When I wrote about Data Breaches and Identity Theft in the past I never dreamed it would happen to me. These breaches are happening every day and our identity is at risk if enough personal information is released.
I’ve received many of these letters as I’m sure you have to, they are getting more sophisticated and you must know what exact information was released. In the past companies were pretty vague about what data is missing but I think the laws may have changed.
The letters that followed included what type of information was taken which is essential.
Two weeks ago I received a letter from Orsini Pharmaceuticals that all of my private information was involved in the breach! Wow, I a waiting target for Identify Theft. If I had not read the fine print my life could have been ruined by Identity theft.
I have spent hours every day since receiving the letter alerting the necessary companies, changing every password, some I had to change my user name as well. I will look over my shoulder from now on.
I haven’t heard of this company and after a visit to their website, it was clear I had not taken any of their medications. WTF! Why did they have my info in the first place? Did someone share it with them or did they buy the list?
I started reading the press releases about the breach and found that the breach happened three months ago but I’m just hearing about it. Interestingly many people were offered 1-2 years paid protection but I wasn’t. Lawsuits are flying in every direction, that is a thought for another day.
My plan is to write Tom Cappetta, Vice President, Pharmacy Operations, and ask him several questions, most importantly why they had my information. It’s a question I deserve to know yet will not get an answer on. I’m also asking for 2 years of total protection.
We’ll see where the letter takes me.
Melinda
Original post 7/2014
In life, there are times when memories seem like yesterday and others a lifetime ago. This is a lifetime ago memory buried in deep resentment and anger. It’s an oxymoron. I’ve had difficult challenges, growing up, and staying alive was a challenge. I’m at peace in life now. I worked through the bitterness of abuse but forgot this memory I buried so deeply that I forgot about it until yesterday.
I was married in August of 1981, I was 18 years old.
We played house until it got rough, and the decision to get a divorce came on the way to his parents for Thanksgiving. We didn’t separate, just kept skating on thin ice. Spring rolls around and race season starts. Where the money came from to pay for the races was a mystery to me and there wasn’t even prize money!
One of my dearest friends died around the same time, an elderly man who was having a heart attack hit him at a high rate of speed. Steve and I dated and remained close friends after breaking up. He was a special person, the type who brings sparkle to your life. For reasons I’ll never understand his mother called and asked me to come over to talk about Steve. I spent weeks consoling her and internalizing my grief.
The stress was more than my body could handle. I had a miscarriage two weeks later. It was a Friday night, I had no idea I was pregnant nor did I know what a miscarriage was. I’m in excruciating pain, still not processing why there was so much blood. We arrive at the hospital and since it’s Friday, several shooting victims are ahead of me. I lay across several chairs, bleeding and crying. Finally in a room but still waiting, I go to the bathroom.
I lost the baby in the toilet at the hospital and a part of me died that night, it’s a place inside I have never been before or since. Staring at the fetus, it was developed since I was 4 months along, it looked like a miniature baby. Even now it brings up feelings I don’t understand. I walked out of the bathroom, dead inside and when a nurse walked by, I said there was a baby in the toilet and kept walking.
The nurse then brings the fetus into the room in a jar and puts it by my head. Can I hand you a knife so you can stab me? I stayed overnight, and my husband went home. He never acknowledged the baby, in fact, he didn’t say anything. He was scheduled to leave for a race the next morning, and I knew he was not canceling his plans. I had to call someone the next morning to come get me.
Looking back it was a blessing. I was not ready for single motherhood and the cycle of abuse could have repeated itself. I know this in my heart. I don’t understand the resentment. I’m 50 yrs. old, and 18 was a long time ago. I’ve moved on from worse pain physically and mentally.
The only logic I can find is the baby came out of my body, I saw it clearly because no blood came out. The resentment is he never acknowledged the baby, my pain and loss, held me, let me cry, told me it was ok, or canceled the race.
I’ve never talked about this experience, it was truly locked away. I have to work through the feelings of resentment. That’s not who I am today.
Warrior
Today, Sunday, April 2024, I cried and went to a painful place reading this.
Originally posted in 2022
You’re stupid, that’s what my mother always said to me growing up. Stupid, like an idiot, like a person that can’t do anything? Is that what you mean? I would think to myself. This was not a rare occurrence but daily. She wanted me to believe it and it pissed her off that I would not give in.
One morning I walked into our kitchen and she yelled at me “You stupid slut!” She didn’t like the jeans I had on. So she proceeds to berate me and walk toward me. I’m 12 years old and have not hit her back until this day.
She comes over and grabs my hair and starts yelling and yelling while hitting me and pushing me. I snapped and hit her right in the head. Like lightning out of nowhere, in comes my step-father who is 6’2″ and 220 and he hits me right in the mouth. Busting up my entire mouth since I had braces, and blood all over my face.
Think about it, a grown man hitting a 90-pound 12-year-old girl with a mouth full of braces. I’m not sure I said a word the whole time, just let it play out like the other times only today was the first time he hit me.
I walked to my room and by lunch, I was black and blue. Of course, I couldn’t go to school because the teachers would see the damage, and our storybook life would end. My step-father came home from work with a hamburger for lunch and I couldn’t eat. What the hell was he thinking!
I was able to go to school three days later and still had visible marks around my mouth. I acted like nothing was wrong until my music teacher called me into the hall and asked what happened to my mouth. I said the door hit me, and she was insistent that I go see the School Counselor. I told her that I would not go talk to anyone and she stood me down in that hallway until I went to the counselor’s office.
Walking through the counselor’s door, I said I had to call my Granny first. I had never told them my mother was abusing me. So I wanted her to know that I was in trouble. She would know what that meant for me. More beatings. She had her suspicions but never could pin down anything concrete
The next day Child Protective Services showed up at school and I got called out of class for extensive questioning. Now it was going to get very ugly and I would be on the losing end.
I told them everything that happened and that hitting me was commonplace. I answered their questions as they filled out the forms and that was it. Until one day after school, two women showed up at our house. Now it’s really going to get ugly.
They come in and my mother is so calm and cool. She asked them why they were there and what the problem was. My life took a dive for the worst and I thought it couldn’t get any worse. My mother proceeded to tell them that I was mentally unstable and that she was in the process of having me committed to the State Mental Hospital. They leave completely satisfied while I wait in my room. She had lied to them right out the door.
After my step-father hit me what could she do to make it hurt worse? Kill me? She knocked me around the room and set off a chain of events. Not long after that fateful day, I got permission to live with my dad who was 50 miles away. I packed up a few belongings, told my brother goodbye, and off in silence I went.
I bought this Warhol years ago, it hangs in my office and it’s a positive reinforcement.
Melinda
I’ve started filling my travel bag and getting all the small items ready like a large bag of grapes for the cooler along with 2 huge Smartwaters and a bag of dry snacks. My travel bag barely fits a blanket, travel pillow, and a couple of small items. Which forces me to take 3 bags, crazy but I’m not dragging down a suitcase.
The first treatment is between 4-7 hours, and I am preparing for anything including barf bags. Maybe I’ll get lucky and not have to use them.
I’ll be back as soon.
Whatever your religion or beliefs, please say a prayer for me, I need strength.
Thank you!
Melinda
Last week a murder-suicide happened in the neighborhood, the house behind us. I was very ill and on pain meds, my husband shielded me from conversations with the Police and the family. I felt the pain of my father’s suicide but quickly focused on the kids in our house.
The father had been released from jail for domestic violence, but he first stopped to buy a gun, then went home, killing his wife and himself in front of the kids.
My husband came upstairs saying two kids were downstairs, they thought the father killed their mother. I went down to get water and speak to the kids, nothing heavy, a half hug. The kids were 8,10,17 years old. My heart was breaking for them and their future pain. I offered some snacks and went back upstairs. By now there are 4 to 6 Police in the house. One said the 17-year-old ran out of the house when he heard the shot, and police were surrounding the house. The police knocked on the family’s door and he shot himself as they entered the house.
Both parents are dead. How do tell three kids their parents are dead. Your father killed your mother and then himself. Several officers were fighting back tears. I lost my breath thinking of the kid’s future. The girl called family members, they were on the way to our house.
Once the family arrived, a few facts came out. The parents had been separated for some time. He was in jail for Domestic Violence. His mother bailed him out and he went straight home. She was helping a son she loved, chances are violence never crossed her mind.
The Police took the kids and family to Advocacy Center. The center can start therapy and offer help from trained professionals.
After 11:00 a.m. two guys looking professional were talking to a neighbor. I went over to see if I could help. I didn’t know they were reporters. I shared how little I know. They wanted to do an interview, right or wrong I did. I could only say over and over, that my heart breaks for the three kids, they don’t understand, they’re in shock and they have no parents.
I ask God to carry the three kids in your hand, help them through the shock, and cradle them when they need you most. The traumatized kids will need help coping with the unbearable pain and need help working through trauma which can take years.
Xx M
Repost from 2016.
While I work feverish to protect myself from a security breach, full post to come, I realized that Twitter is the #1 red alert company for data breaches, and for selling information.
I do know that once your information hits the internet, it’s permanent and there’s no going back. I also learned that my information was on the Dark Web and I have no idea how to go there.
My phone and laptop are both Apple and they have security tools which shares information like your security risk and which companies are red flags. The tools have helped me focus on the red flag companies as I try to protect my identity. It’s hard to focus when Identity Theft is looking over your shoulder, you can’t let your guard down.
The risk of using Twitter is too high and I deleted my account.
I hope this helps someone in the same battle. Identity Theft can ruin your life and empty your bank account.
Melinda
Repost
Feeling anxious is a normal human reaction to situations that make you uncomfortable or worried. This is usually portrayed physically through sweating or even nausea. However, anxiety becomes a problem when it is overwhelming or unmanageable. This is known as a mental health illness or anxiety disorder. Today, anxiety disorder is an illness that affects all ages, especially teenagers. As concerned and loving parents, seeing your child experience such challenges may be disheartening, and you want to help them pull through. Fortunately, there are few yet effective steps you can take to help your teen pull through this problem. Here are a few ways to help your child cope with anxiety disorder.
You must create the space for such conversations to give your child the help they need. Naturally, teenagers become more secretive and less open as they get older. Although this may not be an issue, it can hinder your efforts to help them. Consider creating a safe space that allows your child to trust you and have open conversations with you. Encourage them to talk about their anxieties and listen to them attentively and actively. To further build trust, acknowledge their feelings as valid, and give them the reassurance they need.
The hustle and bustle of life can make it all too strenuous and stressful. No matter where you turn, there’s always something to be worried about! Your teenage child may be feeling the same. From juggling school work with social relationships, trying to achieve their dreams, and navigating the journey of adolescence, many factors may trigger anxiety in your child. Practicing mindfulness is a great and quick way to cope with these anxiety pangs. Mindful practices such as breathing exercises and yoga can help them relax during anxiety-inducing circumstances. You can also try the accepted dbt approach, which helps distract them from triggers.
Being constantly worried and afraid can make it quite difficult to live a fulfilling life. This is usually the case for anxious teenagers. They are easily overwhelmed, which makes them less open to taking advantage of opportunities that come their way. You can help them manage these feelings by setting doable and smaller tasks and goals. For instance, instead of setting the goal of going to a party, you can encourage them to sit by a friend during lunchtime. Or going to watch a movie with a friend. Setting these goals makes it less intimidating and more achievable. You should also encourage positive self-talk and acknowledge their bravery by praising them for going out of their comfort zone and beating the challenges of this disorder.
The best way to ensure your child gets the help they need is by scheduling an appointment with a professional. Mental health professionals such as psychologists are knowledgeable about this illness and can offer the best treatment options to ensure this condition is well-managed. Therefore, be sure to find a professional with experience in dealing with anxiety disorders in children. You can do this through a quick internet search or recommendations from trusted family and friends.
Think about your teenager’s issues from their perspective, I know it’s hard. One good idea is to start therapy once you’re up to it and bring the baby, once they have been exposed, hopefully, the teen will continue therapy on their own.
The earlier you communicate with your kids, the easier
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Asbestos: the word itself carries a weight of danger, a whisper of caution in its syllables. But why exactly is this substance so feared, so notorious? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the depths of asbestos, uncover its origins, explore its dangers, understand its symptoms, and shed light on the process of making a claim with asbestos lawyers if you’ve been affected.
What is Asbestos?
Let’s start at the beginning. Asbestos isn’t a single entity but rather a group of naturally occurring minerals that boast impressive resistance to heat, fire, and electricity. This made asbestos a popular choice for a wide range of applications, from insulation in buildings to components in automotive brakes.
The key types of asbestos include:
Why is Asbestos So Dangerous?
The danger of asbestos lies in its microscopic fibers. When disturbed, such as during renovation or demolition work, these fibers can become airborne and easily inhaled. Once inside the body, they can cause serious health issues over time.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure
Recognizing Symptoms
Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to manifest, making early detection challenging. However, being aware of potential symptoms can prompt timely medical intervention.
Common Symptoms Include:
If you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Making a Claim
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation. Seeking legal advice from experienced solicitors is essential to navigate the complex process of making a claim.
Steps to Making a Claim:
The Importance of Asbestos Awareness
Key Steps in Asbestos Awareness:
FAQs About Asbestos Claims
Q: How long do I have to make a claim?
A: The time limit for making a claim varies depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of your case. It’s best to consult with a solicitor as soon as possible to avoid missing any deadlines.
Q: Can I make a claim on behalf of a deceased loved one?
A: Yes, if a family member has passed away due to an asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible to make a claim on their behalf. Again, seeking legal advice is crucial to understand your options.
Q: Will making a claim affect my employment?
A: It’s illegal for employers to discriminate against employees who make legitimate compensation claims. Your employer’s liability insurance typically covers compensation payments, not the employer directly.
Conclusion
Asbestos may have once been hailed as a miracle material, but its dark side has left a trail of devastation in its wake. Understanding the dangers of asbestos, recognizing symptoms, and knowing how to make a claim are essential steps in protecting yourself and your loved ones from its harmful effects. If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos or are experiencing symptoms of asbestos-related illness, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention and legal advice. Your health and well-being are paramount.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
I looked back at my very first post written as a blogger, the site was different, it was called Defining Memories but I have since published on Look for the Light. I started Defining Memories in 2005 to help me mourn my Granny. It was a very dark time and writing was the perfect outlet.
I hope reading this post is as cathartic for you as it has been for me. The subject matter has changed since 2005 but the feeling and release it gives me is the same.
Thank you so much for reading and following me on my journey.
Being a caregiver to a dying loved one can leave you drained of emotion, exhausted, and frustrated. All perfectly normal feelings. I felt a quilt mixed in my bowl of emotions. I grew up knowing my grandparents wanted to die at home. I would grant the wish if possible. They inspired me, saved me from abuse, and blessed me with unconditional love.
Helping my gramps when making difficult life decisions, while working hard to remember she is my Granny. There were uncomfortable conversations, articulate to doctors how she is progressing and butt heads with family members. I ran a tight ship and had no problem telling people it was time to leave, and not allowing people over every day. God blessed me with the ability to turn my depression down and step up to the next level. Love for my Granny drove my decision to give her an extra morphine stick. She died in my hands while I kissed her goodbye.
As our population ages, the number of caregivers increases. It can seem overwhelming at times. If you don’t have a blog I would suggest checking out, it gave me an outlet. Caregivers choose to open their hearts to emotional and physical challenges.
Today I used one of four “in case of emergency” pills to keep my Granny from hurting herself during a dementia-related meltdown brought on by my Gramps going to the grocery store. She’s had many of these episodes since her stroke almost two years ago. Today I saw the beginning of the end in her face. As I look at the three pills in the bottle, I try to accept that we will need to “ease” the trauma more times before her memory is gone.
Her stroke caused dementia, and at 84 she continues to slide downhill. The meds do a good job of controlling the anger and aggression but on days like today, nothing short of a miracle works. I had to reach for “the emergency” stash and this sank in as I watched her doze off from the effects.
Today she did not recognize her own home and thought my Gramps abandoned her in somebody else’s house while going to the grocery store. She became enraged and very self-destructive by hitting herself in the head while saying that she would rather be dead than be left “here” by herself. I tried to calm her as I always do but today nothing worked. I tried to get her to focus on what I was saying but it was too late, she was lost in her painful reality. It was a very hard choice but a drug-induced calm over self-inflicted harm is the right thing to do.
While waiting for the drug to work I showed her photos of her and my grandfather from 24 years ago, a photo of my father on a pony when he was a child, and many others I took off the walls to see if she could connect to anything. She recognized my dad but several other family members were a blur. It was so painful to watch her lose touch, it ripped my heart out.
Those four pills were the “holy grail” and they took me back to the night of her stroke when Gramps went home to try to nap and she got upset that he was not there. It took six of us to hold down an 82-year-old who barely weighed 100 lbs. Her aggression reached a point where she needed restraining. Her arms were tied to the bed yet she managed to fight. I used all of my weight to hold her down to the bed, yelling at the nurse where the hell was a shot to knock her out. The nurse did not articulate to the doctor the situation’s urgency so he did not approve a sedative. I told her if she could not articulate the need, she would pass the phone to me. I would get the message across. The doctor ordered a sedative.
Watching her lose touch with reality is like seeing your child get hit by a car in slow motion and not being able to get a word out. I’m thankful for the time we spent together no matter how painful. I focus on the good moments and do not hold on to difficult days like this.
M
Every day people with Chronic Illnesses have tiny stressors that add up throughout the day and are added to the bigger issues you’re already dealing with. I know it’s time for a break when the tiny issues have me cussing.
It could be something like not being able to open toothpaste, or toothpaste falling off into sink. I’m talking about tiny issues. Many don’t notice the tiny issues as they stack up and can make a decent day into a bad day. Everything piles up until it crashes.
I don’t have the answer but we can’t just turn the other way regarding our health. We must add the tiny stresses to our daily list of struggles to acknowledge them and see if we can change our day. We can’t avoid the extra stress, we have to learn to accept or find a workaround.
When you think about how many spoons you have, include the tiny issues when counting spoons.
Those who have not played the game may want to as a stress reliever.
You might find a great self-care treat if you play older games, like board games, not electronic ones.
I’m not saying anything new, just asking you to be aware of those tiny stressors when you look back over your day.
As my health continues to challenge me, it’s the little things that can throw me over the top. Last week, I had forgotten how to peel an orange, but instead of being bothered, I threw it in the trash.
Have a great day!
Melinda
I don’t think I’ve shared this before, it’s deeply personal. I hope this post will encourage women to learn about Ovarian and Cervical Cancer and keep their annual exams.
I was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer when I was 28 years old. My doctor did a procedure in the office but it did not work, the cancer had spread and I needed surgery.
In 2020, the latest year for which incidence data are available, in the United States, 11,542 new cases of Cervical cancer were reported among women, and 4,272 women died of this cancer. For every 100,000 women, 7 new Cervical cancer cases were reported and 2 women died of this cancer according to the CDC. The data is four years old, and the statistics will be higher in 2024.
The numbers may seem low but if one of the deaths is your’s, the numbers don’t matter.
The doctor asked if my mother or grandmother had a hysterectomy. Both had surgery for Ovarian Cancer which increased the chances were high of getting Ovarian Cancer. I didn’t know if I wanted kids.
He suggested I have a total hysterectomy, I thought for a few minutes and decided to have a total hysterectomy. I didn’t want to take any chances.
I made the right decision for me. Not every woman wants kids, others should never have children like my mother It’s you and only you that can make the decision.
If the family pressures you to have children, which many parents do, REMEMBER it’s your decision. Set strong boundaries with family and friends by saying you do not want to hear or talk about children again. It’s not their place to pressure you.
Cervical Cancer is sneaky, you don’t know you have it. That is one reason for the yearly PAP exams.
Please read up on the symptoms related to Ovarian and Cervical Cancer. The key is to catch cancer in the early stages. If so, you may not have to have a hysterectomy.
Melinda
References:
Have you heard of Tardive Dyskinesia? If you take anti-psychiotic medication you can get this life-changing side-effect at any time. Tardive Dyskinesia is a serious side effect of taking anti-psychotic medication.
I have a process when taking a new medication, I have to get information from the manufacturer with an emphasis on side effects and when to call the doctor or go to the hospital.
When your Psychiatrist or any doctor talks to you about any medication, make the doctor discuss the side effects before you leave the office, which is their job, at least get a valid site to check each medication. I’m not a doctor and this is not medical advice.
Before using the medication, I go to the drug manufacturer’s site to see the Prescribing Information and review all the side effects. Also, make sure what drugs can’t be used together. This is extremely important, the outcome of taking medication with one that doesn’t play nice is asking for trouble.
You may want to read the results of Clinical Trials to see how many dropped out of the Trial, why they dropped out, and all the side effects including the serious side effects, sometimes called Adverse Events.
“The movement disorders include akathisia, dystonia, buccolingual stereotypy, myoclonus, chorea, tics, and other abnormal involuntary movements, which are commonly caused by the long-term use of typical antipsychotics.”
Arms
Feet
Face ( Mine is in the mouth)
Your Body
Click here for the complete list.
If your Tardive Dyskinesia is in your mouth, I encourage you to get a mouth guard from the dentist to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Unfortunately, once you get Tardive Dyskinesia you can’t take anti-psychotics anymore. If you experience any side effects such as involuntary movements. Call your doctor immediately. They may need to tweak the medication protocol to keep you balanced.
There are currently two medications for Tardive Dyskinesia, Astuda and Ingrezza. I took Ingrezza for months but the side effects were too much. I’m not willing to go through that again.
Would you like me to write about Prescribing Information?
Melinda
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3709416/
I left the hospital 6 weeks ago and still have an issue with my stay. I will file a claim with the Texas Medical Board on the doctor who told me my eGFR was 20 which would mean, I’m not far from death. He said I may not make it out of the hospital. The lab and doctor made a rookie mistake by not testing again since it was so low. I was in complete shock and started calling my brother. I was crying so hard he could not understand what I was saying and had to call my husband to find out what was happening.
If a doctor told you something devastating like you’re dying in a few days?
If the hospital loses your medication list and you don’t get your meds for three days? I went into withdrawal due to not having medication?
If the janitor came in with only a screwdriver, rammed it around, then rinsed it off in your sink?
The list is long so I’ll stop here. Please think about how you would react if faced with these challenges.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and thanks for reading.
Melinda
This is my reality and it’s hard to swallow when I look at my life 20 years ago. No doubt many people with Chronic Illnesses face similar problems. It’s not that I miss my younger self, I miss being capable and independent.
In December, I was writing my 2024 goals, and my health and limits on driving make going to new places or getting a smoothie require my husband to be available to drive me. It sucks!
I’d love your feedback and any ideas you have.
I have no family except my husband
No friends
The only people I see are doctors and my hairdresser
Blog
Photography
Bird watching
Green Thumb
Ancestry
I can not drive anymore
Agoraphobia
Memory Impairment
Balance problems have returned
Severe Anemia
It’s difficult to bring joy to your life when you sit at home day after day. If you’re housebound, how do you add joy to your day?
Melinda
This is a perfect example of a dog who was not trained by a Mother or son. There are the types of dogs who don’t want you to be a Pet Parent, both of you will go unfilled and cause the dog to act out in a way that is not normal. You HAVE to train every dog, the amount of time each dog needs can be found when you research the right type of pet for you and your family.
My husband works from home and takes both dogs on a walk around lunchtime. He was several houses away from where the boy and dog were in the front. Out of nowhere here comes this big dog attacking my husband a bit one dog twice. He was holding the dog off and was screaming for the boy to get his dog. He had no control of the dog, he would not listen to any command. The boy runs in and she comes outside, just like the boy she has no control over the dog.
This is a situation that needs immediate attention.
My little guy limped for a few days but didn’t need any treatment.
I thought about it, a not-trained or dangerous dog needs a call to Animal Services. My thoughts were simple they bought a dog not knowing they needed care and training. The dog could be a threat to our neighborhood.
I talked with Animal Services and gave her the information from the attack. I said it’s clearly a lack of training, including the mother leaving her 8-year-old in the front yard with the dog. I reiterated that I didn’t see the attack but the boy and his mother were not trained to control the dog. I said they need some training fast.
My husband had picked up the dogs at one point, and he just turned the other way and hoped the dog wouldn’t follow. The next time he walked the dogs she started yelling at my husband.
What if this happened to you as you walked down the street? Only you are injured, and your dog is in bad shape. Check to see how bad you are and get the dog to the Veterinary Clinic. Keep all of your receipts, send a copy to a neighbor whose dog was involved, and send a copy to Animal Services.
Buy the right breed, then give them everything they need to be a happy dog.
Melinda
Encountering burnout can be a challenging and often overwhelming experience. It typically results from prolonged stress and can manifest as emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, and a lack of motivation. Boosting your mental health during these periods is crucial to recovery and overall well-being. Here’s a comprehensive guide on uplifting your mental health when dealing with burnout.
The first step in addressing burnout is recognizing and acknowledging its presence. Burnout can sneak up gradually, making it difficult to identify until it becomes severe. Common signs include constant fatigue, irritability, diminished job performance, and a general feeling of disillusionment. Acknowledging that you are experiencing burnout is not a sign of weakness but rather the first step towards healing and recovery.
Self-care is vital in combating burnout. This means prioritizing activities that replenish your energy and bring you joy. It could be as simple as reading a book, taking a long bath, or engaging in a hobby. The key is to engage in activities that are for you and about you.
Rest is equally important. This includes getting adequate sleep, as sleep deprivation can exacerbate symptoms of burnout. Creating a bedtime routine, ensuring your bedroom is a comfortable and calming space, and avoiding screens before bedtime can improve the quality of your sleep.
Setting boundaries is crucial in preventing and managing burnout. This might involve saying no to additional responsibilities, delegating tasks, or setting limits on your work hours. It’s important to communicate these boundaries to colleagues, friends, and family so they can support you in maintaining them.
Identifying and reducing stressors in your life is also important. This could mean reevaluating your workload, addressing conflicts, or changing routines that contribute to stress. While not all stressors can be eliminated, managing them effectively can significantly reduce their impact on your mental health.
Dealing with burnout can be isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Seeking support from friends, family, or colleagues can provide a sense of community and understanding. Sometimes, just talking about what you’re going through can be incredibly relieving.
In some cases, professional help may be necessary. This could be in the form of counseling or therapy, which provides a safe space to discuss feelings and develop coping strategies. Support groups can also be beneficial, providing a platform to share experiences and learn from others who are going through similar challenges.
Physical activity is a powerful tool in boosting mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It doesn’t have to be intensive; even a daily walk or light yoga can make a significant difference.
Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing exercises can also be beneficial. They help in managing stress, improving focus, and fostering a sense of peace. These practices can be particularly helpful in moments of overwhelm, helping to ground and center you.
In certain cases, nutritional supplements can support mental health. Products from science.bio supplements, for example, offer a range of supplements that can assist in managing stress and improving cognitive function. However, it’s important to approach the use of supplements cautiously and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Supplements should complement, not replace, other strategies such as a balanced diet, exercise, and adequate sleep.
Overcoming burnout and boosting mental health requires a multifaceted approach. It involves recognizing the signs of burnout, prioritizing self-care and rest, setting boundaries, seeking support, engaging in physical activity and mindfulness, and potentially incorporating supplements. Remember, recovery from burnout is a gradual process, and it’s important to be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate this journey.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
We, humans, are complicated creatures capable of expressing thousands of emotions. This site shows you that anxiety and stress are common across the natural world, and animals have many ways of showing it. Unfortunately for us, humans can also be very good at hiding those emotions, so it isn’t always possible to tell how a loved one or friend is feeling. Here are a few common signs that may suggest your friend is feeling more anxious or stressed than normal.
If you have noticed that small things seem to be bothering your friend more than usual, this could be a symptom of stress or anxiety. The Calm Clinic suggests that irritability is a common sign of anxiety and can cause people to unexpectedly get upset or even lash out. If your friend has displayed these symptoms, do not be afraid to quietly and sympathetically tell them you have noticed a difference in their behavior and ask if there is anything you can do to help. They may not have noticed the change yet themselves, so give them time and space if they need it to think about their behavior and any reasons that might be causing them to feel more irritable.
If your colleague at work is constantly reaching for the coffee, making silly mistakes, and looking exhausted, they may not be getting enough sleep. Anxiety and stress can throw off sleep patterns very quickly. According to Medical News Today, the link between stress and sleep deprivation is very common, with only 35% of Americans getting the correct amount of sleep. A lack of sleep can cause mental health problems to worsen and deepen, so sleep deprivation must be tackled. Again, this is a case of having a quiet word and asking if there is anything that keeps them up at night. If there is a worry often sharing it confidentially can help a friend to put things into perspective. Assure your friend that any discussions can be confidential, and you would only ever break confidentiality if you were worried they may harm themselves or others.
Our diet can fluctuate wildly due to stress and anxiety. Some people may overeat or reach for junk food over healthier options. Others swing the other way and may cut out food altogether. Of course, dietary changes are not always linked to mental health. Only raise the question with a friend if you feel the pattern has been sustained over a substantial period, and if you suspect stress or anxiety may be the trigger for the dietary shift. You can help someone by offering to cook meals or to share lunches with them. Even a few meals in a freezer that they can reach for when they don’t have the energy to cook can make a huge difference to someone’s overall well being.
If your friend does let you know that they are feeling more anxious or stressed than usual, then reassure your friend that there are easy steps you can both take together which will help. Look online for expert advice and positive stories from those who have been in similar situations.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Triumphing Through Science,
Treatment, and Education
ADAA improves the quality of life for those who suffer through evidence-based educational resources, professional practice, and scientific research.
ADAA’s promise is to raise awareness about the impact of mental health on physical health, to find new treatments, and one day prevent and cure anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders.
When Mariska Hargitay started playing Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims’ Unit, the content of the scripts, as well as the work she did to prepare for the role, opened her eyes to the staggering statistics about sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse in the United States. She received hundreds, then thousands of letters and emails from survivors disclosing their stories of abuse, many for the first time. She wanted to answer—really answer—those letters, to address the suffering they described, and honor acts of courage they represented.
Her response was to create the Joyful Heart Foundation.
Welcome to bpHope.com, your community for hope, inspiration, and insights from people living and thriving with bipolar.
For those facing a recent diagnosis, managing daily symptoms, or supporting a loved onewith bipolar disorder, bpHope provides evidence-based information and unwavering support. We’re with you at every step on your road to living well with this common brain disorder.
You can check out the full list under Companies That Can Help on the top menu.
Melinda
I’ve been out of the workforce since 2005 to help take care of my Granny who had Dementia. My previous positions were in Executive Sales, a high-stress job. Since my Granny’s death, there have been many stressful times, too many to count but we made it work, or work it out.
Now I’m 60 years old with multiple chronic illnesses including Chronic Kidney Diseases and severe balance problems. I am Agoraphobic and have cognitive impairment which means I only drive within a 3-4 mile radius of the house.
When I learned about the Kidney Diseases my attitude about life changed. I don’t let the littlest things stress me out.
I’ve become a laid-back person after receiving news about my Kidneys, hearing you have 2-5 years to live will kick you in the arse. I’m not taking medication, doing dialysis, or getting a Kidney Transplant. I’m waiting my turn to enter the Pearly Gates and working to be in the moment.
I am more apt to say what’s on my mind, eliminating stress is a daily goal, making sure I’m getting enough sleep, and letting things blow over instead of engaging in conversation. To net it out, I have little joy in my life and at times angry at all the chronic illnesses I have.
I finally accepted that my current Bucket List isn’t relevant anymore and have started a new Bucket List. It’s short now but will grow.
Life is too short for stress to steal your time and affect your mood.
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 
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