Title: Substance and Alcohol Abuse Disorders “No matter how good your intentions are, they amount to nothing if you fail to take the necessary steps to make them happen. Wishing for recovery isn’t enough. Take the first step by accepting help from an addiction treatment program.” unknown. Two of the most troublesome problems that support people […]
Drug and Alcohol Addiction — DocTalk, Explorations in Psychotherapy
Category: Health and Wellbeing
15 Painful Facts About Living With Chronic Illness by Guest Blogger Invisibly Me
15 painful facts about living with chronic illness that can help overcome stigma & ignorance around health conditions.
15 Painful Facts About Living With Chronic Illness — Invisibly Me
Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Many people think ticks that carry Lyme disease aren’t where they live. Think again. Ticks are in every state in America and six countries. People who are diagnosed with Lyme need to report to the CDC for the numbers to be accurate for their state. The think the last time the CDC updated its numbers is 2010, so the numbers are considerably off.
One extremely important point is regarding testing for Lyme. There are several tests to see if you have Lyme or other tick-borne infections, the problem is doctors usually only test for one. If you’re negative they don’t test further. I was diagnosed in 2014 with Lyme after several years of being told I didn’t have it. It took my Lyme doctor to run all the tests to see that I had Lyme and two other tick-borne illnesses.
Another important point is only about 30% of people get the bullseye rash after being bitten by a tick, that’s why it’s so important to take precautions. Here is a post that talks about how to avoid being bitten by ticks.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily transmitted by Ixodes ticks, also known as deer ticks or black-legged ticks. These tiny arachnids are typically found in wooded and grassy areas. Although people may think of Lyme as an East Coast disease, it is found throughout the United States, as well as in more than sixty other countries.
Patients with Lyme disease are frequently misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and various psychiatric illnesses, including depression. Misdiagnosis with these other diseases may delay the correct diagnosis and treatment as the underlying infection progresses unchecked.
LymeDisease.org has developed a Lyme disease symptom checklist to help you document your exposure to Lyme disease and common symptoms for your healthcare provider. You will receive a report that you can print out and take with you to your next doctor’s appointment.
Food for Thought
The port was implanted to start my IV Antibiotic Therapy.
Lyme can cause other illnesses to arise depending on where the virus sets up house. Mine went to the brain so I now have Dementia and fall easily. It’s like Lyme took a machine gun to my brain and left holes where memories were.
I have been writing about my Lyme journey for years, if you would like to read more posts, look in the Category Cloud on the sidebar and pick by topic.
Melinda
References:
I’m Talking with Amy Gamble-Olympian, Speaker & Mental Health Advocate
I have the pleasure of talking with Amy Gamble today about her struggle with the highs and lows of mental illness. I’m proud to call her a friend and she is a true inspiration. I’ve had my own difficult journey with Bipolar Disorder and when I tell you it’s a miracle Amy came out alive, it’s 100% true. Not only did Amy survive, but she also took charge of her life and went on to write her first book Bipolar Disorder, My Biggest Competitor: An Olympian’s Journey with Mental Illness.
Background on Amy*
Gamble tells how the illness also affects her mother, pitched her head first into a nightmare of highs and lows. While it robbed her of her dreams of playing Division 1 ball, it also helped vault her to the U.S. Olympic handball team, leading her to travel the world and compete at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. She was a top performer in sales for Merck, the pharmaceutical giant, but ironically her untreated illness plunged her to the bottom rungs of society. She became stuck in a revolving door of mental hospitals, doctors’ offices and even jails across the U.S., discovering deep-rooted deficiencies in the systems that are supposed to help the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
At the scariest point, she found herself wandering aimlessly at night in a snow-covered mountain forest on the Montana/Idaho border with only moccasins on her feet and a sweatshirt to keep her warm. She was hopelessly lost, freezing and not in her right mind. *
Thank you, Amy, for talking with me today. I learned more about Amy from the AP overview, so I’ll start there.
What positives came out of being in a Psychiatric Hospital?
My last psychiatric hospitalization was 12 years ago. It was a hospital far away from my hometown, but the care I received was excellent. I was put on a regiment of medications that got me started on the right track and helped immensely in my recovery journey. The staff members at the hospital were encouraging and really believed in recovery. Overall, it was a really positive experience for me.
Did your mental illness impact your Olympic dream?
I made the 1988 Olympic Team in Team Handball. While I struggled at times with depression, I was able to overcome my challenges and become an Olympian.
You have a successful career as Mental Health Advocate and Speaker, how did your Speaking career start.
I began speaking to groups through a local NAMI chapter. My third talk was an interview at a large church with an audience of 300 people. Once I started speaking I began to attend a Toastmasters group and was coached and encouraged by members of the toastmaster group. From 2015 – 2023, I’ve given over 250 talks and mental health trainings reaching over 15,000 people.
You have a passion for advocating for Mental Illness, what organizations do you belong to?
I’m a local NAMI member and I support DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance)
How did you keep motivated while working your first jobs after the crash?
I felt like working would give me a sense of purpose, a reason to get out of bed in the morning. I looked forward to going to my jobs, even if sometimes I had a little struggle in getting there. Maybe I’d have a rough day or just felt tired. But it didn’t matter because I was driven to get better and work helped me to do that.
Do you have any words of wisdom on life with a mental illness?
Be a student of your mental illness. Learn everything you can learn on how the illness affects you, what are the common symptoms and how can I alleviate most of my symptoms. Make sure you’re getting better or improving under the care of mental health care professionals, whether that’s a psychiatrist or therapist, or both.
Why did you stop blogging for 2 years?
I took a break from social media. I took time out to reflect and work on some other things.
What are your hobbies and what type of books/magazines do you read for fun?
My number one hobby is reading. I love to read! I’m currently reading “Atlas of the Heart,” by Brene Brown. I’ve also recently finished reading “Wild,” by Cheryl Strayed. Usually, I have two or three books I’m reading at the same time.
I also enjoy exercising, though I’m not always on schedule. I’ve really tried to get into a good habit since April of this year. So far, so good.
I know you are writing a new book about your PTSD, without giving too much information, what can you share with us.
I’m so excited about my new book. The book is really about resilience, as illustrated by how the impact of past traumas (primarily sexual assault) interrupted my life and caused symptoms of PTSD, even though the traumatic events had occurred decades prior. I talk about the collision course between bipolar disorder and PTSD and how my past traumas were overlooked by many mental health care professionals until they couldn’t be overlooked anymore. My number one goal is to give a voice to a woman who may not have had one.
Listen to a great interview with Amy by NAMI
Please follow Amy at Shedding A Light On Mental Illness and be sure to tell her I said Hello!
Amy’s second book covers her PTSD and more of her journey not shared in the first book. Here are a few questions Amy answers with her second book.
How she got down from the mountain?
What happened next?
How did She end up in jail? More than once?
I hope this post inspires, encourages you to keep going, or gives you information to help others with Mental Health challenges.
Thank you, Amy, for your insight.
Melinda
References:
Blogger Highlight-Unravelling My Own Bulls#*t!
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, Unravelling My Own Bulls#*t.
Unravelling My Own Bulls#*t!
There’s never an easy way to start something new. There’s often an anxious part of you which battles the negative thoughts that ask questions like “What if its rubbish?”, “What if no one is interested in what you have to say?” or ” What if they laugh at you?”. Often that internal narrative is enough to stop you in your tracks and for that idea to be parked for now or maybe even forever.
Not today though, not this time. Today I have tentatively taken the first steps too putting my thoughts on paper. To unravelling my own bullshit on this journey. A journey after a divorce of almost 25 years of marriage and for the first time ever really understanding why I am the way I am, what parts of my life shaped me and working through healing them to be authentic and true to myself.
Be sure to check out her thought’s on Growing, Healing, and Living Life.
Melinda
Happy Mother’s Day Granny
Happy Mother’s Day Granny. Without your love and support, I would not be alive today. I went to live with my grandparents at 14 years old, a troubled teen with a traumatic background I kept secret from them.
Being raised by people from the “Great Generation” was a blessing to me. Hard work, accountability, honesty, and doing your part were some of the core beliefs. I believe the example they set for me has helped me greatly in life.
My Granny’s life was especially difficult, she lost her eyesight at age 3, and her father died at age 9, and after my father was born, her husband left her with no support.
When my dad was young, She had two dresses, she would come home from her shift and wash the dress she wore. The next day she had a clean one while the other dried. She walked miles to the trolly every day, I can only imagine how dreadful the cold months were for her.
She raised my father alone for 10 years until she married my Gramps. She was in love with my Gramps until the day she died.
My Granny looked after me from the day I was born and is the only mother I acknowledge.
I miss you from the bottom of my heart and will see you soon.
She loved her purple rose bush and the photo reminded me of her.
Melinda
Mental Health Awareness Month
While I’m glad there is Mental Health Awareness Month, I would love to see more discussion on the topic throughout the year. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is an outstanding resource for all topics on Mental Illness.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Each illness has its own symptoms, but common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include the following:
- Excessive worrying or fear
- Feeling excessively sad or low
- Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
- Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
- Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
- Avoiding friends and social activities
- Difficulties understanding or relating to other people
- Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy
- Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
- Changes in sex drive
- Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don’t exist in objective reality)
- Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality (”lack of insight” or anosognosia)
- Overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs
- Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”)
- Thinking about suicide
- Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress
- An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance
Mental health conditions can also begin to develop in young children. Because they’re still learning how to identify and talk about thoughts and emotions, their most obvious symptoms are behavioral. Symptoms in children may include the following:
- Changes in school performance
- Excessive worry or anxiety, for instance fighting to avoid bed or school
- Hyperactive behavior
- Frequent nightmares
- Frequent disobedience or aggression
- Frequent temper tantrums
Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness each year. It’s important to measure how common mental illness is, so we can understand its physical, social and financial impact — and so we can show that no one is alone. These numbers are also powerful tools for raising public awareness, stigma-busting and advocating for better health care.
Looking for signs and symptoms in children can head off larger problems as they age. One great resource for feedback on your child’s behavior is to talk with their teachers. Any new information will add to the puzzle of your child’s behavior.
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder at 19 years old but didn’t start taking my Mental Illness seriously until my father committed suicide. I read there is was a hereditary link to Mental Illness and did some research. The research and my father’s death convinced me to take my Bipolar Disorder seriously. At 60 years old, I’ve had my ups and downs but have also had a life worth living.
You can find posts about Mental Illness on my site, just click on the topic you’re looking for in the Cloud Category on my front page.
Melinda
References:
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Awareness Month
You might not know what ALS stands for but I bet you know some high-profile people who have or had ALS.
Notable individuals who have been diagnosed with ALS include:
- Baseball great Lou Gehrig
- Theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author Stephen Hawking
- Hall of Fame pitcher Jim “Catfish” Hunter
- U.S. Senator Jacob Javits
- Actor David Niven
- “SpongeBob SquarePants” creator Stephen Hillenburg
- “Sesame Street” creator Jon Stone
- Jazz musician Charles Mingus
- Singer/songwriter Kim Shattuck (The Muffs)
- Bassist Mike Porcaro (Toto)
- Musician Huddie Ledbetter (Lead Belly)
- Theatre producer Jenifer Estess
- Boxing champion Ezzard Charles
- NBA Hall of Fame basketball player George Yardley
- Golf caddie Bruce Edwards
- Photographer Eddie Adams
- Entertainer Dennis Day
- Former U.S. Vice President Henry A. Wallace
- U.S. Army General Maxwell Taylor
- NFL football player Steve Gleason
- NFL football player O.J. Brigance
- NFL football player Tim Shaw
Understanding ALS
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. There is no cure for ALS yet.
ALS causes these motor neurons to degenerate over time until they eventually die. When the motor neurons die, the brain can no longer initiate and control muscle movement. When voluntary muscle action is progressively affected, people may lose the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe.
Who Gets ALS?
Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease, and someone passes away from it.
Most people who develop ALS are between the ages of 40 and 70, with an average age of 55 at the time of diagnosis. However, cases of the disease do occur in people in their twenties and thirties.
ALS is 20% more common in men than women. However, with increasing age, the incidence of ALS is more equal between men and women.
About 90% of ALS cases occur without any known family history or genetic cause. The remaining 10% of ALS cases are inherited through a mutated gene with a known connection to the disease.
For unknown reasons, military veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than the general public.
You can gather genetic information by having your DNA tested with a company like, 23&Me. Along with the history of your ancestors, you get information on any risk factors in your DNA for diseases. And they show all of your DNA relatives who’ve joined 23&Me and what percentage of DNA you share.
ALS is a brutal disease without a cure, make sure you know the warning signs and get help right away if having symptoms. The disease doesn’t discriminate between men and women or age groups.
Melinda
References:
Tips For Overcoming Bad Habits
Overcoming a bad habit is not something that’s easily done. It takes a lot of control and motivation to kick a habit, and for some habits, they might not be something that you can easily rid yourself of, and instead, you may want to try and cut down. Here are some tips for overcoming a bad habit.
Find The Trigger Points
Trigger points are something that is worth recognizing when you have a bad habit. These are the moments or scenarios where you need to do whatever bad habit it is whether it’s taking drugs to bite your nails. We can all have different triggers that depending on the habit, can vary. It might be to do with stress, or it could be to do with who you hang around and the situation you’re put in which will make you do it more. By finding these trigger points, you can focus more on how you can get rid of them or at least start by addressing where they tend to occur mostly and how you could avoid those scenarios as best you can. Stress at work, for example, might be why you tend to smoke more cigarettes in the day than you do at home. It could be that you speak to your boss about managing this stress better and finding alternative ways to cope with it.
Seek Professional Help
When some bad habits are all-consuming or bad for your health, you shouldn’t dismiss getting professional help where it might be needed. An Outpatient Drug Rehabilitation Center for example, can be good, or it might be worth speaking to a psychologist to find out why this bad habit, in particular, is hard for you to control. It’s often that bad habits like excessive drinking, smoking, and taking drugs can get addictive, so you almost lose control because of it. Seeking professional help can definitely help in your battle to kick the habit.
Choose A Substitute
A substitute is something that can mimic the bad habit or elements of it in order to do something healthier or prevent you from doing that bad habit. For example, if you’re someone who often bites their nails, you could always consider getting chewing gum to chew on, or if it’s something you prefer you could always choose to get acrylic nails as that will make it impossible for you to get to your natural nail. There are ways around bad habits in order to avoid them, so consider these as something that might work for you.
Surround Yourself With The Right People
Surrounding yourself with the right people is important, and it’s something you want to do more of where you can. If you’re putting yourself with people that are going to encourage or not stop you from doing the bad habit, then you’re only going to disappoint yourself. Look at who brings out the best in you and stick with them.
Overcoming a bad habit can take time so trust that you can do it and don’t feel guilty for falling short of your goal.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
May is Fibromyalgia Awareness Month #ThisIsFibro
Fibromyalgia is an invisible chronic illness with no cure and can take years to receive a proper diagnosis. One of the reasons it’s hard to get a diagnosis is many of the symptoms are the same as other chronic illnesses. A Rheumatologist is most often the type of doctor to provide treatment to limit symptoms. The key is to keep fighting for your health and changing doctors when needed. Your health now and in the future depends on you.
If you are diagnosed by your General Practitioner, ask for a referral to a Rheumatologist right away. Fibromyalgia treatment requires a specialist, maybe several. If you’re afraid to ask for a referral, get over it. Your health depends on it.
Having Fibromyalgia can be a roller coaster, a plan changer, and a total frustration. Get angry, cry, scream, whatever you need to do after your diagnosis, and then get on with living. It’s important to learn about your illness but not to overfocus, month after month, year after year. Learn the symptoms so you know when you are having symptoms or a flair and write them down to share with your doctor.
Keeping a log of when symptoms occurred and did notice any triggers. Looking for triggers can help you learn what you can do to avoid them. Remember every flair is different and every person with Fibromyalgia is different. If you read about how X medication or supplements worked on someone, don’t assume it will work for you. Discuss what you’ve learned with your doctor to see if it’s a good fit for you. *Just a note, there are many supplements that harm your liver and are to be avoided. DO NOT take any supplements before talking with your doctor. You don’t want to add to your health problems. Fibromyalgia will not kill you but many supplements on the market can.
I recommend joining the Fibro Connect FaceBook Group, here you will hear from others with Fibromyalgia. You will hear others’ stories, learn more about the illness and hear what types of treatment have worked for others. This adds knowledge to your toolbox, questions to ask your doctor, and most importantly, how to stay positive about your future. There are many people with fibromyalgia but it doesn’t mean you need to follow them. There are people who are a negative influence by always complaining, you don’t need the negativity in your life.
Give yourself grace when you have to cancel plans, spend the day in bed, or can’t clean the house. When you have a chronic illness you have to remember your health is more important than what you can’t do.
It’s important your partner or trusted friend go with you to all appointments. The reason is to have another set of ears, someone to take notes to compare later, and being included in appointments will educate your loved one straight from the doctor’s mouth.
If you would like to read more about Fibromyalgia from my past posts you can just click on Fibromyalgia in my Category Cloud on my front page.
I’ve included links to a few previous posts of mine on Fibromyalgia.
https://lookingforthelight.blog/2022/08/01/fibromyalgia-thoughts-9-flair-or-something-else/
Melinda
Reference:
Blogger Highlight-Cultivating Calm Within
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, Cultivating Calm Within.
Cultivating Calm Within
Reboot the Brain. Find Inner Peace. Drive Ambition. Live Successfully.
Here at Cultivating Calm Within, Linda is a storyteller and despite everything she has experienced, she’s down to earth and relatable. Probably because she’s experienced life the hard way in her own life. Discovering tools and research that transformed her own personal life.
Be sure to check out Linda’s podcast.
Melinda
The Organizations That Can Help Page Has Been Updated
I’ve updated several categories on the Organizations That Can Help page with the most changes to Elder Care and Sexual Assault support. I’m including the Elder Care and Sexual Assault categories in the post and encourage you to check out the page if you haven’t been in a while. 
Elder Care
- National Institute on Aging (NIA)
- Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA)
- Eldercare Locator
- AgingCare
- National Caregivers Library
- NextAvenue
- Administration for Community Living (ACL)
- Next Step in Care
- Caring.com
- Caregiver Action Network (CAN)
- Ageless Alliance: United Against Elder Abuse
- Commission on Law and Aging, American Bar Association
- Minnesota Elder Justice Center
- National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-term Care (formerly NCCNHR)
- Splaine Consulting
- retireguide.com/medicare/
- Care Talk Health
- Aging With Care
Women & Men’s Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault
If Assaulted call 911, go to the closest Police Station or Emergency Room
RAINN.org has provided support to the National Assault Hotline since 1994 Many other services are provided and available in English & Spanish
National Domestic Hotline Resources/Support 24/7 1-800-799-7233 Live Chat Daily from 7am-2am Central Standard Time 1-800-787-3224
1 in 6 Supports Male Survivors of Sexual Assault as a Child or an Adult
If you know of other resources for these or any page please let me know. More support available could change someone’s life.
Melinda
Excessive Weight Gain in Eating Disorder Recovery — Guest Blogger Hope Whispers
I weighed myself this week. It’s something I’ve been putting off for the best part of a year, to the extent that I was becoming phobic about stepping on the scales. I wasn’t supposed to let it get to this stage, my old dietitian recommended weighing myself regularly to avoid precisely this scenario. Realistically, I […]
Excessive Weight Gain in Eating Disorder Recovery — Hope Whispers
Pay attention to Mental Health warning signs and make the turn! — Friend & Guest Blogger Shedding Light on Mental Health
You’re driving down a road and suddenly see a sign indicating a sharp turn. Do you slow down? If you don’t you risk going over a steep cliff. It doesn’t mean you “will” go over the cliff…it’s importantly a warning sign to prevent an accident or death. I’ve been a person in the past who […]
Pay attention to Mental Health warning signs and make the turn! — Shedding Light on Mental Health
Tips For Leaving Your Pet Behind When You Travel
Traveling is exciting, but for pet owners, it may come with some guilt and anxiety about leaving a pet behind. Whether it’s a short weekend trip or a long vacation, leaving your pet can be difficult. But doing this is a great option if you’re worried about your pet not adjusting well to new surroundings. Thankfully, with proper preparation and planning, you can ensure your pet is safe, comfortable, and happy while away. Here are some tips for leaving your pet at home when traveling.
Update your pet’s ID
You may think you have your pet secured indoors before you leave home, but some pets always have a way of sneaking out. So, before setting off, you should ensure your pet is wearing a collar with updated ID information on their tag. This way, you wouldn’t worry too much about your pet not returning home if it gets lost. Updating your pet’s ID tag information gives it a better chance of being returned home when it gets lost.
Leave your pet with someone they know
There are countless reasons why you shouldn’t leave your pet at home alone. A better and safer option is to send them to someone they know. But if you choose to leave them at home, have a friend, family member, or a neighbor your pet knows and recognizes to come around. Better still, leave your pet with them at their home. And be sure to provide some supplies like food, water, waste bags, a pet first aid kit, etc. It’s important to leave your pet with someone they already know or at least someone they see regularly.
Provide your pet sitter with the updated information
After updating your pet’s ID information, be sure to tell your pet sitter if you’re opting for one. Also, please provide them with any other information they need to care for your pet in your absence. For example, what personality does your pet have? Is it quirky? Does it struggle with anxiety? Are there any health issues the pet sitter should know about?
You might also want to allow your pet sitter to meet with your pet several times before you leave. They way, the two will establish a good relationship and get to know each other. That makes it easier for both parties to get along in your absence.
Assess your pet’s needs
Different pets have different personalities. And while some pets do well when left alone, other pets will pretty much get depressed without the presence of their caretakers, especially if it’s a long absence. In general, pets that are used to having a lot of interactions with others may struggle on their own when left alone for longer periods, while pets that prefer isolation will not mind (perhaps not even notice) your absence. Dogs, for example, are very social, with most breeds experiencing separation anxiety when left alone for longer periods. If your dog does not do well alone, consider hiring a dog sitter or enrolling them in a boarding school for dogs. Also, younger pets may not do well alone, compared to older ones, as they still need a lot of interaction.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
How to Help Your Elderly Parents Thrive
The subject of getting older is something that many people try to avoid thinking about too often. In our society, the growing older and the aging process is generally viewed negatively. After all, a thriving industry based on people wanting to look and feel younger. But, when your parents reach their senior years, the subject of old age becomes impossible to avoid.
Noticing that your parents are now elderly and their needs are changing can be challenging. Whereas they were once the caregiver, you may now find the roles are reversed. While they may not be able to do all the things they once could, you may be keen to help your parents live life to the full. If you want your aging parents to get the most out of life and thrive in their senior years, the following tips should help you make it happen:
Be Ready to Listen
As your parents grow older, it is easy to assume you know best and to take on the role of decision-maker. However, it is essential that you discuss your thoughts with your parents before you make decisions on their behalf.
Listening to your parent’s needs and concerns is essential if you want them to thrive in their later years. So, ensuring you keep the lines of communication open and being ready to listen is vital.
Find the Ideal Living Arrangements
Your elderly parent’s living arrangements may be a cause of concern for you. Maybe you are worried about them living alone and trying to keep up with daily tasks around the house. Or, maybe you are concerned you will need to move back into the family home to care for your parents. Unfortunately, finding the perfect living arrangements for your elderly parents can be a tricky subject to navigate. Nobody wants to lose their independence as they age, but trying to tackle all the chores and run a household is a challenging task.
Choosing the best senior living community offers the perfect solution, allowing elderly parents to live life to the full while maintaining their independence. While your parents can enjoy the best of senior living, you will have the peace of mind of knowing they can enjoy life without worrying about maintaining a home. You should notice your parents have a renewed lust for life and a feeling of freedom when they settle into their new community and begin enjoying their exciting new lifestyle.
Have Fun Together
When you are helping to care for your parents, you may find the time you spend together is very task-focused. Helping your parents with practical tasks, such as running errands or doing odd jobs, is important. However, it is crucial to also make time to have fun together. You may choose to visit a coffee shop together, watch a movie, or simply chat about past times. Whatever you choose to do, these moments are the perfect opportunity to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company while making new precious memories along the way.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
May Awareness Days
It’s a new month and new awareness days. Listed are just a few, you can find a complete list online.
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month
Deaf Awareness Week 1st-7th
Clean Air Month
ALS Awareness Month
Arthritis Awareness Month
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
Jewish American Awareness Month
Lupus Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Fibromyalgia Awareness Month
Melinda
Book Review for The Compulsion Cloud by Averi Ridge Castaneda
I want to thank Editor Andrea Marchiano from Trigger Publishing for sending me The Compulsion Cloud to review. Mental Health books written for children teach by writing at a level they understand and will help you start a conversation on the subject.
Blurb
Holly’s story starts with a cloud – and it’s not a fluffy, white one you’d see on a sunny day. Instead, it’s a scary, dark cloud that looms over her and makes anxiety-provoking demands, which, if disobeyed, could cause bad things to happen to her loved ones. but fortunately for Holly, she is seeing a therapist who has a plan to help her get rid of this bullying cloud, once and for all.
You may have guessed that Holly’s cloud is a manifestation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and her therapist aims to treat it with Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP). These terms can be confusing for children having their first OCD symptoms, so The Compulsion Cloud – written by social worker Averi Ridge Castaneda – introduces both concepts in a kid-friendly manner. Ultimately, this story provides a blueprint for recovery, which shows young readers that standing up to their compulsion clouds will bring them back to the light.
My Thoughts
Holly is a young girl who is experiencing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that comes over her in the form of a dark cloud. She’s exhausted and anxious, her mind is always going. She’s afraid if she doesn’t do what the cloud tells her to do her family may get hurt.
Holly met with Anna a therapist to help her understand the disorder and how to break the chains that bind her. Anna makes Holly feel comfortable enough to share her story. She explains all the tasks the cloud has her do and how it makes her feel. Like tap her fingers three times, wash her hands three times and the list of commands goes on.
Anna introduces her to Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy which is a proven therapy for OCD. She tells Holly to do the opposite of what the cloud tells her to do in order to take control back. It takes baby steps but with time the cloud would go away for good. She sent Holly home with some tools to help her.
Holly feels conflicted once home when the cloud arrives but she remembers the tools that Anna introduced her to. With practice comes confidence and Holly went on to live a full life with friends and family.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is widespread and requires treatment to break its hold. I would recommend this to parents and grandparents so they can better understand what is happening and the importance of treatment. Another reason it’s good for grandparents to read is they may have a shake-it-off philosophy. The Compulsion Cloud shares real-life experiences that all can learn from.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Matt’s Plants & Co
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, Matt’s Plants & Co.
Matt’s Plants & Co
I’m Matt, a newbie gardener based in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Here, I share my experiences in the garden – with greenhouses, indoor plants, vegetables, fruit, natives and more.
I hope others can learn from my mistakes in the garden as I try to create a water-efficient, sustainable garden which supports native wildlife while decreasing the need to buy produce from the supermarket.
Check out Matt’s blog and grow your gardening skills.
Melinda
Reclaiming Mental Health – P1 — Guest Blogger Shedding Light on Mental Health
In the beginning of January 2023, I woke up about 5am and walked downstairs to my office. I sat there for a moment and then went over to the bookcase and picked up a copy of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V). It’s the book mental health care professionals use as […]
Reclaiming Mental Health – P1 — Shedding Light on Mental Health
Going Back to The Office? Prepare To Safely Leave Your Dog At Home
Anyone with a new dog wants to stay at home all day and make a fuss of it. Unfortunately, as much as we might want to stay at home, most of us have to go out to work most days. Even if you work from home, there will be times when you have to go out and leave the dog at home. If you have to leave your dog alone in the house, you need to be prepared, and make sure that you can provide your dog with everything it needs, even when you aren’t home.
How Long Can I Leave A Dog Alone?
The length of time that a dog can be left alone will vary from dog to dog. Some dogs struggle with separation anxiety and could become destructive if left for too long, whereas others cope much better. Even if your dog does well alone, you will have to think about how long they can go before needing to go out to wee.
Puppies, especially those who are still being house-trained, shouldn’t be left for very long at all. Two hours a day is around the maximum. Puppies need to be taken out to wee too often to be left for any longer. As they’re not yet used to being separated from you, they may be stressed about being left alone.
An older dog, who has learned to manage without you can go longer between bathroom breaks and can be left for four to six hours. An elderly dog might need you to be around more often. Judge this depending on how their health is, and how often they can go without going to the bathroom. Some senior dogs, like puppies, can’t be left for more than a couple of hours.
Considerations for Dog Daycare
Dog daycare can be a fantastic solution if you frequently leave your pup alone for extended periods. In a daycare setting, your pup will get to socialize with other canines under supervision which can greatly reduce boredom and anxiety levels for him/her. Dog daycare centers provide playtime and activities for your pup to keep them occupied throughout the day. When selecting the best dog daycare houston, it is crucial to evaluate its facilities, staff experience, safety measures, and routines before making your choice. Check for cleanliness and safety within the facility as well as emergency protocols in place. Also, observe how dogs are handled; observe their reactions; do they appear happy, relaxed, and cared for properly? Remember your ultimate goal should be providing your pup with an enjoyable environment in your absence.
What Are The Risks Of Leaving a Dog Alone?
A dog alone will need to go to the bathroom, and if left for too long, you may come home to find they’ve had an accident somewhere in the house.
Even if left outside, your dog could still be in mischief or danger. They could develop separation anxiety, or just get bored, which could encourage them to behave badly in a way they normally wouldn’t. This might be scratching or biting at doors or chewing furniture or clothes left around. Some dogs may overeat to ease boredom. Others might bark or howl, which won’t please your neighbors. A dog kept outside could find a way to escape.
How Can I Train A Dog To Be Left Alone?
Proper training, like the methods on this site, is very important if you’re going to leave a dog alone. As soon as you get a dog, start practicing, so the dog can cope better when you do have to leave it. Start by practicing the ‘Leave & Return’ scenario. This teaches your dog that being home on their own is okay and that you will always come back.
Start by putting your shoes on and go to the door. If you notice that your dog becomes anxious, try to ignore it, so the dog gets used to it. Repeat this step at least three times a day.
When you come home, don’t immediately go to your dog to make a fuss of him. Instead, go about your usual arriving home routine until your dog is calm before greeting him. This helps the dog to understand that coming home is normal, not special. This will help the dog to keep calmer.
When you leave the house, don’t say goodbye to the dog. This can make them want to come with you and worry about being left. If you just leave as though nothing much is happening, they’ll feel calmer about it.
Tips For Leaving A Dog Alone
When you have to leave your dog alone, you can make it easier with some preparation, and some methods to help your dog stay calm and keep your home safe from destruction.
Don’t give your dog free rein of the house, especially when you first start leaving it alone. Instead, leave them somewhere where they’re comfortable. The kitchen is a popular choice, as clean-up is easier in the case of any accidents. Put their bed or crate in the room you’re leaving them in.
Tire the dog out before you leave with some exercise. This could be going out for an early walk before you go to work, or playing an active game together in the garden. If you can tire the dog out, it will hopefully sleep for most of the time that you’re gone.
Leave some food dispensing toys as well as or instead of their usual food bowl. These toys come in different varieties of difficulty, so you can make getting at their food or treats last much longer, to keep them busy while you’re out.
Leave them fun toys to play with while you’re gone. This helps to stop them from becoming bored, so the dog is less tempted into bad behavior, like biting, chewing, or peeing on things.
How Can I Help My Dog With Separation Anxiety?
Some dogs don’t do well with being left alone, no matter how well you prepare. This can be because they have been left for long periods by a previous owner, are not used to being left yet, or because they find being away from you upsetting.
To help with more minor separation anxiety, try not to make a big deal out of arriving or leaving. Ignore your dog when you first arrive home and wait a few minutes before you greet them.
If your dog seems to be upset when you leave, try leaving them some things that smell like you, like recently worn clothes. Just be sure you don’t leave anything that you don’t want to be chewed, just in case.
Try and establish a word or action that you will use every time that you leave the house that tells your dog that will be coming back.
You could also try an over-the-counter product meant for calming a stressed dog if you know the dog gets stressed.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Just Pondering
Is Your Personal Information Safe On Health Apps?
Health Apps have become critical to our daily lives but do you know if your personal information is shared? I recently read that some Apps use your information for research, or sell the information to a third party. Everyone needs to know how their personal information is used, there are enough security risks in life.
Be sure to read the Privacy Policy of any App that collects sensitive information. I’ve written several posts about Health Apps and didn’t know information sharing was an issue at the time. Now I’m informed and so are you.
Read the Privacy Policies of all Apps that capture your personal information. You don’t want an App that is a front for gathering information and passing it along.
Melinda
How to avoid Chronic Kidney Disease
In the earliest stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, you can make changes to your diet that will help your kidneys stave off/or slow the progression of the disease.
I’ve only included the basics, so please go to the sites referenced for complete information.
The time to make changes is now, before you get Kidney Disease or if you’ve been diagnosed at the earliest stages.
What is a Kidney Friendly Diet
A kidney-friendly diet should limit sodium, cholesterol, and fat, and instead focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meats (seafood, poultry, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy products), says Maruschak. People who have already been diagnosed with CKD may also need to limit certain other nutrients, she adds.
Here are the basics of diet changes
Portion Your Plate
Limit Your Salt Intake
Be Mindful of Protein
Choose Complex Carbs Over Simple Carbs
Limit Saturated Fats and Avoid Trans Fat
Watch Your Alcohol Intake
Talk to Your Doctor About Whether You Need to Limit Phosphorus and Potassium
Work With a Dietitian
The changes required can seem overwhelming but you can start one at a time until all are part of your Kidney healthy diet.
For detailed information about diet changes, you can visit The Kidney Foundation.
I was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Kidney Disease, which means my kidneys are working at 50% and my kidneys are too damaged for them to heal. As I research my own Kidney Disease, I’ll pass along anything important.
Melinda
References:
Your Mental Health Is Important: Tips On Moving To A New Town
Moving to a new town can be challenging. You’re uprooting your life and starting over in unfamiliar surroundings where no one knows you or where no familiar faces exist. However, with an open mind and positive approach, moving can be both enjoyable and beneficial for your mental well-being. It will help to expose you to new people from various walks of life, and there may be exciting opportunities out there that lead to improved quality of life. Here, we will cover everything from how to find housing in a new town to practical advice for making it feel like home in your new environment. So read on for advice on settling comfortably into life in a brand new city and its potential impact on mental health.
Research Your Options
A new town can be both exciting and overwhelming. Before making the leap, it is wise to research its characteristics – neighborhoods, parks, and community events are good places to begin exploring your options, as are local schools and businesses. Spend some time getting acquainted with its amenities, such as shopping centers, medical facilities, and recreational activities, so you can form positive associations between yourself and the place you will soon call home.
Find An Experienced Realtor
Whether selling or renting out your current home, consulting with a realtor can be invaluable in the process. Their expertise and market knowledge will ensure you obtain the maximum return for your property sale or rental investment. Finding the best realtor for yourself is key; seek someone who understands your individual needs, who will guide the process in an optimal way, and who will help you find a home in your new town that fits both your requirements and budget.
Declutter Before Moving
Moving can introduce feelings of excitement and anxiety all at once, and decluttering before the big day can make all the difference. While it might be tempting to simply pack everything up and deal with it later, reducing clutter will create a more organized and soothing atmosphere when you arrive in your new home. Not only will you have less to unpack, but you’ll be able to easily find what you need and avoid feeling overwhelmed in your new surroundings.
Get To Know Your Neighbors
Making new friends in a new town may be daunting, but getting to know your neighbors can be one of the easiest ways to build a new community. Remember that building relationships take time; one way of making this transition more manageable is by getting acquainted with your neighbors – they may become your close friends, gym partners, or trusted pet sitters! So take the time to introduce yourself, invite them over for a meal, or offer to lend a hand whenever they need it.
Make Time For Yourself
Take time for yourself by participating in yoga classes, going for leisurely walks, or sitting quietly and meditating – however, you choose. Doing this will allow you to unwind, assess your emotions, and process changes in life more easily. Making this investment in yourself will reduce stress while improving your overall well-being; your mental well-being should be treated just as seriously as your physical well-being, so take the time needed for both!
Technology Makes Making Friends Easier
Moving away from those you love and places you are familiar with can be daunting, particularly when you don’t know anyone in your new town. But thanks to technology, making friends has never been simpler: friendship apps such as Bumble BFF are a great way to meet people who share similar interests or hobbies – you could meet potential friends within seconds by signing up. And who knows, you might just find your soulmate!
Explore Local Attractions
One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a new town is by visiting its attractions. Take time out to visit landmarks, take part in outdoor activities, and try local eateries; doing this can quickly break down any barriers you might be feeling around meeting new people. It will also provide the opportunity for you to socialize with locals as well as learn about the town’s history while discovering hidden gems that will enhance your life experience.
Final Thoughts
Moving to a new city can be an immensely enriching experience for many, which is why it’s essential that it be done the correct way. Your mental health and well-being should always come first, so use the tips given above to make sure you have a successful transition into your new home. With a little effort, you’ll soon be feeling like a local in no time.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
How To Save Money On Most Anything
Inflation has driven many people to look for coupons for the first time only to find that coupons don’t come in the mail anymore. Company Savings Programs, Shopping, and Reward Apps are the first lines of defense and there are many to pick from.
The first place to look for cost savings is with the companies you work with. In our case, we shop at Kroger. They have a Loyalty Program that not only gives you coupons but also gives discounts on gas. Who would not want a grocer like that?
Our local CVS (drug store) pays a reward on many items including prescriptions. You sign up for the program and are given a card to use at checkout. Your card is scanned at the beginning of check-out and the money is in your account until the cash-out date. In this case, the reward money can only be used at CVS.
Don’t forget to look at Savings Programs offered directly from the stores you shop at. I belong to the Savings Programs for several of the stores I shop at. The companies offer a small reward for shopping with them and if they work with a company like Ratuken, it’s a double reward.
As far as Apps go, I use the reward Apps PayPal Honey and Ratuken for my online shopping. They are loaded in my browser and automatically pick up if a reward is offered. The rewards are turned into money and stack up fast. The other tip is, companies change the percentage paid by Ratuken regularly. If I don’t need anything right away, I wait until the percentage offered by Ratuken is higher before buying.
Another way to shop is to go straight to PayPal Honey and Ratuken sites and shop from their store list. These are just two Apps but there are many to pick from to meet your needs.
To find out what Apps are right for you, go to the App Store, review what’s available, and look for Apps that offer rewards to the largest number of stores to give you the best opportunity to earn. Make sure to read reviews before downloading.
Melinda
Book Review for The Marvelous Magical Door by Leo Perry
I want to thank Editor Andrea Marchiano from Trigger Publishing for sending me The Marvelous Magical Door to review. Mental Health books written for children teach by writing in a level they understand and will help you start a conversation on the subject.
About the Author
Leo is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and has been working in community mental health. He and his wife, Deborah along with their vizsla dog, Scout live on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. They love spending family time with their children and grandson.
Blurb
Sally’s story starts like many children’s do these days: Her mind has started to swirl with negative thoughts, which stop her from sleeping, enjoying her favorite activities or even spending time with her friends. But luckily for Sally, her parents have a plan to make her feel safe and secure once again. All she has to do is step through a marvellous, magical door.
The Marvellous, Magical Door delicately deals with the anxiety and pressure that today’s kids feel. Even if you can’t build your children a magical door of their own, you can use the self-care tips shared in this book to make them feel better – and help them get back to being carefree kids again
My Thoughts
As a parent, you can see the bumps and bruises but not what is spinning in your child’s mind. Young Sally experiences anxiety from the scary images seen at night, loud noises, and even overhearing the evening news.
Growing concerned, her parents look for ways to calm her fears. A great idea is born and they build a magical door for Sally, a door to walk thru that will melt her anxiety away. When Sally opens the door, her mood is lifted by the positive energy surrounding her and the anxious feelings disappear.
In addition to the storyline, the self-care tips help your child to face the world confidently.
I would recommend The Marvellous Magical Door to parents and grandparents alike. The story will build on the foundation of your child’s mental health by getting the conversation started.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Monicle’s Chronicles
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, Monicle’s Chronicles.
monicle’s chronicles
living well at 70
I’m sixty, single and surviving. Too old to work, to young to die. I love being retired and living this monotonous life. I waited a long time to live this way!
Stop by you’ll find interesting post and the prompts followed.
Melinda
Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SOCS Prompt is “scene.”
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “scene”. Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!
At almost 60 with multiple chronic health problems, my days of drama are long behind me. I’ve met many good and not-so-good doctors over the years and have had two bad experiences in the past month.
I finally hit a wall and blew a gasket. My scene wasn’t in public, it was via computer. After being sick for more than half of my life, I’m very clear on what I expect from a doctor and the last two did not fit the criteria.
Melinda
Here are the rules:
1. Your post must be Stream of Consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write. 2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop. 3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a particular subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started. 4. Ping back! It’s important, so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below. 5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post. 6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get! 7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views. 8. Have fun!
For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at: Linda G Hill
Introducing Vital Field’s New Anti-Aging Cell
I want to send a special thank you to Vital Field’s Communications Director Nassia Bitha for sending me the New Anti-Aging Cell. If you’ve read my blog long enough you know that my relationship with Vital Field started over two years ago and I’ve reviewed many of their products. I don’t completely understand the science behind each Cell but all of the reviews I’ve done have been positive.
Who doesn’t want to add a Holistic approach to living your best life?
This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a commission to fund my coffee habit.
About Vital Field
Vitalfield has collaborated extensively with expert scientists and healthcare practitioners in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, with a focus on biophysical and frequency medicine applications. Until early 2018, most of the technology in this field involved significant investments and training before it could be utilized in clinical environments.
Recent scientific breakthroughs have made this treatment accessible to the general public, in the form of miniature, portable and wearable applications that target specific health problems, such as chronic pain, inflammation, cell regeneration, metabolism, and detoxification of the body. Further patented technology discovered in recent years also enabled some of these natural treatment methods to be implanted into wearable materials that could localize the treatment for the long-term, in an extremely cost-effective manner.
About the Anti-Aging Cell
The Anti-Aging Cell actively supports and shows great results with:
- Skin tissue elasticity and structure
- Stimulation of the connective tissue
- Mind & body balance
- Flexibility and energy levels
You can read more information about the Anti-Ageing Cell and the complete product line of Frequencell’s here.
Use discount code LIGHT20 for 20% off any Vital Field product.
Once my health improves, I”ll let you know my thoughts. I have confidence in the product based on my experience.
Melinda
References:
lookingforthelight.blog 