How does one stay hopeful when overcoming tragic events in life?
This is an excellent question and the answer is one that I spent many years searching for. Unfortunately, there is no quick solution as everyone’s healing is unique and different. Personally, it took years to find a place of healing from the sometimes unbearable journey that was my life. And for a long time, I didn’t think I’d ever find it. In addition to time, it required all the…..
Have you ever felt guilty for having a mental illness? Have you ever felt that it was a weakness that made you less than? I have. And I worked hard to keep it a secret for as long as I could. Sadly, guilt and shame are two paralyzing feelings that are still widespread, and I can only imagine all the people who continue to suffer privately because they are too ashamed to ask for help.
For me, fighting the stigma…..
When I began my journey to healing in earnest (I started and quit many times), I eventually discovered that my pain didn’t have to define me. This discovery is one that contributed to a significant improvement in my quality of life. I’m grateful to have found various methods that helped me address my struggles and allowed me to tackle my fears in a way that felt safe. Maybe I’m stating the obvious when I say that everyone’s journey is unique…..
We’re coming upon a season of change here in Virginia, and right now the weather is beautiful, the air is crisp, and nature’s palate is beginning to blossom with rich, vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. If only it could stay this perfect. But the cold, colorless winter season that follows can easily throw a distorted lens over our lives, and for those of us who already struggle with depression, this just adds to feelings of despair.
According to…..
September 10-16, 2017 is National Suicide Prevention Week. Personally, I think every week should be suicide prevention week. The number of suicides in girls age 15-19 has doubled since 2007, and that terrifies me. I wanted to know a little more about what this special week involves, so I did a Google search and found the American Association of Suicidology (yes, there really is such an organization, www.suicidology.org). I went to their website and clicked on the link for…..