I See a Psychotherapist Once a Week
It is not what I thought.
Psychotherapy. A scary title for those who may have fallen to the hysterical stigma around mental health. Psychotherapy is pretty exciting, and a form of care should have looked into a very long time ago. You see, Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental disorder by psychological rather than medical means. I advise you to learn this sort of therapy if you are suffering from mental health illness(es). Every therapist I have had a session with would hit me with the monotonous, "and how does that make you feel?" Mine says, "That must have made you feel inferior." My favorite is, "Jeez, you don't look good. You okay?" And I proceeded to grab my messy mane (I usually forget a scrunchie) and said, "Why? Is my fur in disarray?" We just laugh, and I appreciate that about him. He diagnosed me with PTSD and anxiety with no rush to medicate me. And truth be told, I don't ever feel like I'm in therapy. We talk about everything and anything, and I look forward to my weekly appointments. I also look forward to completing my journey with him—he has become my confidant, my mentor. He is the first in his field to make me feel so comfortable. When I address him, I address him by his first name, which makes our visits pleasant. I would recommend him in a heartbeat. I also would recommend this type of therapy for no matter the ailment of the mind. It is worth it for some peace.
I was speaking to my aunt when she recommended that I begin looking for help. After describing my fears of medicines, she advised me that I should " find somebody to talk to." I love her, she just reworded herself like a detective behind the bright lightbulb, and you know what? It worked. She is my Yoda, and I love her dearly, more than I can express in words. I followed her advice. She was right. I just needed to talk about it. I needed help to get over issues that I have had for a long time, stewing in a cauldron of self-hate. I was suffering, and if I am staying real with you here, talking to myself was just making it the worst to handle. I was inadvertently weakening my resolve to become who I wanted to be. I was draining my spirit.
I didn't jump into psychotherapy because I woke up one day and said, "I need a psychotherapist." I stumbled upon it on accident. I have attempted to keep my sanity together for these 15 past years. It was challenging to find a clinic that would take my insurance, and it was just as painful to wait for the return calls to my inquisitions. I just want therapy, I thought in pure aggravation! But Dr.B? He answered within a few rings. I was SOBBING in a parking lot ( story of my life, it seems), and I booked with him an appointment the same day. While awaiting my appointment in this chic building, I googled the definition of a psychotherapist. Psychotherapy is the cake and the frosting. A psychotherapist is an umbrella term for a doctor who practices in all tiers of psychology. They will use all therapy forms from talk and medicinal ( if needed) while combining elements of therapies how they see fit. They have three jobs to do, and I will happily believe a person with such a title has to love the human mind, or is it the spirit?
I am sharing this with you because I believe psychotherapy can make a difference. If every day I told myself I am nothing, I will BELIEVE I am nothing. It may not be today or tomorrow, but soon I will feel like I am that inferior being I made up in my head. That is mental health. The cogs on autopilot because we perceive ourselves to be out of control or out of touch. Genetics can play a part in mental health, but our experiences with life and people may help us cement and submerge ourselves in the ID we make of ourselves! Not following? I will give you a personal example. For many years throughout my adolescence, my mother told me I was crazy. Insane. Bipolar. Not right. Sick. And because I was a child, She had the tools to help me believe her. Ambulances, Psychiatric wards, Programs for the Mentally ill, and everything in between prepared me to think I was bat shit crazy! I estranged myself from my mother in 2012. And yet, I fed myself that poison up until my 31st birthday.
If there is anything I want you, the reader, to take from this is crazy is subjective. And I for sure was not crazy. Crazy is a dismissive word for something we do not understand. I call my brother crazy for cliff diving. I also call my uncle crazy because he can be all sorts of nuts for his family. I come from a beautiful family of teachers, truck drivers, nurses and paramedics, bartenders, a Fore-lady ( eff yea!), and former marines. That is plenty of people I did not believe when it came to their opinions about me. They have said so many loving words and have SHOWN love for me in many different ways, yet my mother’s words hammered away into my skull. It was to the point that I thought I heard voices, but it was a trauma from being berated for over 15 years of my life. Psychotherapy helped me realize that I can overcome my trauma in time. Yes, I have to unravel over a decade of emotional and mental abuse, but I have a provider to help me re-ravel myself into who I want to be. And for that, I am glad because doing it alone was not the best option for me.
I have made a small list for you, my readers, in case you need to seek a bit of help to get you through your most challenging of days.
- Talkspace is an app that offers mental health help to individuals, teens, and couples. Talkspace is often offered free by employers. You will be matched to a therapist, and the coolest part? You can text your therapist!
- BetterHelp Is a user friendly and affordable app. You can remain anonymous if you choose. You can have live video or phone sessions, texting, or live chats.
- ReGain … say it with me, “couples therapy.” Yes, you can now get live help from your phone if you and your partner need to ReGain that momentum.
Please stay safe, Remain vigilant in social distancing, and remember that you are only as good as how much you care for yourself, mind, body, and soul.
Your Vocal Content Creator,
Deej
About the Creator
Deej S.
My super power is Love and then some.
Day 4 of Quitting
If this is how sobriety feels, maybe it’s better to go through life a little buzzed… this, along with other hits like, I want to kill myself, I wish I was dead, and I’m going to throw myself off a bridge have been the only thoughts on rotation these past few days. I promise myself that if, in a month, I still feel like this (‘this’ meaning despondent, full of rage, and simultaneously numb) I can go back to smoking. Until mid-February though? Nicotine is off the table.
By sleepy drafts8 days ago in Longevity
Mapped: Global Inflation by Country in 2025
As the world enters 2025, inflation remains a pressing concern, reshaping economies, influencing policymaking, and affecting the daily lives of millions. From soaring grocery bills to rising energy costs, global inflation continues to be a topic of intense scrutiny. Mapping inflation by country provides a revealing snapshot of the economic health of nations and highlights the uneven impact of monetary and fiscal policies worldwide. A Patchwork of Inflation Rates Inflation is far from uniform. While some countries are experiencing moderate price increases, others face alarming surges that threaten economic stability. According to recent global data, the highest inflation rates in 2025 are concentrated in countries grappling with political instability, currency devaluation, or supply chain disruptions. For instance, several emerging markets in Africa and South America report inflation exceeding 50%, reflecting deep structural challenges. Conversely, advanced economies like the United States, the Eurozone, and Japan have managed to keep inflation relatively contained, typically within the 2–4% range. Central banks in these regions continue to employ monetary tools, such as interest rate adjustments and quantitative easing measures, to balance growth with price stability. Yet even here, consumers notice subtle shifts in daily costs—from housing to transport—demonstrating that even moderate inflation has tangible effects. Drivers of Global Inflation in 2025 Several key factors have driven inflation patterns this year. One major contributor is energy prices. The global energy market has been volatile, with oil, gas, and renewable energy infrastructure costs impacting both production and household expenses. Countries heavily reliant on energy imports, particularly in Asia and Europe, have felt these effects acutely. Supply chain disruptions also play a role. While pandemic-related bottlenecks have eased compared to recent years, geopolitical tensions—such as conflicts in Eastern Europe and trade disputes in Asia—continue to create uncertainty. Industries from electronics to food production face challenges in sourcing materials, which in turn drives up prices for consumers. Currency fluctuations are another significant factor. Countries experiencing rapid depreciation of their national currencies see imported goods become more expensive, fueling domestic inflation. Venezuela and Zimbabwe remain extreme examples, where currency crises exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis. Regional Patterns and Surprises Mapping global inflation reveals intriguing regional trends. Latin America continues to experience high inflation, with countries like Argentina and Brazil witnessing double-digit increases due to fiscal deficits and volatile currencies. In contrast, neighboring Chile and Peru maintain relatively stable prices, reflecting stronger monetary frameworks and proactive policy responses. In Africa, inflation hotspots such as Nigeria and Sudan reflect both political instability and rising food costs, while South Africa and Kenya maintain moderate inflation thanks to more effective economic management. Asia presents a mixed picture: India and China have seen manageable inflation, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka confront higher rates due to energy and currency pressures. Europe largely benefits from coordinated policy responses through the European Central Bank and other regional mechanisms, though Eastern European nations face elevated costs due to energy dependence and geopolitical risks. North America remains relatively stable, but the U.S. Federal Reserve continues to weigh inflation control against potential economic slowdown. Implications for Policy and Consumers Global inflation data has profound implications for policymakers. Central banks must balance the need to curb inflation without triggering a recession, often requiring a careful mix of interest rate adjustments, monetary tightening, and stimulus measures. Fiscal policies, including taxation and government spending, also play a crucial role in influencing price levels. For consumers, inflation impacts purchasing power, savings, and lifestyle choices. High inflation erodes income, making essentials like food, housing, and healthcare less affordable. Countries with persistent inflation may also experience social unrest as citizens react to declining living standards. The Path Ahead The 2025 global inflation map underscores the importance of understanding both macroeconomic trends and local contexts. While advanced economies leverage sophisticated monetary tools, developing nations remain vulnerable to external shocks and internal inefficiencies. Economists argue that long-term solutions require structural reforms, improved governance, and diversified economies to withstand price pressures. As the year progresses, monitoring inflation by country provides valuable insight into global economic health. While challenges remain, data-driven strategies offer hope for stabilizing prices and ensuring that economies can grow without imposing unbearable burdens on citizens. In a world of interconnected markets, no nation is immune from the ripple effects of global inflation. By mapping these trends, policymakers, investors, and consumers gain a clearer understanding of where the risks lie—and how to respond to them effectively.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 7 days ago in Longevity
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