How can I say that? We are emotional people, even those who try to be strong will have crises. When a spouse or child dies, a bad car wreck, you lose your job, your child is addicted to drugs, the list goes on. This is not a mental illness it’s an emotional crisis from what is happening in your life.

My crisis started with low-grade depression, being diagnosed with Kidney Disease, my husband being diagnosed with two types of cancer, and I had two repressed memories come back to me. With all that being down on me, I couldn’t handle it anymore.

We’ve all had or will have something traumatic happen that will affect us deeply and cause emotional distress. We are human beings and as such we do get emotional scars we have to work thru. Sometimes it’s as simple as talking to someone and having a good cry, other times you may need a Therapist to work thru the pain. They are trained to listen and talk about ways to help you cope. I’ve been seeing a Therapist for 30 years, she has helped me process the trauma of my childhood and is a good ear when a new issue comes up and I’m not sure how to handle it.

According to Vice Chair of Adult Psychology Elissa Epel, Ph.D., If you feel in crisis or overwhelmed, it may be helpful for you to make a list of what you can and cannot control right now. In this guide, we suggest radical acceptance of the situations we cannot control, and focus on what we can do.

I’ve experienced my share of trauma and have moved past the pain, it was holding me back in life. My Therapist was a big part of overcoming the trauma that ruled my life and I am stronger for it. I believe stress and trauma can turn your life upside down. I’ve already stopped watching the national news, too much politics that get me extremely worked up. I feel less stressed already.

Before you experience an emotional crisis, look at your habits, really examine your life and cut negative people out of your life, I don’t care if they are family, you don’t want negative influences around you. If your friends aren’t supportive of you, they are not your friends, if politics get you jacked up, don’t watch the news.

I think social media can have a negative effect on our health. The way I look at social media is it’s a place I share my post with. I follow very few people and I always assume the person on the other end is not who they say they are. That’s reality. You see news stories every day of stalking, raping, or trolling. If you have a mindset that people are not who they say they are, you won’t get pulled into a bad situation. That might sound harsh but it’s a reality. You do not know the person on the other end, and you don’t know their motive, instead look at them as Social Media friends, not the type of friends you have in your life outside of Social Media.

We can never prepare for when an emotional crisis will hit us, we can do everything right and we’re still going to face a crisis in our life. Talk to someone, don’t keep it inside for the pain and stress don’t go away on their own.

When my grandparents died I was devastated, how could I live without them, they were my rock and my parents because my parents were abusing me. Long before I went into therapy, my granny was the one I talked to about teenage trauma. She always said it would pass, I would say if your emotional crisis is interfering in your life in the least, go talk to a therapist.

I’ve worked thru most of my emotional crisis but still have two repressed memories to discuss, luckily they are not interfering in my life and I will see my Therapist soon.

An emotional crisis is NOT a mental illness, I will say as a person with Bipolar Disorder that an emotional crisis can bring on depression but being depressed about losing someone you love is natural and from our heart. It’s when our heart is breaking that an emotional crisis can happen.

Melinda

References:

https://psychiatry.ucsf.edu/copingresources/wellbeing

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is highly respected not only for its advocacy work but for the resources that are available for free. They have an extensive library of previous posts in English and Spanish and they update often. They work with our Government to advocate for more services and better treatment for mentally ill patients.

NAMI.org

Our Vision

NAMI envisions a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares.

Our Mission

NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.

Our Values

• Hope: We believe in the possibility of recovery, wellness and the potential in all of us.
• Inclusion: We embrace diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.
• Empowerment: We promote confidence, self-efficacy and service to our mission.
• Compassion: We practice respect, kindness and empathy.
• Fairness: We fight for equity and justice.

Who We Are

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an alliance of more than 600 local Affiliates and 49 State Organizations who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.

Diversity, Equity And Inclusion

At NAMI, we believe a diverse, inclusive and equitable organization (or Alliance) is one where all employees, volunteers and members — regardless of gender, race, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, education, disability, veteran status or other dimension of diversity — feel valued and respected.

We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and to providing equal opportunity for employment, participation and advancement in all programs and worksites.

• More about NAMI’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

More About NAMI

• Meet the Board
• Meet the Staff
• Meet NAMI Next Gen
• What We Do
• Our Bylaws
• CEO Alliance for Mental Health

NAMI not only has a site full of resources but they also have locations across the United States. Look to find an office near you. I support their work 100% and believe in their work so much they are one of the charities I give to each year.

If you need any help with your Mental Illness turn to NAMI’s resources to help you thru the issue you are struggling with. I love how they have a section on how to talk with family and friends about your illness.

Melinda

Are you a fan of rock concerts, lively city streets, or perhaps adrenaline-fueled activities? While these experiences can be thrilling, have you considered the possible impact they have on your delicate ears? In this revealing blog post, we delve into the realm of high-decibel noise exposure and its harmful effects on our hearing abilities. From understanding the science of ear damage to exploring practical preventive measures, join us on this exploratory journey as we reveal how something as trivial as a few extra decibels can have lasting consequences. Get ready to prioritize your auditory health like never before.

Understanding the Perils of High-Decibel Noise Exposure

High-decibel noise exposure ranks amongst the leading causes of hearing loss. It can occur gradually over time or instantaneously due to a one-off exposure to loud noise. Unfortunately, hearing loss from noise exposure is irreversible. If you’ve suffered hearing damage due to an accident that wasn’t your fault, contact the likes of Schuerger Shunnarah trial attorneys as soon as possible.

Numerous sources of loud noise can potentially harm your hearing, including:

• firearms
• fireworks
• power tools
• music concerts and events
• car stereos
• engines

Loud noise exposure is also prevalent in the workplace, for instance:

• factories
• construction sites
• agricultural machinery

The Types of Ear Damage from High-Decibel Noise Exposure

Four types of ear damage can result from high-decibel noise exposure:

Temporary threshold shift: Here, your hearing is temporarily impacted by loud noise but typically recovers within a few hours or days.

Permanent threshold shift: This refers to when your hearing is permanently damaged by loud noise, an irreversible condition.

Noise-induced hearing loss: This type of permanent threshold shift leads to a gradual deterioration in hearing over time.

Tinnitus: This is characterized by a ringing, buzzing, or other noise you perceive in your ears or head without any external source. Both temporary and permanent threshold shifts can trigger tinnitus.

Preventing Ear Damage from High-Decibel Noise

High-decibel noise exposure is a frequent cause of ear damage, leading to permanent hearing loss over time. It can also result in tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and vertigo (dizziness). There are several strategies to prevent ear damage due to loud noise:

•  Use earplugs or earmuffs when you’re exposed to loud noise, such as when operating power tools, lawnmowers, or firearms.
•  Adjust the volume on music players and other personal audio devices. If you can’t hear someone speaking from three feet away, the music is excessively loud.
•  Avoid attending noisy events, like concerts and sports matches, without ear protection.
• Maintain a distance of at least 25 feet from fireworks displays.

The Long-Term Consequences of Hearing Loss Due to High-Decibel Noise Exposure

There are numerous long-term effects of hearing loss resulting from high-decibel noise exposure. Some of these effects include:

Hyperacusis: A condition in which sounds are perceived as being far louder than they are. This can make everyday activities such as phone conversations or movie outings challenging.

Dizziness: People with hearing loss often report dizziness and balance issues. This is because the inner ear plays a pivotal role in maintaining balance.

If you’ve been exposed to high-decibel noise and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a doctor for a thorough hearing evaluation. Neglected hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, and even dementia. So, don’t delay – have your hearing assessed today!

Managing and Treating Ear Damage from High-Decibel Noise Exposure

If you’ve been exposed to high-decibel noise, either through work or recreational activities, it’s vital to be aware of the potential ear damage. Here are some tips on managing and treating ear damage from such exposure:

• Consult a doctor if you experience pain or hearing loss after exposure to high-decibel noise.
• Avoid further exposure to loud noise. If unavoidable, always wear ear protection.
• Rest your ears as much as possible and limit your time in noisy environments.
• Clean your ears gently with a soft, dry cloth after exposure to loud noise.
• Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects in your ear canal, as it can exacerbate the damage.

In Conclusion

Exposure to high-decibel noise can severely impact your hearing and should never be underestimated. Understanding the ramifications of prolonged exposure is crucial as it can cause permanent ear damage over time. Proactive measures such as wearing protective headphones, limiting exposure to loud noises, and steering clear from areas with high sound levels are all effective ways to reduce your risk of hearing loss or other adverse effects caused by long-term exposure to loud noise.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

I have not been on an exotic island, no ocean, no mountains not even to the spa. Although all sound good.

Last week my depression drug me into a hole I could not get out and I signed into my favorite Psych Hospital on Friday for Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT). Many still have the images of One Flew Over The CoKoos Nest. That movie was dramatized although ECT was more difficult until doctors learned that by using a muscle relaxer along with the drugs the anesthesiologist uses it’s really a piece of cake. I usually have a headache and Friday I felt jaw pain but it didn’t last long.

It takes longer to prepare you than the treatment itself. ECT  makes you have a convulsion to get your brain to change channels. The number of treatments you need will vary, I’m hoping 5 is my magic number because I don’t want to have to roll into the following week. My husband has taken off so much time coming to see me every day but next week he will get really backed up at work. As he says, we do what we have to.

Trama

After meeting with the doctor for 10-15 minutes the doctor had the nerve to tell me:

I wasn’t Bipolar

Was overmedicated

My doctor had not taken care of me over the last 32 years

He said I did not have Dementia and should not take any of the meds I’m taking. In 2017 I saw a Neurologist about my Dementia, I scored a 17, very bad, on Thursday when I did the test I’m up to 21. Not great but it tells me the meds are slowing the progression.

*He had no right to say that to me, I’m in a Psych Hospital, the last thing you tell a person in distress is that type of information. He is an ass and I didn’t believe one word. My Psych doctor was surprised, he thought this doctor was a good one. I’ve already sent emails to the Chair of Psychiatry, Psych doctor, my therapist, and cc my husband. KARMA IS A BITCH!

Don’t let any doctor shake your confidence in the team you have. I would tell your doctor what was said but do not take anyone’s ideas except for your own doctor. I got mad as hell and wanted too much of him but knew better.

Cherry on Top

I almost laughed my ass off when he said that when I don’t get my way I act out. That has never been my personality and people that know me would say the opposite.

ECT

I had a treatment on Friday and will go back outpatient next week, going M, W & F. The worst thing about ECT to me is they have lower some of my medication right away and hold the others the night and morning of treatment. By the time they came to get me for ECT, it was going on at 11:00, and I was in full-blown withdrawal. Crying, wailing, asking for God’s help, my entire body was shaking, I could barely walk, and was starting to hyperventilate. Missing two Xanax sends me over the edge. I will be in withdrawal there days next week. It’s going to be a very rough week but we have to do what we have to do.

If you have a serious Mental Illness including Bipolar Disorder PLEASE don’t pass on ECT because it works miracles and it’s nothing like the movie which was overly dramatic, which sells movie tickets. Not the whole truth.

I’m still sore in a few places like my jaw but it’s much better than yesterday.

I have written a post on ECT before and will write another post on the history of treatments available for Mental Illness, you’ll be how barbaric it was before ECT.

I’m glad to be home, resting, and about to tackle some laundry.

I won’t be posting much since I only have two days without ECT. Then I hope to get back on my regular schedule. I’ve thought of many topics while in the hospital.

If you have any questions about ECT, leave me a comment and I’ll answer the best I can.

Melinda

 

I hope you are safe, out of the heat, and enjoying family and friends.

Melinda

 

Sometimes people walk into our lives and years later you realize the impact they made in your life. In some cases, it hurts more before it gets better. No doubt you have people in your life that have done the same.

My grandparent’s support goes without saying

The 5th grade Music Teacher forced me to talk to my counselor about how I got the bruise on my face. This was one of the most traumatic experiences but she was doing her job. If a child looks like child abuse you have to take action.

My Probation Officer drove me to all of my Orthodontist appointments. She believed I could be reformed, I was on probation for carrying a gun the state took custody of me, and off to Bad-Girl Boarding School. If I had gone to a hard labor camp I don’t think I would have made it. My anger and attitude at the time would have driven me to the ground.

The Nuns and Father George at boarding school. The Nuns often gave positive affirmations and prayers. Father George was old as dirt but he took time out every day to teach me the piano.

My Counselor, Cathotholoism Teacher, and Godfather changed my life. He spent so many hours preparing me for Baptism and Confirmation. He was nerdy, had a double Ph.D., and was the most generous man I have known. He made me feel so smart!  After being told daily by my mother that I was stupid, she convinced me. I attended a celebration at his house and there were mostly educators there. They all treated me as an equal, not talking down to me, and they asked me some questions, it was one of the greatest days. He gave me Man’s Search for Meaning, along with several books on Psychology. He changed my life.

When I was 13 years old and in bad-girl boarding school, my Journalism teacher asked me to create a newsletter. Not only was it my dream to be a Journalist, but she also gave me full control of the content. What a confidence boost! She was young and one of the few people who came from outside the Convent to teach. I still have a copy and it’s hilarious but it’s so special to me.

I’ve been seeing my Therapist for almost 30 years and we’ve become close. She has a gentle approach and never pushes me. I’ve been able to resolve most of the trauma in my life working with her and she has taught me so much about myself.

I’ve been seeing my Psychopharmacologist for 32 years, I sought him out after my father committed suicide. For the first couple of years, I didn’t think he liked me. His style is gruff but after learning how to talk his language, everything worked out. He’s a genius, he probably has the DSM5 memorized. He’s been there thru all of the ups and downs, and he’s been so generous in teaching me about my Mental Illness. He’s retiring soon and it breaks my heart! Will I find a doctor that can fill his shoes?

Who has changed your life?

Melinda

Are you tired of feeling stuffy and unproductive at work? Do you find yourself constantly sneezing or getting sick in the office? A clean office not only promotes good hygiene but also plays a crucial role in ensuring employee health and safety. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore how maintaining a tidy workplace can lead to a healthy summer office and happier employees. So, get ready to turn up the heat on cleanliness – let’s dive in!

The Hazards of Working in a Hot Office

Working in a hot office can be extremely hazardous to your health. Such an environment can lead to dehydration, which can then lead to heat stroke. Unhealthy offices can also worsen conditions such as asthma and heart disease. 

It is a good idea to keep your office clean and free of the clutter that will gather dust. A clean office will help you stay cool and comfortable and will also help you stay focused on your work.

Cleaning Tips for Hot Weather

Here are some cleaning tips to help you keep your office safe and comfortable during the hot weather months:

 
• Dust regularly and vacuum often to remove any build-up of dust and dirt.
 
• Wipe down surfaces with a disinfectant to prevent the spread of germs.
 
• Pay extra attention to high-touch areas such as door handles, light switches, keyboards, and telephones.
 
• Regularly empty trash cans and recycling bins to prevent unpleasant odors from developing in the heat.
 
• Encourage your employees to do their part by reminding them about basic hygiene practices such as washing hands frequently with soap or sanitizer and keeping their workspace tidy at all times.

Ways to Keep an Office Cool

When the temperatures start to rise, it can be difficult to keep your office cool. Bear in mind, though, that there are always things you can do to help make your office more comfortable for workers. These include:

1. Ensure the air conditioning inside the building is working properly. This may seem like an obvious solution, but it’s important to make sure the AC is running efficiently before taking any other steps.

2. Use fans strategically. Placing fans around the office can help circulate air and keep everyone cool. Just be careful not to point them directly at employees, as this can create a draft.

3. Keep windows covered. Sunlight streaming in through windows can make an already warm room feel even hotter. Closing blinds or curtains can help block out some of the heat.

4. Encourage employees to dress for the heat. Employees should avoid wearing heavy clothing or clothing that doesn’t breathe well in hot weather. Instead, opt for lightweight fabrics that will keep them cool.

5. Provide cool drinks and snacks. Keeping a stash of cold water bottles and light snacks like fruit or yogurt in the office will help employees stay hydrated and cooler throughout the day.

Benefits of a Clean Office Environment in Hot Weather

In hot weather, a clean office environment is important for promoting employee health and safety. A clean office allows employees to stay cool and comfortable and reduces the risk of heat-related illness. A clean office also provides a safe and healthy place for employees to work.

Employee Health and Safety Considerations

First and foremost, businesses should provide employees with a clean and safe working environment. This means ensuring that the office is free of dust, dirt, and other contaminants that could potentially cause health problems. 

Furthermore, businesses should make sure that all office equipment is properly maintained and in good working condition. This includes making sure that chairs, desks, and other furniture are ergonomically designed and meet industry safety standards. It is important that businesses train their staff and provide them with the necessary resources to remain safe while on the job. 

By taking these simple yet effective steps, businesses can ensure safer working environments are created.

Conclusion

A clean office is essential for creating a safe and healthy environment for employees. It will not only help reduce the likely spread of diseases but promote better employee morale, leading to improved productivity. With proper cleaning protocols in place, employers can ensure that their offices are free of dust and germs while providing an enjoyable working experience for everyone involved. Cleanliness should be an integral part of any workplace culture if businesses want to create a safe and efficient work environment where employees feel comfortable and productive.

It is such a simple and cost-effective way to improve office life for everyone, so it makes sense to have the office cleaned properly, particularly during the hot months.

If budgets are tight, then consider cleaning more during summer months, and hiring those that know how to achieve this in the shortest space of time.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda