I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Trolls
Pain Awareness Month-Reality
The number of people with chronic pain grows daily, and pain medication is hard to find in stock or doctors have stopped writing prescriptions due to the DEA. It’s a difficult time to have chronic pain, there are stories of people with cancer or other painful diseases being denied pain medication, It’s heartbreaking.
I have not taken Percocet for 3 years, It wasn’t an intentional choice, it was the choice of my doctor. I wasn’t in enough pain for him. Pain Doctors can be very strict due to the DEA breathing down their neck.
I’m not going to tell you about pain, you already know. I want to pass on a few tips about Pain Doctors.
The DEA is on a war path against pain medication (all controlled substances), and in the process has scared many doctors to no longer write prescriptions for their patients or have very strict rules you need to understand.
Taking pain medication long-term will require patience, compliance, and frustration. Appointments with your pain doctor are a top priority, do not miss an appointment. Call after if you have to but call the office right away and talk to the Office Manager. Most Pain Doctors have a contract saying you will do certain things and will not do certain things. In the contract, it could say two missed appointments and you’re fired. Read the contract!
If this is your first pain doctor, work hard to keep the relationship healthy, every time you change Pain Doctors it’s notated in your medical records. The more Pain Doctors you see, you run the risk of being labeled as a drug seeker.
When talking to your doctor always focus on the pain areas and other issues related. Don’t ask about medication, say instead, I’m hoping you can help me. Again, this is a measure to not be called a drug seeker.
Don’t complain about waiting or staff with the doctor, calmly talk with the Office Manager. They pull a ton of weight and are good to be friends with.
You can expect to give a urine sample every month or possibly every three, whatever the doctor decides.
The DEA will not allow pharmacies to fill certain medications, including pain meds until you’re down to your last pills, so expect to see your doctor every month to get a new prescription. It’s a crazy world. Do say what medication you pick up, just your name and how many prescriptions you have. Sad to say but someone may have a better idea of what to do with the meds. I know this sounds dramatic but have you watched the news this week?
My next tidbit will sound strange. I recommend keeping a backstock in case you are fired and left without medication. This happened to me and I was glad to have backstock to help ease the withdrawal. When it’s time to take your medication, ask yourself, do I really need it or all of it. If you can skip it, then put it in a bottle for the what-ifs. Always fill your prescription on time even if you have pills left, the leftovers can go to backstock.
I get addicted quickly to pain meds and the withdrawal is tough. Don’t deny yourself medication, at the same time, it’s tough to go cold turkey. That’s why I have a backstock. It goes without saying, don’t tell your doctor what you’re doing!
BEWARE! If you have constant pain and have not received relief from medication, the doctor may mention a Spine Stimulator. STOP!!!!! You can let them check your insurance coverage if you’re curious, but decide later. This medical device needs your research because the results are all over the board. Read until you are satisfied.
I had a bad fall over the weekend and the post was written with concussion fog. I apologize if it doesn’t flow.
I’m hoping you have many pain-free days.
Melinda
Four Tips For Avoiding Unnecessary Stress In Life
Stress is a major thorn in the side for many people. While it is natural and beneficial in certain scenarios, chronic stress is very unhealthy. It can have negative effects on your physical and mental health. If you are regularly hampered by stress and anxiety, it’s important to address it. Failing to acknowledge continuous stress can trigger further problems.
Before taking action to combat stress, it’s important to acknowledge what it actually is. Stress is one of the body’s natural defense mechanisms. In times of danger, people generally react through a fight-or-flight response. Your mind and body recognize the danger and get prepared for you to either fight or flight.
When you’re body goes into fight or flight mode, it is in a state of stress. Your senses are heightened, your alertness and focus are peaked, and your energy leaves are fueled by adrenaline. While this is beneficial in times of true peril, stress does not add value to your life in most scenarios.
If you suffer from unnecessary stress, you should find some ways to manage it. With this in mind, here are four tips for avoiding unnecessary stress in life.
Get active
Exercise is a natural stress reliever. It provides a mental escape and keeps your body physically fit. During exercise, the human body produces endorphins. These have a tremendous impact on your mood and work wonders in battling stress. A natural release of endorphins can also help you sleep better, further reducing stress levels.
Make an effort to stay active as much as possible. Rhythmic exercises such as walking, biking, or running are particularly beneficial as they produce a meditative effect.
Work on time management
Time management is key when you live a busy lifestyle. Failing to effectively manage your regular workload can lead to long-term and chronic stress. At times when you’re under serious pressure, organization, and time management can guide you.
One of the best ways to get on top of time management is to schedule. Different scheduling styles work for different people. Some work best with extremely detailed plans, while others work best with more vague to-do lists.
Find out what you’re best suited to and start to manage your time more efficiently.
Beware of scams
In the technological era, there are countless manipulative scams out there that prey on the vulnerable. Having confidential information or money stolen from you can leave you in a financial predicament. What’s more, it can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety.
Do some research on how to prevent this from happening. DTSS reviews banking fraud and scams and is a great informational resource to consider.
Practice mindful activities
Mindfulness revolves around centering your mind and being present in the moment. This helps detach your mind from unnecessary stress and it relieves your consciousness of clutter, bringing clarity to your mental state.
Practicing mindful techniques such as meditation and yoga can work wonders for reducing stress. There is a myriad of free online guides to help get you started. Meditation apps are a great way to get into a routine, as they have a number of guided sessions.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Where Were You On 9/11?
You can not mention 9/11 without thinking of the firefighters who went into the building knowing the situation and went anyway. All of those who died helping another to live is a HERO! All who survived and helped someone in need is a HERO.
I have difficulty wrapping my head around the damage and how the terrorists stayed under the radar. We may have survived but Muslim rage started after the attack and many innocent people were mistreated. Let this be a lesson for us to learn.
I had my luggage at the door, ready to catch a flight to Russia. My gramps called and said a plane flew into the tower, I didn’t have the television on but assured him it was okay. I’m thinking of a small plane, not the attack New York received.
On the way to the airport, more information is coming through but not the magnitude of the attacks. When we arrive at the airport it’s closed like all the other airports across America. I think the airspace was closed for 10 days, after the airports opened I rescheduled my dream trip to Russia.
Our country was forever changed, and the far-reaching effects are endless. New Yorkers came together like never before and the world watched to see what happened next.
I will always have a hole in my heart that time won’t heal.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Jay’s Sandbox
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of Jay’s Sandbox.
Jay’s Sandbox
A place for my million-mile-per-hour thoughts
Chris Ryan’s work has been translated into over twenty languages, and appeared just about everywhere, including Netflix, HBO, MSNBC, Fox News, CNN, NPR, The New York Times, The Times of London, Playboy, The Washington Post, Time, Newsweek, National Geographic, and The Atlantic. Chris has been a featured speaker at TED, SXSW, The Festival of Dangerous Ideas at the Sydney Opera House, the Portland Comedy Festival, the Einstein Forum in Pottsdam, Germany, and is a frequent guest on The Joe Rogan Experience, the Duncan Trussell Family Hour and many other podcasts. He’s provided expert testimony in a Canadian constitutional hearing, won a coveted AVN award (best non-sex performance, Marriage 2.0) and popped-up in dozens of documentary films and television shows.
Even before co-authoring the New York Times best-seller, Sex at Dawn: How We Mate, Why We Stray, and What it Means for Modern Relationships with Cacilda Jethá, MD in 2010, Chris was on a wild ride.
His blog is sweet on the eyes and full of great content. Check out his blog, it’s a must-see.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-
38 Special – Caught Up In You
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
https://youtu.be/zg21Rkew874?si=mcLCV4mQ450MSNEu
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.
Friday Quote 9/08/2023
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
Moving Beyond Anger
The word persistent has two meanings. Persistent as in great salesperson or persistent in that not give up on those who wronged me. I fit both and the second is not good when I’m wronged.
I’ve written several posts on my stay at UTSW Psych Hospital and my traumatic experience with one doctor. One day I found all of the doctor’s notes and almost had a coranary. I printed out 19 pages of notes and labs and then started marking all the half-truths, conversations that didn’t happen, and flat lies.
I was enraged! These notes were all negative toward me, I’ve never had a doctor act like this. These notes go on my medical records and all I wanted to do was attack him at all levels.
No one would validate my concerns, not even a blah blah We are aware of your concerns, that have sattified me. I did receive a letter about how to change my medical notes. It’s not a correction to the notes, it’s an amendment. I thought about it for two days and decided that adding my note of complaints would not help me and possibly hurt me down the road.
I also received a letter from Legal to acknowledge my concerns. I filed two complaints with the Texas Medical Board.
I’ve sent a few emails about my concerns but received no feedback. While resting today I decided the anger has to go for me to move on.
Getting letters from Medical Records and the Legal Dept. gave me what I needed, to validate my concerns. I realized it’s time to move beyond anger.
I felt lighter, not happy yet but the block around my ankle had been cut off.
Now comes the difficult process! It requires a clear picture in your head of where you’re going.
Here’s my plan
Grieve the pain I felt after being traumatized.
Acknowledge that I made the best decision by moving forward.
Prepare how you’re going to respond if anger creeps in.
Break down the tasks that need attention and accomplish at least one task a day.
Start to look for a new house.
Catch up on appointments I’ve been putting off.
I will keep looking for positive reinforcement.
Challenges
Only drive 3-5 miles from the house.
Have to check with my husband to see if the appointment date works for him, in case he has to drive me.
Cognitive issues
Agoraphobia
I dislike his huge truck. It’s hard to park if anyone is next to me, often causing me to park far from the building entrance. The guard rails on truck are not ergo and it takes precision to get in.
Spend less time on the computer.
I’m not a doctor as you know but at 60 years old, I’ve been around the block before and have a few ideas.
There will be ups and downs but I’m confident in success.
What do you do to move past anger?
Melinda
References:
https://academic.oup.com/book/25080/chapter-abstract/189217644?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Wordless Wednesday *Neon JellyFish
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Melinda
September Awareness Days
Hi,
I hope you are happy and healthy. The Awareness Days listed are for America. You would be shocked if you saw how many days are observed in the UK. September is a busy month for Awareness Days and maybe even get you to the doctor.
Blood Cancer Awareness Month
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Healthy Aging ® Month
National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
National Cholesterol Education Month
National Sickle Cell Month
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Pain Awareness Month
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
World Alzheimer’s Month
Melinda
References:
What To Do If You Suspect You Have Allergies
While over 100 million people in the US alone have allergies, not everyone is born with them, and they can develop as an adult, during childhood, or be present from birth. The only way to know you are truly allergic to something is to be exposed to the potential trigger. And, you can be allergic to thousands of different things. You can have pet allergies, be allergic to bee stings, severe food allergies, and common household materials and chemicals such as hair dyes and cleaning products
Talk to your doctor.
In the first instance, you should talk to your doctor if you are concerned you might have an allergy. Your doctor can arrange tests for you to identify if you are allergic to anything and exactly how you are allergic to it. Keep notes of any symptoms and potential triggers you voiced and how you feel. They can talk you through the allergy treatments available and get you started if needed.
Know Your Signs
Prevention is always better than a cure for allergic reactions, but knowing the signs and symptoms of an allergy attack can help you get the treatment you need fast. Some people only experience mild discomfort when coming into contact with their allergens, for others, it is an instant severe reaction that quickly becomes life-threatening. Know your signs, your triggers, and how best to help yourself. This is especially important if you have yet to be diagnosed, as medical professionals can use this information to analyze your allergy and treat your symptoms quickly.
Common allergy symptoms include;
- Runny nose or sneezing
- Pain or tenderness in or around your face, nose, and throat
- Bodily swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Itchy skin or rash
- Feeling sick
If you experience these symptoms, you should head to your doctor or pharmacist. In the event of more severe reactions, you should go to the nearest emergency room for immediate treatment.
Treatment Options
Some treatment options are available for people with allergies, from using an Epi-pen for more severe reactions, which can be life-saving, to using OTC allergy relief medication. Your doctor can advise you on the right type of medication for you. Be it antihistamines, topical creams for itch relief, desensitization, or immunotherapy to lessen the reaction or avoid the trigger altogether. You can work with them to help you develop a suitable treatment plan based on your lifestyle, specific triggers, and the severity of your reaction. From here, you can adjust your lifestyle to accommodate your allergy and live as healthy as possible.
It is vital that if you are diagnosed with an allergy, you take the proper steps to keep yourself safe. This can be via informing others of your allergy to reduce exposure, carrying around your medication should you need it, or being proactive in asking if your allergens are present in food or environments so you can make a more informed decision. Failure to do this can put you at risk of triggering an allergy, and you will likely suffer the consequences. Always remain vigilant regarding your allergies to ensure you are always prepared.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Happy Labor Day
Happy Labor Day! In 1882 work life was very different than today. Think of the computer/phone users today, they don’t need a union but work conditions in 1882 were deplorable, working outrageous hours, and the list goes on.
I respect every person who participated and spoke about their needs. Your voice made a difference and still does in 2023.
It’s because of the people
I had forgotten the walk-out was union-driven. No posturing on their part? Only the most dangerous jobs need a union. Unions get their money first, and no they don’t care about you. As you can tell I don’t believe in unions. A Starbucks upstate went union, WFT!
Let’s share a toast to the workers who walked off their jobs with no pay. That’s true commitment. Their actions on September 5, 1882, sparked the laws we work under today.
Have an awesome day.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-The Amethyst Lamb
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of The Amethyst Lamb.
I’m a 29-year-old child advocate/social worker. I’m also a certified yoga teacher. I’m vegan and I love animals and nature. I mostly post poetry on my blog, but I also draw and am working on some stickers right now
Be sure to check out her interesting blog and say hi!
Melinda
6 Signs You Are Dealing With Addiction
There is nothing funny about feeling compelled to drink, take drugs, or smoke. Addiction is not a joke, and if you are in the throes of one, there is every chance that you don’t even know it. Engaging in something that you find pleasurable is not inherently bad for you, but there is a very fine line between having fun and enjoying yourself and feeling an unavoidable compulsion to do something. One of these isn’t healthy, and I bet you could guess which one!
Whether it’s a compulsion to binge eat, watch Netflix, drink alcohol, or take prescription drugs, you need to know that your compulsion could get you into massive amounts of trouble. You could call Leyba Mathew if you find that your addiction has led you to dangerous territories, but before you get there, you need to know that you definitely are dealing with addiction. With that in mind, we’ve put together six clear signs that it’s an addiction that you’re dealing with. Let’s take a look:
It’s Become Something So Important To You
The importance of the thing that you are doing goes beyond your job, your family, and your friends. At any cost, you will do the thing you NEED to do. You can determine how important something is to you by how much you’re not doing other things in favor of that one thing you are doing. For example, if you’re not paying your mortgage to afford wine, there’s a problem!
You Feel Better When You Do It
The reason we call it being a shopaholic is that shopping triggers a relaxed, happy response. The endorphins released because we are shopping make us feel good. When you take drugs, you do it for the high. Of course, it doesn’t feel too good when you’re involved in a DUI, but it feels good at the moment. The reward response is a clear reason to continue to do it. And that’s when the issues arise.
There Is No “Enough”
The more you do the thing you are doing, the more you want to do it. It takes precedence over every other thing that you have in your life, and that’s becoming an issue. When you’re carving out more space in your day-to-day life for this new compulsion, you’re putting more emphasis on the thing you’re doing.
You Get Anxious When You Can’t
There is a reason that employers give their staff smoking breaks. A lack of nicotine leads to anxiety, irritability, and angst in someone addicted to cigarettes. Smoking breaks “take the edge off” the anxiety and make them feel better, so they are able to take paid breaks to have a cigarette. When you are feeling bad on the inside when you can’t binge eat, watch Netflix, or even shop, it’s a good sign you’re addicted to what you’re doing.
It’s Consuming Your Life
If drugs, alcohol, or even shopping are starting to consume everything else in your life, taking over your money and putting you into debt, there is a problem. You should be able to enjoy most things in moderation, but when you can’t help it and you MUST drink, you need to seek some help.
You Can’t Help Yourself
You wake up in the morning and say today is the day you won’t drink. Then you get to the evening and before you know it, you’re pouring out your third glass of wine, promising yourself that tomorrow is the day. The problem with addiction is that tomorrow is never the day, and you need to speak to the professionals to make sure that you can reach that tomorrow.
Getting help is vital before your addiction costs you your life or someone else’s life.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Eddie Money-Shakin’
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve 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.
Friday Quote 9/01/2023
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
Review Of Vital Field’s Sleep Frequencell
I want to send a special thanks to Communications Director Nassia Bitha for sending me a host of Vital Field Frequencells to try. Today I’m writing about the Sleep Frequencell and I’m excited to share with you my experience.
This post contains affiliate links that earn me a small commission to help cover my coffee habit.
About Vital Field
The cumulative expert knowledge and the science of using precisely targeted frequencies for health management and pain management are now, for the first time in history, available to end-users worldwide.
Vital Field applications don’t replace or compete with traditional medicine or conventional treatment methods. They are intended to provide an alternative treatment for pain and health when conventional methods fail to provide significant results on their own.
With zero negative side effects reported and over 80% reported satisfaction from customers, we are confident in offering a full money-back guarantee if our product does not work for you.
SLEEP Cell
The Sleep Cell actively helps with:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Trouble staying sound asleep
- Jet lag
- Recuperating after birth when sleep schedules are erratic but the body needs to recover from the most intense physical challenge
- Stress and insomnia
- Signs of Anxiety
- Mood swings
Since Vitalfield products are safe, natural, non-invasive, and non-chemical, you have nothing to lose by using their line of products. I am 100% confident in the technology and the complete line of products.
The Sleep Frequencell needs to be placed on the first vertebra on your back and only wear it overnight. I’m starting tonight and look forward to sharing the results in a few days.
The first night I felt the relaxing properties shortly after taping on which reduced my stress and helped me sleep deeply. The more nights I used the Sleep Frequencell the better it worked.
A couple of minutes after the Sleep Frequencell is in place you don’t even feel that it’s there. Vital Field includes tape to use with each Frequencell and you can purchase more from Vital Field or use another type of kinetic tape.
I love Vital Field’s innovative natural approach to designing each product which can be used over and over. Unlike traditional medicine, you don’t feel the cell working, but you see the results.
I’ve done several reviews for Vital Field products and have not been disappointed yet. I encourage everyone to check out the product line and purchase the Frequencells that fit your health needs.
You can find more information on all Frequencell’s here
Use discount code LIGHT20 for 20% off any Vital Field product.
I’m thrilled to find a product that works naturally and not have to take a sleeping pill.
Melinda
I Need Your Feedback On Theme
Please!
One important thing to consider is if your current theme is retired, does it support the old customization or only supports Block Editor. One frustrating part of picking a new theme, there are very few with a sidebar. Don’t forget all widgets don’t convert and the widgets you have now may not be supported anymore.
There are several widgets left to add to the site but I haven’t figured out which widget button to use. That’s for another Chat with WordPress.
What does it need?
The site, it looks too sterile
I think the logo is too big
Is the font big enough?
Are you having problems loading a page?
Please take a few minutes to check out my site and provide feedback. I truly appreciate your help.
Melinda
Addiction Resources Available In Organizations That Can Page
You can find resources on many topics under the Organizations That Can Help and click on Addiction. Thank you for visiting today.
Local Non Profit Addiction Treatment Directory
Addiction Center.com Find Rehab Clinics In Your Area
Recovery.Org Find Addiction Treatment Near You
Rehab Centers Nation Wide (Insurance Specific)
Help Guide.org – Addiction Information
Drug Abuse Resources for Parents
SMART Recovery.Org – Self Management and Recovery Training
An Article On Alcoholism
Melinda
Reference:
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
Wordless Wednesday *Asp
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Do not touch Asp, their little hairs stick to your skin and it feels like you’re on fire. If you get touched by one, use tape to pull all the hairs out. And make sure it’s dead.
Melinda
Book Review of Voices Off by Georgia Brask
I want to give a special thanks to Andrea Marchiano, Editor from Trigger Publishing for sending the book Voices Off by Georgia Brask to read and review.
Blurb
Georgia has heard voices all her life – the voices of bullies who tormented her throughout her school years and the voices inside her head, which didn’t have many nice things to say, either. At the age of 17, she suffered a catastrophic psychotic breakdown that resulted in her being hospitalized for seven months and receiving a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.
Now it’s time for Georgia to use her voice, which she does so with candour and humour to address the misconceptions and stigma associated with schizophrenia. She hopes that sharing what she has learned can help someone embarking on their own complicated conversation with this devastating illness.
My Thoughts
You know that little voice in our head, now imagine there are 200 voices in your head. That’s a heavy load to carry. The extra stress and all the extra input from people or television were too much for her to handle at the beginning. She’s completely honest about her illness and hopes to help others just as she did in her Danish blog.
Georgia had a psychotic breakdown at 17 years old, spent 7 months in a Psychiatric Hospital, and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Although she had symptoms from an early age she didn’t tell anyone. When her behavior became so erratic, all the cards started to fall down.
Georgia’s parents and family supported her the best they could but she was coming unattached from reality.
One issue stuck in her mind, bullies! It was the relentless bullying at her new school when the family moved to London to a small Danish community. The teachers look the other way while she gets water bottles thrown at her, pulling her hair, and bullying her on Social Media. This had a big impact on her, all the name-calling and all the negative things that were said made her feel like an outsider.
Georgia talks openly about is the voices in her head and all the horrible things they say to her. Some voices are quiet, others mumbly, and the worst is yelling. She knew the voices were not real but they had beaten her down. Could you handle 200 voices telling you that nobody likes you and goes on with it repeating itself 24/7?
She covers 5 myths about Schizophrenia and each one is worth reading. I’m reminded of how important it is to stay strong in the storm and don’t let your illness hold you back.
Georgia is a very special person, She’s been down a rough road and yet she’s honest and determined to help others by sharing her story. It takes courage for Georgia to tell her story, and she has a story to tell.
Voices Off is a must-have for Therapists, parents, and patients grappling to understand Schizophrenia.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
Melinda
No One Does It Better Than Brene Brown (TEDX Videos)
Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share.
Melinda
How Plants Can Improve Mental Health
There’s no doubt about it, we’re on the verge of a mental health crisis. Although lockdown measures have been eased all over the country, critics claim that the measures put in place to get the economy back up and running are too much, too soon. However, while many debate the wisdom of reopening the economy at a time when so many are still dying from COVID-19 on a daily basis, one could argue just as fervently that an extended lockdown is a mental health crisis waiting to happen. We all need to do our part to safeguard and improve our mental health. But before you call your doctor for a prescription, you might want to consider the natural mood enhancers that are all around us. We’re talking about the healing and rejuvenating qualities of plants. Letting plants into your life can boost your mental health in a variety of ways.
Here are 5 ways in which plants can ease your stress and anxiety and help to improve your mental health.
Eat more of them
A plant-based diet has a wide range of health benefits. But did you know that certain veggies and fruits contain natural compounds that can help to correct your brain chemistry, ease your stress, and boost your mood naturally? Get more of the following in your diet and you may find that your outlook gets a little sunnier;
- Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries
- Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens
- Tomatoes
Surround yourself with them at home
Even with relaxed lockdown measures, you’re probably spending a lot more time at home these days. Why not share your home with some beautiful mood-boosting pals? Houseplants are a great addition to any interior design aesthetic. They oxygenate your living space and imbue your environment with a sense of calm and tranquility.
Spend more time with them outside
Of course, your home isn’t the only place where you can enjoy being close to plants. Indeed, when things get you down, getting out in the open air among trees, plants and flowers can be a real tonic for your wellbeing. Taking a walk in your local park is a great way to do this, as spending some quality time in the garden and watching your plants grow.
Use herbal supplements
Plant-based health supplements like CBD oil have been linked to positive mental health outcomes in some studies, especially when managing stress, anxiety, and depression. Aches and pains can exacerbate your mental health issues, and there’s also evidence to suggest that topical application of CBD oil can ease pain caused by inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Use them to make a relaxing drink
Finally, while your cup of joe may give you a jolt in the morning, too much caffeine can actually exacerbate your stress levels and make you jittery. Instead, try a soothing infusion of green tea which is found to have calming effects on the body as well as being an excellent antioxidant.
Make plants your friends to keep you smiling through this difficult moment.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Heart -OneRepublic – Good Life (One Night in Malibu)
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve 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.
Friday Quote 8/25/2023
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
Quote of the Day
Maybe you needed to hear this today, I sure did.
Traumatized, Now What?
I’ve written a post this month about being traumatized while staying in a Psych Hospital and want to talk about the second trauma after leaving.
I highly regard UTSW as one of the top hospitals in America and will only go there if it’s something serious, that’s how much I respect the doctors there. They have state-of-the-art technology which shows you the notes a doctor has written about you.
The other day I remembered the notes were available and went to the portal to read all of the notes from the doctor in charge the week I stayed in-house. I experienced a new level of trauma while reading his notes.
There was not one positive thing said about me, I printed out the 19 pages of notes and some misc. information. I read every page slowly and words can not express the shock. There were complete lies in there like saying I was apprehended by the police. I’ve never been apprehended by the police and the list goes on. There are entire conversations that didn’t happen. I was beyond shocked.
I reported him to the Texas Medical Board but they don’t have any ethics because they said his behavior was in line with their standards.
I thought about suing him but my Therapist warned me that the hospital could take away my privileges at the hospital. I can’t take that risk because they are the only place I will have ECT Treatments.
I talked with my Therapist today about how to move forward.
We talked about the anger I felt towards the doctor who traumatized me, how I don’t like not having control, wanting my medical records corrected, reining in my anger, and not over-focusing.
I also made the mistake of sending an email to my Psychiatrist with comments he made about our session. She said you don’t want to come off as a problem patient by nitpicking his notes. I’ve learned my lesson. I will apologize to him and won’t send any messages to him. I will instead make that a talking point for the next appointment.
She emphasized that I’m not on level ground right now and need to put my anger into perspective and not let this become my life. Keep my head up and that I know who I am and I’m not going to let what someone else says define my life. I was not a victim.
Now, I have to move forward by getting over what I can’t change and accept no apology is coming my way. This is not as easy as it sounds, it going to take a while to choke all that down.
*Just a note, If any of your doctors have a portal and notes from your visit are available, read them. Don’t contact them to debate the notes, just be aware of what is on your permanent medical records. If something in the notes makes you angry or is incorrect report them to the Medical Board and file a complaint with the hospital.
Now it’s time for me to eat crow!
Melinda
Just Pondering
Imagine you’re renting an RV for the summer and can travel wherever you’d like.
What stops would you be sure to make on this road trip?
Melinda
Reference:
Field Guide by Stampington
WordPress MIA, Can You Help Me?
I have been waiting three days to hear back from WordPress and they are unresponsive. I have one big issue with my site and have spent so much time trying to fix it that I’m going crazy. I want my posts to show as excerpts, not the full post. Maybe the theme doesn’t allow for that? If you have any ideas, I would love to hear any and all ideas.
Do any of you use a theme that is post-focused with a right sidebar? Please tell me which theme you use. I’m flying blind every time I change.
Quite possibly I will have to pick another theme. I started changing my theme on Sunday and here I am, still not satisfied with the way the site looks.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Mellow Yellow
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Melinda
Looking for the Light 