After 10 years & about 1,322 Mental Health Humor Cartoon posts for Psych Central…experiencing some brain freeze?…normal!:) Thank You Dear Readers & Respected Fellow Contributors at Psych Central. Much Appreciation to The Mental Health Hero: Dr. John Grohol!

And: Don’t Let Your Brain or a Bunch of Brains Rob You of Any Joy!…what’s Your favorite dessert?

Chocolate?! Ice Cream?!

Take Care, Stay Well & Use Humor as a Positive Tool for Your Mental Health & Your Amazing Brain…protect!

Life’s storms come & go: Prepare & Don’t Panic!:) (Do You own an Umbrella? might help!)

True Love is the Best Drug for us Brains!:)

Why not keep asking WHY?

Eat Healthy “Mind” Meals with True Brains–aka Real Friends!:)

Good Music helps when sick and tired, huh?

Keep Questioning Brains!

 Pseudo Support

Don’t be fooled by social media! Social Media can be nothing more than “Pseudo” support. It can, at times, be more harmful than good. What are some of the pitfalls we should avoid? How can we use social media as a “positive” part of a recovery program?

It does not need to be said that technology has taken over the world! Even though I just said it, it’s true! We are more connected to each other than any other generation in human history. Cell phones, tablets, and laptops Oh-my! And the number one way of being connected today is through social media. Do you have any social media accounts? Chances are you do: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Linkedin, or other gazillion networks offer a social media format.

(Please be extremely careful with your personal, precious data. There are unscrupulous minds mining minds and data for not-so-nice reasons. Don’t be dumb with your data.)

However, “The Mental Health Community” has benefited immensely by social media! Look at the way we share and support our peers with tweets and updates to hundreds and/or thousands of followers and Facebook friends. Sometimes it is easy to tweet or post about our particular problem. But do we have an expectation of real support from our followers or friends?

The pitfall of social media and mental health support…
If you believe you are getting ALL the mental health support you need from your social networks ~ you may be in for a rude awakening. I see this a lot with the many social media mental health groups. The scenario is played out over and over again when someone is in crisis, they write about that crisis in hopes of support and wait for comments or someone to validate them with “likes”, “shares” or “retweets” only to have NO ONE respond.

What went wrong? There was an expectation of compassion. There was an expectation that someone would care.  These expectations were falsely built on a pseudo support system. Yes, Peers may be led to believe that if no reads/responds to their post, then they are being completely ignored or even shunned. Here are a few examples of recent posts in one of these public support groups:

I’m sad, I post so many things on my Facebook for mental illness. It hurts and upsets me and angers me that there r no likes or comments. I’ve suffered for fifteen years with depression. How can people just ignore it ignore me when I’m ill.

 

Not been funny or Anything this group has gone down hill big time….thought it was a group to get advice from….all people are doing is posting rubbish think I’ll leave this group and find another that’s actually gunna give us support.

How can we use social media as a positive part of a recovery program?

Using social media as your main support system for mental health recovery is like hang gliding with the $.99 store kite. It may be able to catch some air for a few seconds but when the full weight of the issue is brought to be bare on the kite… it folds up and rips apart giving no real support on heavy issues.

In other words, when you’re using social media and have no expectation of support, yet appreciate any support given that is an effective tool. Remember that Social Media is nothing more than Pseudo supporters from peers who may have all greatest of intentions and many times can give rock-solid gold-nuggets of support…but it has its limits too. In fact, you may have developed deep and long-lasting relationships with such peers. Making social media friends can be a positive reinforcement of your support mental health system.

Sadly, this is not always the case as with the examples above. We may overwhelm social media friends expecting some type of acknowledgment or support immediately. While forgetting the world does not revolve around us. There are many reasons why someone may not acknowledge your every word posted and we should not hold grudges against those that may not “publicly” support every solitary thing we write.

We cannot hold our friends responsible for our wellness or support! We can only lean on them. So how can you use social media as a positive force for your mental health recovery? Know your friends, and know your acquaintances. Create a small group of like-minded friends who you trust!

Trust and safety are key! Be selective. Choose Good-for-You-Friends (Kindness counts!) and Be a Good Friend on & offline. The Golden Rule…”Treat Others the Way You want to Be Treated” works well toward all.

Things can get hazy on line. We need to be able to clearly identify “real” support from pseudo support. Stay Well. Stay Safe! Stay Supported! 🙂

p.s. (please note: this is an updated/revised/renovated post from June 18, 2013 @ 18:34 )

Fiber??

1.

a thread or filament from which a vegetable tissue, mineral substance, or textile is formed.

2.

dietary material containing substances such as cellulose, lignin, and pectin, that are resistant to the action of digestive enzymes.

This is a must-have, for sure, in my house.  Live with anger issues?  Then sooner or later someone is going to need these.  Truth is I thought up this cartoon while talking to my therapist not too long ago.  Not sure how it all came up, I know it had to do with some issues I was dealing with due to a medication change.

One thought led to another – and when I should of been paying attention to what she was saying… I mean I only have 15 minutes every 3 months, you would think I would use the time wisely… Nope,  I was daydreaming of this cartoon.

Well, I hope you’re not too angry about it, but if you are…do you need a tissue?

Chato Stewart

Email, Follow, Tweet, Pin, Post with Chato Stewart 

Originally Posted at Chato Stewart’s Mental Health Humor at Psych Central: https://blogs.psychcentral.com/humor

Please SHARE The Mental Health Humor Cartoon 

DIG DEEPER:

Is Invisible Anger Haunting You

Anger Issues? Do you have a short fuse?

Mental Health Prescription Dependency – You Could Be In Danger!

June 1st is the “official” start of the hurricane season! It’s almost September 1st and so many have been suffering due to “Hanna” “Isaias” “Laura” “Marco” on top of the protracted pandemic.

(Very sad!)

Not too many worries, huh?! (Insert snarky tone.) Living in Florida, for approximately the past two decades, you get use to ignoring all the hype! Until the hurricane is on your doorstep. (Or wearing a mouth & nose mask and social distancing become everyday commonplace.)

So, why is this year, 2020, different? Why is it seemingly significant? Just hype?

Hurricanes, pandemic, chaos, protests…and panic.

Does hyper-hyping keep me safe & vigilant?

Dealing with a bunch of Disorder! Brain…Stay Calm.

In my world, you are more than a peer. You become a fruity-delicious and juicy PEAR! Bursting with empowerment for recovery.

What makes peers ready for recovery? Pear fruit ripens with age and needs sunlight and water to grow. You could liken this to the “Age of Understanding” our diagnosis. The sunlight would be shining a light on our diagnosis, and we grow as “peers” with knowledge. Sometimes, we are bitter like an unripened pear. This could be due to the mental health system or from other factors that are taking the joy out of finding recovery. It happens to all of us.

The key is not to let the outside world affect your main goal as a peer, which is to find the sweet nectar of your life and feast upon it!

Jump on in the salad bowl of life and let’s make a fruit salad. No nuts allowed, just PEARS (peers).

Mental Health Humor Cartoons

DBSA Positive 6 Cartoons

*

There are many life lessons to learn from nature. The Beauty (and intelligent design) of the natural world is awe-inspiring. Spending some time outdoors safely can recharge our spirits or drained batteries from an isolated indoor lockdown. Time is well spent in a natural setting. Helps our mental health to get some exercise outdoors. Be cautious, respect nature, weather, ecosystems, life, lives, and personal limits. Stay well-hydrated, dress appropriately including mask if necessary. Don’t over-do it. Don’t under-do it.

For example, going for a simple walk or long hike is an opportunity for complex observation and deep meditation. What am I learning from Nature? Endurance? Perseverance? How is this beautiful planet helping me? How am I helping this beautiful planet?

Stay Well. Stay Positive & Never Give up.

Ever wonder how many people living with bipolar disorder, live with anger and rage issues? I know for myself, I had the proverbial “Short Fuse” in my past.

Yet, having such a short line to my anger and rage caused me more stress, and less productivity. Being angry all the time, I truly believe, it has shorten my life!

I still have bouts with anger, mostly it is at myself.  I think it will be something I’ll always work on.  I’m happy to report the anger and rage that once consumed me years ago is no longer a “short fuse.”

What has helped me the most is the simplest of all techniques. This could be based on the concept of Dr. Richard Carlson, Ph.D, he was the “foremost expert on happiness and stress reduction.” If you don’t know him by name you, surely must of heard of his book, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and It’s All Small Stuff.”.

I am actively trying to let things go that don’t really matter… I wish I could say I do this ALL the time. It is a work in progress for the last 10 years or so… NOW instead of getting full of anger and rage, I am getting frustrated, and I take out my frustrations constructively with positive coping tools.

That includes but not limited to:

• Talking about the situation and reasoning instead of arguing.
• Speak without yelling and listening without judgement.
• Removing myself from the situation to avoid a blow-out.
• Ignore and let go of a perceived issue.
• Count to 10, 20 or 100 till I calm down.
• Pray for peace of mind and control of emotions.
• Forgive others, forgive myself – let it go.

I do this as much as I can. While it seems simple, trust me, in the heat of the moment, the knee-jerk reaction is not stop and think…rather, it is to REACT! Yet, following the above tips may help avoid a few blow-out fits of rage over small things.

Being Bipolar, I tend to get into a lot of weird arguments over things that may be semi-delusional. I may so firmly believe I am right about something that is so wrong and absurd, describing the premise of the argument on its own, you would need a decoder ring to make any logical sense of it…but in my mind, at the time of the argument, it makes perfect sense to me and you are 100% wrong!!!

Because of this, I also try not to win every argument. YES, I will lose arguments to keep peace… Okay, sometimes, the argument may be one that I started and I am 100% right! But yelling about it, is not going to help me bring peace to the family or friendship. That bit of wisdom took years for me to learn, I’m sharing it with you for free.

What about you?

Does Bipolar Disorder Give YOU a SHORT Fuse?

Chato Stewart

Jul 4, 2015

Summer in Solitude. An opportunity?

An opportunity for self-growth. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are all learning to navigate life in the throes of a global pandemic. Perhaps, we are all learning self-discipline also. Too much travel may not be too prudent. Maintaining physical distancing and staying home if not feeling well means putting Others ahead of ourselves. Now is the time, we need to expand our range of compassion and concern for humanity. Thinking more about the big picture and the greater good is an expression of love.

Whenever & Wherever

Wherever we go, it is important– whenever–we are out: for public and private health (family, friends, community), wellness to be mindful and aware of our interactions. The vulnerable among us need extra consideration and respect and dignity as do us all.

As a form of common courtesy when/if out and about in public settings (grocery store & etc.), our family wears masks. We keep gloves at hand.;) We avoid crowds. We wash our hands frequently, sanitize items thoroughly, and take our shoes off when entering our home.

We may have to physically distance temporarily, but we can still safely socialize this Summer via videoconferencing, zoom gathering, texting, e-mailing, and yes, even snail mailing. My family has been writing comforting letters and making cards to reach out. This activity has been emotionally helpful and serves as a positive coping skill.

Is there someone You can write a kind, encouraging letter expressing Your concern? Is there an old friend or old relative who would be happy to hear from You? Is there someone who could use some cheering up? Who knows when/if the opportunity to slow-down and reach-out safely will come again.

Real-world evidence shows something is going on…Don’t Panic. Keep Eyes open, gather FACTS.

We can keep Summer safe with safe information…the type of information we can trust from reliable, untainted, unbiased sources. Sources that are motivated by the love of humanity, life, and not the love of money.

Stay Well! and enjoy a safe Summer.

We all know “something” is going on. Exactly what that something “is” is difficult to determine without all the facts. Are we taking the time to gather as much accurate information as possible?

My wife reminds me of a read fable from India that well illustrates the situation in which we all find ourselves:

“6 blind men who went to see an elephant…The first one touched its side and said: “Bless me! but the elephant is very like a wall!” The second one touched its tusk and said: “An elephant is very like a spear!” The Third touched its trunk and said: “The elephant is very like a snake!” The fourth reached out and felt its knee and said: “Tis clear enough the elephant is very like a tree!”  The fifth touched its ear and said: “This marvel of an elephant is very like a fan!” The sixth seized its tail and said: “I see the elephant is very like a rope!”  The 6 blind men disputed long and loud about what an elephant was like, but no one gave a correct description. Incomplete information did not give a complete picture.“

Don’t Panic People during a? Pandemic!

Take Care. Stay Well. Spot Truth.

Take the essential time to gather “the Facts” before acting…out.

PAN…demic: “an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population.” (Merriam-Webster.com definition)

Unprecedented: “never done or known before.” (Merriam-Webster.com definition)

Haven’t pandemics occurred before? Yes. What makes Covid-19 unprecedented? When has the globe been on simultaneous lockdown? When has a huge segment of the Earth’s population been accessorized with daily masks?! When has the human footprint/movement of millions of alive humans been halted?

Pan..ic not!

Can we endure this? (As easy? as washing my hands thoroughly and frequently.)

Fan! I’m wearing my mask when around people to be on the safe side.

Man, I’m tired of being inside! It’s hard for those of us who are very depressed and isolated. Teleconferencing with friends can help keep us connected and positive.

Good opportunity to discover how to get along with each Other. Think I may be discerning the meaning of “essential” activity and essential relationships.

Can we spot the truth? What we “think” is going on and what actually is going on may not match up.

(Please see part two.)

LOOKING BACK ON 10 YEARS OF MENTAL HEALTH HUMOR (Published on: Jun 10, 2010)

Words Of The Wisdomless: Nothing More –

“A mental illness relapse is nothing more then a period of time that just didn’t go right. It’s nothing more to worry about, nothing more then a detour on the road to recovery.  All we need to do… is get back on our road and nothing more.” – By Chato B. Stewart

How true.  We are on a journey… Yes, our destination might not be as tangible as visiting Paris for the summer; it is a destination nevertheless!  Living with any type of psychological disorder is like getting an open-end traveling ticket.  We know — we want to go to recovery but how to get there is just not mapped out yet.

What are some things I personally do to get me back on the road to recovery?

I Make sure to “Listen” to my Support Network and Caregiver.

Yes, this is hard to do at times!  My wife is my caregiver.  A long time ago, we made the choice she would administer my medications… This is not just to make sure I’m compliant.  It gives her a feeling of “security” knowing I’m well medicated…OK, maybe that’s how I view it!  It really does help us understand me and my moods better.  We are about to see together if there are any changes we need to address.

Listening to her is another story.  It’s hard when my moods go haywire to listen to anyone, especially my wife… Even though she is usually the first one who recognizes the change.  Living with Bipolar Disorder can have the effect of not being able to see the forest cause the trees are in the way.

I must be willing to Adjust! Adjust! Adjust!

This road to recovery, just like my cartoons, has all types of intersecting roads and exit ramps.  WE ARE GOING TO GET OFF from time to time… It’s a fact, nothing to fret about, nothing to brow-beat ourselves about or feel guilty about…We just need to ADJUST our direction.  It could be with medication, types of therapy or even just adjusting our thinking.  ADJUST!! Sounds simple, right? Well, not all the time.

Know this, if you can only think about making adjustments, then you are heading back to the road to recovery!

For me, these past three years I’ve tapped into Art Therapy and humor as my main tools to navigate the road to recovery.  What have you done or do to help keep balanced?

Chato

Are you rapid cycling? Here are my Top 5 Ways to find out.

• #5 –  You love to ride your bike, but only over hills.
• #4 – You try to use the elevator to adjust your mood swings.
• #3 – You are so happy about getting a gift all you do is cry.
• #2 – Your social calendar is broken up into 4 quarters around your moods.
• #1 – You find yourself replacing your break pads every few months because you stop and go, stop and go, stop and go…

—-

Here is a little book for you and your children to read or listen to that is good for our mental health.   I wrote and illustrated it in 2007.

What does it take to learn a good lesson, anyway?

written by: Chato B. Stewart
dedicated to LP, Sweet Pea, Precious & Belly

Once upon a pond… in a sea not far from here… just under the water off the coral reef, lived a small guppy named Guppy Goop.

The coral reef could be a dangerous place. That’s why each and every guppy played at the center of the reef.

It was an old sandy sea bass bed that was made into Sea Bass Park.

Guppy Goop and his friends loved to play fishball in the park.

Fishball was kind of like kick ball. They used a pearl from an oyster for the ball.

Guppy Goop and his guppy pals were only worried about one thing, the Big Bad Fish that lived over the fence behind the park.

There were stories about the Big Bad Fish… the type of stories told that would keep guppies up at night.

It was said that he was a Big Bad Fish, had large glowing eyes, and black scaly skin… with razor-sharp teeth on top… and two large fangs on the bottom. That he would swallow you up in one gulp… and that he was meaner than a tiger shark with a toothache! And that fish that go to that cave were never seen again…

He was the coral reef’s Big… Bad… Fish!

Now, Guppy Goop was from a small fish family. He only had about five hundred fish brothers and sisters. Oh…and an uncle that was a hermit crab.

One of his older fish sisters won an extremely rare black pearl ball at the Fishbowl fishball tournament. This black pearl was the envy of every fishball player!

And all Guppy Goop wanted… the one thing he really, REALLY wanted more than anything else… was JUST ONCE… to play Fishball with his sister’s black pearl ball trophy!

One day, Guppy Goop’s whole family (that is, everyone except Guppy Goop…) went on the annual upstream swim. He wandered aimlessly around the house…and wandered into his sister’s room… and there it was… the black pearl trophy.

Even though Guppy Goop knew it was the same as stealing his sister’s trophy, he thought: “She won’t know I took it. I’ll just use it for today, and I’ll put it back before she’s home from the swimming trip. Besides, it doesn’t really seem so wrong if… I don’t get caught.”

When Guppy Goop got to Sea Bass Park all the other guppies gathered round and asked, “Are you really going to let all of us play with that black pearl trophy ball, Guppy Goop?” He just smiled from gill to gill and yelled “Lets… Play… Fishball!”

The game was going swimmingly… it was Guppy Goop’s best game ever!

His team had a fish on each shell. And now, Guppy Goop was at home shell, with a chance to win the game.

The black pearl was pitched. He could see his fisheye reflection.

He swung his fish tail with all his might and hit the black pearl. It went up… and up… and up. It was going, going, gone!!

Right into The Big Bad Fish’s back yard. Every Guppy who was watching gasped big fish bubbles…

“Oh no… it’s gone forever now,” said Blue the Sheephead Guppy. “You’re in big trouble now,” said Sam the Seahorse. Flounder Guppy cried out, “Oh my flat flounder bottom! Now your sister is going to stuff you in a tuna can!”

“What am I going to do?” said Guppy Goop.

Guppy Goop knew if he went over the fence to get the black pearl back, he’d be a goner for sure. Remember the stories: The Big Bad Fish, large glowing eyes, black scaly skin, razor-sharp teeth, and two large fangs. You know, the Big… Bad… Fish!

“Maybe if I just go ask him for it… he will give it to me.” Guppy Goop said.

“Wait!” yelled Flounder, “you can’t go there now. He’s a stranger, and it is getting dark. It’s not safe!” Flounder was right. It was late. Nothing could be done about it now. So Guppy Goop started to swim home.

Guppy Goop swam to his hole, into his bedroom and underneath his kelp bed sheets. His sister was staying at Uncle Hermit’s tonight. He was still feeling bad. He knew he should’ve told his mother, but he didn’t want to get in trouble. “Besides”, he thought, “my sister is not home and nobody knows but me and the guys. Maybe I can still get away with it. I just have to get the black pearl back before sister gets home. Then, no one will ever know.”

Guppy Goop was tired and his eyes were so heavy. As he drifted off to sleep, he was still mumbling as he yawned: “no… one… will… ever…. know…”

Guppy Goop got up early before any of his family was awake. He was off to Sea Bass Park.

The Big Bad Fish’s cave door was right on the edge of the coral reef in open water where no fish would travel.

As Guppy Goop swam near the cave, the cold chill of open water was on his back. At he came closer to the gate, he could see why no fish ever went near the cave. All around, stuck in the weeds, were trophies.

Fishing hooks, fishing lures, fishing line and fishing weights were scattered about, collected from fishermen who had come in boats. But they could never reel him in… because, surely, The Big Bad Fish could not be caught!

The cave door was made from the bones of three fish who tried to take his cave away from him. Now those fish are his door.

Guppy Goop slowly swam up to the cave door. The door creaked open and there in the dark glowed two large eyes. It was the Big… Bad… Fish….!

“What do you want?” said the Big Bad Fish, in a menacing voice.

“Umm… could I get back my sister’s black pearl ball that went over your back fence?”, asked Guppy Goop, shaking in fear.

“Why aren’t you afraid of me, little guppy? Don’t you know the stories about me?”, asked The Big Bad Fish.

“Oh, I am very afraid of you! But I believe there’s good in every fish. I thought if I was nice to you, then maybe you’d be nice to me,” Guppy Goop answered.

“I see… , , said the Big Bad Fish, “Guppy Goop, your kindness has moved me… ” he said. “Go… get your sister’s black pearl ball from my yard.”

Guppy Goop swam into the back yard. There were fishballs all around, but no black pearl. But as he got closer to the fence, back behind the seaweed, he found a pile of dead fish bones. And next to the pile… was his sister’s black pearl ball.

“I found it!” yelled Guppy Goop. “Now I won’t be in trouble. I just have to get home before every one wakes up!”

“Wakes up?” said the Big Bad Fish as he moved closer to Guppy Goop. “Your parents don’t know you’re here?”

“Nope, if my parents knew I stole my sister’s ball… and, then lost it, I would get in so much trouble… ,” Guppy Goop said.

“Well, thank you, Guppy Goop…,” said the Big Bad Fish.

“Thank me… why?” asked Guppy Goop, “Is it because I showed you kindness and now every fish will know you’re not meaner than a tiger shark with a toothache?” Guppy Goop said with a big guppy grin.

“Oh no, my juicy little guppy”, said the Big Bad Fish, with his large glowing eyes, black scaly skin, razor-sharp teeth and large fangs. “I wanted to thank you for… BREAKFAST!!”

And in one large gulp, the Big Bad Fish swallowed guppy Goop!

Why…? Because… big fish ALWAYS eat little fish!!

“Guppy Goop! Guppy Goop, wake up! Wake up Guppy Goop! Are you going to sleep all day?,” asked mother. Guppy Goop slowly opened his eyes… “Was I dreaming? Then, I’m alive, I’m alive!,” he yelled! “the Big Bad Fish didn’t eat me. I must have been dreaming!”

He sat up in bed and he knew right then, that no matter what kind of trouble it would get him into, he HAD to tell the truth. Because it was surely better to tell the truth and pay the price than to die in a lie!

“Mom, Dad… I need to talk to you.” Guppy Goop went on to tell them what he had done, and how he lost the ball. “We’re disappointed in you, Guppy Goop,” they said. “But we’re happy that you have now told the truth and that you understand that it was wrong to steal.”

Just then the cave door swung open. There at the door was Uncle Hermit the crab.

“I was on my way over when I ran into an old friend of mine who lives behind Guppy Park. Gus owns The Big Bad Fish Novelty Shop”, he said. “Gus said you guppies left something in his yard… but when he swam out to give it to you, you were all gone.”

“But, I don’t understand…”, Guppy Goop said, “What about all the fish hooks and the fish bones? What about The Big Bad Fish with glowing eyes, and black scaly skin, razor-sharp teeth and fangs?”

“What about the STORIES?”, asked Guppy Goop.

Uncle Hermit looked over at Guppy Goop and said, “Oh Guppy Goop… we can’t judge a fish by his scales. It’s what INSIDE that counts!”

…”you juicy little guppy” (evil laughter)

THE END

Many are conflicted about Covid-19. What Data to believe? Trust? Distrust media? Stay home? Go Out? (Wear a Mask!) Don’t wear gloves? Social Distance? Get tested? Go out to lunch? Order in? How to Stay Well? How to stay connected?

Some of us (myself included) are snacking and munching out a little too much to cope.

Many topics concerning Coronavirus more precisely known as Covid-19 are swirling in my mind. I have a coronavirus mind-hangover…

Life is complicated, huh? without…Adding living in the middle of a pandemic. Things get super stressful. Staying well mentally, emotionally, and physically is challenging for many of us. Accurate information helps my sense of security.

We all may be dealing with conflicts (of one type or another) but…

Can we all try to get along?

Stress is taking its toll on many of us. Some are stressed or worse due to Covid-19. Some are stressed or distressed due to the shocking and untimely deaths of Loved Ones.

Sad Times and Events for many! How can we better cope and stress less?? How can we support Fellow-Humans who are suffering and grieving?? How can we all act in a manner that helps Everyone??

Some are sheltering at home to cope. Others are taking to the streets. Some are wearing masks. Some are unmasking. Most of us are frequently washing our hands; that’s the hope.

Some are trying their best to get along? Others are fighting?

What will I choose to do to stay well? How am I choosing to cope? What contributions am I making to peace: at home? in my community? on my planet?

Am I spreading germs around? Negativity?

Am I spreading seeds of Positivity? Am I creating solutions or problems?

Hope helps heal us. Hope protects our minds. Heartfelt and honest communication is essential for me to cope with my own stresses and daily distresses.

Staying positive is a choice. It can be difficult to focus on positives. It’s hard but worth the effort.

Trying to be peaceable with Others during these difficult times can help make things better and not worse.

Getting good sleep and rest helps me better deal with stress. Getting “accurate information” from trustworthy sources help me make informed choices that contribute much to my over-all well-being.

Stay Well…5 Helpful Hints to Consider 🙂

Masks are only effective if you know how to properly use and dispose of them in combination with frequent hand cleaning.

Frequent hand washing is essential protection during this Covid-19 pandemic. How often do you wash your hands? It is hard learning to avoid touching my face, though. Glasses and sunglasses help me avoid touching or rubbing my eyes.

For me and my family, we prefer to be on the safe side. Nor do we want to endanger anyone. Though we are not sick with Covid-19, we wear masks in certain settings, for example, when out in public spaces as a “common courtesy” during this pandemic.

From my point of view, if I can modify my behavior and not just think about what is good for me short-term, but take into consideration what may be good for my fellow human(s) long-term, it makes me feel good about social distancing and avoiding or sacrificing certain activities for the greater good.

Mostly, we stay at home and limit our outings to essentials. Nor do we visit in person elderly relatives who are at risk for any type of health complication.

Instructions on mask usage.

Stay Well Reader: please wash your hands and consider when/if wearing a mask is appropriate for your longevity and circumstances.

Recently I was looking back at some of my old cartoons and re-posted blog post with the above cartoon. I wrote about friends in distance.  I thought this cartoon is so appropriate given the quarantine and social distancing.

Feel free to share.

Tommy: Whatcha watching buddy? Let me see, why won’t you show me that video? Com’on This is getting weird!

Published on: Sep 29, 2015 at 11:24
Twitter: ChatobStewart: #Psychologysays We value memories of some1 more than the actual person! So, we may miss the #memories more, even if UR with them.²
Caption: Do you value good friends from a distance?

“Psychology says” our quotes that have gone viral over the years and have been shared in so many different forms of social media–will make your head spin. The validity of many of these quotes have very hard to find…studies or original factual proof to back up the claim. So, in essence, they are more pop-culture and psychological fact. They are fun, but I think I will like to draw a few from time to time.

I started with last Mental Health Humor cartoon titled #Bipolar #Depressed Fake A Smile the psychology says quote was: psychology claims if you fake a smile actually boosts you; and psychology says  smiling even when you’re sad can improve mood because you are using muscles that trigger chemicals in your brain that tell you that you are happy.

In the above, Mental Health Humor cartoon, I added the Tweet within… actual psychology says quoted in the cartoon to help drive the point.

Now do I think memory is important? How true could this quote really be? Do you find yourself longing for the  good old days of a friendship even when you’re with the friend?  Remembering how things used to be or events of the past, things you used to do? What about our memories: why do some stay with us and others we seem to forget?

Ever wonder why some memories can stay vivid for years while others fade with time? The answer is emotion. Your memory will only hold on to new information (working memory) gained from your daily life for about five days (this is your short-term memory). Memories that are not emotionally significant are usually forgotten after this five-day waiting period (this is the time taken to transfer events from short to long term memory). The brain will learn or memorize all kinds of information with frequent repetition and constant use. However, if a memory containing only facts is not frequently used, the information slowly fades away. This is why you remember some events from the past with vivid detail, particularly the ones that were emotionally charged (like a favorite possession, an unjust punishment or first love).~¹ A. Karmin

So emotional memories are vivid for years, that seems to line up with “Psychology says We value memories of someone more than the actual person!”  Since there is an emotional connection linked to the memory (but fading over time) may be why people long for greener pastures.

How do you feel? Is the friend you’re with not the same as the friend you remember?  People change, we change, friendships change – but if you are living in the past friendship how fair is that to your so-called friend?

Yes, time spent with you and your friend can create a lasting bond that represents a good portion of life. Yes a true friend is someone you want to share everything with.

I read a bumper sticker the other day, that cracked me up. It’s a bit morbid but it really punches home point about friendship when it says:

“Friends help you move, Real friends help you move bodies”

Chato Stewart

¹ 9/28/2015 |Dwelling on the Past: How Emotions Shape Your Memory |By Aaron Karmin

²#Psychologysays We value memories of some1 more than the actual person! So, We may miss the #memories more, even if UR with them.

— chatobstewart (@chatobstewart) September 29, 2015