Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Three Fantastic Ways Of Nurturing Positivity And Supporting Family During Challenging Times

In life, we all go through challenging instances. Life isn’t full of happiness all of the time and there will always be certain issues that we have to deal with. Whether we’re talking about health-related issues or something to do with our line of work, nothing ever goes as smoothly as we’d like. This might seem like a terrible thing because we’d all prefer a hassle-free life, but that’s not how things work. We need a few negatives in our life in order to really enjoy the positives. The chances are that your family will be going through a few issues at some point in their lives, and it’s up to you to make sure that you support them and provide positivity along the way.

Whether you are dealing with elderly parents that need extra help or somebody in your family has gotten a little ill, there’s always something you can do to help out. Helping out in a physical sense is obviously very important, but there’s so much you can do from a mental standpoint, too. While the right mental attitude won’t solve all of your problems, it can put you in a much better place to deal with the issues at hand. If you are happy and content during certain instances, you will make life so much easier. If you have family members that are going through a negative time right now, here are a few ways you can nurture positivity and show amazing support: 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Practice Active Listening And Be Empathetic 

When rough times occur, it’s so important that you partake in active listening when communicating with family members during challenging times. You have to put yourself in their shoes and really understand where they’re coming from. This will help to show compassion. Let them express themselves without feeling judged and do not interrupt. When you foster this kind of supportive and empathetic environment, you help to create a foundation for them to really express themselves and improve.

Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms And Overall Self-Care

Coping mechanisms are all part of one’s recovery and dealing with issues. The problem is that a lot of people delve into the wrong kinds of coping mechanisms. It’s up to you to help them to develop healthier habits. Encourage them to engage in activities that will make them happier while bringing in a lot of joy and relaxation. Exercising, pursuing hobbies, and spending time outdoors can all contribute. Offer support whenever you can in terms of their self-care activities. It’s also wise to help them with the likes of journaling and seeking our professional help. When they have these kinds of outlets, they are provided with a safe space to process their emotions and understand more about themselves during tough times.

Look For Professional Help And Resources In Appropriate Areas 

There will only be so much you can do to help them in this world. There will be times when you have to solicit help from professionals and those who are experienced in certain fields. If they are dealing with mental health issues, encouraging them to speak to a counselor would make a lot of sense. If they need specialized care, such as dementia care treatment, you might need to explore The likes of memory care facilities or home care facilities. If they have access to professional resources, it will help them to navigate rough times more conveniently.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight-Karina Hoisan

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, Karima Hoisan.

Karima Hoisan

 I perform frequent readings throughout SL, utilizing voice with selected music, some, my own original compositions, and images I display of photographs and artwork to accompany each poem.

Make sure you visit her site, the artwork is amazing! 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

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

Book Review for Work It Out by Fiona Thomas

 I want to give a special thanks to Publisher Soraya Nair of Trigger Publishing for sending me Work It Out by Fiona Thomas. The book is so relevant in our lives today.

 

About the Author

Fiona Thomas is a freelance writer who was born in Glasgow but is now living in Birmingham, UK.

Since starting her mental health blog in 2012 she has been published in Metro, Reader’s Digest, Happiful Magazine and Grazia to name a few. She has also been featured in Cosmopolitan, Red Magazine, Good Housekeeping and Refinery29. She speaks regularly about mental health and freelancing at events all over the UK.

Her first book ‘Depression in a Digital Age: The Highs and Lows of Perfectionism’ was published in 2018, and was called “brilliantly honest” by bestselling author Emma Gannon. Her second book ‘Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss’ is a guide to freelancing with a focus on mindset, practicality and mental health.

Her passion is working with female-led businesses and shining a light on the positive impact that freelancing can have on our wellbeing.

Blurb 

“A brilliantly honest reminder about how to control your online space and not let it control you” – Emma Gannon, Sunday Times bestselling author

“Fiona writes about mental health with fearless honesty and a quick wit. So much will resonate with so many” – Yvette Caster, host of Mentally Yours podcast

Fiona Thomas was your average ’80s baby. She grew up without an iPhone, used actual landlines to make calls and didn’t have the luxury (or perhaps the curse) of Facebook during her adolescent years. But though her childhood took place in an analogue world, she found herself suffering from the same problems many young people face today: the race for perfectionism, high levels of anxiety, a fear of success.

After an unfulfilling university experience, a stressful beginning in a management career and a severe case of impostor syndrome, Fiona suffered a nervous breakdown in her mid-twenties. Amongst therapy and medication, it was the online community that gave Fiona the comfort she needed to recover and find a career that made her happy.

Through her own experience at the time and with the benefit of hindsight, Fiona provides signposts for the reader to help them to understand:

  • the importance of the right type of connection, both on and offline, not only with others but with oneself
  • how connection can aid in recovery
  • that finding the right career can help to enhance our wellbeing and mental health
  • how and why purpose and wellbeing are interlinked.

Peppered with listicles, questions to ask yourself and key takeaways, Work It Out perfectly combines first-person lived experience with practical advice. Fiona shows us how to prioritize our mental health by finding the right purpose-centered career and how the internet has helped to make that possible.

My Thoughts

Our lives are surrounded by Social Media if we let it and Work It Out shows you how to keep Social Media from taking over your life, and how to make real connections. Fiona share her experience with mental health challenges including a nervous breakdown and how along with medication the Social Media community gave her the support and comfort she needed.

Thru her personal experiences, she discusses how to understand the importance of the right type of connection, how and why purpose and wellbeing are interlinked, and many other ideas on connections.

I love the section on questions to ask yourself and Fiona provides examples of how to have balance in our life.

Work It Out is a first-hand experience of Fiona’s most challenging times and how she kept moving forward until she reached her goals and much more. When you see all the publications she’s been published in you will go WOW!

Work It Out is a book for adults who have experienced challenges and have a desire to find balance in their life and how to make better connections. Who doesn’t need a book that provides support you know and later, it’s a bookshelf treasure for sure.

I highly recommend Work It Out, I learned a great deal from reading the book.

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

Looking for the Light

 

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

5 Strategies for Coping with Chronic Illness

Chronic illness affects millions of people worldwide and is defined as a long-lasting health condition that may not have a complete cure. These conditions can range from mild to severe and can manifest in various forms, including diabetes, peptic ulcers, heart disease, hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), asthma, and more. Also, although the term ‘chronic illness’ typically refers to conditions that are not autoimmune in nature, all autoimmune conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), psoriasis, Graves’ disease, etc., are chronic. If you or someone you care about is living with a chronic disease, the following steps for coping with chronic illness aim to empower you with knowledge and insight so you can better understand and manage your condition.

Those who live every day grappling with chronic illnesses inevitably encounter diverse sets of challenges to face both physically and mentally. Regardless of how symptoms manifest from person-to-person, mental health is an equally important aspect to consider in the overall well-being of those with chronic illness. Thankfully, the following strategies can help navigate these obstacles and, when applied, can ultimately lead to an improved quality of life.

Infographic showing the five strategies for coping with chronic illness

To read the entire article visit Vital Field Technology.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Survivor

What it’s like to be a patient in a Mental Hospital by Guest Blogger My Story Is Far From Over

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

Book Review for Own Your Awkward by Michelle Morgan

I want to give a special thanks to Sean McLeod, Assistant Commissioning Editor with Trigger Publishing for sending the book Own Your Awkward by Michelle Morgan. I took a glance and it looks like a great read. 

About the Arthur

Michelle Morgan is a leading voice in mental health and a proud Ambassador for Mental Health First Aid England. In 2016 Michelle experienced burnout, anxiety and depression. She views her mental health challenges as both a burden and a blessing; from a terrible time, good things came. Michelle is an Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Instructor, an international speaker and corporate trainer (clients include Facebook, HSBC, Pukka Herbs, The Prime Minister’s Office, Red Bull and Good Energy). She is also the Founder of Pjoys – PJs with Purpose, and Co-founder of Livity, a creative business that works with brands and the next generation to “build the future better”. Her work has been widely lauded: she is the recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and has been invited to join the Society of Leadership Fellows at St George’s House, Windsor Castle.She lives in London with her husband, artist Remi Rough, their daughter Lili and dog Teddy. Connect with her at http://www.michellemorgan.uk and http://www.ownyourawkward.com. Find her on Instagram @michellemorgan.uk and on Twitter @michellemorgan

Blurb

A hugely practical and inspiring self-help guide, Own Your Awkward will help you handle those awkward conversations around mental health. Michelle Morgan blends research and personal experience to help you tackle those topics, whether in the workplace or with family and friends. Let’s be honest – it can be really awkward talking about our mental health! Whether you’re offering someone support or looking for ways to help yourself, these conversations can feel difficult, embarrassing and complex. In Own Your Awkward Michelle Morgan, Mental Health First Aid Ambassador, trainer and speaker explores why we feel awkward and shows us how to talk more openly about our mental health – and how we really can embrace our awkward. Through her own story of burnout, clinical depression and anxiety, combined with the lived experience of others, Michelle explains how you can transform those tricky moments into your power using four key cornerstones – confidence, capability, communication and compassion, to help reframe your story. You’ll learn how to start those all-important conversations, with clear steps and practical advice. It’s time to get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable, love your awkward and have better and braver conversations about mental health.

My Thoughts

There are self-help books that sound like a repeat of what you’ve read and there are self-help books that have quality content you can apply right away. Own Your Awkward is one of those self-help books that you keep on your bookshelf to read again or to share with others.

If you struggle to talk about mental health, like so many of us do, Michelle’s book will coach you on how to handle awkward conversations with the people in your life. Her professional achievements and her own mental health challenges make her the perfect person to write this book. 

I highly recommend Own Your Awkward for anyone who needs support for themselves or to help others. This book is one for the whole family to read as it aligns everyone’s knowledge and will continue to help as each becomes more comfortable talking. 

I could have used the help of Own Your Awkward as I struggled with my mental illness diagnosis at 19 years old. 

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

Looking for the Light

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

Laughter Is The Best Medicine by Guest Blogger Existential Ergonomics

Photo by Helena Lopes on Pexels.com
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Saturday Morning Reflections

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 blogger, Saturday Morning Reflections.

Saturday Morning Reflections

My reflections on the week past accompanied by music and memories

 My family is unconventional, furry and well “normal” although that is debateable…

 They assist (…yes lets go with that)with the day to day functioning of our tribe. I have no need of alarm clocks or a doorbell. Lilly knows when the farmer next door lets out his geese and Jake is always on the lookout for anyone stopping by or even looking up at the window. He assumes (incorrectly I might add) that I can’t see what he sees.

Be sure to stop by and say hello.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

This Memorial Day Let’s Remember Those Who Gave All

We’ve seen so much war in recent years that it wears us down but most of us have not seen a World War. I pray we don’t have the next WWIII, anytime soon. Many gave their lives in WWI, WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam, and we can’t forget those who died without a memorial in what I call “The Desert Wars”.

WWII Memorial Washington D.C.

Korean War Memorial Washington D.C.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

Why don’t we have a Memorial Wall for the soldiers who fought in more recent wars? It’s very overdue!

Our country’s politics may be divided but America can not survive without you and your family’s support. No one died in vain, you died for your country.

Thank you so much for serving our country. We can’t thank you enough for giving your life to save mine. What a great blessing.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How To Keep Your Teenager Busy During Summer

Statistics indicate that juvenile crimes increase by 35% in the summer months. As if that’s not bad enough, the ever-present allure of screens means that the average teen now spends over seven hours a day behind electronic devices during summer. These alarming statistics make parents wonder how to engage their kids during those long, hot months. If you’re a worried parent, here are four ways to keep your teenager busy during summer. 

Photo by kat wilcox on Pexels.comGet them a job

A study revealed that summer jobs can reduce teen crime by 43%. Therefore, a part-time job is an excellent way to keep your teenager busy. It equips them with many useful skills while keeping them away from trouble. Moreover, a paid part-time job will teach them about financial management at a very early age. They can learn how to save money, buy basic things, and be independent. The right job will teach your child how to work with people and manage their time. Plus, the skills they acquire will stick with them for life.

Explore artistic and creative outlets

Summer break provides an ideal opportunity for teenagers to explore their creative sides and develop new skills. You can encourage your teenager to pursue artistic activities after getting a job. Depending on their time, your teen can combine their job with a creative activity. Consider enrolling your child in a summer art class, a creative writing workshop, or a music class. These activities keep them occupied and foster self-expression, boost confidence, and provide a platform for personal growth. And believe it or not, allowing your teen to explore their artistic side can create a healthy outlet for stress and improve their emotional well-being.

Encourage volunteering and community service

Giving back to communities through volunteering is one of the most emotionally-rewarding ways for a teenager to spend summer. Some studies have shown that volunteering instills a sense of responsibility and empathy while enhancing self-esteem and personal growth. It also gives them a sense of purpose, even at a very young age. So, encourage your teenager to identify causes they are passionate about and connect with local organizations that offer volunteer opportunities. From environmental cleanup projects and community service to volunteering at a local shelter, these activities will keep your teenager busy and contribute to their development.

Let them join a local club or group for teens

Depending on where you live, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a positive local club or youth group for your teenager. You can find a scouting club, an academic, agricultural, or faith-based group for your teenager to join. Regarding a faith-based group, for example, your teenager can join a local church group for teens or youth, created to nurture spiritual growth, faith, morality, and good behavior. Of course, some religious institutions have a bad rap for sexual misconduct and abuse, so conduct a background check before signing up your child. And should the worse happen, don’t hesitate to let a religious institution sexual abuse lawyer help you

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How To Restore Your Health And Finances After A Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident doesn’t just come with trauma at the time, it can cause all kinds of stress after. You will need to deal with the other person, your car, finances, and more. Hence, it is good to understand what to do after a car accident to restore your health and attain the best outcome. 

Whether your car incident was a life-changing accident or resulted in a minor injury, it is still important to seek the right help and take the necessary steps to help you regain your mental and physical health. 

Seek legal help

One thing you must do if you want to attain a fair result after a car accident is to contact a legal expert. 

Finding a car accident attorney near you will ensure you can communicate with them on your case and reach a final decision sooner. You won’t need to wait around too long and stress about the answer. Instead, you can collaborate efficiently and get a faster decision.

They will support you through every step of the aftermath and ensure you have what you need to attain the fairest legal decision.

Get the other drivers’ details

Another thing you must do after a car accident is get the other drivers’ details. If you do not have them, it will be more difficult to make a claim.

Having their details means you can keep in touch with them and get the information you need to support your claim. They might have experienced a worse injury than you, so you can also use their details to keep in touch and ensure they are recovering well.

Get medical help

If you have experienced a major injury, you must seek medical help immediately. This should be the first thing you do when the car has come to a stop. If you cannot call the emergency services, someone around can do it for you.

Furthermore, if you have attained minimal or no injuries, you should still consider being seen by a healthcare professional. They can assess your health and ensure there is no underlying damage. 

You might experience mental health problems due to the trauma and shock. If so, you should seek mental health medical support to help restore your mental health. 

Get plenty of rest

Whether you have attained injuries or not, it is still good to rest after a car accident. It can cause tremendous shock to the system, which might take time to recover from. 

Therefore, get plenty of rest and take some time off work so you can recover and reset before returning back to normal life, especially if you are going to drive again. 

Using these tips, you can ensure to restore yourself physically, mentally, and financially after an accident. You should always seek legal and medical support to get the best outcome and ensure you recover fully. Even if you do not have major injuries, you still need an assessment and some care to ensure you can successfully overcome the shock. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

Thursday Thoughts

By Field Guide by Stampington

“I do not have the slightest clue what I’m doing…that’s the adventure…I stopped worrying about it…That’s the beauty.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Who do you know has been a victim of Sex Trafficking- Guest Blogger My Story Is Far From Over

Sex trafficking is a devastating form of exploitation that affects millions of people around the world. It involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to lure individuals (mainly younger aged kids) to engage in sex acts, often against their will. The impact of sex trafficking on mental health can be mentally traumatic and long-lasting. […]

Who do you know has been a victim of Sex Trafficking? — My Story Is Far From Over
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Holistic Health Talks

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, Holistic Health Talks.

Holistic Health Talks

 

Hello! I’m Jenna Lee, an Oily Gal that is all about natural skincare, holistic health, essential oils, and fun DIY recipes! I created HolisticHealthTalks.com to share alternative health topics and upcoming health talks!

Please check out her site, there is si much to offer. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

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
Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

Jewish American Heritage Awareness Month #StopJewishHate

Jewish immigrants built their lives in America the same as European immigrants did, and they were welcome with open arms. They help build communities and expanded their families here. The Jewish immigrants are now residents and their children are born American.

Maybe I’m naive, but I seriously don’t understand why people have a problem with Jewish people or the Jewish Religion.

Unless the Religion is a terrorist group, a cult, or involved in illegal activity, we can not condemn a Religion because we don’t understand or agree with it. Who are we to judge?

About Jewish American Heritage Awareness Month

This month is a chance for Americans of every faith to appreciate the contributions of the Jewish people throughout our history –- often in the face of unspeakable discrimination and adversity. For hundreds of years, Jewish Americans have fought heroically in battle and inspired us to pursue peace. They’ve built our cities, cured our sick. They’ve paved the way in the sciences and the law, in our politics and in the arts. They remain our leaders, our teachers, our neighbors and our friends. Not bad for a band of believers who have been tested from the moment that they came together and professed their faith. The Jewish people have always persevered. And that’s why today is about celebrating the people in this room, the thousands who came before, the generations who will shape the future of our country and the future of the world.[13]

Let’s not forget the horrific trauma the Jewish families endured during the Holocaust, there is no way I know their pain but no doubt I pray to never see such carnage.

If someone can tell me what all the Jewish hate is about I would appreciate it.

Melinda

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_American_Heritage_Month

Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

If YOU Think Someone Reblogging YOUR Post Is PLAGIARISM, Turn Off Reblog Button!

WordPress is at it again, making changes to something that’s not broken and not telling anyone about the changes, not to mention more changes are coming. So when the hell are they going to tell us?????

After close to 20 years with WP maybe it’s time to find another host. WP has the worst communication when it comes to keeping the Happiness Engineers and community up-to-date.

Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com

Here’s a glimpse of an email and current chat I’m on.

Me:

Since 5/11 my headlines and photos don’t show up when I reblog from Looking for the Light to Survivors Blog Here. I’ve been reblogging for 14 years to that site and have never had this problem. I emailed two days ago and haven’t heard back.

WordPress:

I’d be happy to help you with that. We have received feedback from numerous customers who feel that reblogging appears somewhat plagiaristic. To better follow the original intent of reblogging, which is to reshare content that users appreciate, we’ve implemented some recent changes. There are some changes that have been released and some others that are being implemented. If there is something you want to reshare tomorrow. You can add a featured image and title for this particular post.

In the meantime, I’ve reached out to the development team to get a better understanding of the upcoming changes to share with you. Please let us know if you have any questions about this.

Me:

If people don’t want their work reblogged they can turn off the button, that’s how it works. WP is now changing that?

It’s not a matter of working like it should, it’s that WP is saying people are complaining about plagiarism and have changed the process. But the process has not been released to the users. And more changes are coming.

WordPress:

I can confirm, the reblogging feature is being reworked and the hope is to have this resolved soon. The end result will be more of what you are used to which shows the title and image. In the meantime, things will be in this awkward stage. The developers are working to finish the updates as quickly as possible.

Yes and no. The underlying system and process is being updated but the end result will be more of what you are used to when it is finished. I have shared your feedback with the team. I realize this situation is not ideal!

Me:

Now I’m writing a post and can’t find the category section, are they messing with that too? What are bloggers to do, just stop until engineers finish their changes?

To make it worse, My Allow Comments and trackbacks were disabled. This is crazy! They are making your job much harder.

WordPress:

There should still be a Categories area in the sidebar settings of your Editor. But if you’re unable to find it, feel free to share the link to the post you’re working on, and I’ll take a closer look(edited)

Thanks for waiting, I see what you mean this far regarding the missing Categories area in both editors, that is strange! Mostly because Categories are still required for all posts, so that hasn’t changed.

I don’t know if this is actually being caused by changes from our developers or from a conflict from another area of your site, so I’ll do a bit of troubleshooting to confirm this first. This may take me a few minutes, but I’ll reply in the chat with any progress.

The Happiness Engineer solved the problem with the Category Section, no clue on when Reblogging will return to the new normal.

Melinda

 

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward · Survivor

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:

AP News

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

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

Looking for the Light

 

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

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

Photo by Jess Bailey Designs on Pexels.com
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

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:

NAMI

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

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

Looking for the Light

 

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

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

Women & Men’s Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault

If Assaulted call 911, go to the closest Police Station or Emergency Room

image

Joyful Heart Foundation    

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  

No More

Helping Survivors

If you know of other resources for these or any page please let me know. More support available could change someone’s life.

Melinda

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

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

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. 

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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

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

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:

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for the Light

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

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

Looking for the Light