support

A solid support system is invaluable for one's recovery from psychiatric illness and mental health issues.

Dear Black Girl, Your Life Matters, So Please Meditate. Top Story - June 2020.
Dear (Suburban) Black Girl, You are *magical*, yes. You are a queen, full stop, period. I’m not here to tell you that you shouldn’t pick your head up, dust it off, and keep it pushing when the haters (or systemic racism) get you down. It can actually be challenging to maintain a smile sometimes, to be the source of strength that many seek for inspiration. I understand what it means to have to laugh off the jokes your friends say when you’re the only one who looks like you in your friend group. It can be a challenge to feel different, to know you are different, but to seek so much normalcy and “sameness” anyways.
By Erin Jones-Wesley6 years ago in Psyche
Self Care Wear
For most of my life, I’ve struggled with multiple mental health illnesses -- from depression and anxiety to anorexia and attention deficit disorder. And then some. As I got older, I realized how misunderstood these illnesses are and how many people feel uncomfortable talking about them. Because mental health has always been a part of my life, I’ve never felt uncomfortable talking about my illnesses, but rather felt ashamed and overwhelmed. And today, I am no longer ashamed. I’ve accepted all of my diagnoses and openly talk about them. Mental illnesses are not something to be ashamed of or feel uncomfortable talking about. Recently, I took the steps to continue raising awareness and supporting mental health.
By Shaley Speaks6 years ago in Psyche
Victim to Victor
This morning, I received a text from a friend asking me to call her. I'm just like most millennials and prefer texting, but this was one of my yarn friends. We haven't been able to knit together in almost 3 months. I miss my peeps. So I gave her a call and I'm so glad that I did. For privacy purposes, I’m going to call her Joan.
By Gwenaviere Laine6 years ago in Psyche
How To Self Quarantine In A Toxic Environment — Send Help, We Are Not Okay
Millions of users on social media platforms support the hashtag stay home (I do too). There are quotes, memes, pictures, and videos about the benefits of staying at home. For instance, engaging in family time, cooking at home meals, family game nights, focusing on self-care, or becoming an entrepreneur.
By Adian6 years ago in Psyche
How to Help a Loved One Who Is Depressed
Converse with various experts, clinical, look into, anthropological, biochemical, and mental, and you'll find various solutions about what causes discouragement. Indeed, even the "compound unevenness" hypothesis is suspect, despite the fact that it's the most widely recognized, in light of the fact that exploration currently shows that cerebrum science can be affected by evolving thinking, conduct and mindfulness; which makes it a "which starts things out" question.
By Shekhar Rana Magar6 years ago in Psyche
My Almost-Suicide
If you know me or have followed my journey here on Vocal or via social media, you know that I struggle with multiple mental health illnesses, and I’m doing okay right now. For most of you, it probably seems like I’ve been okay for most of my life. Now, if you REALLY know me, and most don’t, you’d know that I’ve thought about committing suicide more than once. As mental health awareness month comes to an end, I felt inspired to share a story with you that not many know.
By Shaley Speaks6 years ago in Psyche
How To Help a Loved One Who Is Struggling With Addiction
When someone you know and care about is struggling with addiction, it can be difficult to deal with. Not only can it be painful to watch them struggle, but it can also be hard to know what you should do to help them, too. That doesn't mean, though, that there's nothing you can do. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding to seek help for a loved one dealing with addiction.
By Kevin Gardner6 years ago in Psyche
Protecting the Little Person Inside My Heart
FRIDAY -- May 21, 2020 • 7:00am = Water bill, meditation, interpretation, movement, light, shroom, hydration, ginger, tofu seasoned and pressed, baby potatoes soaking.
By Karen Lichtman6 years ago in Psyche
LGBTQA+ Mental Health in Public Education
There’s no question that the mental health of students in public education needs to be taken seriously. Poor mental health can affect grades, participation, cause substance abuse, and can cause even more serious problems down the line, such as depression. However, one group of kids are often brushed off when it comes to their mental health: LGBTQA+ students. LGBTQA+ students in the public education system are more susceptible to bullying, harassment, and even suicidal thoughts due to their sexuality/gender expression. In this essay, I would like to highlight the common problems LGBTQA+ students face in their day-to-day lives during adolescence and how school administrators, staff, and counselors can help improve and prevent mental health issues.
By Jasmine Smoot-Leyva6 years ago in Psyche
Pain is temporary
Everyone experiences pain in their life and some experience more than others. But what's important is how we deal with that pain and how we use those traumatic events to help better ourselves as we try to heal and move forward. When we are faced with difficult circumstances we tend to revert to things that make us feel comfortable because we are trying to avoid that stressful feeling, whatever that may be. Many turn to drinking, drugs, food, toxic people, or environments when things aren't going the way you wanted them to go. Your original plan took a detour, now your stuck in this toxic headspace and don't know how to get out. It sucks, but it's also comfortable in a way because you're avoiding things that you're afraid of. This isn't benefiting you in anyway, but you also don't really care. You don't want to feel like this because it's painful so you try your best to pull yourself out of that negative headspace without completely destroying your mental health and wellbeing. I know its hard. I deal with it almost everyday.
By Sarah6 years ago in Psyche
The Deepest Hunger
Every day I used to find myself surrounded by hungry, frightened people who were desperate to “fix” what’s wrong (now we're all socially distanced but I bet it's still the same, maybe worse).
By Remington Write6 years ago in Psyche
Ativan, Calgary, and the art of supporting sobriety.
"Oh GAWD, I seriously love Ativan." My eyes darted across the room to one of the other counsellors I hadn't yet had a chance to meet, but now definitely needed to. Finally, a coworker who is at least interesting, and seems to have my sick sense of humour. Even better, she's going to bust it out after the last three hours of this dry mental health first aid course.
By Hannah B6 years ago in Psyche