number for the hotline, bravo to you for offering in your helpful suggestion and being prepared with it. It is a scary, intense and personal subject that Pete bravely rose to the occasion for and educated me as well on the issue. thank you.

 

[Lindsey17]

I hope everyone on the team realizes that their hard work on putting out all this content means more to their viewers and listeners than they realize. They’re not just giving us information about the parks. For example, Most of the content has made me feel more comfortable with being more in touch with my “geeky” side, which I’ve always tried to keep toned down. And it’s something that I feel more fulfilled by doing and I thank The DIS for it.

I hope they realize it too. I really do get so annoyed when people post negative comments or get annoyed at the lack of content (which rarely happens). Although I do miss the Cryno in park/Disney Spring vlogs I completely understand why we don't see much any more. They're doing so many weekly shows now you can't expect them to be able to do it all.

I like everyone on the team, but I'll be honest, Ryno and Craig (and of course Kylie) are my favorites and if I'm ever lucky enough to meet them I'm not sure I'll be able to hold back the tears lol. Unfortunately for me any emotion I have tears come out. If I'm really mad, sad, happy for some reason my eyeballs always leak. Kind of embarrassing, but there's no controlling it.

 

[DrunkJam]

I watched this one. Usually I listen.
I have a lot of experience in the field of MH, in a range of ways.
I do believe it is important that there are people willing and able to share experiences. I applaud his sharing. I think it is great that they gave out a way of accessing help and support right then. I was concerned by a small minority of the comments on the original thread re the woman on the boat. I need to remember that people do still need education in this area.
I find the Dis can be a dual edged sword, but, mostly, for me, I find it connective, and beneficial and I do wish I was better at chatting.

 

[DrunkJam]

I hope they realize it too. I really do get so annoyed when people post negative comments or get annoyed at the lack of content (which rarely happens). Although I do miss the Cryno in park/Disney Spring vlogs I completely understand why we don't see much any more. They're doing so many weekly shows now you can't expect them to be able to do it all.

I like everyone on the team, but I'll be honest, Ryno and Craig (and of course Kylie) are my favorites and if I'm ever lucky enough to meet them I'm not sure I'll be able to hold back the tears lol. Unfortunately for me any emotion I have tears come out. If I'm really mad, sad, happy for someone reason my eyeballs always leak. Kind of embarrassing, but there's no controlling it.

I fully understand and identify with the crying for every possible emotion thing...

 

[Tonyz]

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before but I’m a mental health therapist so I always appreciate Pete speaking on this issue. I was fortunate enough to thank him for this in person a year or so ago. Pete is a gem; one in a million.

 

[disneyworldsk]

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before but I’m a mental health therapist so I always appreciate Pete speaking on this issue. I was fortunate enough to thank him for this in person a year or so ago. Pete is a gem; one in a million.

Pete mentioned the connection between coping skills and suicide. I was wondering if 'you' know someone who has a lack of coping skills what can they work on to improve them without therapy in order to have stronger mental health and alleviate mental illnesses.

 

[DrunkJam]

Pete mentioned the connection between coping skills and suicide. I was wondering if 'you' know someone who has a lack of coping skills what can they work on to improve them without therapy in order to have stronger mental health and alleviate mental illnesses.

Each person is different, and it's not something I would poke into greatly without talking about what they feel and what they want to cope with, but there ARE a lot of things it is possible to do. Look at Food and Mood connections (there are food stuffs which can improve mood, and which can both increase ability to be active, or improve calm)
Try and do ONE thing every day that makes you feel cared for, and supported, whether that is call a friend, or go for a walk, or spend some time with your pet, playing, or use your favourite bath products, cook a favourite meal. Now, I get that SOME days some of these are too hard, and each person has their own things that make them feel cared for...
Look at what you are coping with and break it into small steps (this is often very complex and can easily require many days / weeks, and HELP, and that's OK, but, LEARNING to break things down into small step tasks, is a really positive skill. So, maybe even staying on top of personal hygiene is hard, so, instead of thinking about ALL of that, today, just be proud that you got up and washed your hands and face. Tomorrow, maybe hands, face, and clean pjs etc. Bigger tasks can be broken down too, but, I find it helps to start with these things because it can be difficult to admit that they are overwhelming sometimes.
(I add in that I am bipolar, so, I am used to learning to cope in both directions. I also, before I became a SAHM, was manager of a mental health day service for people with severe and enduring mental health issues, and have a post graduate qualification in psychotherapy, so I hope you don't mind me offering some ideas even though you directed your response elsewhere...)

 

[indoshakespeare]

Can anyone link the video where Pete discussed this? Thanks.

 

[DrunkJam]

Can anyone link the video where Pete discussed this? Thanks.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before but I’m a mental health therapist so I always appreciate Pete speaking on this issue. I was fortunate enough to thank him for this in person a year or so ago. Pete is a gem; one in a million.

@Tonyz - I did not know you were a therapist! No wonder I've always found you to be so level-headed and easy to talk to here. Thank you for doing what you do, I'm quite sure you are a lifeline for many!

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Each person is different, and it's not something I would poke into greatly without talking about what they feel and what they want to cope with, but there ARE a lot of things it is possible to do. Look at Food and Mood connections (there are food stuffs which can improve mood, and which can both increase ability to be active, or improve calm)
Try and do ONE thing every day that makes you feel cared for, and supported, whether that is call a friend, or go for a walk, or spend some time with your pet, playing, or use your favourite bath products, cook a favourite meal. Now, I get that SOME days some of these are too hard, and each person has their own things that make them feel cared for...
Look at what you are coping with and break it into small steps (this is often very complex and can easily require many days / weeks, and HELP, and that's OK, but, LEARNING to break things down into small step tasks, is a really positive skill. So, maybe even staying on top of personal hygiene is hard, so, instead of thinking about ALL of that, today, just be proud that you got up and washed your hands and face. Tomorrow, maybe hands, face, and clean pjs etc. Bigger tasks can be broken down too, but, I find it helps to start with these things because it can be difficult to admit that they are overwhelming sometimes.
(I add in that I am bipolar, so, I am used to learning to cope in both directions. I also, before I became a SAHM, was manager of a mental health day service for people with severe and enduring mental health issues, so I hope you don't mind me offering some ideas even though you directed your response elsewhere...)

@DrunkJam - Wow - excellent advice, thank you!