One important thing to consider is if your current theme is retired, does it support the old customization or only supports Block Editor. One frustrating part of picking a new theme, there are very few with a sidebar. Don’t forget all widgets don’t convert and the widgets you have now may not be supported anymore.
There are several widgets left to add to the site but I haven’t figured out which widget button to use. That’s for another Chat with WordPress.
What does it need?
The site, it looks too sterile
I think the logo is too big
Is the font big enough?
Are you having problems loading a page?
Please take a few minutes to check out my site and provide feedback. I truly appreciate your help.
I’ve written a post this month about being traumatized while staying in a Psych Hospital and want to talk about the second trauma after leaving.
I highly regard UTSW as one of the top hospitals in America and will only go there if it’s something serious, that’s how much I respect the doctors there. They have state-of-the-art technology which shows you the notes a doctor has written about you.
The other day I remembered the notes were available and went to the portal to read all of the notes from the doctor in charge the week I stayed in-house. I experienced a new level of trauma while reading his notes.
There was not one positive thing said about me, I printed out the 19 pages of notes and some misc. information. I read every page slowly and words can not express the shock. There were complete lies in there like saying I was apprehended by the police. I’ve never been apprehended by the police and the list goes on. There are entire conversations that didn’t happen. I was beyond shocked.
I reported him to the Texas Medical Board but they don’t have any ethics because they said his behavior was in line with their standards.
I thought about suing him but my Therapist warned me that the hospital could take away my privileges at the hospital. I can’t take that risk because they are the only place I will have ECT Treatments.
I talked with my Therapist today about how to move forward.
We talked about the anger I felt towards the doctor who traumatized me, how I don’t like not having control, wanting my medical records corrected, reining in my anger, and not over-focusing.
I also made the mistake of sending an email to my Psychiatrist with comments he made about our session. She said you don’t want to come off as a problem patient by nitpicking his notes. I’ve learned my lesson. I will apologize to him and won’t send any messages to him. I will instead make that a talking point for the next appointment.
She emphasized that I’m not on level ground right now and need to put my anger into perspective and not let this become my life. Keep my head up and that I know who I am and I’m not going to let what someone else says define my life. I was not a victim.
Now, I have to move forward by getting over what I can’t change and accept no apology is coming my way. This is not as easy as it sounds, it going to take a while to choke all that down.
*Just a note, If any of your doctors have a portal and notes from your visit are available, read them. Don’t contact them to debate the notes, just be aware of what is on your permanent medical records. If something in the notes makes you angry or is incorrect report them to the Medical Board and file a complaint with the hospital.
First off, mad props to you for venturing into the next chapter of your life. Divorce, while super tough, can be the start of something beautiful (like owning the entire bed and never having to share the TV remote!). But, as with anything in life, there’s a right way to handle it and a slew of ways to totally muck it up.
Before we delve into the world of “post-divorce no-nos,” let’s remember one thing: This isn’t a manual on how to live your life going forward. Think of this as a cheeky guide from a well-meaning buddy who’s seen one too many pals down a pint of ice cream while watching ‘The Notebook” for the millionth time. So, without further ado, here’s our list of how not to cope with your divorce:
While those pints of Phish Food and Chunky Monkey might seem like your BFFs right now, they’re not equipped to handle emotional baggage. Go ahead, indulge once in a while, but don’t make it a three-meals-a-day kind of deal. Once you’ve dealt with your State 48 law divorce and you’re feeling low you need to feed your body a nutritious diet to help you get through the stress as healthily as possible.
Online Stalking
Even though you might really, really want to, you need to resist the urge to go full-on FBI agent on your ex’s social media. Trust us, knowing what they had for breakfast or seeing their vacation photos won’t help your healing process. It will just leave you hung up for longer than you need to be when you need to be focused on moving on.
Getting a Wild Makeover
While it might be tempting to dye your hair neon green or tattoo “Divorced & Thriving” on your forearm, take the time to give it a bit of thought. Changes are great, but impulsivity? Not so much. Sometimes, we react to the loss by doing something crazy only to regret it soon after, so wait for a month or two, and if you still want to make that change, go for it.
Booze Bonanza
A glass of wine? Sure! Downing an entire bottle while listening to sad ballads? Probably not the best idea. Alcohol might numb the pain temporarily, but it’s not a lasting solution, and could even lead to addiction down the line which would not be the kind of situation you want to find yourself in.
Jumping Back into the Dating Pool. Immediately
Slow your roll! Enjoy some “me-time” before hopping onto dating apps. Your heart needs some tender, loving care, not a rebound. Dating too soon after the breakup could lead to some poor decisions only ur part and that will just mean another breakup soon down the line, Give yourself time to heal before you get back on the scene.
Divorce is hard, so give yourself a break, give yourself time, and try to avoid the less-than-ideal habits above.
I like to change things from time to time and today was a good day to change. I’m still working on getting all the widgets correct. The key thing I don’t like about the Theme is there is not a left or right column.
I didn’t realize how difficult it is to find what you want when have to scroll to bottom of page. I’m not sure this one will work, I’ll look forward another one and keep you updated.
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 blog, Life According To Sassy.
She writes under a pseudonym to protect her safety in a world that is unsafe for women, among others, who speak out against violence and oppression. Sassy is a survivor of domestic violence and learned first hand what it was to be silenced by those who wanted her to remain controlled.
You will want to check out the blog, she is passionate about her writing and has a story to tell.
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder but did not take it seriously until my father committed suicide at 52 years old. He put a gun in his mouth and it was a terrible scene. After he died I started reading about Bipolar Disorder, it said that 75% of children whose parents kill themselves will do the same. At that point, I decided I need some professional help.
Bipolar Disorder can present itself in many ways and it’s important to know so you can contact your doctor when in trouble. I’m on the depressive side and rarely go into a hypo state and have never been manic. I had a problem in the late 90s where I was switching, so one day depressed, and one day I would be fine, and then boom, I’m depressed. You need to have a Psychiatrist who can keep working on the right mix of medication to keep you stable. When looking for a Psychiatrist, the key thing to ask is do they treat Bipolar Disorder.
Now that you know a little about me, I want to share how I stay healthy:
The most important task every day is to take your medication. I get tired of taking so many pills but I know that’s what it takes to keep me going.
Get rid of your stigmas and shut out all the people in your life who don’t care to understand or have their own stigma. You need to cut all the negatives out of you’re life as possible. I’ve quit watching the Nightly News because politics get me worked up. It’s been a big relief.
There is nothing to be ashamed of, you have an illness just like others have an illness.
Take time out every day for self-care, it could be enjoying the fresh air and listening to the birds, taking a hot bath with essential oils to calm you down, or anything you can take time out to pamper yourself is good for your mental health.
Keep all appts. with your doctor. I would also recommend seeing a therapist too. I’ve been seeing my team for over 30 years.
Take the time to learn about your illness but don’t over-focus on it. You need to know what you’re dealing with but don’t second guess your doctor. Not everything you read on the Internet is correct. Go to reliable sites for information.
If you swing to the manic state, it may feel good but as my doctor says, what comes up must come down and you won’t like the coming down part. Being manic can cause you to think differently and you can get yourself in trouble very fast.
Stay on top of your refills, you don’t want to miss any days of your medication.
Share you’re story with someone you trust, you may have to explain your illness to them but you need someone on your side. You also need someone who can tell when you’re not yourself and alert you before you slide one way or another.
You have to understand when you are at your limit. If you are thinking about suicide, now is the time to raise your hand. Call your friend for support. Worst case scenario go to the local Emergency Room.
It can seem overwhelming at first, but with good information, a great Psychiatrist and Therapist, and a friend you can trust, you have a good safety net.
I want to thank Trigger Publishing Editor Andrea Marchiano for sharing Sometimes by Joann Howeth. I have enjoyed and learned so much from children’s books. Parents today have a choice of what tools they use to raise their children. There are no children’s books like the ones from Trigger, you must check out their complete selection of children’s and teen’s books.
These are great books for Grandparents to have around so they can reinforce the way you’re trying to help your child.
Blurb
Sometimes, life can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, we cling to things that we should let go of. And sometimes, those who are closest to us are the ones who hurt us the most. Despite what others may tell us, during these times, the best thing we can do is talk.
In this honest and poignant story, Joann Howeth reminds us of what can happen behind closed doors and, in doing so, encourages kids to tell their own stories to ensure they get the support they need. A must-have for every library, classroom, and therapist’s office, this book will reassure struggling children that they are not alone and help them find a safe and healthy outlet for their troubles.
My Thoughts
This is the most serious children’s book I’ve read and think all children need to read this book because it shows them that sometimes you have to tell your secrets to someone you can trust. This book will help children struggling with divorce, lack of money, or other struggles that go on behind closed doors. One very important piece of information is missing, it’s her name. This goes along with her secret.
She has many secrets that she keeps to herself and the pressure it puts on her is heavy. Her Dad is gone and her mother is in a bad place, it could be from mental health issues or she just can’t make ends meet. Often times when she goes to the refrigerator there is no milk, or when she wants to wash her hair there is no shampoo and the house is stacked full and running over including the moldy dishes.
She is not allowed to participate in school activities or go to barbecues and is isolated from friends because she doesn’t want anyone to know her secrets.
She feels so alone and embarrassed and her mother has said no one can come into their house. She has no friends except the neighbor who is kind to her. Her room is filled with items her mother has collected and it crowds out her sleeping space, sometimes she sleeps in a chair or will sit on the stoop.
Her neighbor has a good idea of what is going on and she offers her a string cheese, an apple, and a hug on the way home from school. One day she realized her neighbor knew what was going on and asked her not to tell. Her trusted friend, Mrs. McGeorger said sometimes you have to share with someone.
This is happening today much more than we know it and we can’t judge or blame the children. I had many secrets growing up, I was abused and my step-father was an alcoholic. I didn’t want any friends to come to my house for fear of getting a glimpse of what was truly happening. I didn’t trust anyone, that was a heavy burden for a child to carry around every day.
This book is for parents, grandparents, therapists, and schools, all children need exposure to what can happen behind closed doors, it may help a child come forward or at least make them less judgemental. I love this book, it was hard to swallow but I could relate so clearly and know there are plenty of children that have secrets.
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.
There are more Health Apps than a year ago and it’s getting crowded so you may be inclined to pick one. BEWARE! More research is needed before you ever sign up! One important thing to remember is these Apps are not regulated, as some Apps are unscrupulous including where your information is being shared, and more importantly are the Therapists and doctors who are providing support are licensed.
Let me tell you about an App that offered the services of a medical doctor. The App would refer people to the doctor and the doctor was a fraud! The medical doctor who would write pain medication was not a licensed doctor. The DEA got wind of this and started watching him. They busted the doctor for prescribing more pills than allowed, writing his own scripts when the patients didn’t have one and if I recall correctly he had prescribed over 15,000 scripts for pain meds, many patients were left addicted to pain meds and had to find help elsewhere. He is spending only 5 years in jail, that is the scary part.
When an App includes the service of a Therapist or Medical Doctor you have to make sure they have the proper license to do so. One way I would do it is look ask what doctor they use and then do a search on them. Find out they are legit. The same with a Therapist, the wrong Therapist can set you back not moving forward. I would check them out as well.
Then I would look closely at the Privacy Policy, and read carefully who they are sharing your information with. Some are sharing your information with hospitals doing research for which they are probably paid to share. If the Privacy Policy doesn’t spell it out, that would be a red flag for me. I would write them and ask where your information is being shared. You’re not signing up to help a research project, your signing up because you want help. If someone is sharing your information, my thought is there in it for money. Beware.
Ask around to see who has used the App in the past or what other App they use. You have to look at it like finding a new doctor. You don’t throw a dart to pick one, you check them out first. I would also do research on the App it’s self, see what you find on the Internet about them. You may be surprised. I’ve written about several Apps in the past and can tell you one is already out of business.
Take a step back before you join any App and make sure you’re getting what you expect, not that wako doctor with no license prescribing medicine of any type.
*This post is from 2017 and I’ve updated it to capture the years between 2017 and 2023.
There are times when Chronic Illness can get the better of you. I had such a week resulting in shaving my hair off. I’m no GI Jane but do have a nice head minus the scars from brain surgery.
For the past 13 years, I’ve been a caregiver to my grandparents and spent time in Psychic Hospital twice for ECT treatments. Finding an answer to my heart problem took three years, two cardiologists, and a trip to The Mayo Clinic I had a diagnosis in four days.
The search for ?? (Lyme Diseases) started in 2012 and the diagnosis in 2014. It took two attempts to find a competent doctor and tons of frustration. I’m not driving, my cognitive abilities like balance and memory were taken by Lyme.
Last week I discovered a total knee replacement is required and scheduled for 11/14/17. All the falls from Lyme blew out my right knee.
Wild Crazy Hair
I’m not one to have a pity party but the weight on my shoulders became too much. I gave my husband many reasons why I shaved my head, the truth is CONTROL. I have four chronic illnesses and have to manage my health every day and every day can be different. There are many days I don’t have the strength to bathe, on those days I use medical-grade body wipes.
I’m 54, my mental illness is close to balanced, was looking forward to driving after several years, and most importantly I want to know who I am.
Shaving my head was liberating, a part of the new me came out. I can control some things and have to roll with the punches on others.
Can you imagine coming home from work to find your wife has shaved their head? My husband wasn’t surprised.
Until age 40 my life was focused on work, making more money, and having nice designer goodies. My granny had a major stroke in 2004 and by 2005 I was helping my gramps take care of her. Being in their house brought me back to what was important, having a roof over your head, food on the table, and love. I had lost touch when the promotions and money started coming in.
I would tell my younger self to define my life by setting goals, working harder than others, and most importantly don’t forget to create a life that includes what in life is most important to you. Money is great, it buys things but having more things will not make you truly happy in life.
I didn’t tell my grandparents about the abuse from my Mother and Step-Father until forced by my school at 12 years old. Looking back, why didn’t I tell my grandparents earlier? I knew I could trust them.
I would say to my 12-year-old self, life will get messy at times, and leaning on those who love us will help us thru the pain.
I want to give a special thanks to Sean McLeod, Assistant Commissioning Editor with Trigger Publishing for sending the book Own Your Awkward by Michelle Morgan. I took a glance and it looks like a great read.
About the Arthur
Michelle Morgan is a leading voice in mental health and a proud Ambassador for Mental Health First Aid England. In 2016 Michelle experienced burnout, anxiety and depression. She views her mental health challenges as both a burden and a blessing; from a terrible time, good things came. Michelle is an Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Instructor, an international speaker and corporate trainer (clients include Facebook, HSBC, Pukka Herbs, The Prime Minister’s Office, Red Bull and Good Energy). She is also the Founder of Pjoys – PJs with Purpose, and Co-founder of Livity, a creative business that works with brands and the next generation to “build the future better”. Her work has been widely lauded: she is the recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and has been invited to join the Society of Leadership Fellows at St George’s House, Windsor Castle.She lives in London with her husband, artist Remi Rough, their daughter Lili and dog Teddy. Connect with her at http://www.michellemorgan.uk and http://www.ownyourawkward.com. Find her on Instagram @michellemorgan.uk and on Twitter @michellemorgan
Blurb
A hugely practical and inspiring self-help guide, Own Your Awkward will help you handle those awkward conversations around mental health. Michelle Morgan blends research and personal experience to help you tackle those topics, whether in the workplace or with family and friends. Let’s be honest – it can be really awkward talking about our mental health! Whether you’re offering someone support or looking for ways to help yourself, these conversations can feel difficult, embarrassing and complex. In Own Your Awkward Michelle Morgan, Mental Health First Aid Ambassador, trainer and speaker explores why we feel awkward and shows us how to talk more openly about our mental health – and how we really can embrace our awkward. Through her own story of burnout, clinical depression and anxiety, combined with the lived experience of others, Michelle explains how you can transform those tricky moments into your power using four key cornerstones – confidence, capability, communication and compassion, to help reframe your story. You’ll learn how to start those all-important conversations, with clear steps and practical advice. It’s time to get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable, love your awkward and have better and braver conversations about mental health.
My Thoughts
There are self-help books that sound like a repeat of what you’ve read and there are self-help books that have quality content you can apply right away. Own Your Awkward is one of those self-help books that you keep on your bookshelf to read again or to share with others.
If you struggle to talk about mental health, like so many of us do, Michelle’s book will coach you on how to handle awkward conversations with the people in your life. Her professional achievements and her own mental health challenges make her the perfect person to write this book.
I highly recommend Own Your Awkward for anyone who needs support for themselves or to help others. This book is one for the whole family to read as it aligns everyone’s knowledge and will continue to help as each becomes more comfortable talking.
I could have used the help of Own Your Awkward as I struggled with my mental illness diagnosis at 19 years old.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
Jewish immigrants built their lives in America the same as European immigrants did, and they were welcome with open arms. They help build communities and expanded their families here. The Jewish immigrants are now residents and their children are born American.
Maybe I’m naive, but I seriously don’t understand why people have a problem with Jewish people or the Jewish Religion.
Unless the Religion is a terrorist group, a cult, or involved in illegal activity, we can not condemn a Religion because we don’t understand or agree with it. Who are we to judge?
About Jewish American Heritage Awareness Month
This month is a chance for Americans of every faith to appreciate the contributions of the Jewish people throughout our history –- often in the face of unspeakable discrimination and adversity. For hundreds of years, Jewish Americans have fought heroically in battle and inspired us to pursue peace. They’ve built our cities, cured our sick. They’ve paved the way in the sciences and the law, in our politics and in the arts. They remain our leaders, our teachers, our neighbors and our friends. Not bad for a band of believers who have been tested from the moment that they came together and professed their faith. The Jewish people have always persevered. And that’s why today is about celebrating the people in this room, the thousands who came before, the generations who will shape the future of our country and the future of the world.[13]
Let’s not forget the horrific trauma the Jewish families endured during the Holocaust, there is no way I know their pain but no doubt I pray to never see such carnage.
If someone can tell me what all the Jewish hate is about I would appreciate it.
I have the pleasure of talking with Amy Gamble today about her struggle with the highs and lows of mental illness. I’m proud to call her a friend and she is a true inspiration. I’ve had my own difficult journey with Bipolar Disorder and when I tell you it’s a miracle Amy came out alive, it’s 100% true. Not only did Amy survive, but she also took charge of her life and went on to write her first book Bipolar Disorder, My Biggest Competitor: An Olympian’s Journey with Mental Illness.
Gamble tells how the illness also affects her mother, pitched her head first into a nightmare of highs and lows. While it robbed her of her dreams of playing Division 1 ball, it also helped vault her to the U.S. Olympic handball team, leading her to travel the world and compete at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. She was a top performer in sales for Merck, the pharmaceutical giant, but ironically her untreated illness plunged her to the bottom rungs of society. She became stuck in a revolving door of mental hospitals, doctors’ offices and even jails across the U.S., discovering deep-rooted deficiencies in the systems that are supposed to help the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
At the scariest point, she found herself wandering aimlessly at night in a snow-covered mountain forest on the Montana/Idaho border with only moccasins on her feet and a sweatshirt to keep her warm. She was hopelessly lost, freezing and not in her right mind. *
Thank you, Amy, for talking with me today. I learned more about Amy from the AP overview, so I’ll start there.
What positives came out of being in a Psychiatric Hospital?
My last psychiatric hospitalization was 12 years ago. It was a hospital far away from my hometown, but the care I received was excellent. I was put on a regiment of medications that got me started on the right track and helped immensely in my recovery journey. The staff members at the hospital were encouraging and really believed in recovery. Overall, it was a really positive experience for me.
Did your mental illness impact your Olympic dream?
I made the 1988 Olympic Team in Team Handball. While I struggled at times with depression, I was able to overcome my challenges and become an Olympian.
You have a successful career as Mental Health Advocate and Speaker, how did your Speaking career start.
I began speaking to groups through a local NAMI chapter. My third talk was an interview at a large church with an audience of 300 people. Once I started speaking I began to attend a Toastmasters group and was coached and encouraged by members of the toastmaster group. From 2015 – 2023, I’ve given over 250 talks and mental health trainings reaching over 15,000 people.
You have a passion for advocating for Mental Illness, what organizations do you belong to?
I’m a local NAMI member and I support DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance)
How did you keep motivated while working your first jobs after the crash?
I felt like working would give me a sense of purpose, a reason to get out of bed in the morning. I looked forward to going to my jobs, even if sometimes I had a little struggle in getting there. Maybe I’d have a rough day or just felt tired. But it didn’t matter because I was driven to get better and work helped me to do that.
Do you have any words of wisdom on life with a mental illness?
Be a student of your mental illness. Learn everything you can learn on how the illness affects you, what are the common symptoms and how can I alleviate most of my symptoms. Make sure you’re getting better or improving under the care of mental health care professionals, whether that’s a psychiatrist or therapist, or both.
Why did you stop blogging for 2 years?
I took a break from social media. I took time out to reflect and work on some other things.
What are your hobbies and what type of books/magazines do you read for fun?
My number one hobby is reading. I love to read! I’m currently reading “Atlas of the Heart,” by Brene Brown. I’ve also recently finished reading “Wild,” by Cheryl Strayed. Usually, I have two or three books I’m reading at the same time.
I also enjoy exercising, though I’m not always on schedule. I’ve really tried to get into a good habit since April of this year. So far, so good.
I know you are writing a new book about your PTSD, without giving too much information, what can you share with us.
I’m so excited about my new book. The book is really about resilience, as illustrated by how the impact of past traumas (primarily sexual assault) interrupted my life and caused symptoms of PTSD, even though the traumatic events had occurred decades prior. I talk about the collision course between bipolar disorder and PTSD and how my past traumas were overlooked by many mental health care professionals until they couldn’t be overlooked anymore. My number one goal is to give a voice to a woman who may not have had one.
I’ve updated several categories on the Organizations That Can Help page with the most changes to Elder Care and Sexual Assault support. I’m including the Elder Care and Sexual Assault categories in the post and encourage you to check out the page if you haven’t been in a while.
I want to thank Editor Andrea Marchiano from Trigger Publishing for sending me The Compulsion Cloud to review. Mental Health books written for children teach by writing at a level they understand and will help you start a conversation on the subject.
Blurb
Holly’s story starts with a cloud – and it’s not a fluffy, white one you’d see on a sunny day. Instead, it’s a scary, dark cloud that looms over her and makes anxiety-provoking demands, which, if disobeyed, could cause bad things to happen to her loved ones. but fortunately for Holly, she is seeing a therapist who has a plan to help her get rid of this bullying cloud, once and for all.
You may have guessed that Holly’s cloud is a manifestation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and her therapist aims to treat it with Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP). These terms can be confusing for children having their first OCD symptoms, so The Compulsion Cloud – written by social worker Averi Ridge Castaneda – introduces both concepts in a kid-friendly manner. Ultimately, this story provides a blueprint for recovery, which shows young readers that standing up to their compulsion clouds will bring them back to the light.
My Thoughts
Holly is a young girl who is experiencing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that comes over her in the form of a dark cloud. She’s exhausted and anxious, her mind is always going. She’s afraid if she doesn’t do what the cloud tells her to do her family may get hurt.
Holly met with Anna a therapist to help her understand the disorder and how to break the chains that bind her. Anna makes Holly feel comfortable enough to share her story. She explains all the tasks the cloud has her do and how it makes her feel. Like tap her fingers three times, wash her hands three times and the list of commands goes on.
Anna introduces her to Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy which is a proven therapy for OCD. She tells Holly to do the opposite of what the cloud tells her to do in order to take control back. It takes baby steps but with time the cloud would go away for good. She sent Holly home with some tools to help her.
Holly feels conflicted once home when the cloud arrives but she remembers the tools that Anna introduced her to. With practice comes confidence and Holly went on to live a full life with friends and family.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is widespread and requires treatment to break its hold. I would recommend this to parents and grandparents so they can better understand what is happening and the importance of treatment. Another reason it’s good for grandparents to read is they may have a shake-it-off philosophy. The Compulsion Cloud shares real-life experiences that all can learn from.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
I want to thank Editor Andrea Marchiano from Trigger Publishing for sending me The Marvelous Magical Door to review. Mental Health books written for children teach by writing in a level they understand and will help you start a conversation on the subject.
About the Author
Leo is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and has been working in community mental health. He and his wife, Deborah along with their vizsla dog, Scout live on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. They love spending family time with their children and grandson.
Blurb
Sally’s story starts like many children’s do these days: Her mind has started to swirl with negative thoughts, which stop her from sleeping, enjoying her favorite activities or even spending time with her friends. But luckily for Sally, her parents have a plan to make her feel safe and secure once again. All she has to do is step through a marvellous, magical door.
The Marvellous, Magical Door delicately deals with the anxiety and pressure that today’s kids feel. Even if you can’t build your children a magical door of their own, you can use the self-care tips shared in this book to make them feel better – and help them get back to being carefree kids again
My Thoughts
As a parent, you can see the bumps and bruises but not what is spinning in your child’s mind. Young Sally experiences anxiety from the scary images seen at night, loud noises, and even overhearing the evening news.
Growing concerned, her parents look for ways to calm her fears. A great idea is born and they build a magical door for Sally, a door to walk thru that will melt her anxiety away. When Sally opens the door, her mood is lifted by the positive energy surrounding her and the anxious feelings disappear.
In addition to the storyline, the self-care tips help your child to face the world confidently.
I would recommend The Marvellous Magical Door to parents and grandparents alike. The story will build on the foundation of your child’s mental health by getting the conversation started.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
With around half of all marriages ending in divorce, it is an experience that will, unfortunately, befall many of us at some point in our lives. If you think you might be heading towards a divorce yourself, or you know for certain that it is about to happen, then you will obviously benefit from being as prepared as possible for it. A necessary part of that will be understanding how divorce works. In this post, we are going to look at a few of the main things you might need to understand about getting a divorce to help you through the process.
One thing that it’s good to know straight up is that divorces can take quite a while. Regardless of the specifics of the situation, it can be months before it’s finalized, and throughout that whole time, you are going to be living in a precarious place of not knowing what your future will really look like. So you need to make sure that you are aware of that and ready for it, so you are not too shocked when you are going through it yourself. That alone will help a great deal as well as anything else.
You Need Legal Representation
To go through a divorce, you really do need legal representation. This is important for a number of reasons. First of all, without a lawyer by your side, you probably won’t even be able to get the ball rolling. An attorney is a central part of how you start the divorce process, as well as someone that you need to have by your side throughout the entire process. They will ensure you are well represented and your needs are met, and you are going to find everything a lot less stressful and worrying with their help by your side.
Mediation Can Help
If you have a family and you want to make sure that the kids are affected only minimally, then family mediation can be enormously helpful. This is the kind of thing that can make the entire process so much easier and less stressful, and it really is amazing what a difference it makes. Your kids might have a better sense of what is going on, and that alone is a big part of them feeling better about everything. So seek out some good mediation as soon as possible – you will be glad you did.
There is no doubt that a divorce can be one of the messiest experiences you ever go through. Even when both parties have the best intentions in the world, emotions can get high and it can cause a lot of upset. So you need to make sure that you are as emotionally prepared for this up-and-down process as you can possibly be. As long as you know that it might be a messy process, you are already some way towards being able to deal with it a lot more effectively and easily.
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 […]
I had a very positive reaction when reading this post and had to share it with you. It resonated with me. Be sure to check out the blog, Don’t Lose Hope, we’ve had many conversations over the years. She’s kind and assessable with only positive posts full of inspiration on living your best life.
“Kindness is loaning someone your strength instead of reminding them of their weakness.” How do we do this? By … – Simply wanting to be there for them, and giving them our full and undivided attention when they take the risk of opening up to us. – Listening with empathy and compassion when they tell […]
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.
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.
Conflict, while of course the foundational point of many stories we like to read, watch or even play, is not altogether that fun in real life. Unfortunately, you’re probably going to deal with conflict in some form or another during the course of your life, possibly many times over.
Of course, conflict is a spectrum and can come in many firms. It may take shape as a mild disagreement over a parking space, or perhaps having to tell your child off because they’re not staying in bed after putting them to sleep.
Sometimes, however, conflict can be more intensive than we had expected, and in order to properly go through it and contain it, it’s important to know where to begin. Some of the advice below will hopefully help you if you find yourself in a situation like this, allowing you to move forward with confidence:
Conflict can get out of hand quite quickly, for instance, it’s not uncommon to see people pushing and shoving one another, and even breaking out into fights, over Black Friday sales where everyone is trying to push in and get the item they wish for. The truth is, though, that escalation can be in your control to some degree.
Avoid name-calling, or trying to ‘win’ the battle of who can say the most cutting thing. Instead, be clear, hold eye contact, and be firm in your speech. Remember that you don’t have to answer their questions, or reply to everything they say. If the person is irrational, it’s best to leave the situation. Even martial arts classes will teach their practitioners that leaving possible conflict are thousands of times better than a disagreement escalating into a fight. Note that this doesn’t mean standing up for yourself, it just means being realistic about the situation and always looking for an escape if necessary.
Understand Your Rights
Your rights are your rights, and you are permitted to exercise them. That’s what they’re there for. In some cases, you may be able to use professional help to better orchestrate a defense or seek compensation, such as with this car accident lawyer at Eric Ramos Law, PLLC.
Alternatively, reading up on the law about filming in public can help you shoot your travel video with a friend, and understand your exact rights should someone call a law enforcement official who instructs you to stop. Your rights help you understand when to press an issue, when to defend yourself, and when to comply.
Document The Issue
A dashcam, a mobile phone, or even making sure you’re in the coverage of a CCTV camera can help you better ensure that the situation is being covered and that if needed, you have the chance to refer back to this when required.
For instance, if you see someone keying your car, record them clearly instead of running out to confront them first. It will help you ensure transparency and also prove that you haven’t caused additional harm in the situation. This way, law enforcement will choose your side if they need to be involved.
With this advice, we hope you can better deal with conflict if it finds you.
I don’t think we talk about stalking enough, their arms are far and wide and stalking can get very dangerious including death.
You have to start the conversation early because social media can put your child at risk. Anyone who makes “friends” on the internet is at risk. It’s not just children at risk, anyone can be a target.
I could go on & on about children’s internet safety, so I’ll save that conversation for another post.
National Stalking Awareness Month
National Stalking Awareness Month in January was launched in 2004 by the National Center for Victims of Crime. The aim was to increase the public’s interpretation of the crime of stalking. Stalking may seem harmless to some, but history has proven that it can lead to murder among other graver crimes.
Many people use ‘stalking’ as a fun term for digging up details on our crushes through social media, but the true meaning of the word creates fear for those who have been victims of the crime. Stalking is more than just going through the statuses or photos of a person. It is following them around to discover every intimate detail about the life of the victim. Stalking includes phone calls, obsessive text messages, notes left on cars, creepy gifts, or messages on social media platforms.
Since many of these initial stages later lead to kidnapping, sexual violence, or physical attacks, ‘stalking’ is considered a crime, an offense under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007. According to law, the following counts as stalking: “the following of a person about or the watching or frequenting of the vicinity of, or an approach to a person’s place of residence, business or work or any place that a person frequents for any social or leisure activity.”
My Story
I’ve been stalked twice as a child and twice as an adult. The stalking as a child didn’t involve any interaction, they followed me around the apartment complex and the other followed me & my girlfriend home from school every day in their car.
As an adult, the stalking took on a new level, a scary one. I’ve known bloggers who were being stalked online and had to close down their blog. The last experience with stalking is written in a post, in the link in the sentence above.
This may be a harsh way to look at it but it’s true. People on the internet are “non’s”. What I mean by that is people can be anything they want online. We hear about these incindents every day. I didn’t always look at it this way but I’m older and can see the damage social media can do.
I knew three of my stalkers, I don’t know if there’s a statistic out there for it but my guess is many know their stalkers.
This is an example of how trauma represents itself long after you’ve worked out the worst in your head and heart.
People who have read my About Me page know I’ve had my share of trauma and that I’ve worked hard to overcome my demons. The truth is they never go away, some piece in your heart or brain still remembers. It’s not something you feel, it becomes a trigger.
Photo by u0422u0430u0442u044cu044fu043du0430 u0427u0435u0440u043du044bu0448u043eu0432u0430ud83cudf52 on Pexels.com
Here’s some backstory
My husband works for an International company and they’ve gone thru a major reorganization recently. It is a bit chaotic right now, he is working many late-night meetings so his counterparts in the other country can participate. Because of this, my husband doesn’t get a chance to unwind from the stress. Fact of life right?
We all have to find a way to deplete stress from our day in order to feel restored and for our long-term health. Last night he didn’t finish his day, minus looking at emails all night, until after 7PM and he was trying to destress for the day.
I saw him from the corner of my eye, he was maxed out. I said to him not in these exact words, that I was concerned that he was not getting a chance to destress every day and that maybe there were other options the doctor could offer him. Like anxiety meds.
During our conversation, he said, “I’ll think about it”. Sounds harmless right? It triggered me. At that moment, “I’ll think about it” meant, either I’m not going to do it or shut up about it. I got upset and we had a breakdown in communication.
He has no way to know that comment would trigger me, I had no idea.
The post isn’t about how our communication went sideways, it’s an example of what’s under our skin that remains after trauma. It’s impossible to see triggers when you’re still working thru trauma, the nerves and heart are like a live wire. When you’re in the middle of the storm it’s pure survival, whatever it takes.
Those who make it thru the storm come out with deep scars, you have no idea how those scars will represent themselves as you move forward in life.
As we learn what is a trigger, we can better learn how to deal with the emotion it brings up.
Give yourself and other’s some grace in those moments.
lookingforthelight.blog 