What’s one compliment that’s stuck with you over the years?
Melinda
Reference:
Field Guide by Stampington
Category: Mental Health
Blogger Highlight-Dear Jo Anne
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, Dear Jo Anne.
My name is Hannah. I am 29 years old, from Australia and I’ve never liked introductions – probably because I’m not very good at them!
I adore blogging and find myself drawn to create pieces that are usually inspired by the difficult stuff. Some of my writing interests include adulthood, grief and loss, lifestyle, fiction, humour, social anxiety, mental health, self-improvement, and media.
Hannah’s site is great! Be sure to stop by and say hello.
Melinda
UTI’s, Kidney Stones, and Kidney Infections
I had a rough week with my health and went to the doctor. Here is a tip the doctor did not share and I was unaware of until returning home and doing some research.
You can have a UTI at the same time you’re passing a Kidney Stone, it’s very common.
If you have some UTI and Kidney Stone symptoms, read about Kidney Infections.
I work hard to not go in self-diagnosed but in this case, some knowledge would have gone a long way.
Because it was an emergency I had to see another doctor, and due to her blank look at me, I plan to wait to see my doctor at all costs.
*Just a side note
When I went to bed that night, I realized I had worn my “100% My Body” tee. Did that have any play in her treatment of me? It’s a frightening thought, but Free Speech is not without consequences.
Melinda
Chronic Illness & My Love Of Fashion —Guest Blogger Windy’s Journey
This is a topic that I’ve struggled with for quite some time now. You see while I have been living with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Lyme Disease (to name a couple), I also have a great love for ALL things fashion. So what’s the big deal? Well, I’m so glad you asked. HOW I SHOW UP […]
Chronic Illness & My Love Of Fashion — Windy’s Journey
Yogurt, a Cupcake, and a Heating Pad
After blowing a gasket to my husband about my health frustrations last night, I took my Xanax and went to bed early. This morning I’m feeling better, even went to the portal and erased the message to my doctor.
Since my appointment was an emergency and they worked me in I had to see a different doctor. Do that once and you may love your regular doctor more. The doctor did not share some basic 101 tips that would have helped me leave with a crumb. When I found it on the Internet, I got angry.
I’ve been headed toward a wall with my health for the past year and yesterday I hit it hard. Thank goodness my husband understands my health challenges, how to put the pieces again, and knows a cupcake goes a long way.
I cut most sweets from my diet a year ago as my weight loss journey began but today I added a large cupcake to lunch. The heating pad will feel so much better now!
Stay strong, get angry, get it out of your system, cry, or scream to release the anger, then take a step forward.
Melinda
The importance of a hairbrush — Guest Blogger Beauty From Ashes
Life isn’t always pretty if the fact some heinous crimes take place under our noses every day. Please don’t turn a blind eye because it’s painful to see, take action, no matter how small when you can.
Melinda
I went to a Board meeting last night for a new foundation a friend, the other board members, and myself are starting. (My friend let’s call her K founded it the rest of us are on the board helping get it up and running) it’s called After The Last Sale Foundation (I’m really excited about […]
The importance of a hairbrush — Beauty From Ashes
Is Now The Right Time To Have A Baby?
You could argue that there’s no right time to have a baby. Having a baby will always be disruptive and you’ll have to make some sacrifices no matter the circumstances.
That said, there are certain situations where it can be much easier to raise a child. These are the types of situations that you ideally want to get yourself into before settling down with a baby as it could make the experience much more rewarding.
For those who are undecided as to whether to have a baby right now, here are a few important questions to ask yourself.
Do you want to become a parent?
This is the most important question to ask yourself. If you are passionate about having a child and feel that becoming a parent now would complete you, then it makes sense to try for a baby right now while you are eager.
If you have no interest in becoming a parent and cannot fathom taking on the responsibility, then now is clearly not the right time. While many reluctant parents learn to love parenthood when forced into it, there is no guarantee that you will feel this way, and shouldn’t let yourself be unduly pressured.
Does your partner want a child?
Deciding to have a child can be very difficult if one partner wants a child and the other doesn’t. If you want to stay together, one partner will have to make the ultimate compromise. Relationship counseling could be necessary to help you make the decision.
The decision to have a baby could be much harder if one of you is already pregnant and you are both conflicted about having a baby. You will have less time to make a decision – it could be important to look into services like abortion counseling services to talk things out. If you are pregnant, it is ultimately your decision whether to keep the baby or not, and you should not feel pressured by your partner to do something you don’t want.
Are you physically/mentally healthy enough?
Ideally, you don’t want to be battling any serious physical or mental health problems when having a baby. Becoming a parent could be too much of a strain and may just cause any health problems to get worse. Giving birth may even be dangerous for you or the baby if you have certain serious physical health problems.
Wait until you are in a better place mentally or physically to have a baby. There are times when having a baby can help people overcome depression or even addiction, but you need to be passionate about having a baby, to begin with.
Is your home a safe environment?
You don’t want to be raising a child in a home that is unsafe. If you are living with people who are abusive or there are other issues like a high local crime rate or a pest problem in your home, you should consider whether you need to get out first. Leaving toxic people behind and moving to a better home could prevent you from feeling that you or your baby is in danger.
Is your age an important factor?
Having a child as a teenager can disrupt education and carry various pregnancy and birth risks. That said, many teen parents go on to have healthy and happy children. This post explains more about whether to keep a child as a teenager.
If you are in your late 30s or older, you may need to consider your fertility. Having a child now could be important to increase your chances of falling pregnant and carrying the baby. Most women cannot have a baby naturally after 45. This guide offers more information on having a baby in your 40s.
Can you afford to look after a baby?
Raising a baby is expensive, but with enough support around you, it is possible to still be a great parent with little to no money.
Being financially stable first could be more important if you do not have much support around you. Without others around you to chip in, it could be much harder to afford the care your child needs. This guide offers more information about the costs of having a baby.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Dealing With Anxiety In Work Situations
Work situations are difficult to navigate sometimes. Anxiety sets in and you may feel as if you are sinking. Thankfully there are ways to ease your stress. From breathing techniques to yoga, and more, there are ways to help reduce your stress. You may have already looked at CBD and other types of cannabis and in this case, you may want to look at Budder Bongs, but you should always be responsible.
Photo: Unsplash
Sometimes the problems with work are borne out of social activities in the workplace. In order to be comfortable with your co-workers, try to expand your comfort zone. Consciously try to create small talk with people you meet throughout the day: at lunch, in the elevator, or in the coffee corner. Try to initiate short conversations or flatter when the place is in place. Such behavior will teach others that you are an accessible person and can be talked to. Remember that it is not so important to say the right thing, it is more important to be present. People are usually more comfortable with who they know.
Conversations with authority figures
Those who suffer from social anxiety may have difficulty talking to their supervisor. Any communication with your manager may be difficult for you. You may have difficulty with the simplest questions, it is common for people with social anxiety to try to get away with asking and finding out with the manager the information they need. Unfortunately, avoiding a conversation with the manager can impair your functioning and the manner in which the task is fulfilled: you will find yourself working long hours in a way that will ultimately not be to the satisfaction of your superiors.
Meetings and work meetings
If you feel uncomfortable in meetings – try to get to the meeting a quarter of an hour earlier so you can meet others when they arrive. Most people who suffer from social anxiety and shyness come to meetings late so that they do not have to socialize with others. But this behavior only makes you feel more isolated and stressed. During meetings, try to remember that others must also feel uncomfortable and have difficulty speaking. Quite a lot of people actually have difficulty expressing their opinions. If you take the initiative and speak first, it will reassure the rest and they will appreciate and respect you for it. Try to replace the negative thought with a more accurate, or more helpful thought: “I’m usually good enough in meetings.” Even if this mental exercise feels strange and strange to you, over time it will reduce your insecurity in work meetings. You will soon start to make a shift and feel more confident.
Social events
Workplaces usually hold social events that you are expected to attend. Company trips, zoom parties, joint video photography, farewell party, and conferences. The human resources department works hard to connect the employees and for most of them, a fun day is really fun. For people with social anxiety, these events can be particularly difficult – they expose their social shame – their difficulty in feeling comfortable.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Thinking Sessions with My Heart and My Head
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, Thinking Sessions with My Heart and My Head.
The Thinking Sessions with My Heart and Head
Hello, my name is Mikka. It’s pronounced like MEE-kuh. I am 22 years old and living in Seattle, WA. I’m passionate about sharing my truth through the written word. I hope this can be a safe space for you to go deeper into yourself and reflect on what it is you may need to express and articulate. Your truth matters.
Check out her passionate personality.
Melinda
5 Ways To Ease Depression Symptoms Right Now — Guest Blogger Kayla Mason
Written by: Kayla Mason, freelance writer, kaylamason.blog It’s no secret that during the emergence of the Covid-19 virus, anxiety and depression rates have skyrocketed. Rates of anxiety and depression among U.S. adults were about 4 times higher between April 2020 and August 2021 than they were in 2019 (Deangelis). In 2020 and 2021, I talked […]
5 Ways To Ease Depression Symptoms Right Now — Kayla Mason
Health Update
Ever hear the saying “If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck”? My question is “Is this what no luck looks like”? I feel like crumbled tin foil, one move makes something else hurt. It’s a crazy period for me and my writing has slowed down due to spending time in bed.
The new issues are due to prescriptions for my non-working salivary gland and stomach issues. The first prescription sent me over the top dizzy, blurred vision, out of balance, and chest pain. I had to quit. Come to find out after several tests my gastro has three problems caused by the prescription. Now I’m on a gastro prescription and it’s causing dizziness, balance problems, and falling. I’m giving it two more days to see if the side effects pass or lessen.
That happens many times with side effects, you may get some at first and several weeks to a month later they go away. My plan is to give this prescription two more days before I stop taking it, with my doctor knowing of course. Actually, I’m sending a message thru the portal to let them know my plan and ask about another prescription.
Here’s my dilemma, if I take the prescrptions I can’t drive. I rarely drive but I’m not giving up driving unless something is going to blow a gasket. People who are homebound or have chronic illnesses will understand the pain felt every time your body takes part of your life away.
I’m turning 60 shortly and have very little life outside of the house, but I have not given up on driving. I was on limited driving due to my Dementia, only driving within a few miles from the house. I have no desire to give up on driving or life at this point. I’m frustrated and very angry, almost cried yesterday but it will pass.
I’m also dealing with depression and it adds to my anger. Tomorrow is a new day.
Melinda
Tackling The Most Common Causes Of Stress And Anxiety
You only have to listen to the headlines or read the newspaper to see that anxiety levels are rising and a growing number of people are experiencing stress. In this guide, we’ll discuss some common causes of stress and anxiety and offer tips to help you cope.
Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/design-desk-display-eyewear-313690/
Money worries and unemployment
Unemployment is one of the most talked-about subjects at the moment, with many people losing their jobs or businesses and others struggling to hang on to theirs. Balancing the books is challenging at the best of times when you’re trying to manage a household or raise kids, but the pandemic has exacerbated difficulties and made staying in the black virtually impossible for some. If you’re experiencing financial strain, or you’ve lost your job, there is help out there. Don’t hesitate to seek advice about incentives or support measures that are available to you during the crisis and look for opportunities to increase your income if your workload is reduced or you’ve lost your job. From Forex Trading, to online courses, and blogging to temporary jobs, it’s possible to find solutions, even if they are only a short-term option to tide you over. It’s also beneficial to try and reduce spending on non-essential items and budget to make your money stretch further and to find out about programs that could prevent you from getting into debt in the weeks ahead. Some companies offer freezes on loan and credit card payments, for example.
Relationship breakdown
Relationships can make or break us. While some relationships lift our spirits and make us feel secure and content, others can have a negative impact. Break-ups are tough and it can take a long time to come to terms with the fact that you’re moving in a direction that is different from the one you expected to take. You might have envisioned spending your entire life with a partner, only to find that you’re now on your own. Take your time to process what has happened and to heal. Lean on the people closest to you and try to focus on the present, rather than the past. Often, relationships don’t work, and once you have a sense of perspective and time has passed, you realize that there was a good reason for parting. Let yourself feel and experience emotions and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to get on with life, start dating or stop feeling upset about the situation. Move at your own pace. Everyone copes in different ways and there is no right or wrong way to deal with relationship breakdowns.
Trauma
Traumatic events such as accidents, natural disasters, or sexual assault can trigger a specific type of anxiety known as PTSD. These feelings of anxiety can be stirred up later in life – often by small and innocuous things that remind us of the traumatic event (such as the sight of a pool after a near-death drowning experience). Doctors can sometimes prescribe drugs to help with day-to-day life. There’s also the option of natural treatments for PTSD. In most cases, therapy can be the best option – a professional therapist will know exactly how to confront your fear in a healthy and effective way so that you can continue to get on with your life.
Work
Do you feel like you’re swimming against the tide, or do you dread the alarm going off every morning? It’s rare to find a job you enjoy every minute of every day, but work shouldn’t be a source of severe stress or anxiety. If you are feeling under pressure, or you’re struggling to switch off, talk to your boss about your workload, address issues that are getting to you, and take some time out. It’s crucial to have a balance and to enjoy downtime. Learn to say no. If you’re already working too many hours without pay, or your to-do list is endless, don’t take on more work or sign yourself up for extra commitments after work. Rest, relax and look after yourself.
Stress and anxiety are rife at the moment. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. There are myriad causes, but help is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out and try and take care of yourself as best you can.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Milsy Girl
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, Milsy Girl.
Milsy Girl
Your self-care and wellness is my passion 🌻
Hi, I’m Rachel. I’m the blogger behind Milsy Girl 🌻. I’m here to help you create the best version of yourself that you can.
If you’re not sure where to start, try taking my easy self-care audit. It will show you areas of your self-care and wellness that need a little TLC.
My blog is packed full of useful tips and resources to help you on your journey.
Stop by to read Rachel’s self-care and healthy living post.
Melinda
Happy Birthday, Apple Computer!
Today I watched a fascinating interview with Steve Jobs in 1981. What a genius he was, part of the genius was his hard-core passion for building a solid product with the tools people want. He talked about how the company was structured, and the freedom/accountability employees have. Trust was the foundation.
Thank you to all Apple employees! I appreciate you every day, all day.
I’m an Apple lover and can’t imagine going back. He left us too fast.
Melinda
Introducing VitalField’s Pineal Detox FrequenCell
VitalField does it again! Introducing the Pineal Detox FrequenCell.
About Vital Field
Vital fields enable living systems – cells, organs, and micro-organisms – to transfer information and energy across the system (or body) instantly, helping the body’s cells to repair, regenerate, and protect against life’s cumulative stressors, such as toxins, stress, trauma, injury, and electrosmog.
Vital fields enable living systems – cells, organs, and micro-organisms – to transfer information and energy across the system (or body) instantly, helping the body’s cells to repair, regenerate, and protect against life’s cumulative stressors, such as toxins, stress, trauma, injury, and electrosmog.
The Pineal Detox FrequenCell
This FrequenCell supports the detoxification and cleansing process of the pineal gland from toxic loads. It is recommended to start with this FrequenCell to optimally prepare the body.
There are two other Pineal Gland FrequenCells that you can buy as a trio. The Trio bundle includes Pineal Detox, Pineal Gland DNA Strenthing, and the Third Eye FrequenCell.
To see the entire line of VitalField FrequenCells, click here.
I’m currently using the Pineal Detox FrequenCell. I will write a review once I have given it time to work.
Melinda
Deep Thoughts
In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!
Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”Blogger Highlight-Stony Soil Vermont
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, Stony Soil Vermont.
Stony Soil Vermont
I live with my two daughters in Hardwick, Vermont, a small village along the Lamoille River.
Single motherhood and writing define the shape of my life.
Unstitched: Understanding Opioid Addiction and Repairing Our Communities twines my quest to understand addiction in Vermont, the country, and in my own life (Steerforth Press, 2021).
Hidden View is a gritty story woven with family, farming, and the desire for redemption (Green Writers Press, 2015).
Other things I love: are our two housecats, spring ephemerals, reading on the back porch, public libraries, and Yahtzee.
Melinda
I’m Sending Good Karma To All
For those who are having a challenging day, close your eyes and change the scenery, even for a minute.
Life is like a swing, back and forth, not every day is a good day.
If you are having a great day, pass a kind thought on to others.
No matter how tiny the light will shine again. We have to live our best life and we can give back just by doing something kind to someone who needs it.
Melinda
What To Try If You’re Having Trouble Sleeping
Sleep is something that evades a lot of people. If you’re having trouble getting to sleep at night, the problem could be a number of things. You’ve got to try and work out the best way to get to sleep so that you can get those all important hours. It may feel as though you have tried everything, but we’re sure that there’s at least a couple of things that you haven’t thought of yet. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you should try if you are having trouble sleeping at night. If you want to find out more about this topic, keep reading below.
Now, obviously, we’re not suggesting that you get behind the wheel and start driving if you want to go to sleep. Instead, you should ask someone else if they mind taking the wheel for a little while as you see if this works. It’s a great trick when you’ve got a baby who doesn’t want to sleep because the motion helps soothe them to sleep, so it might work for you too. In fact, a lot of people find it easier to sleep in the car than they do when they are staying still. As such, it’s well worth a try if you’re struggling at night time.
If this is something that you are interested in, you should look into investing in a high-quality sound system for the car so that you can play your music while you’re going around. You can find some reviews of options at a site like zenaracing.com. Looking at sites like this will help you determine which system could be the best for you, so it’s well worth checking out.
Another thing that we think you should try is keeping all the electronics that you own out of the room. This will ensure that you aren’t being impacted by any of the blue light that they emit because this can cause issues with sleeping. As such, when it’s time for bed, you should leave your phone, laptop, and all other devices outside the room, and preferably downstairs completely away from you.
Not only is this helpful for the blue light problem, but it also ensures that you can’t be tempted to turn over and play with it. We know the temptation and we know it well. You want to check your messages and see if anyone has spoken to you. You want to scroll through social media just to kill the time a little bit. But, doing things like this will keep you awake for longer, so it’s never a good idea even if you’re bored.
Have you ever thought about not going into your bedroom unless it’s time to sleep? Or at least, going in there minimal amounts of times and only when you need something from there? You should never get into bed if you’re not going to be going to sleep as this sends the message to your brain that it’s just another place for your day-to-day activities.
If you can manage to get yourself into a routine where you only go to bed when it’s time for your nighttime sleep, you are going to find it much easier to get some rest through the night. This is because your brain gets the message that when you get into bed, you’re going to sleep for the night, so it knows that it’s time to switch off everything else and allow you the rest you need.
Something else that could help is coming up with a night routine. For example, if you brush your teeth, do anything that you usually do like if you have a skincare routine, change into your pajamas, let all the stresses of the day go, and then go to sleep every night, eventually, it will just become a habit to go to sleep after these things. As such, each night, as long as you complete the routine, you should find that getting to sleep isn’t so much of a problem. Of course, this isn’t foolproof and sometimes it won’t work, but it will for the large majority of nights.
We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you should try if you’re having issues sleeping. Sleep is difficult for a lot of people, but it’s essential that you get it where you can and as much as you can, otherwise you could be in some serious trouble health-wise. Hopefully, something on this list will help you go to sleep.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-DOREENS HEALTH AND WELLNESS63
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, DOREENSHEALTHANDWELLNESS63
The purpose of this blog is to share my personal medical stories about my Auto-immune(chronic illnesses) diseases and receive information from others in hopes that we can help each other.
Stop by and check out her site.
Melinda
Welcome Our Newest Contributor to Survivors Blog Here, Ellie Thompson from Essentially Ellie —
Please join our celebration of Ellie Thompson from Essentially Ellie, who has joined as a Contributor. I’ve been talking with Ellie for a few months and was overjoyed when she accepted to join the group. Photo by Henry & Co. on Pexels.com Who is Survivors Blog Here? We support men and women Survivors from […]
Please Welcome Our Newest Contributor, Ellie Thompson from Essentially Ellie — Survivors Blog Here Mental Health Collaborative
Book Review How To Help Someone With An Eating Disorder
Maddie Dunne-Kirby from Welbeck Publishing Group gifted me an advanced copy of How To Help Someone With An Eating Disorder by Dr. Pam Macdonald for a review.
About the Author
Dr Pam Macdonald is a research psychologist, carer coach, and trainer. She is actively involved in supporting carers of people with eating disorders using the New Maudsley Approach, which incorporates the principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI). She also has personal experience of the regular emotional challenges that can impinge upon the functioning of the entire family, as well as friends and significant others, at different points along the recovery path.
When reflecting back on her time caring for a loved one with an eating disorder, she remembers it as a wholly frightening and stressful time. Even after several years, it still evokes strong memories of a long, dismal tunnel littered with countless pitfalls. A major uncertainty was her own role in the process. She desperately craved information on how to react to the situation as well as knowledge and guidance on how to react to the imposter that had invaded family life. She needed to know that she was handling the situation in a way that was conducive to a healthy outcome. In her search for these answers, she stumbled across Professor Janet Treasure’s work at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College, London. Back in 2006, Professor Treasure and her team were working on a skills-based learning intervention for carers of people with eating disorders. Pam joined the project as a PhD student and started work researching the effectiveness of a guided self-help package that offered training and skills to carers.
In 2011, she was awarded her PhD and since then she has worked on a part-time basis with the team on subsequent iterations and development of skills training interventions. She co-edited The Clinician’s Guide to Collaborative Caring in Eating Disorders (2010)1 with Professors Janet Treasure and Ulrike Schmidt and has contributed to numerous peer- reviewed papers in the academic literature. She is a passionate advocate of evidence-based research that equips carers with the appropriate information and tools that will help them best support someone through their eating disorder. She is currently based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Blurb
It is heartbreaking to learn that your loved one has experienced a miscarriage or molar or ectopic pregnancy. Be it a friend, child or your own partner, it can be hard to know what to say, or how best you can help.
Should you mention the baby or avoid all topics that relate to children? How can you be there for your partner as they grieve, while dealing with your own emotions? What if you’re pregnant and it’s your best friend that has experienced a loss? What if you say the wrong thing?
This accessible guide provides evidence-based advice on supporting someone after a miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy. Clare Foster draws upon her personal experience and that of other women and partners, as well as extensive research, to provide you with the knowledge and practical advice you need to help your loved one. The National Director of the Miscarriage Association, Ruth Bender-Atik, has written a foreword.
Published 2021
256 pages
My Thoughts
Eating Disorders are complex and can be very difficult to talk about with a friend or loved one. How do you start a conversation and where do you go to better understand what the underlying triggers are with the disorder?
Dr. Mac Donald has an extensive background in helping people with eating disorders, including a personal experience with a friend as a carer. She shares her knowledge in a gentle yet informative manner that allows you to broach the subject and help your friend or loved one.
A few of the topics discussed:
What is an eating disorder
The impact on others
Communication
Recovery
Problematic Behavior
She also includes helpful resources you can turn to in the book.
I had an eating disorder as a teen and there were no resources, no knowledge, or places to turn to talk about what I was going thru. This book would have been helpful for those around me to better understand the pain and shame I was going thru.
Dr. Macdonald’s book is a great resource for anyone who has a friend or loved one who has an eating disorder and I highly recommend the book.
Welbeck Publishing Group
Welbeck Publishing Group is an exciting, fast-growing independent publisher based in London, dedicated to publishing only the very best and most commercial books spanning a number of genres and categories, from leading authors and well-known brands to debut talent. We live for books that entertain, excite and enhance the lives of readers around the world.
From building our boutique fiction and narrative non-fiction lists to shaping our world-renowned illustrated reference, gift and children’s titles, our aim is to be a market-leader in every category in which we publish. Our books and products come to life for adults, children, and families in 30 languages in more than 60 countries around the world, selling through a variety of traditional and non-traditional channels. We are constantly looking for new ways to deliver our exceptional content and new ideas to inspire readers and listeners everywhere.
Melinda
10 interesting facts about Melatonin 😴 — Guest Blogger The 3H:health,happiness,healing
Hello everyone🖖 Melatonin, commonly known as the sleep hormone is responsible for our cicardian rythm. But, it has some fascinating facts to be known. 1. The pineal gland, located at the base of the brain, is known to produce 5% of the total quantity of melatonin. Surprisingly, in all of the cells throughout the entire […]
10 interesting facts about Melatonin 😴 — The 3H:health,happiness,healing
Blogger Highlight-Explorations in Psychotherapy
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, Explorations in Psychotherapy.
Explorations in Psychotherapy
Allan is a new blogger and doesn’t have an About Me page yet. I love reading his post and talking to him.
Please stop by and say hello.
Melinda
Book Review Befriending My Brain by James Lindsay
I want to give a special thanks to Andrea Marchiano, Editor from Trigger Publishing for sending Befriending Your Brian to read and review.
Publication
March 2, 2023
Blurb
Like many of us, James Lindsay is no stranger to stress and anxiety. But in his case, leaving those struggles untreated led to a full psychotic episode that hospitalised him for the better part of a month. With the help of medication and therapy, he has now overcome this dark period and is currently living a much happier life.
But his story doesn’t end there. Now, he wants to help others avoid the same fate by sharing his experience, including the red flags he recognises in hindsight and the path he charted to recovery. No matter where you are on your own journey, James’ story will resonate and remind you, as he puts it, that “recovery is always possible, and hope is never far away.”
My Thoughts
Great Quote from the book
“Looking back now, it is clear that my breakdown built up over time as my anxiety increased, but psychosis still gut-punched me hard to finish me off.”
James was plagued with anxiety from a young age but had little knowledge of Mental Illness, let alone Psychosis. He was bullied throughout his school years, and as James got older, his anxiety grew. There were many days he didn’t want to attend class because they called him names, and it was troubling for him. He couldn’t just shake it off.
Shortly before the breakup with his girlfriend of two years, James started to unravel. He starts talking to friends but is not making sense and they became worried. His behavior became more erratic, began hearing voices telling him what to do and Psychosis started. Which lead to more erratic behavior and he was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed as having Acute Psychosis. James stayed in the Psychiatric Hospital for four weeks.
To this point, you can see how his anxiety grew, and having treatment earlier would have helped.
After several medication changes, James is on his way forward. He found a part-time job, and ran a 10K run which was something he did in the past. Doing more helped his confidence grow and help him look forward to life. James not only jumped back into the hobbies he loved but went way out of his comfort zone with other activities. He made friends and started to have a full life helped by CBT.
I love that James includes a list of Apps that provide Mental Health support, a list of what not to say to someone experiencing Mental Illness, a list of Mental Health podcast,s and books to read about Mental Illness. I can certainly relate to the list as I was diagnosed with Bipolar, Anxiety, and PTSD at age 19.
I’ve shared more about the book than usual because it’s important to see that seeking help is the answer to moving forward.
I’m so happy to say James found love again and is married and loving life. Jame’s book is really for anyone with Anxiety, depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia. It’s packed with great examples of the struggles he’s been thru and sticking with treatment, being honest with doctor and taking your medication is the way forward.
Befriending My Brain is a must-buy.
Looking back now, it is clear that my breakdown built up over a long time as my anxiety increased, but psychosis still gut-punched me hard to finish me off.
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
Deep Thoughts
In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!
Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”Self-Blame, Self-Criticism, and Shame — Guest Blogger DocTalk, Explorations in Psychotherapy
Self-Blame, Self-Criticism, and Shame “Self-blame is a cognitive process in which an individual attributes the occurrence of a stressful event to oneself. The direction of blame often has implications for individuals’ emotions and behaviors during and following stressful situations.” “Self-blame is common among adult sexual trauma survivors and it is very common among children who […]
Self-Blame, Self-Criticism, and Shame — DocTalk, Explorations in Psychotherapy
Blogger Highlight-The Fabulous Lyf
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, The Fabulous Lyf.
The Fabulous Lyf
Love | Travel | Adventure
Through the Windows of my blog, I will see the reflection of memories we have created in the name of Lyf, time after time.
While embracing the uncertainties & cherishing the Love, I have gratitude for everything in life.
On these pages, I share my love for Traveling with the world along with everything I experience and the adventures I will be on.
Stop by and see all of her photos.
Melinda
5 Ways to Stay Healthy in Later Life
If you want to stay healthy in later life, or you want to support an older friend or family member, you need to put the right foundations in place. If you know someone who is isolated and older, you might want to visit them sometimes, take them for a walk, or encourage healthy eating.
Healthy Eating
The food we eat is directly related to our health and life quality. This is true at any age, but it’s even more important in later life when the body’s systems are more sensitive. Creating healthy eating patterns can be challenging, but they can also be simple and rewarding when sustained.
When you start eating fresh, healthy foods such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables, you change the expectations of the body. Instead of craving foods high in fats and sugars, your body will start to crave healthier alternatives. Try to encourage healthy eating for you and your family members.
Active Life
The human body has evolved to be active and to move every day. While this can be more challenging when we get older, it is just s important to maintain an active life. There are huge benefits to staying active; it improves energy levels, mental well-being, and the immune system.
When you think about physical activity, you tend to think about running, going to the gym, or yoga, but these activities are not always realistic for older people. But exercise can be moderate and light such as walking, simple stretching, and light weights to improve strength and wellness.
Elder Care
Some people need some additional help when they get older. The onset of disease, mobility issues, and a deterioration in health and wellness mean people need extra support from home carers or need to move into a care home for effective Elder Care. It’s sometimes the best option.
Elder care involves visiting older people, communicating with them, helping them with everyday tasks, and supporting them in a variety of ways. Elder care can be carried out by a family member who is also a carer, a professional carer who visits, or professionals in a care home.
Vitamins
Most people have a vitamin D deficiency; that’s because vitamin D is not naturally produced in the body; it needs to be ingested. Vitamin D can be absorbed from the sun or consumed in vitamin D-rich foods such as oranges and mushrooms. It’s important for overall cognitive health.
Cognitive health becomes more important as we age due to genetic changes, environmental factors, and lifestyle factors. It’s important to pay more attention to cognitive health as we get older by challenging our brains and consuming more vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D.
Communities
Older people suffer more from isolation. They might have lost a spouse but continue to live in their familiar ways, or they might have lost their hearing and don’t like interacting due to embarrassment. However, community connection is incredibly important for mental health and well-being. It’s easier than ever to find a community online, thanks to various digital platforms.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Postpartum Psychosis by Guest Margie Lackfield
This post is very special to me, first Margie shared her story and allowed me to post it. She is an educated woman who wants to help others who experience Postpartum Psychosis. Please share this post with anyone you know who is pregnant or in the first few months of a baby’s life. M
Postpartum depression accompanied by Psychosis
This is not a war to win. It cages a soul and will not allow reason of any kind. I prayed, I begged and I pleaded. You can have me, but you cannot have my daughter.
On this particular morning, I thought I’d heard a knock at my front door, or was that coming from the back door? I trusted nothing. I sat in the nursery until the pounding stopped, and the sound of what I thought was my name being called, ended. Rocking my angel. I sobbed so violently. I wanted the voices and the visions to go away. I wanted nothing more than to save my baby from myself.
Something made me pause. Was that the front lock-set being opened, the door flinging open, were those real voices?
They found me. Jo and Priscilla. They found me, and they did not let go of me. One took the baby, and the other took the phone directory.
And every chance I get, I tell them, “Thank you.”
I spent the following three and a half months in a locked Psych ward.
…
Each one of us has a story that shames us, it can trap us in a sort of hell, but sometimes to escape hell, we must find words to express our grievance. I used to think this would be one that I could not share for fear of losing someone whom I love(d). Now I fear that if I don’t share it, someone may lose their way, they may find themselves lost, alone, aberrant, and of course, crazy. I would rather lose every friend I have for the sacrifice of gaining that one that reached out to me in need. The one that discovered hope, when they felt there was none left. But, if you can find clarity if you can trust that there are people in this world that care first for others, and second for themselves, then you, and they will walk with you through hell. When we have true friends, they don’t leave us when the going gets rough. They stop at nothing to see that we realize how important we are, in their life. They don’t call you, Pyscho, MisFit, or Crazy. They call you, Friend. That having us is a joy, a blessing, a God-send. A true friend does not judge, does not keep a scorecard, and knows that we are them, should they ever need us, and not out of guilt or because a favor needs returning. No, a true friend stands by knowing that without our connection we are only half of ourselves.
When others walked out, you walked in. You asked for nothing in return. You never used my illness to shame me, to discount me, to write me off. You stood beside me and carried me through my darkest hours. Priscilla, Senn, and Jo McCormack thank you for seeing me when I could not see myself. But more than anything, thank you for saving my Megan from the psychotic lunatic that I had become. We have fought hard to win, and without each of you, I would have lost. It took three and a half months, out-of-state, in a mental institution, a number of medications, and therapy sessions, but I came home, loving and vowed that one day I would share this story.
Never give up hope. When you are at your weakest, grasp for straws. Dial for help. Swallow your pride. Do not fear that you will be labeled, CRAZY, for the rest of your life, even by those you thought would stand behind you through thick and thin. One of the best pieces of advice given to me was these words:
“They already think you’re crazy. Nothing you do, or say, will change their opinion. Absolutely nothing, therefore, be yourself. Only you know the journey and the victory.”
To Megan,
I promised you I would finish a tale that I had begun earlier in one of my posts. I think I even noted Day 16 as the day that I would write it. Day 16, arrived, but the time didn’t feel ‘just right’. Today it does. I believe you will recall the post, original, and if not, I’ll help you retrieve it.
I spent three full days in bed making Pom-Poms out of tissues. And not intentionally. “No, Martha, I did not use your official cut-and-twist guide.” I fashioned mine while I tried building a dam to nowhere, for my sinus drainage. I took my temperature so many times I killed the battery in the thermometer. I’ve never slept so many hours in my life! This comes from someone who suffers extreme bits of insomnia. Food? I found two cans of soup at the back of the cupboard and considering we don’t eat processed canned items I can’t help but wonder where they came from, much less, why I consumed them.
I’d had enough of this Chit, so by 10:00 a.m., I drug my lazy self out of bed and into the steaming shower, threw on some clothes, and asked Hannah if she’d like to go for a walk.
I thought I’d heard a lot of commotion over the roar of my blow dryer, but I wasn’t in the mood to go ‘seek-and-find,’ what all the mischief was. Once dressed, and out the door, I looked up the street to see the fire truck. What the heck?!#&@
Okay, right off the bat I have to confess. I’m not into seeking out horror. I can’t handle it. Put me in a car, drive me down the freeway, and have someone shout, “Look! There’s been a car accident!” What do I do? Slither down in my seat and turn my head in the opposite direction. If I’m the one who happens to be driving, you won’t find me rubbernecking.
Where was I going with this?
The Walk…(and not on the wild side.)
Finally, on our way, we journey toward the coffee shop. I realize I can’t enter, doggie and all, but then I remember the new app I have downloaded on my phone. Hannah and I mosey up to the patio and sit down. Attempting to order, I realize this app needs a few software upgrades, but I’m not in the mood to hack up the menu in broad daylight, much less try to find a work-around on the store’s wi-fi firewall. Dang, I can’t just walk away, the pup is looking at me with those sweet, begging eyes as if to ask, “How much longer, Mummy?”
Thinking comes quick when smitten by a man’s best friend. I lasso a chair with her harness and tie the pup securely to it, placing her in full view of any area I’ll find myself at once inside the store.
…..Admit it, you’re just a wee bit bored, but you just can’t seem to pull yourself away from all the action. Consider yourself a rubbernecker and let’s get moving…..
We are at a junction in the road. If we take the route we came, we’re out 1.5 miles, but if we journey the alternate route we are out 1.5 miles. Decisions, decisions, oh, and the trick math question at the end. (Find your calculators.)
Let’s go rogue. I’m caffeinated and jet-packed by toxic chemicals from eating rancid soup. What could go wrong?
The Traffic Light!…(into the jungle)
The sucker must have been rigged for red-light runners! Hannah and I were caught in the median of a crazed intersection. Everyone dreams of a cuppa joe or a fuel tank of $2.35 gasoline. I think the only thing that saved us was the California Highway Patrol t-shirt my son (in-law) gave me. I looked, OFFICIAL!
Okay, I was only a third grey, now color me white-headed. I match the dog now. Lesson learned: Rubberneckers. “You folks are everywhere!” One of you almost put tire tracks on my bright orange and pink sneakers. Tell the truth, “We’re you wanting my eye color or that close-up of fear earmarked across my face?”
…..This painstakingly will end at some point. Why don’t you take a snooze and check back later for the mischief of the last mile and a half?….
Safely in a green space, we walk among the oak trees listening to the sound of acorns dropping in our midst. (Note to self: Bring bike helmets in the future.) Meandering along and I look up to see we are at the high school. My heart skips a beat, and then another. “Wasn’t it just yesterday?” Oh, how time does fly. But I won’t let this moment go. I grab my phone and take a couple of photos. I zip them off to my two beautiful daughters. They’ll open their messages and go back in time themselves. I wonder at what moments their day will stand still? I knew mine. I know it well. I’ll cherish it forever.
There I sat awaiting the dismissal bell. The bell echoes. Oh, I miss that bell. I miss all the ringing of that far-off bell.
Saturday my youngest daughter moves away from home. Off to her grown-up home. Not a dorm room, no, those days are gone, too. There’s part of me that wants her to go, but then there is that part of me that knows how far away she may one day travel. And yet, I must give her the pieces of the apron strings, the wings to fly, to soar, to dream and dare.
Did anyone find me a pen and some paper? Did you find your calculators? Get ready, here she blows:
If I live 1.5 miles in one direction, yet I am able to travel in an opposing direction 1.5 miles and arrive at my origination, what direction am I traveling?
We set off to run errands. Hannah’s errands, actually. I should just admit that some days I simply say to hell with the housework, laundry included, and I put my best friend in the car and we set about finding mischief.
We ran thru the CVS drive-through to pick up some of my meds and beg for the usual dog biscuit. FAIL! They were out of treats.
Starbucks redeemed her spirit though when they gave her a Puppy Whip. It’s a small cup container filled with whipped cream.
Across the railroad tracks and we head into Southlake. The outdoor shopping mall is always fun. There are fountains galore and hundreds of shade trees. Unfortunately, they have no outdoor drinking fountains. Hannah drank a bit of my iced tea as I cursed myself for not having brought along her collapsible water bowl and some water. Finally, I recalled the Whole Earth Provisions Store allows dogs in their store. I took my girl in and she made a group of newly found friends, all human and eager to dote upon her. Someone snagged a dog treat for her and everyone took turns petting her.
The girl is worn out. Now resting with a full tummy of treats and back inside to the cooled air conditioning.
___________________________
Post-Partartum Psychosis has to be taken seriously. I ask you to reach out for help and keep an eye on a loved one or signs of Depression or Psychosis.
She’s a survivor and an extremely strong woman. I’ve never met someone as strong as she is, it blows my mind what she’s been thru and the pain she must feel.
Melinda
Looking for the Light 