Word of the Week: Ultra-Rapid and Ultradian Cycling
Ultra-rapid cycling refers to having mood episodes within a matter of weeks to several days. Ultradian, or ultra-ultra rapid, cycling refers to having multiple mood episodes in a single day.
Grounding and Sensory Self-Soothing Techniques
Our senses can play a role in mental health. So, why not utilize sensory self-soothing to help ground ourselves and promote mental wellness. This is a great way to supplement the practice of mindfulness, as this can help bring us back to the present moment, especially when the mind drifts to unpleasant thoughts. My collection of sentimental items provides the […]
How to Move Past Shame
How many people learned to recognize and cultivate self-esteem from an early age? I think those who didn’t learn this outnumber those who did. Even If you didn’t recognize the word or know that self-esteem means, according to Merriam-Webster, a confidence and satisfaction in one’s self, did you have role models in this area of your life? Did you have […]
Word of the Week: Grounding
Grounding is a strategy to bring us in to the present moment. It’s a method of coping. Everyone has had an overwhelming experience or emotional crisis on some scale. When such an event occurs, we can utilize this technique to reel us back in.
June is PTSD Awareness Month!
In honor of all PTSD warriors, our goal is to provide awareness of a disorder that affects or has affected too many lives, including my own. May peace find those who battle PTSD, as well as their friends and family. To all who provide support during recovery, please don’t take emotional responses personally. Understanding and patience are essential during this […]
Word of the Week: Complex PTSD
As its name suggests, complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or C-PTSD, is a more severe form of PTSD. The difference is that C-PTSD may occur as a result of exposure to prolonged stress or trauma. You can read more about C-PTSD at the following websites: Healthy Place U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Experiencing a Psychotic Episode
Experiencing a psychotic episode was not on my list of to-dos for the year 2017. Yet, there I was, driving recklessly through the streets of Atlanta on a cold January night. By the time law enforcement caught up with me, I had abandoned my vehicle and found my way to the middle of oncoming traffic trying to make the cars […]
Recognizing Symptoms of Psychosis
Because I didn’t know the signs and symptoms of bipolar spectrum disorder and psychosis, I am sharing my experiences and some information with you so that you won’t be in the dark like I was. Moreover, I am doing this so that if you notice a change in your loved one, you will not ignore it, and, if necessary, seek […]
Mental Health Summit: #stopthestigma
In my ongoing pursuit to slay the stigma attached to mental health, I graciously accepted an invitation to participate in a mental health summit.St. John A.M.E. Church of Eufaula, Alabama, hosted this summit on Saturday, May 12, 2018. The pastor of St. John, Pastor Carlton Worthen, makes it a point to address issues that many churches shy away from or […]
