Hi, I’m glad you stopped by my blog and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Imagine you stumble upon a door that leads to whatever time or place you want to experience.
What would the door open up to?
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday-Retro
I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
Beanie Babies! I had no idea they were still on the shelves until I went to CVS last week. It reminded me of my Granny’s love for them, I bought her a huge collection of the little plush babies. I wasn’t into them but Granny was so crazy for them, she got so much joy out of getting a new one for her collection. Feeling nostalgic, I had to bring this little turtle home. I won’t be buying others but this one with its big eyes is so cute to look at.
The arrangement is from leftover flowers from the mini arrangement in my office.
Melinda
12 Celebrity Quotes That Perfectly Describe Life With Bipolar Disorder
By Tanya Hvilivitzky
When famous people share their personal battles with bipolar disorder, it serves as a reminder that no one is isolated in this struggle. After all, bipolar disorder is indifferent to wealth, fame, or success.
It’s easy to believe that celebrities — actors, musicians, or comedians — enjoy lives of perfection. However, what is publicly seen represents just a fraction of their actual lives. The truth is, bipolar disorder doesn’t discriminate. It makes no distinction between a person’s age, gender, race, or bank account size.
So, when stars living with bipolar disorder share their own struggles, it signals to others that they are not navigating the complexities of this brain-based disorder alone, reinforcing the message that, together, managing it is within reach.
Here are personal and powerful quotes from 12 such celebrities:
1. Taylor Tomlinson
It took a little while for comedian Taylor Tomlinson to accept her bipolar diagnosis. She explains to E! News her reaction upon learning about her mood disorder. “I was surprised that I felt embarrassed when I first found out. Because I think I’m very open-minded. I have friends who have bipolar. And you never judge your friends. You never felt like that was a big deal. But then when it’s you, you somehow realize you have all this deeper stuff from when you were a kid.”
2. Cameron Esposito
After telling her fans earlier this year of her bipolar diagnosis, Cameron Esposito, standup comic, actor, and writer, took to her Instagram channel on her birthday in October 2023 to reflect on the year: “… you know what? I’m lucky. I’m lucky that I figured it out. I’m lucky that I had a place to go. I’m lucky that I was enough in my faculties that I was extremely persistent with following up after that experience, and getting my meds and finding a psychiatrist. All that s&*t is impossible and so expensive. I have healthcare coverage; I have insurance. I just want to say to anybody who’s had to navigate this [mental health care] system … you are a hero! Look at you! Look at what you’ve been able to do!“
3. Alan Ritchson
Actor Alan Ritchson, star of Prime Video’s Reacher, was diagnosed with bipolar at age 36. In a February 2024 interview with CBC Radio’s “Q” program, Ritchson explains why he’s been sharing his story to help others: “As much as I would like to ignore that I’m a suicide survivor, if I didn’t share what I’ve learned I feel like my life would be meaningless,” he says. “I’ve always been a happy-go-lucky guy, but once you experience the grip [of depression] — the talons it can sink into you — you realize how sinister this thing is and how out of control the biology can really be for somebody in the midst of it.”
4. Carrie Fisher
“In my opinion, living with manic depression takes a tremendous amount of balls. Not unlike a tour of Afghanistan (though the bombs and bullets, in this case, come from the inside). At times, being bipolar can be an all-consuming challenge, requiring a lot of stamina and even more courage, so if you’re living with this illness and functioning at all, it’s something to be proud of, not ashamed of. They should issue medals along with the steady stream of medication.” — Carrie Fisher, Wishful Drinking, 2008
5. Ye (Kanye West)
As a guest in 2019 on David Letterman’s Netflix series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, Ye (Kanye West) uses the term “ramping up” to convey the process of entering a hypomanic or manic bipolar mood episode: “When you ramp up, it expresses your personality more. You can become almost adolescent in your expression. … When you don’t take medication every day to keep you at a certain state, you have the potential to ramp up … and even end up in the hospital.”
6. A.J. Mendez
In an interview with bp Magazine, former pro wrestler A.J. Mendez (AJ Lee) says, “I see bipolar disorder as the gift of extraordinary emotions. It makes me bold, brave, loud, and capable of withstanding whatever obstacles the world throws at me. It has made me empathetic. It has given me a lofty imagination, a belief in the impossible, and has made me confident beyond reason. I was 90 pounds and five feet tall and believed I could succeed in the world of giants … because I didn’t have that voice of doubt holding me back.”
7. Richard Dreyfuss
Richard Dreyfuss has starred in blockbusters like Jaws, American Graffiti, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and The Goodbye Girl (which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor). Of his bipolar diagnosis, he says, “No matter what you call it, this is an illness no different from, say, diabetes or asthma — and like those conditions, [it] should be neither ignored nor stigmatized. Feeling ashamed would mean surrendering to someone else’s judgment — an ignorant judgment at that.”
8. Linda Hamilton
The Terminator actress Linda Hamilton uses a holistic health plan to help her stability, with a structured and balanced lifestyle, exercise, and medication. “Exercise is an incredible key to feeling well. But for people with mental illness, taking care of the body is not an automatic thing. The mind is in such chaos, it’s hard to come up with a plan. So, to people like us, it’s more important than ever to follow a regimen.”
9. Maurice Benard
Daytime actor Maurice Benard — who plays Michael “Sonny” Corinthos Jr. on General Hospital — talked with bp Magazine on life with bipolar: “I’ve lived a productive life having bipolar. I’ve talked to people who don’t want to talk about [having bipolar] because it’s embarrassing. I’m proud of it because I know it’s made me the actor I am and the person I am. It’s given me strength. If I can go through being in a mental hospital, and that kind of pain, and that kind of fear, I can do anything.”
10. Maria Bamford
In an interview with bp Magazine’s Melody Moezzi, the comedian Maria Bamford talked about being diagnosed: “I was surprised how prejudiced I was against myself. They tell you it’s the brain chemistry also working its magic, but I was really surprised at how resistant I was to going on a mood stabilizer, taking any time off of work, acknowledging that I needed to be hospitalized. I was just so angry. I didn’t want to go on the meds. It wasn’t until it got bad enough to where I was starting to feel unsafe by myself that I reconsidered.”
11. Stephen Fry
In an interview with bp Magazine, Stephen Fry said of creativity, “It is not a coincidence, it can’t be, that so many comedians suffer from depression. As for whether the hypomanic side of bp can be said to help creativity, I hesitate to say yes because of all those out there living with the disorder who are not in creative industries. … But certainly, the energy, self-belief, exuberance, tirelessness, optimism, and, yes, grandiosity that mark out hypomania can really help one achieve much in terms of writing and creation.”
12. Mariah Carey
In 2018, during an interview with People magazine, Maria Carey spoke about the confusing ups and downs of bipolar disorder: “For a long time I thought I had a severe sleep disorder, but it wasn’t normal insomnia. … I was working and working and working. … I was irritable and in constant fear of letting people down. It turns out that I was experiencing a form of mania. Eventually, I would just hit a wall. I guess my depressive episodes were characterized by having very low energy. I would feel so lonely and sad, even guilt that I wasn’t doing what I needed to be doing for my career.”
UPDATED: Originally posted June 19, 2020
Tanya Hvilivitzky has spent more than 30 years in the communications field — a career that has included stints as an investigative journalist, managing editor for a lifestyle and wellness magazine, corporate communications director, and researcher/writer. She has been with bpHope (and bp Magazine) since 2016, serving in roles such as features editor, interim editor, and, currently, senior editor. She has been devoted to mental health awareness since she was the editor of Schizophrenia Digest in her early days, and now with a particular focus on highlighting the complexities of bipolar disorder through compassionate, service-based journalism. As an award-winning writer/editor, Tanya received the Beyond Borders Media Award for her 2012 investigative exposé about human trafficking for Niagara Magazine. Her work on this critical topic also earned the Media Freedom Award “Honouring Canada’s Heroes” from the Joy Smith Foundation to Stop Human Trafficking.
I dislike what Carrie Fisher had to say. It’s not appropriate to compare an illness to those who fought in Afghanistan and I do not think people with Bipolar Disorder deserve a medal and more medication. My thoughts about her have remained the same, she used her Bipolar Disorder as an excuse for her bad behavior and to make money. My opinion.
Melinda
What Is Your Family’s Experience With School-Based Mental Health Services?
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Melinda
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Denial in Bipolar Disorder: The Manic Fallacy of Wellness
Last Updated: 7 Aug 2024
During my first manic episode, I was convinced I’d finally recovered from my chronic depression. But my therapist saw symptoms of bipolar disorder.
I’m a doctor by training, so you’d think I would have guessed I had bipolar disorder, for heaven’s sake. I certainly manifested every symptom of mania in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), from boundless energy and soaring spirits to severe insomnia.
I should have known something was up when I treated myself to a $4,000 antique French buffet table. (The credit card company considered shutting down my account, but I convinced them that my finances were under control.)
I subscribed to delusions of grandeur, scouring my home for a spot to exhibit the writing award I was guaranteed to win. My sexual appetite spiked to new heights, too (no complaints from my guy on this point).
Friends and Loved Ones Were Baffled by My Behavior
Certainly, my friends and loved ones noticed a bizarre new me bursting onto the scene. One friend, irritated by my self-absorption, said she felt I had come across “like a bomb exploding in my face.”
My boyfriend raised his voice at me for the first time in our friction-free relationship, because I was passionately scrubbing his bathroom at 3 a.m.
A fellow choir member, flabbergasted at what I took to be my brilliant plans to eradicate mental health conditions in the world, shot me a disbelieving look and said, “I’ve never seen you like this.” I wasn’t sure whether he was worried or jealous.
RELATED: Do You Know These Symptoms of Bipolar Mania?
Delusions of Wellness
To me, it just seemed like I had reached a pinnacle in my life after years of chronic depression. I couldn’t wait to thank my psychiatrist for his contribution to my greatness. I wrote him a card saying I had completed my arduous journey to wellness and would no longer be requiring his services.
Instead of clapping and stomping his feet for me, my doctor became more and more appalled as I tried to convince him of my freedom from the frenzy. I, in turn, became furious at the party pooper for raining on my parade.
It wasn’t until he called my sister and begged her to come watch over me that I began to entertain a sliver of doubt.
My sister, a family physician, hopped on the next plane and flew down to Toronto to babysit me and dispense copious amounts of medication and advice. If anyone can convince me of anything, it’s my sister. (She persuaded me that I was adopted when I was 12 — it took my parents months to undo the damage.)
Bit by bit, her certainty that I was experiencing a psychotic episode superseded my insistence that everything was great.
Before 24 hours had passed, I was loaded up on heavy-duty doses of antipsychotics. I actually slept through the night.
By the end of the week, I had come down to earth.
Lack of Insight and 20/20 Hindsight
Looking back on my current (and carefully managed) stability, I’m still blown away by the depths of my denial. After all, I had been exhibiting a textbook case of mania. Why hadn’t I used my medical judgment to uncover my self-evident diagnosis?
I was so certain that I was just happy, at last, and I was furious at those who wanted to pathologize my well-earned contentment.
My sister reminded me of something I already knew: My lack of insight was not my fault; my delusion of wellness was part of the symptom package of mania.
I shudder to think what might have happened if my mania had continued unchecked. My psychiatrist told me I was hours away from requiring urgent hospitalization. I’m lucky that he and my sister prevailed on me to accept that I was unwell instead of special.
I’m also fortunate that my first manic episode led to a diagnosis of bipolar. With my new drug regimen (including a mood stabilizer) and lifestyle changes (regular running, a balanced diet, and mindfulness meditation), I feel a sense of peace I’ve never experienced before. For the first time in my life, I have faith that I will be okay.
UPDATED: Printed as “On My Mind: Queen of Denial,” Summer 2013
June Rawlston is a pseudonym for a Toronto physician who is forging a new career as a writer.
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When you’re manic you think you are on top of the world, magnified creativity, and know better than others, rarely listen to logic when it comes to your behavior, quite simply you don’t want the high to end. The truth is it always ends and the higher you go the further you fall. When you fall you may find yourself disoriented, or not knowing where you are, It’s extremely frightening.
Recovering from a manic episode depends on how hard you hit the ground and what happened while you were manic. The recovery time could take months possibly even longer. It’s a long climb up. This is why I keep a close look each day to see if my mood is elevated, it can go from joy to sheer madness very quickly. The key is to track your moods, be aware that your mood is escalating and reach out for help if you continue to escalate.
I spent close to 10 years hypo manic or manic before I fell down the rabbit hole. Crawling out was not pleasant and I spent several weeks in a Psychiatric Hospital to recover.
Stay aware and don’t be tempted by the escalated state, it will bite back.
Melinda
Fighting to save our lifeline of Glutathione, B12, and more
by Crystal A. Frost
AUG 23, 2024
The daily life of a Lyme warrior can be unpredictable and terrifying—whether it’s managing debilitating symptoms or navigating a healthcare system that rarely understands our needs.
So when my doctor told me in June, “Your Lyme treatments could be outlawed soon,” I knew another fight was on the horizon.
This time though, it wasn’t just about my health. It was about standing up for every patient in California who relies on glutathione therapy, NAD+, and methylcobalamin.
The California State Board of Pharmacy (BOP) is trying to take dozens of natural compounds away from us. But they’ve messed with the wrong Lyme patient, and I’m fighting back.
The master antioxidant
For those of us with neurological Lyme disease, treatments like glutathione and NAD+ aren’t just beneficial—they’re our lifeline. Glutathione, the master antioxidant, is depleted by many illnesses including Lyme, which is why replenishing it through infusions is effective for so many.
This compound protects immune cells and helps clear out harmful toxins, reducing oxidative stress. NAD+ supports cellular repair, giving us a fighting chance against relentless fatigue and brain fog. Methylcobalamin, the active form of vitamin B12, is crucial for nerve repair and cognitive function. These treatments are not luxuries. They’re essential.
The BOP’s proposed regulations would severely limit—and, in many cases, end—access to legal Category 1 sterile compounds on the FDA 503A bulks list. If these regulations pass, Lyme patients across California could lose access to treatments that make life bearable. The worst part? The BOP has not provided a single legal, scientific, or safety-based reason why California patients should be treated differently than those in the rest of the United States.
The moment that sparked the fight
When I first heard the news from my doctor, it knocked the wind out of me. I’m no stranger to fighting, but this is different; this is a fight with no explanation. The compounds on Category 1 have an excellent safety track record, which is why they have the green light from the FDA.
In fact, patients like me often turn to these alternative medicines when standard drug therapy fails. Why does California want to supersede the FDA and deprive sick patients of treatments that work? This regulatory board exists to protect us but is instead threatening our access to the very treatments that keep us alive.
Teaming up: the birth of “Stop The BOP”
I’m not alone in this fight. At the June 18 public hearing, I learned that Jacqui Jorgeson, founder of the Volunteer Fire Foundation in Sonoma, is facing a similar battle. Jacqui’s foundation co-administers a detoxification pilot program for firefighters who face severe toxic exposure in the line of duty.
Like many of us with Lyme, California firefighters under major oxidative stress have found incredible relief in nebulized and intravenous glutathione therapy. In fact, the results from Round 2 of the pilot study showed an 85.1% reduction in environmental toxins—a true testament to the effectiveness of glutathione therapy.
When Jacqui and I connected after hearing each other’s testimonies, it was clear we were fighting the same enemy: Board of Pharmacy overreach.
Together, we launched Stop The BOP, a movement to protect patient access to these vital treatments. We started with a petition in July, and it quickly gained traction, reaching 2,000 signatures in the first month.
As of August 22, our petition has over 2,600 signatures, and our movement is publicly backed by organizations like LymeDisease.org, the Center for Lyme Action and the California Naturopathic Doctors Association.
Why this fight is personal
Before falling ill in 2020, I was a recent PhD graduate, composing music and writing articles for the GRAMMYs. I was happily engaged to my now-husband, Bram.
But when Lyme disease took over my body, it sent us off course onto an unexpectedly dark path. My brain inflammation became so severe that I was paralyzed in my left leg and arm, barely able to walk for months. The brain fog was so thick I would forget my own phone number and my friends’ names. I experienced daily anaphylaxis and constant vertigo, and for a while, I thought this was the end.
But through it all, treatments with glutathione therapy, NAD+, and B12 have been my lifeline, allowing me to reclaim pieces of my life.
If these treatments are taken away, what happens to the thousands of patients just like me? What happens if the BOP succeeds in making California the only state where these compounds are inaccessible?
For many of us, losing access to these treatments would mean a return to those darkest days—days when hope felt like a distant memory.
The broader impact: beyond Lyme disease
It’s not just Lyme patients and firefighters who will be affected. Imagine you suffer from ME/CFS and that NAD+ has finally given you the energy required to return to work. Imagine you have pernicious anemia and methylcobalamin therapy has finally restored you to healthy B12 levels. Now imagine that relief being snatched away by a regulatory board that doesn’t seem to understand—or care—about the consequences.
That’s the reality we face. It’s why Jacqui and I are so determined to fight back. It’s why we’re asking the Lyme community to stand with us. This isn’t just about a few compounds—it’s about our right to access the treatments we need to live our lives.
What you can do
We’re not giving up, and we need your help. Here’s how you can join the fight:
Sign and share the petition: If you haven’t already, please add your name to our petition. Every signature counts.
Contact Your Representatives: We’ve made it easy with templates on our website. Your voice can make a difference.
Spread the Word: Share this blog post, tell your friends and family, and help us get the word out. The more people who know about this, the stronger our movement becomes.
Voice your opposition at the 9/12 board meeting: Anyone is welcome to join the September 12 meeting online via webex or in person in Sacramento. Information and access links will be available on stopthebop.com/actnow.
Join the movement: Sign up, learn more, or donate to the cause at stopthebop.com.
Stay Informed: Follow @stop.thebop and @volunteerfirefoundation on Instagram for updates on our progress and ways you can get involved.
The strength to fight
You don’t know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. For those of us with Lyme disease, that strength is something we’ve had to find over and over again. The California Board of Pharmacy might think they can push these regulations through without a fight, but they underestimate us. They underestimate the power of a community that knows what it means to fight for every ounce of health.
Together, we’re going to stop the BOP.
Follow us on Instagram @stop.thebop and @volunteerfirefoundation.
Crystal A. Frost is Southern California leader of Stop The BOP.
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This is indicative of what Lyme patients deal with on an ongoing basis. If a doctor can enhance your chances of recovery they don’t need an association board standing in their way. In this case, the add-ons aren’t expensive in the big scheme of things and can make all the difference for patients.
This happens because of the bias against Chronic Lyme Disease. The more doctors who deny that Chronic Lyme exists the government and insurance companies will refuse to pay for treatment. I don’t see this changing shortly because it’s all about money.
Melinda
Let’s Celebrate Labor Day
It’s great to have a paid day off of work but do you know why and when the Labor Holiday began?
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated on the first Monday of September. It honors the contributions and achievements of American workers and the labor movement that fought for their rights and dignity.
Labor Day became a federal holiday in the United States in 1894 when Congress passed a bill designating the first Monday in September as Labor Day. The holiday was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. President Grover Cleveland signed the legislation into law on June 28, 1894.
Having the first Monday in September off from work was remarkable for American workers in 1894 when Labor Day was declared a national holiday. Working conditions in the country’s factories, railroads, mills, and mines were grim. Employees, including children, were often required to work 12 or more hours a day, six days a week, in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.1
Calls for shorter workdays and better conditions came from worker strikes and rallies in the decades after the Civil War. Union leaders in New York City organized what’s thought to be the first Labor Day parade on Sept. 5, 1882.2
Tens of thousands of labor union members including bricklayers, jewelers, typographers, dress and cloak makers, and many other tradespeople took unpaid leave and marched with their locals. The day culminated in picnics, speeches, fireworks, and dancing.
Melinda
References:
The Email Open Statistic Is Incorrect, Another Failure From WordPress
I have known for some time that the statistics provided by WordPress are not accurate and today it was cemented in my mind. When you publish a post it goes to each follower including those who subscribe to receive the post via email. The catch is that WordPress counts all of your posts as email which is the opposite of what the explanation of what the statistics are.
I have around 20-25 followers who receive my posts via email yet today I looked at a post from a few days ago and it showed 917 received my posts along with the number of email opens and unique opens, whatever that means. If you take the numbers at face value that means that out of close to 4K followers only 917 received the posts and that even fewer read the posts and fewer are commenting.
Commenting I understand, I don’t comment on every post I read but I have a hard time swallowing that the community has turned off receiving my posts. Maybe this is naive of me but when I see the level of long-time followers, new followers, comments, and the level of conversations I’m having with many people the number isn’t consistent.
This is no surprise, I have a long-time follower friend whose husband is a Statistical Engineer and he stated that the statistics on WordPress are inaccurate. This is not a rant, just an explanation for others who are perplexed with their statistics.
I’ve been blogging on WordPress for 24 years and have spent countless hours frustrated working with the Happiness Engineers to understand the issue I was having. Many, many years ago asking for help became futile and I gave up on contacting them. I did recently contact WordPress to let them know about the Bots that were enjoying my archives but as usual, I received no response. When I have a question now, I ask the community or go to Copilot for an explanation. Copilot has helped me understand what the statistics mean at a high level however the answers don’t apply to WordPress.
I hope this information helps others make sense out of what doesn’t make sense. :)
Melinda
September Awareness Months And Days
The main days and months you should know about for September are:
| National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month | September 1 |
| Blood Cancer Awareness Month | September 1 |
| National Food Bank Day | 1st Friday |
| International Literacy Day | September 8 |
| R U OK Day | September 9 |
| World Suicide Prevention Day | September 10 |
| Hispanic Heritage Month | September 15 |
| International Day of Peace | September 21 |
| International Day of Sign Language | September 2 |
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National Public Lands Day Saturday 4th Alopecia Awareness Month Animal Pain Awareness Month Blood Cancer Awareness Month Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Craniofacial Awareness Month Falls Prevention Month Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month Healthy Aging Month Hispanic Heritage Month |
We have so much to educate ourselves on and to advocate for to make a better future. I apologize for the inconsistent graph, that is the way it was copied.
Melinda
89% Of Blind Riders Are Being Denied A Ride By Lyft And Uber
I could not believe it when I heard on the national news that 89% of blind riders were being denied a ride by Lift and Uber. This looks like a driver issue with the service dogs and not wanting them in the vehicle. This behavior is against the law not to mention the company’s policies. The riders have a way to report a driver but those interviewed said nothing happened. One woman even recorded a driver refusing her a ride after she had already reported this behavior to Lyft. Rideshare companies are condoning this behavior and are accountable for the driver’s decisions. I’m sure there is a loophole in there that needs closing.
This type of behavior and failure to accommodate the blind is a Class Action lawsuit that is way overdue. I’m shocked no one has sued the companies for breaking the law and doing nothing when its customers report a driver. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one to say jump on a lawsuit, quite the opposite but this is not a frivolous issue. If the ride-share companies refuse blind riders they need to lose any government contracts they may have and if cities have a choice to allow the rideshare company to do business in the city, they need to reverse the approval.
I know a few people who are blind and life is challenging enough and for their transportation to refuse them a ride is shameful. Apparently, it’s been happening for years but it’s not been in the media which is typical for the media, just feed us the same day after day instead of pressing the important issues.
I feel so strongly about the issue that I created a Change.org petition that I hope you will support by going to https://www.change.org/p/require-rideshare-services-to-accept-blind-riders-with-guide-dogs/share_for_starters?just_created=true and signing.
Copy of Petition
This petition is deeply personal because it strikes at the heart of disability discrimination, a struggle that blind individuals face daily. It’s both shocking and disheartening when a company that provides a critical service like transportation discriminates against individuals with disabilities, specifically those who rely on guide dogs. According to the American Foundation for the Blind, millions of people in the US are experiencing vision loss. And many of them, depend on guide dogs to navigate and live independently.
However, troubling instances have surfaced where these individuals are refused service by rideshare companies simply because of their guide dogs. This is not only inconvenient but also unlawful – the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, and that includes transportation.
Apart from being illegal, such practices are inhumane and show a complete disregard for the rights and dignity of people living with disabilities. Furthermore, it contradicts the spirit of rideshare services which aim to provide convenient and accessible transportation for everyone. All this considered, it’s high time for all rideshare companies to commit to full accommodation for blind riders with guide dogs.
We cannot allow this blatant discrimination to continue. Together, we can change this. Please sign this petition to send a strong message across: Require Rideshare Services to Accept Blind Riders with Guide Dogs.
Share this petition
Require Rideshare Services to Accept Blind Riders with Guide Dogs
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Share this petition in person or use the QR code for your own material.
My husband told me that once he signed the petition Change.org asked for a donation, a donation is not required. Change.org is a global organization that is free and as such they solicit donations. This is common but you are never required to donate or I would not work with them.
Melinda
Things I’ve Learned In 61 Years Part Five
If your boss beats you down in front of others in a meeting, makes you the scapegoat, and never stands up for you, look for another job immediately. If you have the cash to float, give them the finger, you’re getting fired anyway.
If your department has been cut to the quick and you are forced over and over to cut, run like hell. You’re next.
If the President of your company beats you down in a meeting with your peers and gives a directive to your boss regarding your department, give them the finger and run like hell.
Even if you are on a salary that doesn’t mean you’re available 24/7 to take calls. If they are a top-level executive, they made the decision to marry their job, other employees are not paid the same, and should not be expected to be available you your beck and call.
If you schedule time off work and are expected to work, cancel the PTO day. Why lose pay when you’re working.
When you actually get to take a day off, don’t answer your phone, period. Nothing is so important that your boss can’t take care of, if so then let them fall on their face.
If you walk and push your baby stroller in my grass instead of the sidewalk, you might find a few big surprises next time.
If you let your shrubs grow in my yard, I will trim them myself. Tall trees are different, I will let you know when it’s time to call the tree company for a trim. I have one clueless neighbor. One year the city wrote them fines for their trees growing too far into the street. He had let them grow for years and when the tree guy came out, they cut a ton off and butchered the trees. That’s what you get when you use the lawn guy to cut trees.
The way to trim a tree if you are getting too much shade is not to cut the top of the tree off. You might as well chop it down. And don’t forget to have the stumps removed, they are unsightly and if you can’t afford to remove the stump, how can you afford to buy the house. It brings down the value of your neighbor’s houses.
If you have trees in your yard, learn how to take care of them and have them trimmed by professionals. The money spent will come back when you sell the house.
If you are treated unacceptably write the corporate headquarters, send the letter to the CEO and any other executives you think are responsible for the department which you received the treatment from. Don’t send an email, write an actual letter on the computer or by hand and mail it to each one. They will be shocked to receive a letter and you will already have their attention. That doesn’t guarantee a response back but no doubt the issue will get looked into. The first thing to remember is to cool your temper first, spend a few days drafting the letter, and take a look inside, ask yourself, are you the problem or is it the companies? Don’t write the letter in a negative tone, instead write to inform them of an issue or issues that you believe need their attention.
If your pharmacy fills a prescription you didn’t need or fills it incorrectly, don’t accept it and make them put it back on the shelf or correct it. It doesn’t matter if the prescription is free or not, they still make money if you accept it.
If your pharmacy regularly tells you the wrong answer, get in the habit of writing down the name of the person you are talking to. My pharmacy is famous for this behavior. Pharmacists have too much power and at least at my location they interpret the law and rules differently.
It’s important to know how your pharmacy fills prescriptions. Do they refill on the date it was filed or the date it was picked up? They are very different and if they don’t use a solid process, you may have to run to the pharmacy today because you’re out.
If your partner or friends interrupt you before saying the second sentence or make a comment that isn’t relative it is frustrating but not worth fighting over because they will not change.
If you work for a Japanese company that has a facility in America, they expect you to have a Japanese work ethic which is work long after your boss calls it a day, work when you are off work, and have late-night meetings to accommodate the time frame difference every week, they will distrust you and will always believe whatever a Japanese employee says before you. You also have to be available 24/7 and it’s a tick against you if you’re not. If you far exceed the American work ethic but your work ethic isn’t up to Japanese standards you’re considered a slacker.
Using a company’s reward perks can pay off if they have a good program. Amazon where I shop for almost everything has a Subscribe & Save program. If you know you buy an item at the same time every month, subscribe and save money. Sometimes it’s 5% and others it’s 15%. I’m learning to take advantage of these savings and it’s reassuring to know you can change or cancel anytime.
Melinda
Friday Quote
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Triple Shot of Bryan Adams, Plus Bonus Video With Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart And Sting
WOW! What a dent in music history Bryan Adams has made. I could listen to him for hours on end, his voice is powerful and calming. The last video of the three is out of this world fun! They are having fun and the friendship they have shines through.
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
Bryan Adams – (Everything I Do) I Do It For You
Bryan Adams – Summer Of 69 (Official Music Video)
Bryan Adams – Cuts Like A Knife
Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart, Sting – All For Love (Official Music Video)
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Things I’m Loving-Health, Wellness And Household
Here are a few products I’m loving with right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may also give you ideas for a surprise for friends, and family. Most products are found on Amazon. I am not an Amazon Affiliate and do not make a commission on any product you choose to buy. All links take you directly to the company of the product on Amazon. Clicking on the links does not cost you more.
FIRST HONEY®
Manuka Honey Cream for Dry & Itchy Skin | Fast Relief for Eczema, Rosacea, Psoriasis, & Dermatitis | Natural & No Fillers | Safe for Babies & Toddlers | 3.5 oz
Made with the highest quality medical grade Manuka honey to target the treatment of distressed skin. Anti inflammatory, moisturizing, and naturally soothing, our fast-acting skin cream can help reduce swelling, increase skin regeneration, and calm skin irritations. Gentle enough for everyday use, our formula works with the nature of your skin, not against it,
to rebalance, restore and protect.
30% medical grade Mänuka honey with natural healing and anti-inflammatory properties draws moisture into the skin while creating a barrier to protect distressed skin from pathogens. All natural emollients deliver additional antioxidants and vitamins A, C and E to soothe skin irritations and increase
skin regeneration. Aids in healthy skin barrier function and prevention of transepidermal water loss.
I have Ecxema on my face and ears and my prescription cream wasn’t working. I tried another balm but it didn’t provide any results but this balm is a miracle worker. It has diminished all the spots except for the worst one on my left eyelid however it has improved and I’ve only used it for three days. I’ve already purchased another one in case I can’t find it next time.
Fruit Fly Trap for Indoors
Fly Traps Indoor for Home Bug Zapper Indoor Insect Trap with Suction, Time Setting, Bug Light & 10 Pcs Sticky Glue Boards (White)
- Effective Result: Place insect traps indoor near fruits, plants or garbage cans and turn off lights for best effect. Fly traps catch fruit flies, mosquitoes, small insectsmoths and small bugs, paired with sticky glueboards, insects have nowhere to escape.
- Time Setting Option: Plug in the usb cable and adapter, press the bug traps indoor on/off button to work. Continuous run or 6/12 hours timing function, more convenient to daily use.
- Widely Use and Low Noise: Fruit fly traps for indoors adopts physical mosquito control, safe and low noise. Mosquito trap are commonly used in homes, kitchen, living room, restaurants, and other areas where flies can be a nuisance or a health hazard.
We have Zevo traps in multiple places in the house but the backdoor attracts more than you can believe. The refills are not inexpensive so I bought this one for the backdoor, you can get 50 refills for under $20 which is a bargain compared to Zevo. It’s quiet and attracts the tiny flying bugs as well as Zevo or maybe better.
Theraspa Professional Nail & Cuticle Oil
2.0 fl oz – Nourished with Jojoba, Avocado, Vitamin E, and Biotin (B7) for Superior Hydration, Repair, Revitalization, and Strengthening (Olive)
- Comprehensive Nail Care: A harmonious blend of these ingredients creates a powerhouse formula for overall nail and cuticle health.
- Holistic Approach: Addresses multiple aspects, from hydration to strength and appearance, for comprehensive nail and cuticle care.
- Portable: Compact design allows for on-the-go nail care, ensuring your nails stay nourished anytime, anywhere.
- Free from Harsh Chemicals: Formulated without common irritants, the Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Biotin, and Vitamin E provide a soothing experience for your nails and cuticles.
- Suitable for All Skin Types: The formula is gentle and well-tolerated, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.
I’ve used an expensive brand for years, it had a built-in brush and smelled out of this world but it didn’t last long. When it was time to buy again I went looking for one without a brush and a larger size. Boy, I hit the jackpot with this brand. I purchased the Olive blend and it smells great and the bottle holds so much more that it will last a long time.
Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Coffee
Vanilla & Mocha Combo Pack – Ready to Drink Canned Coffee
Natural Volcanic Filtration
Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water
Naturally alkaline with pH range of 7.6-8.2
Due to the problems I’m having with my Eshophgus my morning coffee is out of the question for now. After two months I was missing my coffee so badly that I started trying cold-brewed lattes. One of the biggest issues I had with the brands I tried was they were too sweet which isn’t my style. This brand has 70% less sugar and tastes so good. They are more expensive but life is too short to drink bad coffee.
Blink Tears Lubricating Eye Drops
Melinda
When a Loved One Denies Their Bipolar Diagnosis
Medically Reviewed by Allison Young, MD
Last Updated: 21 Aug 2024
Although it’s incredibly frustrating when someone is in denial of having bipolar disorder, it’s important to remember that acceptance cannot be forced.
It can be upsetting, stressful, and downright incomprehensible when someone with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder denies the mental health condition and refuses treatment. You may find yourself watching helplessly as behaviors tied to untreated bipolar lead to family distress, broken relationships, problems at school and work, money woes, and alcohol and drug abuse.
If you try to help someone in denial, you will probably be accused of interfering if you even mention the word “bipolar.” This is confusing, because it’s very easy for you to see what’s wrong, and naturally you want to point out the problem in hopes that the person will then get help. Often, however, your attempt just makes things worse.
RELATED: 8 Essential Things to Know When First Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder
It hurts when a person in denial shuts you out, but, sadly, it’s common.
What’s even more confusing is that you can have an honest conversation about bipolar when your loved one is stable, reviving your hopes that the person will enter or stick with treatment. Then … boom! Here comes the denial again.
Learning to Accept That Your Loved One Is in Denial About Their Bipolar Diagnosis
It may be cold comfort to learn that it is very typical behavior for people with bipolar disorder to deny they are “sick” and to avoid treatment, even if they have been in the hospital or taken medications for bipolar in the past.
Also, it’s important to remember that people in denial are usually miserable, in a great deal of internal pain, and can’t see a way out. It’s easy to believe they really can’t see what’s going on. But unless denial is a result of a mood swing — such as strong mania or paranoia — the affected individuals usually know what is happening. They respond to your concern with aggression, because they are trying to protect their decision to deny the brain-based disorder.
It hurts when a person in denial shuts you out, but it’s common. The person prefers to be around others who don’t mention bipolar, and will paint you as the “bad guy” because you are the one who is stating the truth.
RELATED: 10 Ways to Support Someone Who Has Bipolar
There is good news, however. I’ve talked with hundreds of people who moved through denialto eventually admitting that bipolar is at the root of their problems and they needed help. Over and over again, I’ve been told how, despite their relentless inner pain and confusion, they refused help and pushed away the people who cared about them.
It’s when someone realizes they no longer want a life controlled by bipolar disorder that they begin to listen to loving advice instead of fighting back.
Steps to Take When a Loved One Is in Denial About Their Bipolar Diagnosis
If your loved one continues to be in denial of their bipolar diagnosis, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Find the sweet spot: Are there periods when your loved one is more open to discussion? Oftentimes, people are more receptive during a mild depressive episode. Once you see a pattern in your loved one’s moods, you’ll have a better sense of when to gently start a conversation.
- Set expectations: If a loved one with bipolar is living with you, you have the right to set expectations for behaviors, such as drug use, drinking, yelling, staying in bed all day, staying out all hours, and yes, refusing treatment. You are always in control of what works best for you. It’s not always about the person with the mental health condition. It will be up to you to decide the consequences — and set and reinforce boundaries — if your expectations aren’t met.
- Understand the challenges: Always remember that bipolar is a mental health condition. No one chooses to have bipolar disorder. People in denial can be very unpleasant, and it’s easy to walk away from them, but don’t forget they are suffering. It’s okay to address this directly. Go ahead and say you understand that it must be hard to have someone tell you what to do. Say that you can tell they feel misunderstood. People in denial may get angry or refuse to reply, but they have heard you. Many times, when they get better, they will tell you they heard you.
- Hold onto hope: I’ve known many people who accepted treatment after years of being in denial, often when loved ones learned simple strategies and got them help at the right time. It isn’t easy to hang on until then. Nothing with bipolar disorder is easy! But bipolar is treatable, even for those who currently refuse to admit they are unwell and need help.
UPDATED: Printed as “Fast Talk: The Denial Factor,” Summer 2011
Julie A. Fast is the author of the bestselling mental health books Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Helping Your Partner, Getting It Done When You’re Depressed, OMG, That’s Me! (vol. 2), and The Health Cards Treatment System for Bipolar Disorder. She is a longtime bp Magazine writer and the top blog contributor, with over 5 million blog views. Julie is also a researcher and educator who focuses on bipolar disorder prevention and ways to recognize mood swings from the beginning—before they go too far and take over a person’s life. She works as a parent and partner coach and regularly trains health care professionals, including psychiatric residents, pharmacists, general practitioners, therapists, and social workers, on bipolar disorder and psychotic disorder management. She has a Facebook group for parents, The Stable Table, and for partners, The Stable Bed. Julie is the recipient of the Mental Health America excellence in journalism award and was the original consultant for Claire Danes’s character on the TV show Homeland. Julie had the first bipolar disorder blog and was instrumental in teaching the world about bipolar disorder triggers, the importance of circadian rhythm sleep, and the physical signs of bipolar disorder, such as recognizing mania in the eyes. Julie lives with bipolar disorder, a psychotic disorder, anxiety, and ADD.
Melinda
Update On Party Of The Summer On September 4, 2024
The ultimate end-of-summer party is fast approaching, and I want to give an update on the events. Start preparing for yourself and the family to have the time of your life.
There are a host of additional tents and activities you will find upon arrival and here are a few.
A creative arts tent with watercolors and rocks to paint.
A calm, relaxing, and quiet tent away from the action to take a break.
A movie tent showing old and new movies and a complete list to choose from.
All tents are soundproof for your enjoyment.
The open areas have every type of activity you and your family can imagine. Bring your friends along as well, the more the merrier.
Clean vegan and allergy-free food is on the menu and the wait staff can provide the entire ingredient list.
Dancing is a given and all types of music will rotate throughout the day and night.
I realize it is not the end of Summer in most countries but just imagine the fun you could have thinking about the perfect summer. It’s not too hot, there’s a slight breeze, and the humidity is low. Great weather to get outside and make memories.
Unlike the photo I created, the race track will not be close to the tents and outdoor activities and all tents are closed, not open as depicted. AI can only do so much when creating images, or I gave up before the correct image came up.
I can’t wait to see you there and will keep you updated on the festivities on the day of the party.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday-Flowerama
I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
My husband went to Costco and bought flowers as usual but I had fresh flowers already. Then I went to a store across town to get my almond milk and I could not pass up the mini arrangement for my office. I am overjoyed this week with all the fresh flowers, this rarely happens.
Melinda
Has The Reader Button Disappeared From Your Page
Yesterday I noticed the button to reach Reader was missing, this morning I looked everywhere including places I knew it would not be. Has this happened to you as well? I know WordPress is a a mess to work with and this is probably another one of their issues that will correct itself at some point. If nothing else I want to make sure it’s not just me or a possible issue with my browser software.
I appreciate all relies. :)
Melinda
West Nile Is Now A Global Crisis
There is a global crisis warning about the West Nile Virus and the areas it effects are growing by the day. West Nile is new to many countries and we have to take notice.
What is West Nile?
West Nile virus (WNV) is a single-stranded RNA virus that causes West Nile fever. It is a member of the family Flaviviridae, from the genus Flavivirus, which also contains the Zika virus, dengue virus, and yellow fever virus. The virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, mostly species of Culex. The primary hosts of WNV are birds, so that the virus remains within a “bird–mosquito–bird” transmission cycle.[1] The virus is genetically related to the Japanese encephalitis family of viruses. Humans and horses both exhibit disease symptoms from the virus, and symptoms rarely occur in other animals.
Contrary to popular belief, West Nile virus was not named directly after the Nile River, but rather, after the West Nile district of Uganda where the virus was first isolated in 1937.[2]However, the names are indirectly connected since that district of Uganda is named after the Albert Nile, a tributary of the Nile River in this region. After its original discovery there, it was found in many other parts of the world. Most likely, it spread from the original West Nile district.
What are the symptoms of West Nile?
West Nile virus (WNV) is usually spread by mosquitoes that become infected when they feed on infected birds, which often carry the disease.[53] Rarely the virus is spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding,[53] but it otherwise does not spread directly between people.[55] Risks for severe disease include being over 60 years old and having other health problems.[53] Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and blood tests.[53]
What time of year is West Nile most active?
According to the Center for Disease Control, infection with West Nile Virus is seasonal in temperate zones. Climates that are temperate, such as those in the United States and Europe, see peak season from July to October. Peak season changes depending on geographic region and warmer and humid climates can see longer peak seasons.[58] All ages are equally likely to be infected but there is a higher amount of death and neuroinvasive West Nile Virus in people 60–89 years old.[58] People of older age are more likely to have adverse effects.[citation needed]
There are several modes of transmission, but the most common cause of infection in humans is by being bitten by an infected mosquito. Other modes of transmission include blood transfusion, organ transplantation, breast-feeding, transplacental transmission, and laboratory acquisition. These alternative modes of transmission are extremely rare.[59]
Prevention
Prevention efforts against WNV mainly focus on preventing human contact with and being bitten by infected mosquitoes. This is twofold, first by personal protective actions and second by mosquito-control actions. When a person is in an area that has WNV, it is important to avoid outdoor activity, and if they go outside they should use a mosquito repellent with DEET.[59] A person can also wear clothing that covers more skin, such as long sleeves and pants. Mosquito control can be done at the community level and include surveillance programs and control programs including pesticides and reducing mosquito habitats. This includes draining standing water. Surveillance systems in birds is particularly useful.[60] If dead birds are found in a neighborhood, the event should be reported to local authorities. This may help health departments do surveillance and determine if the birds are infected with West Nile Virus.[61]
This is all important information to know and to know and how to prevent. The outcome of getting the virus is serious even life-threatening.
Melinda
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Nile_virus#Humans
Sending A Special Thank You To the Countries Who Have Visited My Blog-Malta, Argentina, Cyprus And France
Thank you for inviting me into your life by visiting my blog. I appreciate you and get my itch to travel through you. The only country I’ve traveled to is France. I stayed in Paris for a week and had the time of my life. I’m from Texas and have an accent, you can imagine how the few words I could say in French sounded. I stayed in the welcoming 12th arrondissement, and my replies were met with a smile. I saw the touristy areas which were amazing, spent a half day at the Palace of Versailles, and took a train to the Taittinger winery. I looked forward to a tour even though I didn’t understand French but the cellars were amazing. Taittinger is one of my favorite champagnes and rivals several of the more expensive brands I’ve tasted. Bringing back six bottles was an effort.
I look forward to returning to France to visit the wine country and tour more wineries.
As for the other countries, a visit to your country is on my bucket list. I am ready to travel Internationally again but not ready to get on an airplane, it’s not safe right now. Too many systems going down, understaffing and widows blowing out of aircraft for my comfort level.
I hope this post finds you happy and healthy. :)
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Willie Torres Jr.
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their blog with you. This week we highlight Willie Torres Jr. We have only followed each other for a short time but we become fast friends. He is a joy to talk to, a talented writer, and a is a man of God. I feel comfortable talking to him in a way that I don’t with most others.
Willie Torres Jr.
My name is William Torres, but my family and friends call me Willie. It is a pleasure to be here with you today, and I am excited to share my faith journey with you.
My journey has been amazing and fulfilling as a new Christian. I have seen God work in my life in ways I never could have imagined. I have grown closer to my faith and have seen Him work in my life and the lives of those around me. I am truly blessed to call myself a Christian, and I am excited to continue to grow in my faith.
I began writing stories that I believe were inspired by the Holy Spirit. These stories are my testimonies about the different trials I have gone through, and how the Lord has helped me to overcome them. Through this process, I’ve discovered that I can forgive those I once vowed to never forgive, and in turn, my relationships with them have been restored. They are now a huge blessing and a special part of my life.
I have also started a Social Media Ministry on Facebook, which I invite you to visit here. Being Crazy For Christ is a platform where I share my journey of faith, and I am also on YouTube – Willie Torres Jr. and I am excited to see all that God will do through it.
I find all of Willie’s posts inspiring and enjoyed this recent post. It’s called One Stormy Might.
Be sure to stop by and say hello. Pull up a chair, and read through his archives. You will find his style of writing uplifting and down-to-earth.
Melinda
The Behaviors That Get On My Last Nerve
This post isn’t a rant, it’s more of a message for those who behave this way. I have no tolerance for bad behavior, it’s rude and uncalled for.
Here is a sampling of bad behaviors I can live without.
Cutting in line, or leaving a beer in line doesn’t count. Go to the back of the line.
Harassing the elderly.
Feeling entitled.
Weaving in and out of traffic.
Driving 40 miles over the speed limit.
Thinking you’re better than others.
Throwing trash anywhere.
Thinking the rules aren’t for you.
When you drive in water that is too deep, you get what you deserve. You need to pay to be rescued.
Thinking you aren’t responsible for paying off your college loan.
Parking your car in front of your house when there is room in the driveway.
When the neighbor’s pool company parks their truck in the alley and blocks traffic.
When someone talks over another person, unless it’s an emergency shut up and wait your turn. You’re not that important.
People who don’t flush the toilet.
Someone decides for me, it’s not your place and I have a perfectly good brain.
If someone rides my bumper, I may slam on the brakes. Gun or not, I’ve done it before.
If you talk down to someone, you need a bitch slap.
Crosswalks at a street light are for people, not your vehicle.
If you are in front of someone while entering or leaving a building, you have the extra few seconds to let them go first and hold the door open for them.
Don’t take photos of others without their permission unless they are committing a crime, following you, or vandalizing property.
These are a few that come to mind this morning.
Melinda
13 Celebrities Who Embrace Their Bipolar Disorder
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These 13 celebs accept their bipolar and are using their platforms to break the stigma and push for acceptance of brain-based conditions. By Jade Zora Scibilia |
| Whether you love them or “love to hate them,” celebrities can make a real difference, especially when they take a stand for something positive. The following stars with bipolar disorder use their fame (and occasional notoriety) to draw our attention to what really matters, start meaningful conversations among loved ones and policymakers, break the silencing effect of social stigma, and enhance both awareness and acceptance of this brain-based disorder. These celebrities — among others — have had a life-affirming, morale-boosting impact. Whether through a “tell-all” interview or memoir, a powerful pop song, or a moving on-screen performance, these stars continue to rally people with bipolar — and their supporters — to power through and find the hope of a new day. |
| 1. Faye DunawayIn the HBO documentary Faye, the iconic Faye Dunaway, now 83, talks about her lifelong battle with mental health, including her bipolar disorder diagnosis.“Emotion is a strength, not a weakness,” she shared with The Independentat the documentary’s premiere in Cannes in May 2024. Dunaway reflects on how her intense emotions fueled her performances but also contributed to her reputation for being difficult on set — earning her the nickname “the dreaded Dunaway” (and “Dread” for short) from Jack Nicholson during Chinatown. In the documentary, Dunaway candidly discusses how she’s worked with doctors and taken medication to manage her mood swings. She acknowledges it’s been difficult, but “it’s something I’ve had to deal with and overcome and understand. It’s part of who I am.” |
| 2. Alan RitchsonYou may know Alan Ritchson as the star of Prime Video’s Reacher, but did you know he also lives with bipolar disorder? Diagnosed at 36, the now 41-year-old actor has been open about his struggles.“As much as I would like to ignore that I’m a suicide survivor, if I didn’t share what I’ve learned, I feel like my life would be meaningless,” Ritchson told CBC Radio’s “Q” program. “I’ve always been a happy-go-lucky guy, but once you experience the grip [of depression] — the talons it can sink into you — you realize how sinister this thing is and how out of control the biology can really be.” |
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National Grief Awareness Day August 30
Grief has touched millions of lives at one point or another and many have grieved several times. I know grief well, two of my close friends in high school died, my father died in 1992, my Granny died in 2005 and my Gramp’s in 2010. Everyone grieves differently and there is no time frame regardless of what people say. Who would tell a parent how long to grieve for their child, I would pray that no one is that uneducated. My father commited suicide and I spent seven years grieving yet as much as I loved my Grandparents and as close as we were, I grieved less. Maybe it was because I was a caregiver to both.
The key to grieving is giving yourself the time you need yet not get stuck there. We all have to move forward.
What Is National Grieving Awareness Day About?
This National Grief Awareness Day on August 30 is dedicated to raising awareness of the myriad ways in which individuals cope with loss. It offers resources to those going through personal losses and reminds us to support people we know who are grieving. National Grief Awareness Day, founded by Angie Cartwright in 2014, hopes to encourage open communication on loss and bereavement and better inform the public on the facts of grief.
Grief is one of the oldest and most enduring aspects of the human experience. If you haven’t yet experienced grief, it’s unfortunately likely to happen. The term ‘grief’ encompasses all of the emotions around a loss, and ‘mourning’ is defined as the external expression of the pain. ‘Bereavement’ is another commonly-used term for grief. Throughout human history, there have been many attempts to describe and heal grief, and they have changed significantly over the years.
Due in part to our vastly improved physical and mental healthcare, grief is understood far differently today than even as little as 100 years ago. While we often have the privilege (for some, even the expectation) of only losing our loved ones when they are at a ripe old age, comfortable, and with family nearby, this has rarely been the case throughout history. The lack of modern transportation often separated loved ones, wars ravaged populations, and poor medical and sanitation knowledge led to too many untimely deaths. Throughout history, the deaths of loved ones have been far more common, and grief was understood differently.
Melinda
References:
Unexpected Bruising On My Face
I sleep on only one side and over the years I have woken up with redness or a faint bruise right under my eye, it wasn’t concerning at the time. On Thursday I had a doctor’s appointment and my husband went with me. He didn’t say anything at the time but later that evening he asked me to turn my face towards him. He said your face is all bruised on one side, I was shocked and headed for the mirror.
Sure enough, my face was lightly bruised alongside my eye, in the hairline, and all down my cheek close to my nose. He then said my face was bruised earlier that morning and was darker. I was surprised the doctor didn’t say anything.
I sat and thought about my day from the time I woke up and could find no reason for the bruising. I know that bruises don’t fade that quickly so I went to copilot to see what answer it gave. It was what I already knew. Bruising is caused by hitting something and that bruising takes 1-3 days to go away. Still perplexed.
The next morning I woke up with light bruising as well, not as bad as Thursday but still bruised. The only answer I could come up with was my pillow. I had slept on a goosedown pillow for years and several years ago changed to a harder pillow for more neck support. I ordered another goosedown and it’s scheduled to arrive today.
This morning I woke up to redness all around my eye and a small bruise. The bruising started three days ago and makes no sense. I’ll see if the new pillow makes a difference, if not I’m not sure what type of doctor to see.
Have you ever had this happen?
Melinda
Are TV Depictions of Bipolar Helpful or Harmful?
Medically Reviewed by Allison Young, MD
Last Updated: 16 Feb 2024
TV characters with Bipolar Disorder can show that treatment leads to stability. But dramatized portrayals of manic extremes may perpetuate stigma and misconceptions.
“Surely there is someone out there who will take me for who I am: the good, the bad, the full story of love.”
That’s award-winning actor Anne Hathaway as Lexi, prognosticating optimistically about her romantic future as a woman with bipolar disorder. Lexi’s adventures take up the third episode of Modern Love, an Amazon Prime Video streaming series that debuted in October 2019.
At the splashy New York City premiere that Amazon hosted to launch the series, Hathaway did a bit of optimistic prognosticating herself — namely, that her Modern Love segment would help make it easier for people to put bipolar on the table.
“I think those conversations are starting to happen,” she told Variety, adding that people weren’t putting off those talks because of shame “but because we don’t know how to start.”
Hathaway brought up another important point about seeing characters with bipolar on TV: Making the condition, and those who live with it, visible in the mainstream.
“This episode is going to mean so much because it offers some form of representation,” she said.
How Bipolar Disorder Is Represented on TV
For viewers today, the question isn’t so much whether people with bipolar are represented on TV shows, but rather what form that representation takes. Is it more like reckless Ian Gallagher on Showtime’s Shameless? Or more like Kat, the struggling figure skater at the heart of the Netflix original series Spinning Out?
Ian (played by Cameron Monaghan) embraces denial and mostly avoids treatment. Over the show’s 10 seasons, he’s been prone to poor judgment and rash acts — including trying to steal an Army helicopter. He’s gone through stints of sexual promiscuity and fallen into religious fanaticism. (Truth to tell, though, he’s far from the only troubled member of the dysfunctional Gallagher clan.)
Over on Spinning Out, which debuted in January 2020, Kat (Kaya Scodelario) couldn’t be more different. Sure, she’s got her romantic difficulties, her mother-daughter drama, her angst over where to take her skating career. But managing her bipolar slots quietly alongside all the other challenges in her life.Lest we miss out on negative stereotypes, however, Kat’s mother also has bipolar. She’s shown behaving unpredictably and aggressively when she gets lackadaisical with her meds.
Do These Representations Help or Harm?
For Anita of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, portrayals of bipolar on TV do more to mislead than to educate because there’s no way they can be well-rounded and realistic. For one thing, there’s a lot about living with bipolar that just doesn’t make for good drama — or comedy.
“There’s absolutely nothing glamorous, hilarious, or entertaining about actually having bipolar illness,” says Anita, who received her bipolar 2 diagnosis at age 15. “The audience would not be interested in a character who just lies in bed [onscreen] and cries for 30 minutes straight.”
For another, the time limits on television programming make it impossible to accurately show the long, arduous arc of maintaining wellness.
“People are conditioned to believe that all of life’s problems can be resolved in less than an hour because television and movies have taught us that,” Anita says.“Having people around us who are ‘enter-trained’ to believe that their favorite beloved character got through her panic attack in the last episode with flying colors doesn’t help the rest of us at all,” she says. “Real life doesn’t work that way.”
Aiming for Accurate Depictions of Bipolar Disorder
Within the constraints of the genre — and the selective editing that necessarily goes into shaping a script — the people who produce and write TV shows nowadays try not to let gross inaccuracies filter through. Actors do their research, too, reading up on bipolar and consulting with people who actually walk the walk.
Each of Modern Love’s eight episodes is based on a first-person essay from the weekly New York Times column of the same name. Hathaway’s episode was inspired by a piece titled “Take Me as I Am, Whoever I Am,” by Hollywood entertainment lawyer-turned-author Terri Cheney.
Translated to the small screen, we have Hathaway as an attractive, successful Manhattan attorney hoping to move beyond dating into a meaningful relationship. That’s not so easy while trying to hide her bipolar moods.
Instead of dishing up a happily-ever-after romantic finale, the episode ends on a hopeful, truthful note. Hathaway’s character decides to be upfront about all aspects of herself, adding her diagnosis to her online profile on a dating website.
Of course, the hope and the truth originally belonged to Cheney. Before her essay was published on January 13, 2008, Cheney kept her bipolar 1 disorder on the down low. Publishing in the NYT column was her loud-and-proud moment.
“At that time, there wasn’t a vocabulary for the way it really feels to have bipolar disorder,” recalls Cheney, who went on to publish the memoirs Manic and The Dark Side of Innocence. “Writing helped me feel like I control the experience, that I own it and it doesn’t control me anymore.”
For the TV adaptation, Amazon’s production team sought Cheney’s input. She also had discussions with Hathaway, who pored over Manic to get a better feel for her role.
Is the episode perfect? Cheney wouldn’t change a thing about it — and especially adores the musical elements, a trademark of director John Carney — but concedes that “you can’t be all things to all people. A 30-minute episode has to be condensed for dramatic purposes. For example, my own mood switches are not that instantaneous.”
A Daytime Drama’s Truth About Bipolar Treatment
In 2006, half a decade after prime-time TV took the plunge, mob boss Sonny Corinthos was diagnosed with bipolar 1 on ABC’s iconic soap opera General Hospital. Maurice Benard, whose own bipolar was diagnosed at age 22, has played Sonny since 1993 — netting two Emmys over the years.
Even as his character brought bipolar to the notice of the show’s viewers, Benard spoke candidly about real-life experiences in interviews and other public settings.
In his memoir Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital, Benard writes more in-depth about the challenges of controlling his mood symptoms while filming on a daily basis and about the support he received from colleagues.
Benard has told bp Magazine that he “gave a ton of input” on how a mood episode and managing bipolar might play out. For example, he insisted Sonny be shown taking his meds.
On occasion, Benard objected to elements in certain scripts. As an industry insider, however, he accepts that the nature of a melodrama sometimes works against accuracy.
The Young and the Restless, aka Y&R, gave long-running character Sharon Newman a bipolar diagnosis in 2012. Josh Griffith, co-executive producer and head writer of the CBS soap, put considerable thought into responsibly portraying a character with bipolar.
“I looked at some of the emotional journeys the character had taken over the years, picked up what seemed to be a pattern of up-and-down behavior that might fit with bipolar disorder, and saw a chance to, (a) tell a compelling and dramatic story, and (b) explore an important and topical issue that affects millions of people,” he says. “We wanted to be medically accurate with both behavior and treatment, and as dramatic as possible,” he adds.
The Harm of Stereotypes on TV
As far as greater representation in mainstream programs, Cheney doesn’t think television in general has normalized bipolar because stereotypes still prevail most of the time. Notably, “plotlines when a character goes off their medications and becomes manic. … I felt it inferred blame on people for their condition,” she explains, apologizing if she sounds “cranky” about it all.
Nevertheless, Cheney remembers being “so excited that bipolar disorder was being acknowledged at all” when the NBC hospital drama ER introduced the character of Maggie Wyczenski 20 years ago.
Sally Field won an Emmy for her portrayal of Maggie, who first appeared in the November 16, 2000, episode called The Visit. She dropped in on her daughter, Abby Lockhart, one of the show’s main characters. Maggie returned in another 11 episodes over the following seasons, usually demonstrating some extreme or disruptive behavior feeding into a dramatic conflict.“Now I sort of cringe to see how over-the-top her character was when she was manic — wearing a skimpy red dress and flirting shamelessly with all the young interns,” Cheney says. “It’s not exactly inaccurate, just less nuanced than we are today.”
Increased Representation of Bipolar Disorder on TV
Maggie seemed to blow open a door for the industry. In 2001, the HBO comedic drama Six Feet Under went even further, including a character with bipolar as a regular part of the ensemble cast. While not one of the central figures, Billy Chenowith (Jeremy Sisto) familiarized viewers with the fact that bipolar is a treatable condition.
Over the show’s five seasons, however, Billy sometimes went off his meds with stereotypically destructive results. As the Los Angeles Times noted, “Billy can be sullen, seductive, filled with rage or decimated by self-loathing, depending on whether he’s taken his medication.”
Throughout the decade, that remained the motif on a variety of programs: a minor, recurring or ensemble character exhibiting manic behavior if not in treatment — but also demonstrating that medication can pave the way to stability.
Then came Homeland.
The Showtime spy thriller, which premiered in October 2011, puts its character with bipolar front and center. That would be CIA officer Carrie Mathison, played by high-profile actor Claire Danes. Carrie is a top-ranking counterterrorism agent, operating in a high-pressure environment. Her bipolar is an integral aspect of her characterization and a seamless element in the plot.
No one would put Carrie on a pedestal for carefully managed wellness, but she introduced viewers to a more complex view of living with bipolar. She’s shown choosing to go off her meds in order to exploit the sharper thinking of hypomania. She demonstrates obsessive behavior during manic episodes. Her depressive episodes get written into the script.
Some critics slammed Homeland for sensationalizing the disorder. Hannah Jane Parkinson, a columnist for the British newspaper The Guardian, was one viewer who argued back. Parkinson, who has bipolar, found Danes’ portrayal “accurate and refreshing.”
The 2014 opinion piece continued: “Most of the time, the show gets it right. … In a world in which mental health stigma is still devastating, it’s fantastic that films and TV programs are upping their game when it comes to representation.”
How Actors Prepare to Play a Character With Bipolar Disorder
Danes captured two Emmys for her work on Homeland. As with Hathaway on Modern Love, she turned to Cheney’s memoir Manic as part of her research on how to play the character.
“Claire is a terrific actor, and yes, there were episodes of [Carrie] going off her meds, but she paid more attention than usual to her character’s bipolar disorder,” says Cheney. “She did a very good job at representing depression.”
Showtime initially consulted Julie A. Fast, an author, speaker, and personal coach specializing in mood disorders. Homeland’s showrunners enlisted Fast’s help before filming the pilot and used her book Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder to help develop Danes’ character.
“Claire was wonderful, lovely, down-to-earth and very welcoming, and tried really hard to get bipolar right,” says Fast, a longtime bp Magazine columnist. “She treated me beautifully as an equal and asked very intelligent questions, especially about mania.”
Unfortunately, Fast says, her own illness didn’t sync well with the stressful demands of that job.
“I love the work, but have to find a balance between the TV world and my own stability. This creates a lot of loss — and [that’s] not something the TV shows talk about very often,” she muses.
What TV Shows Have Gotten Right About Bipolar
One thing Homeland did get right, Fast says, was illustrating “the superpowers we feel during a euphoric manic episode.”
She adds, “Going off meds to intentionally get manic is a very realistic portrayal of how we want the meds to help with depression, but often we miss the high energy of being manic.Mania makes us feel invincible. And as always happens, Claire’s character made terrible decisions when she went off her meds.”
Fast praises Homeland for showing the fallout of Carrie’s decisions when they didn’t end well or safely.
Alas, Homeland wrapped in spring 2020. Ditto for Fox’s Empire. That series about scheming music executives in New York City, which first aired in 2015, also concluded in 2020.
The character of Andre Lyon on Empire moved depictions of bipolar a huge step forward. He has a successful management career, nimbly navigating the treacherous waters of the family dynasty. He has a business degree from the prestigious Wharton School. He’s in a stable marriage with his college sweetheart. (He’s also a Black man, bringing a whole new dimension to representation.)
Mental health activist Ruth C. White, PhD, MPH, MSW, singles out Andre as a more realistic example of someone with the disorder than is usually seen. He’s active and effective, follows his treatment plan, and is able to successfully manage stress.
“He sees his doctor to tweak his meds on occasions and… doesn’t fall apart when his baby dies,” White, a clinical associate professor of social work at the University of Southern California, told VH1.
Storytelling and Social Awareness of Bipolar
“On screen, it’s really important to continue to reinforce what bipolar disorder is and what it is not,” says Marie Gallo Dyak, president and CEO of the Entertainment Industries Council.
“Stories tell us that people can be accurately diagnosed, can be safely treated, be productive, and sustain a lifestyle they are comfortable with,” she says. “These are really important stories that need to be told.”
The council is a Hollywood watchdog group established in 1983 to promote accurate depictions of behavioral health and social issues in films, TV shows, and other media. It provides science-based resources to scriptwriters and their colleagues.
Dyak has definitely seen big strides forward. She says bipolar “is more mainstream than when we first started talking about it — especially in a clinical way.… Now, when someone says something about bipolar disorder, it’s not uncomfortable.”
Some advancements may be more subtle, she notes. For example, “instead of someone asking, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ [in a scene], a character can ask, ‘What’s happened to you?’”
Fast keeps her finger on the pulse of how bipolar is shown in various media and measures progress in increments. In her opinion, greater representation on the small screen has increased awareness of mental health challenges.
Compared to a decade ago, she sees more open and uplifting dialogue in both post-show chatter on social media and in general. Despite the limited lens on living with the illness, every character we see on TV does a little bit to chip away at silence and stigma.
“Is it positive?” Fast asks rhetorically. “Absolutely.”
The Persistence of Bipolar Stereotypes on TV
In fall 2017, Declan O’Hern, then a communications student at Elon University in North Carolina, authored a research paper that analyzed portrayals of bipolar disorder in television dramas over the preceding decade.
O’Hern noted that at least 16 TV shows since the early 2000s incorporated characters with bipolar either as a protagonist or recurring character. She tracked the accuracy of depictions in ER, Friday Night Lights, Shameless, Homeland, Empire, and the Canadian franchise Degrassi.
Factors included how treatment and recovery were shown, the character’s social and professional functioning, and incidents of dangerous or violent behavior blamed on the illness.
O’Hern cited earlier entertainment tropes that linked “the actions of murderers, molesters [and] egomaniacs” to mental disorders. That was in the dark ages before mental health awareness campaigns and school curricula on mental wellness. However, more recent TV scripts still rely on exaggerated behaviors — as might be expected from writers looking to provide a dramatic hook.
“All shows collectively hit on almost every stereotype at least once and, in general, television depicted violent and criminal behavior far too often,” O’Hern concluded.
Furthermore, the shows frequently failed to put such behaviors in context to make the actions more understandable.
On the plus side, O’Hern added, viewers were given more realistic exposure to the existence of professional incompetence, unwillingness to accept treatment, and the fact that recovery doesn’t happen instantaneously.
The final verdict: “Despite recent progress, contemporary bipolar protagonists still have progress to make before depictions can be classified as wholly realistic.”
Stephanie Stephens, M.A is an 18-year journalist and content producer, specializing in health and healthcare, investigations, celebrities, pets, lifestyle, and business. She writes for magazines and online publications, networks, hospitals and health systems, corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, as well as advertising and marketing agencies. Her work has appeared in Kaiser Health News, Everyday Health, WebMD, in content for the American Academy of Neurology, National MS Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and more. She has written for TODAY.com, Family Circle, Cooking Light, Parade, USA Today and others. She’s currently producing a television series, and completed her master’s in journalism at New York University. Stephanie has lived in 16 cities, is a resident of New Zealand by application, and is committed to improving animal welfare. Follow Stephanie at mindyourbody.tv, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
I have often felt the media does not depict Mental Illness correctly, how could they if the writers do not have a Mental Illness. Not to mention that media is all about drama and making money. If depicted correctly it wouldn’t always make for the best ratings. That’s why we have to look beyond the surface for reality, reality TV is not the least bit of reality.
Melinda
Treating Neurologic Lyme Disease with Hyperbaric Oxygen
Important Read
By Fred Diamond
Many listeners of my Love, Hope, Lyme podcast ask me to go deeper on some treatment topics that I mention in my book “Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know.” One such topic is hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT).
On today’s Love, Hope, Lyme podcast, Dr. Mo Elamir of the Aviv Clinics in Florida clarifies what HBOT is and how it may benefit those with persistent Lyme disease.
Breathing new life into Lyme treatment
Amidst the search for effective treatments, HBOT has emerged as a compelling approach, possibly offering new hope for those battling the persistent effects of chronic Lyme disease.
HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. This method significantly increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, facilitating the body’s natural healing processes.
Dr. Elamir, a leading physician at Aviv Clinics, explains the transformative impact of HBOT on Lyme disease patients: “By increasing the oxygen levels in the body under pressure, HBOT can break through the biofilm that protects Lyme bacteria, which are often anaerobic and thrive in low-oxygen environments. This process can destroy the bacteria and lead to significant improvements in neurological function.”
The specific HBOT protocol used at Aviv Clinics involves fluctuating oxygen levels, a technique designed to trigger the body into a state of healing. This healing process includes the growth of new stem cells and blood vessels, improved mitochondrial function, and the repair of damaged brain tissue.
“Our approach is highly individualized, focusing on each patient’s unique needs and the specific ways Lyme has affected their neurological health,” says Dr. Elamir.
How Lyme impacts the brain
Lyme disease affects an estimated 60 million people worldwide in its chronic stage. The disease can invade various parts of the body, including the brain, where it causes a range of neurological symptoms.
These symptoms can be particularly challenging to diagnose and treat, often leaving patients in a state of cognitive fog, battling memory loss, and struggling with anxiety and depression.
Dr. Elamir provides critical insights into how Lyme disease can affect the brain. “The bacteria that cause Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, are spirochetes that can invade the brain, leading to symptoms such as brain fog, memory problems, anxiety, depression, and even issues with movement, coordination, and balance,” he explains.
“These symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, depending on how the disease affects their nervous system.”
One of the most challenging aspects of chronic Lyme disease is that its neurological effects are often dismissed or misdiagnosed.
“Standard tests like MRIs and nerve conduction studies may not reveal the subtle dysfunctions caused by Lyme,” Dr. Elamir points out. “As a result, many patients are told that their symptoms are ‘all in their head,’ leading to frustration and a sense of isolation.”
Stress: a catalyst for symptom reactivation
Stress plays a significant role in the reactivation of Lyme symptoms. Dr. Elamir explains that various stressors—whether physical, emotional, or even as minor as a common cold—can trigger the dormant spirochetes in the brain to become active again.
“Stress can cause these bacteria, which might have been lying dormant in the brain, to reemerge, leading to a resurgence of neurological symptoms,” he notes. This makes stress management a critical component of care for Lyme survivors.
The spirochetes’ ability to remain dormant and reemerge under stress is one of the reasons why Lyme disease can be so difficult to treat. Even after successful treatment with antibiotics, the bacteria can remain hidden in the body, waiting for an opportunity to resurface.
Comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment
At Aviv Clinics, treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment that spans three to five days. This in-depth evaluation includes structural and functional imaging of the brain, neurocognitive testing, and a thorough medical evaluation. One of the key tools used in this assessment is SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) scanning.
“SPECT scans allow us to see the metabolic function or dysfunction within the brain,” Dr. Elamir explains. “This is crucial because standard MRIs primarily show the structure of the brain, but SPECT scans give us a clearer picture of how Lyme disease has affected the patient’s neurological health.”
Based on the assessment, the clinic develops a personalized treatment plan that includes HBOT as a cornerstone therapy. But HBOT is just one component of a broader treatment protocol that also includes neurocognitive training, physical therapy, vestibular therapy (for balance issues), and psychotherapy.
Healing the mind alongside the body
Psychotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process for many Lyme survivors. As the brain begins to heal, patients may experience a resurfacing of traumatic memories or new psychological challenges. The clinic’s psychotherapists work closely with patients to help them navigate these changes and provide them with the tools they need to cope.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common forms of psychotherapy used at Aviv Clinics.
“CBT helps patients understand their symptoms, process their emotions, and develop strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges,” says Dr. Elamir. Group therapy sessions are also offered, allowing patients to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
The role of diet in neurological health
Diet is another critical aspect of treatment at Aviv Clinics. Dr. Elamir emphasizes the importance of following a diet that supports neurological health.
“One of the most effective diets for this purpose is the ketogenic diet, which has shown significant benefits for people with neurological conditions,” he says.
Originally developed for children with epilepsy, the ketogenic diet involves consuming high-fat, low-carbohydrate foods that induce a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This can lead to improvements in brain function and a reduction in neurological symptoms.
Intermittent fasting is another dietary approach that can be beneficial for Lyme survivors.
“Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve metabolic processes and reduce inflammation, which can support the healing process in Lyme disease,” notes Dr. Elamir. This involves eating all meals within a specific window of time each day, such as an eight-hour period, and fasting for the remaining 16 hours.
Dr. Elamir also advises patients to reduce their intake of processed sugars, which can exacerbate inflammation and contribute to chronic health issues. “Minimizing sugar intake is essential in managing Lyme disease because it is characterized by chronic inflammation,” he explains.
Addressing co-infections
Co-infections are a common complication of Lyme disease. These are other infections transmitted by the same tick that carries Lyme disease, such as Bartonella and Babesia. These co-infections can cause their own set of symptoms and make the treatment of Lyme disease more complex.
“HBOT can also be effective in treating these co-infections,” says Dr. Elamir. “The increased oxygen levels can help destroy the bacteria responsible for these infections, while the overall treatment protocol supports the repair of any damage caused by the body’s immune response to the infection.”
Click here to listen to all episodes of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast or on YouTube.
Learn more about the Aviv Clinics here.
Fred Diamond is based in Fairfax, Virginia and can be contacted via Facebook. His popular book, “Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know” is available on Amazon. The e-version of the book is always free to Lyme survivors. PM Fred on Facebook for your copy.
Melinda
Bots Are Back! Today 756 Are From Facebook/Meta
I’ve had a total of 921 Bot hits on my archive but what’s worrying is that 756 came from Facebook, what is Meta doing? This has happened three days in a row and the numbers are going up. I’ve never had this happen before and I can’t help but be alarmed. Of course, I’ve heard nothing back from WordPress and don’t expect to. I have to believe the Bot is targeting WordPress versus my blog.
I don’t know if this is a security risk or just searching for content to use to answer questions asked by their system. I was stalked several years ago by a blogger I knew, they hacked my system, terrorized and made it look like it was two bloggers I trusted. They had a mental illness that consisted of several personalities of which I did not know the names. They sent me texted and sent messages while I was typing. I came to believe they didn’t plan to hurt me and one day she used her real name. Once I confronted her the stalking stopped. I was a long seven months and it affected me greatly.
To say I’m concerned when these types of events happen is an understatement. I don’t know if this is the future of AI or something more sinister.
Can anyone enlighten me on what is happening and if I need to be alarmed. I would truly appreciate your feedback. The number of countries that have seen an increase in the views of the archives have gone and it’s from countries that never read through my archives. Today it’s up to six countries.
Thank you.
Melinda
Friday Quote
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
I’m not thrilled with the use of pink, that’s sexist to me.
Melinda
Reference:
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/g44287993/womens-equality-day-quotes/
#Weekend Music Share-Helen Reddy – I Am Woman (Original Version)
“I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman”.
I remember when the song was released, it was against the grain and received plenty of criticism but what a great anthem that has stood the test of time. Listen to the words carefully. The message is just as important today as it was in 1971. Helen Reddy is so graceful and genuine.
Sending a special thanks to Willowdot21 for her comments on the Women’s Equality Day post.
During an interview many years ago Helen said the song wasn’t written for women only but was for everyone. I have to ponder that. Was she also talking about sexual equality?
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Looking for the Light 