Other Writing

Do you ever stop to ponder, "What does 'self-care' mean to me?" This term is frequently bandied about, but its essence can be elusive. In the hustle of life, it's imperative to carve out "me" time, but how often do we do that?

Consider your roles in life. Perhaps you're a devoted parent, a dutiful child, or a loving pet owner. Maybe you're the person who never forgets the mailman during the holiday season. Amidst these roles, we often neglect the most critical one – caring for ourselves. The...

It's crucial to have a proactive approach to mental well-being, especially when one has a history of suicidal ideations or any mental health challenges. Remind yourself what works for you and what your needs are. A crisis response plan, placed in a readily accessible location, I have mine on the inside of a cupboard door, can act as a beacon of hope and guidance during the darkest moments.

Never forget to reach out for help

Such a plan serves multiple purposes:

1. Self-Recognition: Outlining your...

Imagine standing in the middle of a bustling city during rush hour. Cars zoom back and forth, and pedestrians weave their way through the streets. In this scene, the traffic lights play a crucial role. They guide traffic flow, ensuring everything moves smoothly and safely.

Now, let's take this picture and shrink it down, way down, until it's happening inside your brain. The "cars" and "pedestrians" are now messages being sent between brain cells. The "traffic lights" are a group of chemicals...

Firstly, it's important to remember that mental illnesses are often a complex interplay of multiple factors, including genetics, environment, and individual experiences. It's rarely as simple as one gene causing one disease, particularly when it comes to mental health. When we refer to a genetic predisposition, we mean that the likelihood of developing a specific condition is increased due to the genetic information inherited from our parents.

One of the best books I’ve read about the...

The Impact of Mental Health Problems on Relationships

Mental health problems can have a significant impact on our relationships with our family and friends. In this newsletter, we will explore how mental health problems can affect our relationships and provide some tips for coping with these challenges.

• Stereotypes and clichés about mental illness. There are many stereotypes and clichés about mental illness. These stereotypes can lead people to believe that people with mental illness are...

In the modern era, popular culture, with its vivid imaginations and portrayal of emotions, often gives us a dramatic image of what a hysterical person looks like. We might envision a character consumed by overwhelming emotion, only to be 'snapped out of it' by a sharp slap to the face. But these dramatics, while entertaining, cloud a deep and nuanced understanding of emotional and psychological distress, especially when it pertains to the dark shadows cast by child abuse.

Snap of of it!

...

Introduction: An Unexpected Antipsychotic

Abilify, also known as aripiprazole, is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. As a patient, I first came to know about Abilify, or aripiprazole, as an "antidepressant amplifier." Back in 2002, my psychiatrist introduced it without any mention of it being an antipsychotic, a term which often brings to mind images of...

Throughout my 50 years, I've perceived the world in shades of hope, despair, depression, and often, shame. Since my earliest memories, I've felt an unwarranted guilt for the deeds of others – deeds that should have carried their shame. I perpetually grappled with a sentiment of inadequacy, with shame always lurking in the shadows, whispering, "It's not what you did, but who you are."

For decades, I bore this oppressive shroud of shame, intensified by society's unforgiving scrutiny and its...

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the United States, affecting almost 20% of adults each year.

Many people with anxiety also seek treatment for depression, and nearly half of individuals with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety.

As the statistics show, anxiety and depression are intricately connected. Depression is often triggered by a heightened state of anxiety, which leads to feelings of hopelessness and overwhelm, which creates more anxiety and stress – and...

Sometimes, the most basic, simple things really are the things. Maintaining a routine and structure to create your own stability are things you can do.

Eat well

A healthy diet is vital to a functioning machine. Appetite and eating changes are early signs of mood change. Be mindful of what your eating habits mean to you.

Exercise

The endorphins released from Exercise are natural happy hormones. A natural way of improving depression and anxiety. Yoga is an exercise and meditation combo. Even a...

A hallucinogen found in magic mushrooms is another "reset" to the brains of people with treatment-resistant depression, raising hopes of a future treatment.

The small study gave 19 patients a single dose of the psychedelic ingredient psilocybin.

Half of the patients stopped being depressed and experienced changes in their brain activity that lasted about five weeks.

I have read in other articles and studies that the "reset" period, with lower depression scores, lasts four to eight months. I am...