Join us on Tuesday, May 26 at 7:00 p.m. (ET) for a free, hour-long webinar that could be life-changing. This forthcoming Webinar of Recovery will offer a powerful message to male survivors of childhood sex abuse: There are many legal and personal paths to hold sex abusers accountable, and taking such action can be tremendously healing. Panelists will include a leading, New Jersey-based attorney who has successfully represented hundreds of male survivors in civil litigation. Also joining the discussion will be male victims who have held their predators accountable, and therapists/counselors engaged in helping men heal from the often-debilitating effects of sexual victimization. The event will have an open-discussion format, and attendees will be able to ask questions and get real-time answers. Visit MaleSurvivor Events page for complete details. Advance registration is required.The direct registration button is below.
Whether or not a woman plans on having a child or not, it’s important to understand what postpartum depression is and how it works. It can affect many women, including yourself and the women you care about. There is a lot of misinformation surrounding postpartum, which is why it’s imperative to know the facts from […]
It’s been six months since I’ve had a bad flare, the freedom from severe pain has allowed me to do more chores around the house. I bought a Bona Microfiber mop and go around singing “me and my mop”! Crazy I know but it’s been years since I’ve done regular cleaning let alone enjoyed it.
I’ve learned to not let Fibromyalgia define me, I’m a whole person. One with a life that includes Fibromyalgia, Mental Illness, other chronic illnesses, a four-legged child, a husband, and a personal life.
I’m learning about the importance of taking care of my immune system, taking supplements for the first time. Eating a bit healthier and losing a few pounds.
Self-care is in the front of my mind every day when I have a flair it takes a back seat but now I make sure there is a least one thing I do for myself to make me feel better. Maybe it’s a foot soak, I’ve bought new make-up even though I haven’t had a chance to wear. I’ve upgraded my skincare regimen and I’m worth it.
Another big change in self-care is we have premade food delivered three days a week and every other week I have premade smoothies delivered. I have found it doesn’t cost us much more, we’re eating healthier and saving a lot of time. We’ve also spent more time in the kitchen together. Since all you have to do is cook in the pan we can take turns fixing dinner. Something I haven’t done in years.
I know a flare can come at any time, I’ve been diagnosed with a new immune disorder and my mental health thankfully is stable. I can’t let my illnesses consume my thinking, my life, and my writing.
I have varied interests, my flowers, tomato plants, photography, my bird garden, and expanding my mind. All of which I get to enjoy now and don’t take for granted.
On June 1 we’ll be retiring our older WordPress.com editor and transitioning to the more recent (and more powerful) WordPress block editor. Want to know how this may affect your site and what you can expect? Read on. If you’ve launched your WordPress.com site in the past year and a half you may have never […]
1. Think well of myself. 2. Remember how far I have already come. 3. Refuse to ruminate over past mistakes or failures. 4. Refuse to get pulled down by others’ negativity. 5. Enjoy life’s little pleasures – like flowers and sunrises. 6. Be present in this moment. 7. Breathe, relax, and smile.
I was nominated for The Sunshine Blogger Award by TANGIE at https://www.tangietwoods. Tangine has won the 2020 Outstanding Blogger Award along with many other awards for her great blog.
This a caption from one of her first post.
An “Undivided Heart,” my theme, my motif I carry forth. The etymology of my theme comes from the sundry challenges of being a Christian, wife, mother, grandmother along with burdens of employment and health issues. I am sure to be not alone wearing these various “hats” of life, or feeling divided by these necessary distractions between the spiritual and the carnal worlds desiring to live in just one, the spiritual. Does this sound like you? Can you relate? https://tangietwoods.blog/2019/06/
I can relate and encourage you to check out her blog. Due to my health conditions I’m not participating in the award but wanted to introduce her to my community.
Here’s something different for a Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt: The word is, “want.” Make the word “want” the first, second, or third word of your post. Have fun!
I want all the rain we’ve received in the past two weeks to get stored up and available in July when there is little to no rain in Texas. It’s rained close to two inches this weekend already, when we think it’s lightening up here comes another downpour.
The upside to all this rain is how all my flowers are blooming out so beautifully and growing fast. We have tomatoes on all six plants and looks like another bumper crop for just the two of us.
Have a great weekend! See you next week.
Melinda
Join us for the fun and sharing good media stories.
For more on the Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit Linda Hill’s blog. Here’s the link:https://lindaghill.com
Here are the rules for SoCS:
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.
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.
There will be a prompt every week. I will post the prompt here on my blog on Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a 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 simply a single word to get your started.
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.
Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read everyone’s! 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 right below the “Like” button on my post.
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!
As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views.
Psychiatrists are warning of a “tsunami” of mental illness from problems stored up during lockdown.
They are particularly concerned that children and older adults are not getting the support they need because of school closures, self-isolation and fear of hospitals.
In a survey, psychiatrists reported rises in emergency cases and a drop in routine appointments.
They emphasised that mental-health services were still open for business.
‘Patients have evaporated’
“We are already seeing the devastating impact of Covid-19 on mental health, with more people in crisis,” said Prof Wendy Burn, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
“But we are just as worried about the people who need help now but aren’t getting it. Our fear is that the lockdown is storing up problems which could then lead to a tsunami of referrals.”
A survey of 1,300 mental-health doctors from across the UK found that 43% had seen a rise in urgent cases while 45% reported a reduction in routine appointments.
One psychiatrist said: “In old-age psychiatry our patients appear to have evaporated, I think people are too fearful to seek help.”
Another wrote: “Many of our patients have developed mental disorders as a direct result of the coronavirus disruption – eg social isolation, increased stress, running out of meds.”
Dr Bernadka Dubicka, who chairs the faculty of child and adolescent psychiatry at the RCP, said: “We are worried that children and young people with mental illness who may be struggling are not getting the support that they need.
“We need to get the message out that services are still open for business.”
Dr Amanda Thompsell, an expert in old-age psychiatry, said using technology to call a doctor during lockdown was difficult for some older people.
They were often “reluctant” to seek help, and their need for mental-health support was likely to be greater than ever, she added.
‘Clear priority’
Mental-health charity Rethink Mental Illness said the concerns raised were supported by evidence from people living with mental illness.
In a survey of 1,000 people, many said their mental health had got worse since the pandemic had started, due to the disruption to routines that keep them safe and well.
“The NHS is doing an incredible job in the most difficult of circumstances, but mental health must be a clear priority, with investment to ensure services can cope with this anticipated surge in demand,” said the charity’s Danielle Hamm.
She said it could take years for some people to recover from the setbacks.
Sending a special shout out to all the front line workers, grocery stores, delivery businesses, everyone doing their part to keep our countries safe and moving forward. Wash your hands and keep your distance. Virtual hugs. Have a great weekend.
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favourite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
If you are feeling suicidal please reach out to a medical professional or go to the nearest hospital. If you think you will hurt yourself or others go to the hospital right away. Hospitals are prepared to help during this time as always.
Melinda
This is a repost from 2015 I thought might help someone today. If you’ve reached the bottom and not sure where to turn, please talk to your doctor about all of your options. ECT has allowed me to celebrate my 56th birthday this year.
I’ve had 20+ ECT treatments. The treatments are necessary when I hit bottom becoming delusional and suicidal. I hope to shine a light on ECT and dispel the myths. Please keep an open mind,the procedure may save your life. In my experience a Psychiatric facility associated with a respected hospital is far superior to chain facility’s. This post is based on top facility in area. I will share the experience with the worst in another post.
I’ve had treatment in-house and outpatient. For me a crisis with suicidal thoughts are best handled in-house with 24 hour care. I’ll share step by step how ECT is handled at UTSW in Dallas.
You arrive and change to a gown, the RN calls you to patient area to make sure your meds have not changed. UTSW has strict processes to prevent mistakes. You will be asked you name many times. The RN prepares an IV in your arm which is used for a short acting anesthesia and muscle relaxer.
When it’s your turn, you walk into a small operating room. There you will see your doctor, several RN’s and anesthesiologist You meet everyone, again double checking you ID bracelet. They ask if you have questions. Usually they are answered by doctor prior to treatment. The anesthesiologist will ask a couple of questions about allergy’s.
You lay down in hospital bed, your heart is monitored throughout. The doctor is logging type of ECT. Usually the ECT machine is right by your head. The RN will take your socks off so your feet can be seen. The movement of the foot tells the doctors you had seizure.
A tech is next to you with an oxygen mask, being claustrophobic I ask if he’ll wait till last-minute to put it on. The muscle relaxer is inserted in IV to allow time to work. The doctor will place ECT “head-gear” on. You will also be given a mouth guard. A RN or tech will take doctors instructions on where to place the electrodes.
You will have your arm band checked several times. I love the quality process UTSW University has in place. The head RN will ask if everyone is ready to time out. They will run through who the patient is, what type of ECT having and is everyone ready.
The Anesthesiologist injects, you falls right to sleep. The procedure only takes minutes. When you wake up you have a RN assigned to your recovery They usually juggle a couple of people. You may get some juice for your dry throat. Once all the effects have worn off and IV removed, you can usually get dresses and walk around so RN can see you’re ok. You’ll receive follow-up instructions. Sign the release paperwork and the RN talks to who will drive you home. No driving yourself after ECT.
Typical side effects, jaw hurts from the seizure, may have headache and lethargic from meds in IV. It takes significantly longer to get you ready than perform the treatment.
A couple of notes: there are several positions doctors can use for ECT treatment. I think most common are Unilateral and Bilateral. I’ve had both and prefer Unilateral. You may have to do more treatments to feel improvement however you don’t lose as much short-term memory.
Bilateral treatment has its benefits, it works faster. You may lose some short-term memory. When I say short-term memory, memories right before treatment and right after.
In the DFW area UTSW/Zale is where you want to go if having ECT or staying in-house.
Parasite prevalence mapsEducational website includes a US map down to the county level, showing where dogs have tested positive for Lyme, anaplasmosis, erhlichiosis and other diseases. Also, information about protecting your pet from tick-borne diseases.
CAPC The Companion Animal Parasite Council has comprehensive information about how to protect your pets from ticks and other parasites.
National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs: A coalition of programs that document and advocate for victims of anti-LGBT and anti-HIV/AIDS violence/harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, police misconduct and other forms of victimization. Site has a list of local anti-violence programs and publications. Hotline: 212.714.1141
The Trevor Project:Help and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. Hotline: 866.488.7386
GLBT National Hotline:Call center that refers to over 15,000 resources across the country that support LGBTQ individuals. Hotline: 888.THE.GLNH (843.4564) pen pals, weekly LQB and T chatrooms for youth
FORGE (For Ourselves: Reworking Gender Expression): Home to the Transgender Sexual Violence Project. Provides services and publishes research for transgender persons experiencing violence and their loved ones.
Spring is in the air in Texas. All six tomatoes have babies on them and plenty of blooms. We will have enough tomatoes to keep the two of us thru the summer. Have a great day, I’m so glad you stopped by today. Melinda
May 12th is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. In fact, the whole month of May is dedicated to raising awareness of fibromyalgia. Why is awareness important? Just as with other conditions or illnesses, as people become more aware, more attention and resources are given to treatments and hopefully one day, a cure. Another reason awareness is so […]
MONDAY, MAY 11 The Hoda Show on Sirius XM at 1pm EST
TUESDAY, MAY 12 89.3 KPCC – Southern California Public Radio Morning Edition with Susanne Whatley
TUESDAY, MAY 12 Interview with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on Today at 10am EST
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 Interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers
FRIDAY, MAY 15 Interview on Live with Kelly and Ryan
Check your local listings for stations and air time. We will be posting links to the special appearances on our website and social sites as they become available. Please share with your friends and family. Thank you!Matching Donation Members of our Board of Directors have issued a very generous matching gift to further augment our resources and reach. Every dollar raised from our community will be matched $1 – $1 up to $80,000. Our Board and staff have worked to strengthen and adapt our strategic plan, revisit the logistical options available for our high school program while remote learning, committed our resolve to a high touch model to support our students, and have modeled contingency plans for budget goals. In this very critical time and with the increased demand for mental health support, we thank you in advance for considering a gift of any amount. ❤️Donate Today ❤️Join the #NoNormal MovementClick Here to Join Glenn in our #NoNormal Campaign
Being stuck at home is new to many people. But I started sheltering in place in 2013 when I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I spent three years on IV therapy, seven days a week, and walked only to the bathroom and back. The years after IV therapy was just as rough.
I required assistance with everything. The pain unbearable–going to the bathroom, taking a shower, walking down the stairs were so difficult. Mentally I struggled, too, trying to remember to make appointments and phone calls I needed to. I couldn’t even handle putting my medicine in the case each week without mistakes. I felt so much guilt. I thought my husband would leave me as soon as he could, or maybe he would have an affair. Why couldn’t I keep up with showering and fixing my hair? When was the last time I wore makeup?
But I have learned to overcome my guilt by dealing with facts, not fears, and knowing I can handle whatever reality throws my way.
In addition to Lyme disease, I’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, cognitive dysfunction (which includes lack of balance), and dementia. Dementia is the real kicker. There are a host of other ailments I suffer from, and I’m sure I will have more as the years pass. I was told early on that Lyme would cause problems that seem unrelated for years to come because there is no cure and my immune system remains compromised. This past month I found that to be true again when.
I was diagnosed with a new immune disorder, hypogammaglobulinemia. Hypogammaglobulinemia is a problem with the immune system that prevents it from making enough antibodies called immunoglobulins. Antibodies are proteins that help your body recognize and fight off foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Without enough antibodies, you’re more likely to get infections. People with hypogammaglobulinemia can more easily catch pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections that a healthy immune system.
This makes the COVID-19 pandemic especially scary for me. I get stressed out when I watch more than an hour of news a day, or see people not wearing masks.
In general, though, I’m very used to having to stay at home. I quit driving years ago and have only driven a handful of times in recent years. It’s not that I couldn’t drive, but my husband came along to take notes at appointments since my memory is not what it used to be. Don’t get me wrong. I miss the independence of driving without my husband having to take off work. I also miss being able to see my hairstylist, getting a manicure, and finding great spots for taking photos.
I have to get out of the house for my mental health, at least a little bit, regardless of my immune deficiencies. We still go for a Starbucks run as often as possible. We have a whole sanitation process down, including wiping down his mask, credit card, steering wheel, and both of the top of our cup to the bottom. We take all precautions when he brings groceries in and packages, we wash our hands immediately and wash again after putting everything away. He doesn’t want me to get sick, and I know he does everything possible every time he leaves the house.
I’m ready for this to pass and it will pass, but for now, I’m staying calm and entertained indoors as best as I can. I hope you can do the same.
When you are first learning about Lyme disease, it can be hard to know which way to turn. Here are some links to get you started.
General information
www.lymedisease.orgLymeDisease.org gives info about ticks, Lyme disease, co-infections, prevention, risk maps, downloadable brochures, blogs, news and events. If you are wondering if you might have Lyme disease, see our symptom checklist, for a printable PDF you can share with your healthcare provider.
MyLymeData is LymeDisease.org’s survey tool that tracks patient progress over time. It allows people to quickly and privately pool information about their Lyme disease experiences. When large amounts of data are combined, we can see patterns that help us determine which treatments work best. Add your Lyme data to MyLymeData to help find a cure for Lyme disease.
ILADS–International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. Professional organization for doctors who treat Lyme disease. Lyme info, educational videos, downloadable brochures.
Parasite prevalence mapsEducational website includes a US map down to the county level, showing where dogs have tested positive for Lyme, anaplasmosis, erhlichiosis and other diseases. Also, information about protecting your pet from tick-borne diseases.
CAPC The Companion Animal Parasite Council has comprehensive information about how to protect your pets from ticks and other parasites.
New reports estimate that every state in the U.S. has seen cases of Lyme disease. What exactly is the tick-riddled disease and how can you be sure you have it?
Though anyone can develop a COVID-19 infection if they are exposed to the novel coronavirus, health officials have continued to stress that some groups of people — namely those who are older or have underlying health issues — are particularly at risk for severe infection should they fall ill.
Included in that group are Lyme disease patients, Dr. Raphael Kellman, founder of Kellman Wellness Center, told Fox News.
“Patients who have Lyme disease have a severely impacted immune system. A big component of Lyme disease is a hyperactive immune system that is always in a state of inflammation,” he explained, noting this factor, in particular, could make these patients more at risk for severe illness.
Kellman: Patients who have Lyme disease have a severely impacted immune system. A big component of Lyme disease is a hyperactive immune system that is always in a state of inflammation.
The coronavirus turns our own immune system against us. It activates our immune system and it overly produces different cytokines, which is further activating the immune system. Coronavirus causes a cytokine storm and overproduction of cytokine, causing much of the damage we see in coronavirus patients, such as pulmonary lung damage and pneumonia that ensues. The inflammation could be a component of the cardiovascular and neurological dysfunction, such as headaches and other neurological manifestations that we see in coronavirus patients as well.
Lyme disease patients are faced with similar neurological symptoms, like coronavirus patients, such as pain, headaches, brain fog, etc. People who have Lyme disease are more susceptible because of their inability to fight off disease. Their immunity isn’t as strong in killing viruses and microbes. People with Lyme disease are at a greater risk of incidence and severity of coronavirus.https://feeds-elections.foxnews.com/covid/public/index.html?uid=fox-covid19-heatmap-counties-1
Fox News: What concerns do you have as tick season ramps up, coinciding with the ongoing coronavirus epidemic?
Kellman: We have to be very vigilant this tick season, more so than any other year, so that we prevent Lyme disease from developing. We also have to take a more proactive stance in our treatment and prevention of coronavirus, in addition to wearing masks and tracking the virus, there is a whole realm of medicine that is not being seen. It is not only drugs and vaccines that will help us combat this pandemic. There are a plethora of natural compounds that have been shown to help other coronaviruses.
Fox News: What can be done to support those with Lyme disease as the epidemic continues?
We [should also] run a baseline test of vitamin levels and identify deficiencies. Many people have deficiencies and don’t realize it. It’s important to get vitamin D levels checked to make sure you’re in a good range and taking the supplement if you’re suffering from a deficiency. Strong vitamin D levels show you have a lower risk of developing the diseaseand you’re more likely to survive the virus.
Blood tests are also important to measure the baseline levels of cytokines to see who is at risk.
Sending a special shout out to all the front line workers, grocery stores, delivery businesses, everyone doing their part to keep our countries safe and moving forward. Wash your hands and keep your distance. Virtual hugs. Have a great weekend.
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favourite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and mental health has been on my mind more than normal. I come from generations of family members with mental illness including my father who had Bipolar Disorder.
I have treatment-resistant Bipolar Disorder which means medicines don’t always work on me. I live on a cocktail of nine medications and have been stable on this mix for six months.
I expect this to be an unpopular post, that’s okay I want to hear all your comments.
All people have to be held accountable for their actions. The thought that came to mind this morning was a murder case that disturbs me to this day. A woman in Texas drowned all five of her children in the bathtub. She pleaded temporary insanity. I would have to agree she was insane, how could someone kill their five children? She only spent five years in a mental health ward in the prison. Is five years of medical oversite enough punishment? Is she no longer insane? I think not. I’m responsible for all of my actions regardless of my mental state.
My father sexually abused me, was it ok because he was mentally ill? It wasn’t his fault? I don’t buy into that theory. My father never sought help for his mental illness and committed suicide at 52 years old. He made the decision to not seek treatment, at the end of his life he was too sick to see how far down he was. He’ll be held accountable by a higher power than me.
I was nine years old the first time I attempted suicide, it was the first of many attempts throughout my life. As an adult educated on my illness, I have a support system in place. I have to be disciplined in taking my medication, going to therapy, seeing my Psychiatrist, and communicate with my husband or pay the price of becoming unstable.
I have Dementia brought on by Lyme Diseases and my mind slips a little each day. I watched my granny slip away and have chosen not to live that way. I plan to commit suicide before my memory is completely gone. I don’t want my husband to have to go thru all the pain of caring for me. It’s gut-wrenching to watch someone disappear behind their eyes.
We don’t talk about it often but he accepts that he can’t change my mind. My Therapist and Psychiatrist know, they wish I felt different but know the truth, you can’t change someone’s mind. Last night I told my husband that it was selfless of me, it’s the only word I could come up with. He said it’s love, that’s exactly how I felt in my heart. I want to protect him from the pain I witnessed my gramps go thru as my granny slowly died.
I’ll be held accountable for my actions by a higher power.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing folks to cope with loneliness, job loss and grief, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is teaming up with Instagram to connect young people to mental health support resources during this challenging time.
On its Instagram page, NAMI is posting tips and recommendations to help folks feel less vulnerable and more connected. The organization’s chief medical officer Ken Duckworth said the project is targeting young people because three-quarters of all mental-health vulnerabilities begin before age 25, and social distancing could intensify those feelings.
“Our goal is to get resources, get things that are easy for them to digest and to make it appealing for young people to have a conversation about what all of us are experiencing, which is a challenge to our sense of routine and, in some cases, the development of anxiety problems,” Duckworth said.
For tips, go to NAMI’s Instagram account at @NAMICommunicate or call their hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI.
If you’re feeling anxious while stuck inside alone during the pandemic, Duckworth recommended limiting news intake and avoiding social media before bed. He said social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation and recommended reaching out and strengthening relationships.
“If you have an elderly neighbor you can shop for or you want to reach out to a nephew you haven’t talked to in a while – if you can find meaning in adversity, that seems to predict long-term well-being from adverse situations,” he said.
According to federal data, about 10 percent of Ohio youth between 12 and 17 years of age reported suffering from at least one major depressive episode over the past year. The NAMI Ohio chapter has more resources online at namiohio.org.
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Sleep is your life-support system and Mother Nature’s best effort yet at immortality, says sleep scientist Matt Walker. In this deep dive into the science of slumber, Walker shares the wonderfully good things that happen when you get sleep — and the alarmingly bad things that happen when you don’t, for both your brain and body. Learn more about sleep’s impact on your learning, memory, immune system and even your genetic code — as well as some helpful tips for getting some shut-eye.