Discussions and Events
Check the schedule for upcoming online discussions and in-person events.
Can’t make it to the live session? Once registered, you’ll receive a link to the recording.
All events are listed in PST
Online webinar discussions are free and open to anyone who wants to join.
Click on any of the scheduled conversations and events below to find out more and RSVP.
The Last Days of Life
A discussion on what to expect from a body close to dying. We'll cover physical symptoms those at the bedside might see; understanding why the symptoms are occurring can bring comfort instead of worry for all involved as well as give people guide-posts as they sit vigil.
Autonomy
Autonomy is often framed as independence, self-reliance, and control—but what does it mean when you're living with a chronic illness or navigating a period of vulnerability? This webinar explores autonomy not as isolation or self-sufficiency, but as a deeply human, relational experience shaped by interdependence, trust, and community.
Illness and Survivorship
A special conversation with Mettle Health community member on what it is to be a "survivor" or illness. Having a long remission, especially longer than anticipated, is a very tricky space to occupy mentally. You get a grim view of the future, but then time goes by and you’re still "well" one wonders "What should we think?"
Reconciliation and Forgiveness
Join Mettle Health counselors Heather Isaacs and Bridget Sumser for a discussion on reconciliation and forgiveness, as relates to end of life. We are human, and as such, we will have hard moments with other humans in our lives. Sometimes these are issues that can be discussed and resolved before the end of a life, and sometimes they are not. We’ll discuss both possibilities, along the idea of “closure” as relates to death and dying.
Understanding MAID and VSED
A discussion that covers the emotional and practical aspects of both MAID: medical aid-in-dying, and VSED: Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking. Both are choices that involve the whole care circle and understanding how the steps work logistically as well as play out in a body are important aspects to navigating these decisions.
Uncertainty
Join Tom Grothe for a discussion on uncertainty. A new and difficult diagnosis throws us into uncertainty. All your assumptions about your life and your future are thrown into disarray. Yesterday you knew what next year was going to be like; now even forecasting tomorrow can be difficult. Will treatments work to slow disease progression? Can you keep working? What does this mean for your relationships? How do you adjust to living life daily AND not knowing what is in your future? Of all the many things that a serious diagnosis takes from you, some believe that this loss of the assumptive world is one of the hardest. This webinar will explore possible meaningful ways to live in uncertainty. We will explore uncertainties relationship to hopefulness and finding courage. It’s likely we will present some science behind uncertainty, as well at what philosophy and religion says about uncertainty.
Perfectionism in Illness and Death
Phrases like a "good death" can lead us to think that this is another area we need to control and manage. But then, how does it feel to those who did not achieve this "good" experience? Have they failed? Illness and dying are unpredictable, messy, beautiful, and hard (just to name a few). Trying to perfect the experience isn't always possible, and we ask: is perfect really the goal?
Finding, Hiring and Living with Aides
Hiring aides is generally a mysterious process until you find yourself in need of additional help.
the myth of “disability”
Disability is a minority group that any of us could join at any time. For something so normal, disability remains shrouded in shame.
Navigating Holiday Stress
There aren’t a lot of places caregivers and patients can go to talk about stress of holidays when ongoing merriment is the expectation. Join this real time discussion on navigating the joys and pains of giving, and receiving, care during the holidays.
awe and synchronicity
Discussion of aspects of awe and synchronicity that appear for many at the end of life.
special*caregiving series
Caregiving encompasses everything, from the emotional to the practical to the medical, the list is endless.
mindfulness and stress reduction
Meditation calms our minds and opens our hearts. It can reduce stress, promote relaxation and healing, and bring us into deep connection with ourselves, others, and our world.
Unseen: The Stories we make of our lives
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful, how to think about these narratives - where to hold on, and where to let go?
Thinking About Hope
How to think about HOPE in the context of serious illness and end of life.
Navigating Holiday Stress
There aren’t a lot of places caregivers and patients can go to talk about stress of holidays when ongoing merriment is the expectation. Join this real time discussion on navigating the joys and pains of giving, and receiving, care during the holidays.
the myth of “disability”
Disability is a minority group that any of us could join at any time. For something so normal, disability remains shrouded in shame.
caregiving series
Caregiving encompasses everything, from the emotional to the practical to the medical, the list is endless.
Patient-Centered Discussion: Lessons Learned
Patient-centered care means talking to, and learning from, people living with serious or chronic illness. How do they view their experience, what do they want more of from the medical team, what lessons have they learned? Join us for a special discussion co-hosted by members of the Mettle community.
Financial Care Series
Financial suffering is a huge part of what makes aging, illness and dying so difficult to navigate. It’s hard to understand, and most of us don’t learn enough about it until we need to.
caregiving series
Caregiving encompasses everything, from the emotional to the practical to the medical, the list is endless.
difficult transitions
Throughout life, we are faced with multiple transition moments where communication, understanding and an openness to change are necessary for moving forward.
caregiving series
Caregiving encompasses everything, from the emotional to the practical to the medical, the list is endless.
Financial Care Series
Financial suffering is a huge part of what makes aging, illness and dying so difficult to navigate. It’s hard to understand, and most of us don’t learn enough about it until we need to.
caregiving series
Caregiving encompasses everything, from the emotional to the practical to the medical, the list is endless.
the myth of “disability”
Disability is a minority group that any of us could join at any time. For something so normal, disability remains shrouded in shame.
caregiving series
Caregiving encompasses everything, from the emotional to the practical to the medical, the list is endless.
living with alzheimer’s or other kinds of dementia
Dementia taxes people, patients and caregivers alike, in ways unlike any other type of illness.
caregiving series
Caregiving encompasses everything, from the emotional to the practical to the medical, the list is endless.
caregiving series
Caregiving encompasses everything, from the emotional to the practical to the medical, the list is endless.
caregiving series
Caregiving encompasses everything, from the emotional to the practical to the medical, the list is endless.
caregiving series
Caregiving encompasses everything, from the emotional to the practical to the medical, the list is endless.