May 2015 Mental Health Monday (Stress)

Everyone experiences stress. Since the day you are born to the day you pass you have stress in your life. Some days it is more pronounced than others but it is always there. Stress is what gets us out of bed, pushes us to do better at work, and live in general. It is your fight or flight response. It is also
what makes us freak out, feel sick, or generally unwell. Stress can push you onward or literally kill you.

When stress is too bad It can affect all parts of your life. It can affect your memory, eating habits, sex drive, bowel movements, temper, sleep habits, and much more. The good thing is there are several ways to combat this little monster.

• Exercise is a great and free way to beat this bugger. Go take a walk, play with your dog, dance to your favorite songs. It releases endorphins that will lift your spirit.
• Eat healthy foods. You've heard the saying "You are what you eat". Well it's especially true here. If you eat healthy food you are better prepared to deal with the stress. 
• Have a good support system. Having friends and family there to help you when you need them or just to listen to you vent is a HUGE help. It can make the difference between breaking down and breaking through.
• Get some sleep. This one is a bit harder. When you are stressed you may have a hard time sleeping but it's important to get your rest. try having some decaffeinated Camille tea before bed. 

Stress is an every day thing but it doesn't have to rule your life. Just be smart about it and stay healthy. 

HelpGuide.Org
The American Institute of Stress

April 2015 Mental Health Monday (Negative Thinking)

Negative thinking is something that comes from a variety of mental health issues. Stress, depression, bipolar, low self esteem, ect. all contribute to negative thinking. At one point or another we all think or say "I can't do it!" That in and of itself is negative thinking. It is a symptom that can destroy you, what you've worked for and anything you will ever work for. The best way to resolve that is to force yourself to revise the way you think.

Step 1- Believe Positity and Happiness ARE Choices
Being happy and positive are within your reach. You just have to choose to be both. It took me a long time and a lot of my mom drilling it into my head for me to believe it but I believe it now. It's just a choice you have to make. You can be miserable and negative or you can be happy and positive.

Step 2- Find Things to Be Happy About
After my divorce I had several things to be mad about. My ex husband cheated on me, He abused me. He took me farther away from the God that I'd always loved. I felt like an utter failure, unlovable, and unwanted. Slowly I found things to be happy about. I had friends who love me. I had family, food, a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, and more comforts than most people. I also had a job. Every day I found something new to  be grateful for and my mood improved. With my mood improving my thoughts got more and more positive.

Step 3- Combat Those Negative Thoughts
This part may take some time. Whenever you feel  yourself getting down about a situation or hating about yourself think positive. Think of ways you can improve the situation or correct your previous statement even if you don't feel it. Soon you will start feeling it. The Bible says if Proverbs 23:7 "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he". This is definitely true. If you think positively about yourself you will be happier. If you find ways to improve your situation you won't be as stressed about them.

Step 4- Spread the Positive
Share the positive with everyone. Share things that are good. Be genuinely happy for others who have good happen to them.

Step 5- Celebrate Victories
That's right! Celebrate your victories! Be proud. Do something good for yourself. Brag a little... You deserve it as much as anyone else.

I hope you can take these tips and incorporate them into your daily life and become a happy, positive person that you want to be.



How To Rewire Your Brain For Positivity And Happiness
How to Train Your Brain to Think Positive

March 2015 Mental Health Monday (Suicide)

Everyone has been affected by suicide or knows someone who has been. My family has been especially tormented by this tragedy. Certain members of my family have committed suicide and I have attempted 4 times.

Suicide leaves it's true victims with so many questions and so few answers. People who take their own lives feel alone and isolated. They feel there is no hope for them and no way for things to get better. It's like being caught in the gravitational pull of a black hole with no way to get out of it. When you are that low you can't see any light even if someone throws you a flashlight. It's hard to get out of something that deep. Take it from someone who knows.

No one is immune from this. Even the most beloved people can feel alone and unloved. Robin Williams is a prime example. To say I was shocked by his suicide was an understatement. I looked up to him as a role model, actor, and comedian. His comedy could always make me laugh even on my dark days. He was mourned by me as if he was a friend. If someone like that can be susceptible to this kind of torment, anyone can.

People often call those who commit suicide selfish, weak, or cowards. Those people couldn't be more wrong. Suicidal people need help. They may not feel like it but they WANT help. They are not weak or cowardly. They have often been too strong or brave for too long. they just need someone to reach out to them and help them (sometimes forcefully) get help.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/madeline-ruoff-/stop-calling-suicide-vict_b_5045441.html

                                     

February 2015 Mental Health Monday (PTSD)

PTSD was once known as "shell shock". It was first noticed in soldiers coming home from wars even though that isn't the only way to get PTSD as the videos that I have posted said. It can happen through any traumatic, life threatening event.

In my case it was sexual and emotional abuse. I've had PTSD for about 14 years. When it first appeared I wold have nightmares, avoid anywhere I could run into my abuser (and in a small town that's nearly impossible), have flashbacks... the list goes on. I still have moments of panic, nightmares, certain songs make me want to cover my ears, scream and cry and I can't stand stetson cologne. I don't know if these will ever go away but it's tolerable now.

If you have PTSD or think someone you love has it, please don't hesitate to get help!

Mental Illness Facts From USC

://msw.usc.edu/mswusc-blog/facing-mental-illness-infographic/