Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Longevity.
So You've Met Someone in a Wheelchair. Top Story - June 2017.
Hi. I suppose, being a paraplegic and in a wheelchair and all, that it’s about time that I invested some blog space and thought space into what that whole thing is like. I mean, it’s only been two years since I was shot, but oh boy have there been some learning curves and fun stories in that time. From grabbing onto the back of a motorcycle and subsequently spilling myself into the street, or having a friend jump into my lap and dump me over onto a packed dance floor (it’s like, I can’t double wheelchair myself, can I? Might as well have some fun with it!), or putting a hot plate on my lap for a few seconds and not feeling it and burning my thighs raw, there have been stories. Most of them do involve me falling.
By Nicolas Brown9 years ago in Longevity
Drowning in the Waters of Depression
I don’t know if it is the Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or the depression, or the two of them that work together to try and pull me into the water, after securing boulders to my feet. Regardless of the fight left in me, the weight of the rocks pull me slowly under the water, before sinking me to the cold, dark bottom. These are the times I find it hardest to keep going, to keep fighting. These are the times where I question the progress I have made in therapy and wonder why I don’t yet feel better, or if I ever will. These are the times when the smallest of things irritates me, getting under my skin to the point of feeling angry. These are the times when I cry the most, feel the most frustrated and misunderstood. These are the times that I wonder if I should fight to cut those boulders off and float to the surface or allow the water to fill my lungs and put my mind and body to a final, peaceful rest. I have clawed my way to the surface more times than I can count and will continue to do so.
By Jody Betty9 years ago in Longevity
Living with Borderline Personality Disorder
Livng with Borderline Personality Disorder can be quite a struggle. Everything from personal relationships to your career are constantly in jeopardy. While there are no specific medications or guaranteed cures for BPD, there are ways to live a healthy and mostly happy life.
By Kari Ann Fallon9 years ago in Longevity
"D" for Dysphoric
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a condition associated with disabling mental and emotional symptoms brought on by hormonal shifts occurring within the menstrual cycle. The following is an account of what it can be like to live with the disorder.
By Cheeky Minx9 years ago in Longevity
7 Health Conditions That Will Blow Your Mind
Even if you're very conscientious about health and fitness, there are illnesses that can strike out of nowhere. For example, it's possible to suffer from a fatal form of insomnia as well as a condition that will cause you to lose weight without dieting or exercising. Yes, you read that correctly; lipidystrophy can cause you to lose a significant amount of weight without changing your lifestyle. Here are some bizarre conditions you've probably never heard of.
By Kari Ann Fallon9 years ago in Longevity
The Tediousness of Adulthood
Imagine this: It's Saturday night. A teenage girl has money to blow, friends to hang out with, and a night without her parents. What does she do? In some circles, she might throw a party. In others, she might subtly point out to her significant other that the house will be empty tonight. In a select few, she might simply be scrolling through Tumblr and listening to Pandora as she avoids her homework like the plague.
By Brooklyn M.9 years ago in Longevity
7 Reasons It Is Healthy to Put Yourself First
It can be difficult, between work, family and friends, to find time for yourself. You may feel like a bad friend if you don't have time to grab lunch, or you might think you're a bad employee if you don't give work all of your attention, but that's far from the truth. If you take time for yourself, you'll be there better for others in the moments you give them.
By Kari Ann Fallon9 years ago in Longevity
Living with Anxiety & Depression
Sunday morning I woke up, and I've barely slept a wink since. I roll around thinking "I really need to get some sleep" but I'm too aware of the need. My brain won't stop. I'm having dozens of hypothetical conversations in my head while worrying about things that don't matter that much and it feels like adrenaline is the only thing keeping me going. I stand up and feel the blood rushing through my arms, legs and head. It's like I feel every pulse and my heart wants to remind me that it's still working but the sensation brings me no comfort. My eyes are hanging out of my head but I can't relax my mind. Part of me says "find someone who sells weed, it'll shut you down and you can relax peacefully" but another part says "that isn't the answer, it'll probably make things worse".
By Neil Cochrane9 years ago in Longevity
How To Expose Your Stuck-Point and Get Unstuck
Having trouble finishing that inspired project you’re working on? You have a great idea. You sit down and start working on it. You are full of energy and motivation. And then this unsettled feeling creeps in and your motivation slips away. You become distracted. You can’t sit still. You check your email. You decide to wash the dishes. Your thoughts feel scattered and you figure it would be better to come back to your work when you feel refreshed.
By Laura LaBrie9 years ago in Longevity
Disabilities and Physical Fitness
What's the deal? Disabled people are often thought to be incapable of participating in athletic activity. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Whatever your disability, whether physical or developmental, there is a sporting venue for you.
By Jenn Thomas9 years ago in Longevity
