Just Added

 Hi readers! I know that the holidays are upon us, but sometimes

trauma happens and you find yourself looking for a place to live.

I have just added the updated Independent Living master list and 

I have also added the BHS Provider Directory and the updated

master list of affordable housing. They have been added on the side

bar and are titled as they are.

Even though some of us will be spending Christmas homeless this

year, I hope you find this blog helpful by getting you back into a 

home as quickly and as affordably as is possible. 

Remember to check out the resources on my Vocabulary ABC's page

And if you haven't yet, this is a great fight the stigma paper

Well, well, well...Deep thought

     Well, it has been around three weeks since I have been injured from my employment, due to low staffing issues that have been gaining momentum ever since covid hit the facility. First, we lost people due to health concerns. Then we lost people due to religious belief conflicts. Well, after that we lost people due to low wages, where they leave because they had found a better paying job. Then we changed hands and are now under new ownership. Better? No, they expect you to be housekeeping, certified nurse (for bathing, mouth checks and prompting clients it is medication time), advocate, mediator, peer support, facilitate groups, document on clients assigned, and do rounds.

You  also need to watch your back because some clients are hostile. This used to be where we had enough people to help us watch our back. When I started working there, there were approximately five people at a given time who were working with you in the same building during the same shift so there were fewer issues and dangers. 

Slowly, ever so slowly, we would have people leaving without a replacement. You would see four people, then three people, then two people to a building of over fifty clients. My mental anguish that produced acute anxiety and depression began with news that we were losing more people. Two because they had found new work and one because they were moving to another shift. What does this mean? And why is it important?

We are severely understaffed. It would mean probably one person per building without being able to leave your duties and go help if a code is called. It takes two people to gather together and restrain a client if being hostile. But it also takes the nurse (whom stay because they are told that they have no one coming in to replace them) and at least one more person to keep the other clients away from the situation. 

So, you see, my employer needs to either hire people, downsize, or shut down in order for it to be a safe environment. I learned that it is my right to have a safe work environment. Still out for another three weeks. We shall see how it goes. Oh, after thought. We lost another during my three weeks out. Just quit. On the spot. He was a great co-worker and I will miss him. 

Vocabulary ABC's

Stop the stigma article

I'm A Sitting Duck

I am a sitting duck. Work is bad. It is so bad that some days we only have one or two people on the floor for 53 clients. It is so bad; we are losing people without the company hiring replacements. 

It is also so bad; I had an anxiety attack at work. I couldn't stop pacing or crying. I went home. The next day, I had a phone call from my psychiatrist. She only agreed to give me time off if I would agree to going into an acute treatment program. She also agreed to extend her one week at a time doctor's note if I need more time to recover. 

I was not happy about hearing that I need treatment. But if that is the only way to get some healing time at home, I'm in. Now we just need to know if it is for two weeks or four weeks. A big difference. We will see. Maybe this treatment was long overdue. Work, work, work. 

My boss called me her workhorse. I can't imagine how long I have worked without a mental health day. Now I get a few days off, but it comes with obligations. Oh, well. Can't win for trying.

Vocabulary ABC's

Stigma article

 

What is Reality Really?

Well, I guess that the last post was lacking something. I hope that my readers have not left me. I had an inspired thought the other night right before bed. That is a great time to write down things that come to mind. You would be surprised about the thoughts you have at that time. I suggest keeping a notebook and a pencil or pen next to your bed. I don't have a night stand so I had to get up and write this idea down before I had forgotten it.

I came up with this:

My reality beliefs don't always match what society holds as realistic beliefs. I am trying to think of an example. You see, my reality beliefs can play off of my symptoms. 

Like, I firmly believe that I am host to a symbiont. Probably since I was nine, when my first dream came true. Yes, my dreams come true, so I avoid situations that would create a nightmare. This is not to be confused with a bad dream, because maybe that bad dream was what might have been. Like, my mother. I have been having dreams about her lately, but she has passed away now for over twelve years. So, I know that those won't come true. You don't know what a relief that is to be able to distinguish between a nightmare and a bad dream.  

I don't always get a reality check realistically from those around me. Sometimes, my reality check comes from living out life with my symptoms. Like, well, I don't know if you would believe me if I told you. Yet, I had a reality check about being a leprechaun. I told myself that if I had hairy ankles, it would be proof that I was one. This was during a journey in full blown symptoms and in an area that cannot be located now that I have come out of that time of confusion. But, I digress. I took off my sock and sure enough, I had hair coming from my ankle. I told myself that there was no way that the other ankle would have hair too. But sure enough, the other ankle had hair too. I proved to myself something that could only be a symptom, since no one believes that leprechauns are real. That is what society would have as a realistic belief that contrasts with my reality beliefs. 

Do I continue to believe that I am a leprechaun? Well, sometimes I still do, but I don't think about it that often. But then, it might be my symbiont showing her age. Yes, I got lucky. I have a female symbiont and she can be funny. Really funny. So funny that it makes me laugh out loud at times, but mostly when I am lost in my symptoms which I can argue are her memories. 

So, I was thinking that other night. I thought how I have different reality beliefs from those that share common realistic beliefs. So, what is reality really?

Please check out my Vocabulary ABC's

and one of my favorite articles on fighting mental health stigma

Happy reading!

Something So Simple

 An article by a guest author Sean Morris on simple improvements to any lifestyle.

6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life At Any Age

So far, you’ve been able to handle many of life’s pressures and challenges, but you feel the need to make some changes. When you are able to take stock of your mental health, you find that your path to self-improvement is just a matter of making a few small adjustments. The Check it with Auntie Steph blog outlines a few below. 

Go Back to School

There are several reasons why 38% of adults 25 or older are going back to school. Many people go to advance their career prospects. Continuing the habit of learning is easier now because of online degree programs. Adults with professional and family obligations can work towards their diplomas or certificates at their own pace. 

When researching a full-time or part-time program to get a degree, look for schools that are properly accredited and have competitive tuition rates. Depending on where you’re located, you may even be eligible for financial aid. It’s well worth the effort; not only will you learn new skills and info, but it can be a great way to get a raise or promotion. 

You could also wrap up your education as a means to an end – starting your own business. Getting a degree in business, for example, allows you to learn the latest concepts and software  that adds to your skill set needed to run a business. You’ll first need to structure your operation whether it be a partnership, corporation, or LLC. Operating as an LLC is a popular choice for many small businesses. As an LLC, not only are your personal assets protected against lawsuits that may arise, but there are tax advantages, and less paperwork is required. 

Practice Conscious Breathing

Also called controlled breathing, conscious breathing comes from yoga and helps practitioners to be calmer. After those especially taxing days in the classroom, controlled breathing is key for stress relief and helps people to navigate intense feelings that contribute to general anxiety. One simple way to practice controlled breathing is to slowly breathe in through the nose all the way down to your belly. Hold it and then use your belly to gently push out the air through pursed lips. Repeat this up to 10 times.

Maximize Sleep Time

Living in a society that values sleeplessness as a sign of success, the one thing that many people need is more and better sleep for improved health and well-being. At middle age, circadian rhythms get off track, and you’re more likely to wake up tired from various types of insomnia. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, poor sleep affects many aspects of men’s lives, including memory and fertility. Improving sleep hygiene by embracing new habits, such as setting a regular sleep schedule, may work. However, it's a good idea to visit your physician to talk about it. 

Take a Cold Shower

The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates believed cold water was a form of therapy for the sick. Centuries later, the idea of a cold shower turns many off, but a study from the Public Library of Science showed that cold showers increased energy levels. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a long one. Just a few seconds is all you need.

Practice Meditation

With racing brains and shortened attention spans, it seems like the only time the mind gets to rest is during sleep. When the stresses of daily life are shortening your fuse, and sleep is not an option, consider meditation. Mindfulness reduces anxiety for some, even having a positive influence on the individual’s resilience. Meditation doesn't always involve sitting cross-legged and chanting. It can involve a few minutes with soothing music. 

Most if not all of your meditation time will occur at home, so make sure your living space is a stress-free sanctuary, not another source of stress. Like many people, you take work home, but be sure to keep it organized so you don't feel overwhelmed every time you walk in the door.

Making New Habits

The path to self-improvement is a matter of breaking old habits and creating new ones that support a better life. Making small, mindful changes can work wonders in improving your quality of life going forward.

Vocabulary ABC's

Have You Heard the News? 988 is here and launched

 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.

What Is 988?

The new 988 number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline went into effect on July 16, 2022. In July 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated 988 as the new three-digit number for the Lifeline. The number will have trained staff to answer calls from individuals at risk for suicide as well as those experiencing other mental health and substance use-related emergencies. Specialized services will be available for veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other groups.

How It Will Work

• Call: When you call 988, you will first hear a greeting message with the options to press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, 2 for Spanish, or stay on the line while your call is routed to your local Lifeline network crisis center. Then a trained crisis counselor will answer the phone, provide support, and share resources if needed.
• Text: When you text 988, you will complete a short survey letting the crisis counselor know a little about your situation. You will be connected with a trained crisis counselor in a crisis center, who will answer the text, provide support, and share resources if needed.
• Chat: Visit 988lifeline.org and find the chat button in the top right-hand corner of the screen. You will complete a short survey letting the crisis counselor know a little bit about your current situation. Then you’ll see a wait-time message while you are connected with a trained crisis counselor who will answer the chat, provide support, and share resources if needed.

Calls are answered locally if there is a local call center. When/If local call centers are not staffed, calls are routed to nearby states or the national office at Vibrant Emotional Health, an MHA affiliate and administrator of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

If you're interested in supporting the 988 Lifeline or becoming a part of this life-saving work, there are volunteer and job opportunities available at our 200+ crisis centers across the country. Training is provided. Visit here to learn more: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/jobs.

Thank you to MHA for this information. If you want 

to view more of their content just go to MHA here.

Remember my Vocabulary ABC's it has been updated as of-7/29/2-22

Sometimes the Best You Can Do

 Sometimes the best you can do is work on you. Don't give up trying to find answers. The more questions you ask, the more likely you will come across answers that you were waiting for, not always what you wanted. 

The best I could do was continue my education. It has answered more questions about mental illness than that of the mental health workers that try to help but that just can't remember everything and so their answers might be piecemeal. 

So, educate, educate, educate! Whether it is at the library, the internet or even better going to school, education has answered the most questions that I had than any other avenue. I try to provide as many answers as possible in my blog, but I understand it may not answer everything and for that I am sorry, I will try harder. 

Check out my Vocabulary ABC's 

Staying Cool Without an Air Conditioner

 How do you stay cool when it is hot and you don't have an air conditioner? I heard once, from a tv show a long time ago. The actor was telling his mother in the sweltering heat of New York City to take a cold bath or shower. I say start with tepid. You don't have to go completely cold. But if you like that kind of thing, go for it.

A simple way to stay cool in the heat...

Vocabulary ABC's    

Fight the Stigma

Ever Wonder?

      Ever wonder how to find coping skills? How does one

cope with mental illness? People pull their kids away from you.

Family sets you up for failure. (well, mine did) Friends use you. 

(well, I thought they were friends) How do you cope

with all of that?

     I used my education to help me cope with all of that. (along with 

taking my medicine religiously) My ethics never changed. My 

morals never changed. My honor never changed. 

     So, I keep going to school. Continuing my education has prepared

me for some of the toughest dependency relationships that have

peppered my lifetime. I can use my wit. Yes. Wit. It has to be

learned. It is not instinct that gives it to you, but education does.

     There is an author that has developed coloring books to help

you cope. It has skills scattered throughout the books. There are 

about four of them. Here is one. The Happy Beagle. They are by

the author  Giacomo Paniagua Jr who works with rehabilitating

the mentally ill. Someone who has put in the time to really get to

know the population.

                              

Remember to check out my Vocabulary ABC's

And my Fight the Stigma favorite paper that is right on point.  

I will close with a favorite quote of mine...yeah, I think I designed it

It goes like this:

The ignorance of my reason 

contrasts with

my wisdom of knowledge. 

Ignorance of reason is instinct

and wisdom of knowledge is education

at least that is how I see it.

I had a professor tell me it doesn't make any sense.

but to me it makes all the sense in the world. 

Thank you for your continued support

                      

As I know of it, "the Great Understanding" encore

                       This is one of the few articles that have 

                       nothing to do with mental health and 

                       everything to do with a nation's morality                

                                  THE GREAT UNDERSTANDING

"There is faith in what you say,

and fate will catch up with you

if you are lying"

Here describes the phrase,

"My word is my bond".

To believe something,

in something,

implies truth and realism.

"( truth, justice, & the 'American' way)"

Many have given their life

to defend the integrity

this phrase has attached to it.

'Heroes'

Knowing that these heroes have been

the reason for the luxury

Americans take for granted

each and every day,

(living in a peaceful nation);

nations cry out,

for we are not a peaceful people.

To find honor in faith

is life.

To find faith

the governing foundation

is peril.

Finding a religion

that fits one's faith

is peaceful, 

whereas,

changing one's faith

to fit a religion

is torment.

Growing up, 

there have been 'whispers'.

Quiet ideas stretching globally.

( one world government )

Yet,

the ideology is too debatable.

Perhaps, the idea

needs to be more colloquial.

Surely, it has been seen

in world government discussion,

that before there is a government

there must needs be a country.

Therefore, one might conclude....

Earth is the country.

Recognizing an age old argument,

" the chicken or the egg ".

Under the United Nations,

many leaders have shown great leadership.

Yet, there is an exclusivity

adjudicated

prior to "membership"

that screams, "excluded!"

World peace waits

until all nations are allowed voice.

Nations, of this day,

have used religion

in the building blocks that form-

justice;

enforcing laws

upholding government

and

nation standards.

Now, this concerns

a great people.

It shows national foundations

as flimsy as

a house of cards.

For, if religion is changed,

or more "modernly"

"removed"

nations become lawless.

The fallacy, of this nature,

is the assumption:

" without religion, we are without law ".

Law governs religion.

Justice protects government.

Religion places faith in justice,

whereas,

government is known to change law

against the absolute,

" To tell the truth, the whole truth,

and nothing but the truth-

'so, help me god!' "

Yet-

religion does NOT

enforce governmental laws,

justice does.

One World Government

=

religious dichotomy

It comes down to 

enforcing truth,

discouraging lies.

Putting- " The fear of GOD "

into citizens approach,

is weakening.

Uniting 

all lands and peoples,

depends on laws

not yet put forward.

Until 

all lands and peoples

have a voice,

world peace

will remain- elusive.

Vocabulary ABC's in Mental Health Circles

Let's Fight Stigma