Self-Care Basics
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I typically consider myself more of a nerd than a geek, but one area that I do geek out over. I openly admit that I am a big fan of Pokemon. I was sucked into the phenomenon when I was ten years old. My friends came to school carrying their three-inch wide binders. They would…
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Last week I posted about how mental health stigma can present itself as an obstacle to one’s self-care. To check that post out, click here: https://atomic-temporary-130610338.wpcomstaging.com/2019/01/29/stigma-and-self-care-pt-1/ Picking up where I left off though, we cannot deny the prevalence of stigma in today’s society. However, it is obvious to see the progress our society has made…
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One of my favorite activities as a group facilitator involved the topic of stigma, or the “societal labels.” I stood in front of the six-foot whiteboard holding my dry erase marker. I asked my clients one simple question, “What words or names have people called you to describe your mental illness?” The conversation following this…
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Sitting here trying to write this post drove me insane. I deleted and rewrote the introduction at least five times over the course of an hour. I sat here staring at an empty screen. I shook my head in dismay. I just could not find the words to describe what was going through my mind.…
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This time of year has never been fun for yours truly. In October 2009, I lost my childhood home to a fire. In November 2015, I experienced my first- and hopefully last- psychiatric hospitalization after finding out my ex-girlfriend was cheating on me with my best friend. Traditionally, the holidays between Thanksgiving and New Year’s…
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It seemed like life had its own agenda this past week, putting my patience to the test. My joints throbbed with pain. Waking up every morning felt like a mental tug of war. Business picked up at work, easily doubling my hours. On top of it all, people plucked away at my number one pet…
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Back in May 2017, I fell into a rut with my depression and anxiety. My therapist and I discussed different ways for me to express myself healthily. I mentioned to her that I wrote poetry off and on as a teenager and into early adulthood. Poetry was merely a way for me to express myself.…
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Disclaimer: I must preface this with I am not a medical professional. I am not trying to tell anyone how to take their medications or to stop their medications by any means. This post is merely my opinion and experience with medication. When I look at the top of my closet, I feel like I…
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Back in June 2017, I took a risk in starting this website. It was an idea I bounced around for a few months in the back of my mind. I spoke to a few friends and colleagues about it too. I had zero clue what I was getting myself into or if I would continue…
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Many individuals believe that my job consists of trying to figure out the “why” behind their presenting issue(s). People spend decades looking for answers to their life’s biggest conundrums, driving themselves crazy in the process. The vast majority of them will end up six feet under without ever having received peace of mind. By focusing…
The Caring Counselor 