Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

I’m having an emotional crisis right now

I was reading more about the three officers who shot a mentally ill woman thru the door. The three officers were fired but an investigation into the entire department needs to take place. What I saw on television, got to me.

It brought up the repressed memory of having a non-violent crisis in the front yard. Long story short I had an officer pull a gun on me. I never processed the trauma probably because I was fighting for my life with Lyme winning. I’ve been crying ever since the memory came back and I’ve been in bed crying.

I don’t know when I’ll be active when I stop crying or in August when I meet my new Psychiatrist. It’s deplorable that a woman considered wealthy, with great insurance, and doctors could not check me into a psychiatric hospital last night.

My crying is for all the others who don’t have my resources, what happens to those on the opposite end are often killed during a Mental Health call because Police have no training.

The governor looked into the eyes of all the families of mass gun shootings, promising to do something, no gun control because that’s not the issue. That’s the BS line from all Republicans. So he tells people at their most devastating moment he is going to make changes. HE sure did, he passed a 2 Billion Mental Health Bill and not one penny goes for Mental Health Services. All of the money is being spent to build new jails and jails with Psych hospitals. His stigma against those who are mentally ill says you all belong in jail. That set me on fire!!!!!

I’m going down the drain right now and will post when I can.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Caffeinated Philosophy

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Caffeinated Philosophy.

Caffeinated Philosophy

A digital café for lovers of coffee and cognition to congregate and converse

A place where I share posts on philosophy, psychology, poetry, and fiction. I hope that these posts will act as catalysts of curiosity, stimulating your mind and exposing you to novel perspectives and ideas.

 You have to check out this most interesting blog.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Are You Mentally Ill? What To Keep On You At All Times

In Texas, we’ve heard our Governor Greg Abbott say repeatedly that gun control was not the issue, we needed more Mental Health support. Here we are a year after the mass shooting at Uvalde and all we’ve heard is the same ole politics.

I had a Mental Health crisis and ended up with a gun pulled on me, very traumatic. I was lucky to be in front of my house and had my phone.

If you have a severe Mental Illness, you never know when you might have a crisis away from home. These tips will help if the Police get involved.

Have a card in your wallet that states:

Your name

What type of Mental Illness do you have

Your contact information or the contact of a family member

Doctors contact information

Wearing a medical bracelet would help since it’s one of the first things Police look for

Why are these tips important so important?

If you have a serious crisis there’s a chance you’re hallucinating, psychotic, or in a state where you are not aware of what you are doing. You’ll probably encounter a Police officer and having the information on you will help Police better understand how to help you.

My personal advice is to never buy a gun or other weapon. You could easily hurt or kill someone if your mind is not stable.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

People Who Have Changed My Life For The Better

Sometimes people walk into our lives and years later you realize the impact they made in your life. In some cases, it hurts more before it gets better. No doubt you have people in your life that have done the same.

My grandparent’s support goes without saying

The 5th grade Music Teacher forced me to talk to my counselor about how I got the bruise on my face. This was one of the most traumatic experiences but she was doing her job. If a child looks like child abuse you have to take action.

My Probation Officer drove me to all of my Orthodontist appointments. She believed I could be reformed, I was on probation for carrying a gun the state took custody of me, and off to Bad-Girl Boarding School. If I had gone to a hard labor camp I don’t think I would have made it. My anger and attitude at the time would have driven me to the ground.

The Nuns and Father George at boarding school. The Nuns often gave positive affirmations and prayers. Father George was old as dirt but he took time out every day to teach me the piano.

My Counselor, Cathotholoism Teacher, and Godfather changed my life. He spent so many hours preparing me for Baptism and Confirmation. He was nerdy, had a double Ph.D., and was the most generous man I have known. He made me feel so smart!  After being told daily by my mother that I was stupid, she convinced me. I attended a celebration at his house and there were mostly educators there. They all treated me as an equal, not talking down to me, and they asked me some questions, it was one of the greatest days. He gave me Man’s Search for Meaning, along with several books on Psychology. He changed my life.

When I was 13 years old and in bad-girl boarding school, my Journalism teacher asked me to create a newsletter. Not only was it my dream to be a Journalist, but she also gave me full control of the content. What a confidence boost! She was young and one of the few people who came from outside the Convent to teach. I still have a copy and it’s hilarious but it’s so special to me.

I’ve been seeing my Therapist for almost 30 years and we’ve become close. She has a gentle approach and never pushes me. I’ve been able to resolve most of the trauma in my life working with her and she has taught me so much about myself.

I’ve been seeing my Psychopharmacologist for 32 years, I sought him out after my father committed suicide. For the first couple of years, I didn’t think he liked me. His style is gruff but after learning how to talk his language, everything worked out. He’s a genius, he probably has the DSM5 memorized. He’s been there thru all of the ups and downs, and he’s been so generous in teaching me about my Mental Illness. He’s retiring soon and it breaks my heart! Will I find a doctor that can fill his shoes?

Who has changed your life?

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Fun Facts

 

Thanks for stopping by today, I love hearing your comments each week. 

Some octopus species lay 56,000 eggs at a time

That tiny pocket in jeans was designed to store pocket watches

Turkeys can blush

Most Disney characters wear gloves to keep animation simple

Cows don’t have upper front teeth

Melinda

Reference:

Readers Digest

 

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share with *John Mayer – Waiting On the World to Change Awesome Tune!

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

Have a great weekend!

Melinda

Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.

Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Hot and Heavy: The Role of a Clean Office in Promoting Employee Health

Are you tired of feeling stuffy and unproductive at work? Do you find yourself constantly sneezing or getting sick in the office? A clean office not only promotes good hygiene but also plays a crucial role in ensuring employee health and safety. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore how maintaining a tidy workplace can lead to a healthy summer office and happier employees. So, get ready to turn up the heat on cleanliness – let’s dive in!

The Hazards of Working in a Hot Office

Working in a hot office can be extremely hazardous to your health. Such an environment can lead to dehydration, which can then lead to heat stroke. Unhealthy offices can also worsen conditions such as asthma and heart disease. 

It is a good idea to keep your office clean and free of the clutter that will gather dust. A clean office will help you stay cool and comfortable and will also help you stay focused on your work.

Cleaning Tips for Hot Weather

Here are some cleaning tips to help you keep your office safe and comfortable during the hot weather months:

 
• Dust regularly and vacuum often to remove any build-up of dust and dirt.
 
• Wipe down surfaces with a disinfectant to prevent the spread of germs.
 
• Pay extra attention to high-touch areas such as door handles, light switches, keyboards, and telephones.
 
• Regularly empty trash cans and recycling bins to prevent unpleasant odors from developing in the heat.
 
• Encourage your employees to do their part by reminding them about basic hygiene practices such as washing hands frequently with soap or sanitizer and keeping their workspace tidy at all times.

Ways to Keep an Office Cool

When the temperatures start to rise, it can be difficult to keep your office cool. Bear in mind, though, that there are always things you can do to help make your office more comfortable for workers. These include:

1. Ensure the air conditioning inside the building is working properly. This may seem like an obvious solution, but it’s important to make sure the AC is running efficiently before taking any other steps.

2. Use fans strategically. Placing fans around the office can help circulate air and keep everyone cool. Just be careful not to point them directly at employees, as this can create a draft.

3. Keep windows covered. Sunlight streaming in through windows can make an already warm room feel even hotter. Closing blinds or curtains can help block out some of the heat.

4. Encourage employees to dress for the heat. Employees should avoid wearing heavy clothing or clothing that doesn’t breathe well in hot weather. Instead, opt for lightweight fabrics that will keep them cool.

5. Provide cool drinks and snacks. Keeping a stash of cold water bottles and light snacks like fruit or yogurt in the office will help employees stay hydrated and cooler throughout the day.

Photo by Kian Philippe Martos on Pexels.com

Benefits of a Clean Office Environment in Hot Weather

In hot weather, a clean office environment is important for promoting employee health and safety. A clean office allows employees to stay cool and comfortable and reduces the risk of heat-related illness. A clean office also provides a safe and healthy place for employees to work.

Employee Health and Safety Considerations

First and foremost, businesses should provide employees with a clean and safe working environment. This means ensuring that the office is free of dust, dirt, and other contaminants that could potentially cause health problems. 

Furthermore, businesses should make sure that all office equipment is properly maintained and in good working condition. This includes making sure that chairs, desks, and other furniture are ergonomically designed and meet industry safety standards. It is important that businesses train their staff and provide them with the necessary resources to remain safe while on the job. 

By taking these simple yet effective steps, businesses can ensure safer working environments are created.

Conclusion

A clean office is essential for creating a safe and healthy environment for employees. It will not only help reduce the likely spread of diseases but promote better employee morale, leading to improved productivity. With proper cleaning protocols in place, employers can ensure that their offices are free of dust and germs while providing an enjoyable working experience for everyone involved. Cleanliness should be an integral part of any workplace culture if businesses want to create a safe and efficient work environment where employees feel comfortable and productive.

It is such a simple and cost-effective way to improve office life for everyone, so it makes sense to have the office cleaned properly, particularly during the hot months.

If budgets are tight, then consider cleaning more during summer months, and hiring those that know how to achieve this in the shortest space of time.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

How To Help Someone In A Mental Health Crisis

People who have a Mental Illness are like you and me, the only difference is instead of having Diabetes, they have wiring problems in the brain. Both have to take their medication or bad things can happen. Unless you know someone who has a Mental Illness you may have a stigma to overcome.

It’s a difficult time for people who have severe mental illness due to stigma and the ongoing hate in our country. Mental Illness is often overdramatized by television, nightly news, and trash rags, and Social Media is the worst.

There are many factors to consider when deciding to help a person during a Mental Health crisis. You can have the biggest heart in the world but your safety has to come first. If someone looks out of control, you can’t rush in and make the situation worst. You will have to help from afar.

The first step I would take if I saw someone acting, out of control, psychotic, delusional, talking to themself loudly, yelling out at people walking by, and maybe self-harm. against themselves, to name a few. I would call the police in the area, walk away and come back by to see they’re gone.

We want to help but we have to think about ourselves and our families. This is also a good read for teens that may find themself in a position to help. The way we can help reduce stigma is to learn the basics of Mental Health.

Even on medication or several medications people with severe mental illnesses, medications can stop working, some people will not take their medication and others have a more serious crisis. In an ideal world, we could easily find urgent  Mental Health support in several areas of the city.

One important note!

If someone is clearly having a crisis or breakdown you can access the situation from afar and CALL POLICE.

If you see someone in need you have a couple of choices. 

Call the police.

Call someone that knows him that can help.

Ask someone in the general area, do they know him or do they have his/her’s phone number. I would go as far as calling the number but would not get involved.

If there is a Mental Health Charity nearby, go there and ask them to help him.

Call the police!!!!!!! I can’t say this enough because the person may not know what they’re doing, have a weapon, steal your purse, steal your phone, and could become violent. I have Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Disorder and have had my own crisis in my front yard with a Police pointing a gun at me.

*Most cities have talked for years about having several officers trained in Mental Health but I can’t say anything has been done.

We have to think hard these days about all people we meet, but if a person is erratic, violent, talking loudly to themselves, or walking in circles, you don’t have the skills to help and may get yourself hurt.

I watch almost nothing but Police, Law, and Spy show, you can imagine what I’ve seen. Television is drama, not real unless it states. When the show Dallas went off the air, I was in shock but quickly my mind settled, this was a nice overly dramatic show, just an escape.

The last thing I want to do is add to the STIGMA of Mental Illness, that goes against who I am. We need more free resources around town to support those in need. If you’re an abled body Advocate, look at the resources available in your town/city. Start relationships with the person by checking in every week, learn from this person where the crisis is happening, and see if you can get a Charity, Corporate or use your own money to build some signs, have a table with information about Mental Illness.

I hear too much disturbing news all day long, and so or our kids. Limiting children’s time on the computer and all social media, I don’t care if they’ve done it one way, You are the boss and the boss is making changes. Have strong settings on the phone, and don’t allow access to Social Media during school or other family functions.

While you are making changes to computer usage, your child might be savvy and try to get a phone. Don’t Do It!

Don’t fall for these B.S. Excuses!

My best friend has one

My bother has one

All the girls in my school have one.

I have to be a to reach my friends

With all the mass shootings in America scaring you as much as me, I would make some exceptions. As these are for school safety only and you can only call, the police, parents, or friends who may be able to help. Don’t allow them to get on the Internet from the phone.

Visit the NAMI for all information on Mental Illness and excellent support systems.

I have a passion for Mental Health Support and America is driving off the rails and leaving people on the streets and no support for their Mental Illness. Now is the time to bring the faces of Mental Illness to the front, and educate children and adults with real content and support services.

I did not say anything about helping someone yourself, when someone’s in a crisis they can get violent. I will never ask anyone to put their life in danger. One nice gesture, if they are calm, stop and get a couple bottles of water and a sandwich.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health

Looking for the Light Is Celebrating 14 years on WordPress

I first joined WordPress in 2005 with a blog called Defining Memories and in 2014 I started Looking for the Light. 

There is no way to thank everyone who has supported me thru the years. I am grateful every time you visit or leave a comment. Looking for the Light is a passion of mine, I like helping others if I can and work hard to be an armchair advocate. 

I would not be the person I am today without all the kind words and I’ve learned so much in the past 14 years, you are great bloggers. 

 

14 Year Anniversary Achievement

 

Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com! You registered on WordPress.com 14 years ago. Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging.

Melinda

Looking for the Light