I want to give a special thanks to Editor, Andrea Marchiano from Cherish Editions for sending me the book This Is Mandy by Mandy Kay.
Blurb
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that affects millions of people of all ages. Unfortunately, it is often kept a secret – and that’s true in the case of young Mandy, too.
Mandy’s OCD affects her life at home and school, as she spends so much time on her compulsions and obsessions: washing her hands, brushing her hair, checking locks, and re-writing her classwork – over and over and over. But Mandy comes to realize that OCD isn’t shameful, and it doesn’t have to be hidden. Instead, speaking up helps her to feel like herself again.
Publication date: 31/03/2022
ISBN: 978-1-913615-54-3 32 pages
My Thoughts
Having OCD is hard for adults but think about how children feel about their OCD. They are still growing, being judged at school, and do not understand why they do the things they do. Not to mention the stigma. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is broad-reaching, it can affect your entire day. I can’t imagine the stress a child must feel.
Mandy has an art project, she has to paint a portrait of herself. She spends so much time picking the right paint and brush she has little time to draw. But she finished and the portrait has a red face, and black eyes, basically looking very unhappy. Her teacher is alarmed by her work she takes her to a private place to talk about why she drew herself that way. Mandy likes her teacher and opens up about her morning rituals. The teacher reassures her there is nothing to be scared of and that she would get her some help.
Once Mandy gets the help, she feels better. Mandy is confident now and feels good about herself and the future.
I would recommend this book to all children and adults to read to their children. It highlights the struggle with OCD and with treatment life is better. The other moral of the story is trusting someone to share your problems with can often help you deal with them.
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.
When I read about the new Kuau FrequenCell, I had to try it! A special thanks to Communications Director Nassia Bitha for sending me the product and being so easy to work with. Be sure to visit Vital Field’s websiteto see the science behind each product, Vital Field does extensive research and testing before a new FrequenCell is released.
The Kuau Cell has been developed for everyone interested in improving their quality of life and revealing their highest potential.
About Vital Field
The cumulative expert knowledge and the science of using precisely targeted frequencies for health management and pain management are now, for the first time in history, available to end-users worldwide. Vitalfield applications don’t replace or compete with traditional medicine or conventional treatment methods. They are intended to provide an alternative treatment to pain and health, when conventional methods fail to provide significant results on their own. With zero negative side effects reported and over 80% reported satisfaction from customers, we are confident in offering a full money-back guarantee if our product does not work for you.
Since Vitalfield products are safe, natural, non-invasive and non-chemical, it’s worthwhile to see if our product can reduce your pain and improve your life.
About the Frequencell
Kuau Cell is a special Energy Cell. In it, the energy of a shamanic ritual, ancient herbal knowledge, and energized water all merge together. The unusual ingredients from the digitized version of the medicinal cactus ritual are a key factor. This ritual’s purpose is rooted in deep cleansing and reconnecting with Mother Earth. The high alkaloid cactus extract used is not psychoactive, but acts as a cell activator.
My Experience
I started wearing on 9/22/22 and have seen an increase in energy and clarity. I plan to wear it longer to get the full effect and will keep you up to date.
Today is the 25th and I’ve only taken one nap, that’s a huge improvement over every day. I woke up at 4:00 am today and have not had a nap. I worked in the garden, deadheaded my roses, and several other plants in the backyard. I even put fertilizer in the Hibiscus plant and thinned indoor flowers.
I recommend the Kuau Cell to anyone looking for increased energy and clarity.
You can find more information on all Frequencells here
Use discount code LIGHT20 for 20% off any Vital Field product.
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 I highlight a new blogger, Adventure is out there.
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”→
Today’s prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “home.” Use it as a noun, a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. Enjoy!
When I think of home, I think about my grandparent’s house. I went to live with them at 14 years old. We lived in a very old part of town, the house was 900 sq ft, with no shower, window air conditioners, no cable, no dishwasher, and one bathroom.
I had the best growing up years in that house. Without all the technology in the house, no cable or Internet, you had more face time with each other and family. That’s how we spent our days, we cooked together, hand washed and dried the dishes.
They lived on a 1/3 acre of land so we had a huge garden. Gramps was the master gardener. We ate fresh veggies and fruits every day. We didn’t have canned food except for asparagus which granny loved.
It was a simple life and it was a great life for a teenager to grow up in such an environment. I was very sad when we sold the home, all the memories flashed back as we prepared to sell the house.
Melinda
Here are the rules:
1. Your post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write. 2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop. 3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a particular subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started. 4. Ping back! It’s important, so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below. 5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post. 6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get! 7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views. 8. Have fun!
For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at: Linda G Hill
Maybe you’ve heard the buzzword Neuroplasty and wondered if it could help with chronic pain. I’m quite curious so this post is a learning experience for me too.
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s capacity to continue growing and evolving in response to life experiences. Plasticity is the capacity to be shaped, molded, or altered; neuroplasticity, then, is the ability of the brain to adapt or change over time, by creating new neurons and building new networks.
The importance of neuroplasticity can’t be overstated: It means that it is possible to change dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behaving and to develop new mindsets, new memories, new skills, and new abilities.
It is obvious that we do many physical things automatically. It generally takes little conscious effort to walk, gesture, chew, or balance while riding a bicycle. We routinely accomplish relatively difficult tasks without too much thought. It is frequently not necessary to think about how to accomplish these tasks because our brains have learned and practiced these skills so well that they occur with little or no effort. In addition to physical activities, we have learned certain cognitive skills that we typically perform with minimal mental effort, such as adding simple numbers, reading, typing, and recognizing certain patterns of speech as belonging to certain dialects.
The reason we are able to accomplish these feats quickly and effortlessly is that neural networks or pathways have been formed in our brains with connections to our bodies. These pathways are very specific and unique to an individual, and they consist of thousands of brain cells devoted to these tasks. They can be very simple or quite complex. For example, most people have the experience of driving somewhere familiar and not recalling exactly how they got there. They were in autopilot mode.
What happens to these pathways in states of disease or dysfunction?
An acquaintance told me this story. He served in Vietnam in the late 1960’s and his company was ambushed. His unit sustained many injuries and some were killed. He incurred shrapnel wounds to his left leg and was eventually “medevacked” to safety. He returned home and limped on that leg with a fair amount of pain for several months. However, after rehabilitation, he recovered. Both the pain and limping resolved and he felt fine. About 20 years later, while taking a walk with his wife, he had a sudden recurrence of the old pain and limping. He mentioned this to his wife, who asked, “Did you notice that?” A helicopter was buzzing overhead. The pain was learned by the brain due to an injury and then reactivated later by a triggering stimulus.
Neural pathway pain is the cause of many disorders that will be discussed in this blog, including fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches and several other common conditions. Fortunately, it is very possible to reverse neural pathway pain for the same reason that it began: neuroplasticity. The brain has non-pain neural pathways to all areas of the body, which have not been forgotten, and activation of these pathways will turn off the painful pathways. I saw a woman who had pain in two areas: her wrist and her jaw. However, instead of having pain that was present on a regular basis, her pain alternated between these two spots. She would have pain in her wrist for several days and this pain would completely disappear only to be replaced by pain in the jaw; then the situation would reverse. This pattern of pain is highly suggestive of neural pathway pain. Another common pattern is for people to develop pain in one spot for several months, which disappears only to be replaced by pain in another area, and at a later date, that pain resolves leading to a different pain.
What Are Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Neuroplasty?
The advantages of neuroplasty include that, when done by experienced medical professionals, it’s a safe and effective.
Another attraction of neuroplasty? There are virtually no side effects or risks. The procedure is minimally invasive, unlike open surgery. Because the procedure is fluoroscopically- guided, the medical professional has a precise view of where to safely perform the procedure.
How Long Does Neuroplasty Recovery Take?
A big advantage to neuroplasty, unlike having major spine surgery, is that you’ll be able to return home the same day as the procedure and return to work and/or your daily routine the day after.
Typically, after the procedure the back pain relief will either disappear instantly or may resolve over a couple of weeks. You may feel some achiness as the anesthesia dissipates.
Dr. Helm notes that, “In some patients, relief may not occur initially, but can occur later, as the patient performs the neural flossing.”
Neural or “nerve” flossing consists of exercises designed to mobilize nerves and help relieve pain created by compressed or irritated nerves. The exercises help to increase range of motion, relieving pain, and minimizing nerve damage. The exercises can also improve overall flexibility and strength.
He recommends that neural flossing exercises to mechanically stretch the nerve root, “Should be done two to three times a day for several months to enhance the hydrostatic effect of the injection and to prevent recurrence of entrapment.”
After the procedure, medication may be prescribed post procedure to decrease and prevent nerve irritation.
Dr. Helm advises that, “Neuroplasty stands in a continuum, from more conservative to more invasive procedures. Generally, one would want to do neuroplasty prior to more aggressive procedures, such as surgery or spinal cord or peripheral nerve stimulation.”
Pain relief from neuroplasty can last two years or more, according to some research. All in all, neuroplasty is a tool in a spine specialist’s toolbox, but it might be the right tool for the job for you.
Neuroplasty treatment includes an injection, the good news is it’s minimally invasive. I’ve heard other chronic illness patients talk about Neuroplasty and became curious. I’ll keep you updated as I learn more. It’s great news that the treatments can last two years! Two years of relief sounds impossible but it’s not.
Does this post makes sense or is it too medical? That faadback is priceless for a Blogger to know.
We all know that life can get busy. As a result, it can be hard to find the time to treat ourselves or indulge in doing the things that we really love. However, there are a number of reasons why having a hobby can be a really great thing. Hobbies are often much more than just enjoying ‘me time as they can also be something that can be so vital for our overall well-being and our mental health. A hobby is one of the best ways that you can spend your spare time, unwind from your normal routine, and feel happier and healthier as a result.
In fact, there is research that has shown that people who have hobbies are much less likely to feel stressed, low mood, or depressed. So if that isn’t enough reason to find a hobby that you love, we don’t know what is! No matter what kind of hobby you choose, from an academic hobby, a creative hobby, an athletic hobby, or something else more personal, it is important to find things that give you meaning and that you ultimately find enjoyable. When you enjoy it, you will want to carve out time for it to make sure that it happens. So with all of this in mind, here are a few hobbies that can work wonders for your mental health. What would you choose?
If you have an interest in music and want to learn to play an instrument, then it can be an amazing hobby for a number of reasons. Playing music is something that is a fantastic way to help yourself to feel less stressed, and it can be useful when wanting to channel any uncomfortable feelings or emotions that you might have. You can also enjoy the social aspect of a musical hobby if you are interested in joining a group, a band, or an orchestra. Having goals is all part of beating anxiety or depression, and there are plenty of things that are goal-orientated when it comes to music. You will also have the distraction of learning an instrument as you need to fit in time to play it. That will require your focus and mean that you don’t have to focus on other things that are causing you stress or worry.
Gardening
Gardening is a great hobby for people that love to be outdoors and be at one with nature. Even if you’re not too keen on the outdoors, getting out in your yard can work wonders when you are feeling low. You can plant your favorite flowers which will require planning or research, as well as planting fruits and veggies. You will need to do research to know what will be best to do and when, and it can be a hobby that can definitely help you in a physical way, as well as from a mental health perspective too.
Gardening can be a hobby that is very rewarding, as you will see things that will grow because of your efforts in taking care of them. Appreciating nature and the outdoors can also go a long way to help your stress levels, as well as anxiety. So it should be a hobby to consider if you are looking for something new to try.
Cars and automobiles
If you have a passion for cars and automobiles, then it can be a good idea to incorporate those into a hobby of yours. You could have a hobby of making kit cars, which can be extremely rewarding as you see something come together that you can then use, all from your hard work, research, and expertise. You could look at replacing things like car batteries, but make sure that you use a good battery finder to get the right one for your needs. You could also look into repairing engines and learning how to do things like oil changes, which can be such a useful thing to know and save you a lot of money down the line.
From another point of view, you could also get into cars and automobile hobbies by getting into racing. It could be off-road racing, it could be sports car racing, or even something like biking, trail bikes, and even BMX biking.
There are a number of benefits to our mental health that come from physical exercise. Yoga is one of those ways that you can exercise that does have a benefit to mental health. It has grown and grown in popularity in recent years, due to it being a way to move and be active and help your mental health. Yoga works well as a hobby because it can calm our nervous system. It can also help with depression and help to reduce any muscle tension. You can watch classes online or attend them locally. Some easy poses can be done at home, although it is a good idea to seek advice from an instructor if you want to take things to the next level. When you are doing something new, your focus is on the task at hand, which can take your mind off other things.
Writing
Writing is a great hobby, and it is one of the most simple choices out there. It costs very little and can be done at any time. Writing out on pen and paper, rather than on a computer or phone notes can do great things for your mind. You could have the creative element of writing a novel or using the time to write more of a journal which can be very cathartic. As a result, it can offer a number of benefits, and help you to relieve stress, help depression, eliminate anxiety, and even help your memory and improve your sleep.
Putting thoughts down on paper means that you can identify some negative thoughts and behaviors, and then they are no longer in your mind. You can also use this time to write down how things are going as a way to replace negative thoughts with happier and more positive ones.
We dance round in a ring and suppose, but the secret sits in the middle and knows. – Robert Frost
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 I highlight a new blogger, The Secret Dance.
We dance round in a ring and suppose, but the secret sits in the middle and knows. – Robert Frost
I’ve been living in a world of secrets and lies my entire life. Some are my own. Others I keep to protect myself and those who have hurt me. I’ve been too afraid to tell or ask for help. I try to manage them on my own. I’ve been afraid of being hurt and rejected again. These secrets have stifled me. Swallowed me whole. Sucked the life out of me. Robbed me of happiness. Defined me and who I thought I was. Unlovable. Inadequate. Unworthy. Small. I don’t want to feel this pain anymore. I want to be alive and free to feel. I want a voice. Here is where this will happen. Here, the secrets will come alive and be released and truth will win.
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”→
If you’re reading this, then you may be considering starting a mental health practice. This is an exciting endeavor, but it’s also a lot of work. There are many things to consider before you get started. This blog post will discuss tips that will help you get your practice off the ground and running smoothly!
Before you do anything, it’s important to do your research. Learn about the different types of mental health practices, what services they offer, and what their target market is. This will help you determine what type of practice you want to start and what services you need to offer. It’s also important to research the competition in your area. This will give you an idea of what you’re up against and how you can stand out from the rest. Consider animal therapy as another form of treatment!
2: Build a practice that meets your needs
When you’re starting a mental health practice, it’s important to build one that meets your needs. You need to consider what type of clients you want to work with, what services you want to offer, and what your ideal practice looks like. This will help you narrow down your options and make sure that you’re creating a practice that is right for you.
You can also talk to your home builder about designing a secluded office in the back of your home.
3. Build a website
In today’s world, having a website is essential for any business. This is your chance to show potential clients who you are and what you can offer them. Make sure that your website is professional and easy to navigate. Include information about your practice, your services, and how to contact you. You should also consider creating a blog or podcast to help promote your practice.
Creating a social media presence is also important. Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to connect with potential clients and promote your practice.
4. Develop a marketing strategy
If you want your mental health practice to succeed, you must develop a marketing strategy. There are many ways to market your practice, so it’s important to find the ones that work best for you. You can use traditional methods like print ads and direct mail, or you can get creative and use social media or online advertising. Whichever methods you choose, make sure that your marketing is consistent and professional.
5. Get the word out
Once you have your website up and running, it’s time to start promoting your practice. Make sure that your friends and family know about your new business. You can also promote your practice through local events and speaking engagements. Get involved in your community and let people know what you do!
Starting a mental health practice is a lot of work, but it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Use these tips to get started on the right foot and set yourself up for success! Do your research, build a website, develop a marketing strategy, and get the word out about your new business. With some hard work and dedication, you can make your mental health practice thrive!
I found a list of medications most commonly prescribed for muscle spasms. It’s extensive and I think you’ll find it educational. The off-label uses and what is at the local store are not on the list below. See if your doctor has tried everything for your spasms.
A spasm may be a muscle contraction caused by abnormal nerve stimulation or by abnormal activity of the muscle itself.
A spasm may lead to muscle strains or tears in tendons and ligaments if the force of the spasm exceeds the tensile strength of the underlying connective tissue. This can occur with a particularly strong spasm or with weakened connective tissue.
A hypertonic muscle spasm is a condition of chronic, excessive muscle tone (i.e., tension in a resting muscle). This is the amount of contraction that remains when a muscle is not working. A true hypertonic spasm is caused by malfunctioning feedback nerves. This is much more serious and is permanent unless treated. In this case, the hypertonic muscle tone is excessive, and the muscles are unable to relax.
A subtype of spasm is colic. This is an episodic pain caused by spasm of smooth muscle in a particular organ (e.g., the bile duct). A characteristic of colic is the sensation of having to move about, and the pain may induce nausea or vomiting.
Muscle spasms — in which a muscle tenses and cramps spontaneously — may be acute and they can also appear in a chronic form. If muscle spasms become chronic, they may cause pain and interfere in a person’s everyday activities.
Muscle spasms generally occur due to the overuse of the muscles, or they are associated with muscle tear and strain. Dehydration or an imbalance in electrolytes are two other frequent causes of muscle spasms. Even something as simple as not warming up before exercising can lead to muscle spasms.
Every muscle in the body can be affected by spasm. People who have to deal with chronic muscle spasms are advised to consult a doctor in order to receive proper treatment. The underlying cause of chronic muscle spasms must be identified.
List of centrally acting SMRs
Generic name
Brand name
Form
Generic available
carisoprodol
Soma
tablet
yes
carisoprodol/aspirin
not available
tablet
yes
carisoprodol/aspirin/codeine
not available
tablet
yes
chlorzoxazone
Parafon Forte, Lorzone
tablet
yes
cyclobenzaprine
Fexmid, Flexeril, Amrix
tablet, extended-release capsule
tablet only
metaxalone
Skelaxin, Metaxall
tablet
yes
methocarbamol
Robaxin
tablet
yes
orphenadrine
Norflex
extended-release tablet
yes
tizanidine
Zanaflex
tablet, capsule
yes
List of antispastics
Generic name
Brand name
Form
Generic available
baclofen
Lioresal, Gablofen, Lioresal
tablet, injection
yes
dantrolene
Dantrium
tablet
yes
diazepam
Valium
List of antispastics
Generic name
Brand name
Form
Generic available
baclofen
Lioresal, Gablofen, Lioresal
tablet, injection
yes
dantrolene
Dantrium
tablet
yes
diazepam
Valium
Treatment for muscle spasms
Chronic muscle spasms generally lead to muscle soreness and pain. In the majority of cases, patients would be recommended to have plenty of rest. The rest is not supposed to last longer than a few days, since regular but light physical movement helps.
A person may deal with muscle spasm by increasing a certain physical routine gradually. Furthermore, if one’s physical activity leads to muscle spasms, it can be replaced with an easier or less intense activity.
In people who have already suffered from muscle spasms, there is an increased chance for spasms to reoccur. To prevent the recurrence of muscle spasm, one may perform simple exercises such as stretching in order to increase the flexibility and elasticity of the joints and muscles.
The affected muscle can be wrapped in a comfortable bandage as it heals. This can successfully prevent internal muscular bleeding and the onset of repeated series of muscle spasms. And finally, there is one more way how to deal with muscle spasms. Home remedies for muscle spasms and cramps include relaxation techniques. Massage, heat therapies, and cold compresses are not supposed to be applied during the very attack of muscle spasm. They may be applied only after the spasms have subsided.
If you suffer from repeated muscle spasms, it is advisable to seek medical care for proper diagnosis and, where relevant, treatment. Should your muscle spasms not be caused by simple overexertion but instead by an underlying medical condition, you will want to be aware of the cause, so that you can receive treatment or learn how to best manage your muscle spasms.
I suffer from chronic muscle spasms, which bother me the most at bedtime. Maybe because all the chatter is gone. I take Methocarbamol, and cream for pain from Clearing to treat my spasms but I see there are several that are extended-release medications so I’ll talk with her about that.
It’s always interesting to me to look at the books people have. You can learn so much about them. I’ve included a few photos of my books. See if you can guess what I’m into.
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 I highlight a new blogger, Thirty-Four.
Just another girl trying to make her way through life.
I am a daughter, friend, student, the middle child of seven siblings, auntie, godmother and a child of God. I also have an Eating Disorder. Anorexia Nervosa; binge purging subtype. Major depressive disorder, chemical dependency issues, severe anxiety disorder, OCD, self-harm and suicidal ideation. But I am MORE than my diagnoses! Currently in the middle of a relapse, but relapses are a part of RECOVERY! This is a snapshot of my journey through this crazy thing called LIFE!
Thirty-Four is a new blog and I look forward to seeing her journey.
America has an interest in where the Monarchy goes from here and no better person than Prince Charles to lead the way forward. He’s spent his life in dedication to his mother the Queen of England. His life has been spent watching and learning. He couldn’t have had a better teacher.
King Charles III is probably the most experienced King to date. I have confidence he will lead the Church and Monarchy forward with the knowledge of history and a nob to the contemporary.
I know the world is mourning and also knows brighter days are ahead. King Charles III will flourish in his new role and be a great mentor to the Prince and Princess of Wales.
This is my daughter, Giffy, she’s a Brussels Griffon we got from a shelter. She’s feisty and needs lots of activity to keep her from getting grumpy. Two walks a day help keep her happy. She’s a beautiful dog and is fun when she’s in the mood. This morning, she woke me up at 5:30 am because she knows not to bother my husband until 6:00 am.
I want to send a special thank you to the Managing Editor of Trigger Publishing, Soraya Nair for sending me Monkey Mind by Keith Naylor to read and review.
Publication date: 26/07/2021
ISBN: 106 pages
Blub
Can you pinpoint the exact moment that your struggle with mental health started? Keith Naylor attempts to do so in his book Monkey Mind, but he’s not the only one on this trek back in time. He’s also got Tonky – the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey that chatters away in his brain – to help him uncover the causes for his depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Retracing Keith and Tonky’s steps might help you understand your own journey with mental health, too.
My Thoughts
This quote is in the Introduction and I love this, it’s a great life quote.
“Be true to yourself. You can be whatever you like, but don’t let your mind hold you back.”
You know that old saying, “I have a monkey on my back? The book Monkey Mind reminds me of the saying only in this case the monkeys are weighing down Kieth’s brain and raising the level of negative self-talk. He takes us on the journey to find answers to when his struggles with mental health started.
Kieth is an only child and doesn’t remember his birth except for what he could get from his father and family members. He was born with a deformity to his leg and had to wear a full leg cast until grade school. He no longer requires a cast but does have a limp if overly tired and is conscious of his leg being different.
Tonky is the name of Kieth’s monkey, and Tonky can keep him from sleeping for nights on end. My monkey keeps me up while trying to go to sleep, she can be so busy that I don’t fall asleep for hours or have to get out of bed.
As for early trauma Kieth not only had to wear a cast to straighten his leg, his favorite Guinea Pig was killed and he was bullied unmercifully at school. This was his early start in the world. As we all know there are many hardships along the way and Kieth has more than his share.
Kieth continues to struggle as he looks for the perfect job, each time being let down. He joins the RAF and finds out he’s not made up for all the yelling and insults from his superior. He continues to take us on his journey for answers.
This book is for anyone who has a monkey on the brain that continues to ask questions. or interferes with your daily activities. We all have an inner talk, it can be positive or negative talk. I would recommend this book to anyone who has anxiety, depression, or trauma in their background.
Monkey Mind is also a great resource for parents who see their child struggling. It can help you understand what children go thru, since getting them to share their inner demons can be hard.
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.
When talking with family and friends, can you pick up on their comments about potential red flags or how to have a conversation about depression to learn more?
I’ve suffered from depression since childhood. The statements belove are some comments that need to grab your attention to ask more questions. It can be simple like how are you doing? or what can I do to help? The helping is often in the asking, asking provides some affirmation that they are noticed.
I feel like I’m carrying the world on my shoulders.
Nothing matters.
Ghosting everyone.
They or their house looks more untidy than normal.
Cuts on their hands or arm (could be expressing her feelings by cutting herself. This is a delicate case.)
Loses or gains weight very quickly. ( could be medication side effects which are very frustrating.)
Won’t look you in the eye.
Lack of enthusiasm.
How are you managing?
Find Your Words has a great post that covers the topic of identifying depression and how to get the conversation going.
Everyone is different and so is their communication style. The main thing is doing something to help. Let them talk and you find a time to gently probe.
These are some questions
How are you?
What can I do for you?
Have you seen your doctor?
Are you planning on hurting yourself?
Are you under a lot of stress at work? What’s going on?
What action can I take right now?
Who can I call?
How are you feeling?
Do you want to go for a walk or get a coffee?
What’s going on?
These are just a small number of questions. I hope this will help you, a family member, or a friend. To get the best help from your inner circle is to let them know what are some of the comments you make, or other things you do to show your depression. This gives them the opportunity to know when you need support.
Depression is a complex disorder and anyone can be depressed sometime in their life. If your depression is ongoing, make an appointment with your Psychiatrist. You need the assistance of a doctor who has the right skills to help you.
Negativity does not have many positives to it. Sometimes negativity can be associated with skepticism which can be good to ensure a mote robust group decision-making process. However, let’s distingush between negativity and negative people. Negativity can either be a temporary or longheld state. Yet, negative people are forever in that state and hardly ever […]
Many new bloggers might not be familiar with the habit of giving people awards for different accomplishments. I participated in awards for ages. When I reached 100 awards I had to take them down, they were crowding out my blog. It was fun to get an award occasionally but to get several awards in one week is too much. Below is one of my awards from 2015 from a devoted follower, Alygoeres.
If you are interested, do some searches to find blogging awards.
A Bit About Alygoeres
I’m a free spirit, unbounded by any rules… but I do believe in RESPECTING ALL. I’ve been through so much in life, and I have reason to believe that there are many more people out there who have sailed in the same boat as I. It’s for that profound reason that I decided to share my experiences on this site, so I can motivate someone; help them understand that there’s so much to live than just resigning oneself to misery…
I wrote a post in June 2014, about my mother leaving me at the county hospital at eight years old. I reposted the above for your viewing. Alygoeres replied quickly with supportive words and prayers. We formed a strong bond immediately. You’ll find her site motivating. Alygoeres has provided constant support from the beginning of my Lyme Disease journey.
Moving to the requirements of the blog, here are Seven Facts About Me.
Seven Facts About Me:
My brother shot me in the leg with his new BB Gun when I was 10 years old
I have to take every car for a ride to see how fast it will go
Fascinated by the Mafia, particularly Russian.
I love Horses, one time rode a horse thru a Jack in the Box. They freaked, what were horses doing in the city?
I went to Daytona Bike Week. Looking at all the bike paint jobs, motors, and fat tires, the sound was like a dream. I enjoyed riding the Harley on the beach.
I love music yet can’t carry a tune or play an instrument. I made an effort with lessons in Clarinet, Piano, and Guitar.
I’m an Ordained Minister
I’m blessed to receive the Very Inspiring Blogger Award twice from Alygeorges. Lyme Disease has me in a stranglehold. She keeps me in her prayers and is a great support person. I hope you will spend time on Alygeorges site, alygeorges.wordpress.com. Please stop by her site, you will find her enlightening.
I will complete the nomination process at a later date.
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 I highlight a new blogger, And Then I Slept.
I live in Vermont. The perfect place to heal. I have been moving through the process of reclaiming my life from the effects of extensive childhood trauma. There are up days and down days. But my hope is that through this blog I can use humor and some of the things I have learned along the way. To reach back into the room of a thousand demons that we walk through and help someone else on their journey.
The face is one of the first places that aging becomes evident. Crow’s feet, laugh lines, and wrinkles can make you look older than you actually are. But there are ways to fight back against Father Time and keep your face looking young and fresh.
Exfoliating your skin on a regular basis is another great way to keep your face looking young. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells that can make your complexion appear dull. There are a variety of ways to exfoliate your skin, including using a gentle scrub or an exfoliating brush.
Get some facials
If you want to take things a step further, you can also get facials. Facials can help improve your skin’s appearance by deep cleaning it and providing nourishment. There are a variety of different types of facials available, so be sure to consult with a professional to find the best one for your needs.
Moisturize
One of the best ways to achieve a youthful appearance is to make sure your skin is well hydrated. Moisturizing your skin helps to plump up fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful appearance. In addition, using a quality serum or face oil can help to give your skin an extra boost of hydration.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is also crucial for achieving a youthful appearance. When you don’t get enough sleep, it shows on your skin. For example, you may develop dark circles under your eyes, or your skin may look dull and tired. So aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night to help your skin look its best.
There are a number of anti-aging products on the market that can help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Look for products that contain retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids, as these ingredients have been shown to be effective at combating the signs of aging.
Try Botox
Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment that can temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The injections work by paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles, giving your face a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Consider laser resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses lasers to remove the top layer of skin, revealing the newer, unbroken skin beneath. The procedure can help to smooth out wrinkles and give your face a more youthful appearance.
Use of sunscreen
Finally, be sure to protect your skin from the sun. Ultraviolet rays can damage the collagen in your skin, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. So wear sunscreen every day, even if you’re just going outside for a short period of time. Therefore, it’s important to always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. And, if you’ll be spending extended periods of time in the sun, be sure to wear protective clothing, such as a hat and long-sleeved shirt.
In Conclusion
Following these simple tips, you can help to achieve a more youthful appearance. Alternatively, take a look at upneeq for more options. Just remember to be patient – it takes time for your skin to show the benefits of your new routine.
I’ve written many posts to you on your birthday since you took your life and granny’s heart. I knew you were going to kill yourself but one can never imagine how it feels when it actually happens. The pain doesn’t stop with the notification, it continues with cleaning out the house, selling it, the insurance paperwork, and arranging a funeral, each one a painful step.
I chose to remember the memories we made before the divorce. I was 6.5 years old, mama took us to the lake, and we set on the picnic tables. She tells you’re leaving, my brother and I were shocked and very confused. It was so sad, the memory burned into my brain, we came home and you and gramps were driving off. We didn’t even get to say goodbye.
You loved her, never forgot about her and that’s why you had the divorce papers out on the table the day you died.
We would go to the convenience store and get a soda, back then all they had was glass bottles and you had to make a deposit on the bottle. You received your money back when you brought the bottle in. We sit in the car and listened to the radio just singing our hearts while we drank our soda.
I remember when you had a part-time job at the grocery store and you would bring home the dented cans. I would sneak out of bed and help you put everything in the pantry.
You loved Hank Williams Sr. and Elvis, we would sing our hearts out to the albums night after night.
I don’t have many good memories, and if I do, they are memories of us going clubbing when I was nine years old. The parties you took me to, they were all inappropriate for a child. It only got crazier as I got older.
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.
Before it was a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states. After municipal ordinances were passed in 1885 and 1886, a movement developed to secure state legislation. New York was the first state to introduce a bill, but Oregon was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on February 21, 1887. During 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York – passed laws creating a Labor Day holiday. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.
The First Labor Day
According to the New Jersey Historical Society, after President Cleveland signed the law creating a national Labor Day, the Paterson Morning Call published an opinion piece stating that “the souvenir pen should go to Alderman Matthew Maguire of this city, who is the undisputed author of Labor Day as a holiday.” Both Maguire and McGuire attended the country’s first Labor Day parade in New York City that year.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “why”. Use it any way you’d like.
Enjoy
!
Today’s prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “start with why.” Begin your post with the word “why.” Have fun!
I read JoAnna’s post from JoAnna of the Forest and she beat me to the reason WHY. I, like her, grew up hearing or saying why many times.
Why can’t we go outside to play?
Why can’t we get ice cream?
Why can’t I drive?
Why can’t I spend the night?
Then there’s the normal from the parent’s side
Why do you do that?
Why do you like him?
Why don’t you like school?
Why do you wear your jeans so low? (back when hip huggers were around)
There are so many why’s in the world, it can be exhausting but we are curious creatures and that’s how we learn.
Melinda
Here are the rules:
1. Your post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write. 2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop. 3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a particular subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started. 4. Ping back! It’s important, so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below. 5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post. 6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get! 7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views. 8. Have fun!
For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at: Linda G Hill
I’m very aware of the pain that migraines cause, they also disrupt your life. During the 90s I suffered from a migraine almost daily and took medication and injections. My career was taking off and I was in outside sales, calling on high-level executives of major corporations. I loved my job but my life changed when I started getting migraines. This went on for two years, two years of rushing home in between appointments to give an injection. While it took effect, I rested and made phone calls when I could.
You can read the whole story here. My story had a happy ending when the doctor discovered a bone in my nose was causing them. I got very lucky.
Every year, the United Kingdom observes Migraine Awareness Week in the first week of September. This year, it will be observed from September 5 to 14. Migraines are mistakenly understood as severe headaches, but they are so much more than that. Migraines are actually a debilitating neurological disease. Even though migraines are a common headache disorder, they remain poorly understood and neglected. Many people go their entire lives without proper diagnosis and treatment. With care and treatment, migraines can become more manageable. Apart from inheriting the condition, some people can also get migraines through specific triggers. Interestingly, one can develop migraine at any stage in their life.
HISTORY OF MIGRAINE AWARENESS WEEK
Migraines are a chronic neurological disorder that affects over a billion people across the world. Migraine symptoms include long-lasting headaches, characterized by severe, throbbing, or pulsating pain on one side of the head. The headache is often accompanied by light or sound sensitivity, nausea, or vomiting. Even though the symptoms can be very uncomfortable and impact the overall quality of life, people remain ignorant of the condition. Migraine is one of the top ten leading causes of years lived with disability worldwide. Around the world, the prevalence of migraine is approximately 10% of the entire population. More than half the patients who complain of severe and regular headaches, turn out to be migraines.
While migraines don’t have a definitive cause, certain factors can trigger the condition. These triggers include stress, irregular sleep schedules, caffeine or alcohol consumption, dietary triggers such as chocolate, cheese, and dairy products, hormone fluctuations, and more. That’s a long list!
The condition significantly impacts the individual’s personal, professional and social life. Migraines come without a warning and can be crippling. This is the main reason for an urgent need to diagnose and treat migraines correctly. It also helps patients to identify their migraine triggers and avoid these triggers as best as they can. There is also the need for more effective, personalized migraine treatment. Medical practitioners should also take into account the patient’s comorbidities, frequency and severity of attacks, and more. As you can see, patients and healthcare workers need to be more vigilant of migrant attacks and their treatments.
Be sure to talk with your doctor if you are having any type of headache on a regular basis.
Pets are increasingly being used as part of therapy programs by doctors. Therapy dogs are more effective because of their natural curiosity and interaction. Here’s what you need to know.
It’s easy to think a dog is a dog. But any dog owner will tell you they are all different. Even dogs of the same breed develop individual personalities, which is a privilege to see as they grow. While any dog is a great listener, there are some breeds that therapists recommend over others. Labradors, for example, are almost always at the top of the list. But this is because they are multitaskers. For straightforward love and support, smaller dogs like Ausmate Australian Cobberdogs are great because they are very caring and don’t get in the way.
What Therapy Dogs Do
Dogs are excellent pets that require little maintenance beyond feeding, an occasional bath, and a daily walk. So just looking after a dog is healthy since it gets you moving and outside for some fresh air. But dogs are also excellent companions if you have a health condition such as cancer, PTSD, or dementia. Some can also be trained to alert when something is wrong, such as having an epileptic seizure. But therapy dogs also provide massive amounts of love and comfort to their owners who otherwise have no one to turn to when stressed, anxious or depressed.
The Benefits of Therapy Dogs
Dogs are so effective as therapy that there are over 50,000 therapy dogs in the United States alone. Pet therapy works on many levels, both physical and mental, so it is excellent for your overall health. Some of the many benefits of using a dog for therapy include the following:
Decreases stress, anxiety and feelings of loneliness and depression.
Maintain social engagement and interaction when you’re alone.
Helps alleviate chronic pain and issues like high blood pressure.
Even if you live with a loving family, depression, and anxiety can plague your life, making it hard to talk to people. A therapy dog helps you cope with these feelings and can break down barriers by having you talk to your dog first. This is so effective it is recommended by most therapists.
How Animals Help
If you have a dog, then you know how comforting they are. When you have no place to turn, a dog will always be at your side, with hugs and kisses. Yet many studies from over the years have concluded that even being around a dog helps with many problems. For example, dog owners are at a much lower risk of developing depressive health conditions. And they help improve your mood simply by being their fun and playful selves. Additionally, playing with your dog encourages you to get out more and move around when you may be living a sedentary lifestyle.
How Pet Therapy Works
Dogs enjoy providing love and support just as much as we need it. So there is no shame in needing a therapy dog; they can help your mental and physical welfare. Therefore they are recommended if you experience emotional problems that affect relationships. But they are also excellent for helping you cope with mental health issues. Therefore, therapy dogs are more than pets. Interacting with an animal improves your mood and lowers stress because it releases endorphins and serotonin. These are the chemicals that make you feel in a good mood.
Summary
Therapy dogs aren’t just pets. Some breeds are multitaskers, while others provide affection. They can help lower severe illnesses and stabilize your mood by balancing hormones.
If you were to suddenly become permanently unable to work for any length of time, how would you cope financially? It is a scary prospect for anyone. The good news is that, with some planning and sensible precautions, anyone can protect their finances in case they cannot work. These situations can be highly stressful, but with the proper knowledge and advice, you can rest assured that your financial future is secure.
Critical illness cover is designed for people concerned about the impact that a long-term illness or disability may have on their finances. A critical illness policy pays out a lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of several specified illnesses – many of which are conditions that can be long-term or have a significant impact on your ability to work. It would typically cover things like long-term illness, disability, or the loss of a significant bodily function, e.g., loss of sight or a limb. Some policies may also cover things like the loss of a parent or the death of a spouse or partner – this would depend on the circumstances and the policy you take out. This can be particularly helpful if you are the primary breadwinner in the family – and would be responsible for paying the mortgage, bills, and taking care of any children.
Have An Emergency Fund
An emergency fund allows you to deal with unforeseen events or expenses that may arise, such as a sudden loss of earnings, a medical emergency, or a home repair. Having a fund to fall back on will help you to cope with any financial problems that arise and will mean that you do not have to rely on credit cards or loans to bridge the gap. You can set the amount you want to contribute each month to an account you can access whenever you need. This can help with any living costs in the absence of income or support out-of-pocket expenses such as finding an AFFF attorney to make a claim regarding your illness.
Debt Protection Insurance
Debt protection insurance plans are designed to help protect your assets from being seized if you cannot pay your debts. Even if you do not think you have a lot of debt, you may be surprised at how quickly things can spiral out of control. And if you are unfortunate enough to fall ill and need to take time off work, your finances could be at risk. Plans like this will typically pay out a certain amount if you cannot pay off your creditors due to an accident or illness. Typically, they also pay out a reduced amount on any ongoing debts. This will help protect your assets and future finances against lawsuits being filed against you because you cannot pay your bills.
Look Into Income Protection
While critical illness cover aims to replace some of your income should you become ill, income protection is designed to replace your income should you become sick and unable to work for an extended period. With income protection, you pay a monthly or yearly amount; should you become unable to work, you will be paid out by the insurance company. Typically, you will be paid a percentage of what you previously earned. It is important to note that different providers have different definitions of long-term illness, so it is best to check the terms of your policy to see your situation in the event that you cannot work.
Conclusion
Planning ahead is key to protecting your finances if you cannot work. Start saving as early as possible, and be sure to take full advantage of all the tax reliefs available. It is also essential to consider the types of insurance best suited to your circumstances and future goals.
This video is so refreshing, and I look forward to the day someone like Ronald Reagan runs for office. I try hard to keep out of politics but it’s very hard these days not to have an opinion, most of them strong. Many areas of our government are broken and still broken since he left office. I’m not saying he is the greatest President in the world, I’m saying I love his candor and attitude.
The most important comment he made was, not verbatim, that people need to look to themselves to solve problems, not the government. Amen, and a cherry on top!!!!!
Looking for the Light 