My Meddling Mind

Mental Illness and A Child

2012-01-28T19:33:00.000-05:00

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Behind-the-Scenes-with-a-7-Year-Old-Schizophrenic/3

Top 10 Foods Highest in Protein

2012-01-28T19:09:00.000-05:00

My Meddling Mind: Stop being weak and be strong

2012-01-16T10:30:00.000-05:00

My Meddling Mind: Stop being weak and be strong: There are many phrases that a person should not say to someone who is suffering from depression. One of them is “Stop being weak and be str...

Friday Quote

2011-10-28T22:30:00.000-04:00

‎"You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world's happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime." -Dale Carnegie

Hello! To all my readers, I would like you to know how much I appreciate you reading, following and supporting my blog. Enjoy your weekend with much love, health and happiness added!!

Thank you for the award!

2011-10-20T09:02:00.001-04:00

I would like to say "Thank You" to Linda Rogers over at
http://twincessone.blogspot.com/2011/10/thanks-for-tell-me-about-yourself-award.html#links
for the inspirational blog award. I will be awarding 15 inspirational bloggers as well, and writing a list of 7 things about me very soon.

Questions and Answers event on Bipolar Disorder

2011-10-20T08:37:00.000-04:00

I received an email on a Bipolar Disorder Q&A event. I am posting the information in case it is something that might be of interest you.

Free Live Expert Q&A: Bipolar Disorder

Hi,

Your readers / followers may be interested in Healthline's free live expert Q&A session on October 24th at 11am PST (2pm EST).

Users can register, submit their questions & learn more at: http://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/live-expert-q-and-a The Q&A will be broadcasted from the same URL. If for any reason users cannot attend the event, they can still submit their questions & return to the same URL starting October 28th to see the recorded version of the broadcast.

Like - Facebook

2011-10-18T13:54:00.001-04:00

Hi! I just made a Facebook Page and really can use your support, please stop by, I will be sure to do the same just leave me your FB link on my comment box. Thanks and have a great day.:)

Diurnal Mood Variation - I feel better at night

2011-10-13T15:52:00.000-04:00

Over the years I have notice how my mood changes along with the time of the day, for me it is from day to night. I am always happier and more energetic once the sun begins to set and the evening is about to take its course. In other words, during the day time hours I tend to feel more sensitive to sadness and lack energy, at night time I feel much better emotionally, mentally with more energy.

This morning when I woke up, I decided to do a bit of research on the net to find out if there was a name for this particular feeling I experience more often than not. According to what I read by typing in the keywords (depressed more morning) I found out that it is actually a symptom of depression.

A symptom called Diurnal Mood Variation which can make a person feel worst during daytime hours but, better at night. Exactly, what the cause happens to be for this particular symptom is not known. It is however, related to something called Circadian Rhythm which, since I’m no expert at explaining technical terms, you can certainly read more about at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circadian_rhythm

Now, I have a pretty good idea of why I feel happier at night.

Blogging for world mental health day - Coping, fighting and dealing with my depression - It's no ball room dance

2011-10-10T16:13:00.001-04:00

I have suffered from depression most of my life, and as some of you know, it is no ball room dance. Actually, it can be one of the most difficult and painful things to go through. I found out that although, it can make a person feel horrible and stuck in a dark pitiful cloud, it does not have to take control of your life. Some of you might be saying to yourselves "Easier said than done" and truthfully yes it is, at least for me it was, but still it can be done with the right help and a firm decision to take back control, I have learned to cope with the symptoms of depression.

At some point during my debilitated states, I knew I could not do it alone, I surrendered. Twenty five years ago when I began to experience depressive symptoms, there were moments where the pain was so great that I just knew that something had to be done, but I also had this feeling that I could not go about it solo, which is when I decided to confide in a close relative, soon after that I made an appointment to see a therapist. For me, it must have been one of the best decisions I made in my life. I often wonder if I would even be sitting here typing, if it weren’t for that moment where I found the courage to look fear in the face and make the choice to get help.

An easy road, at all times? No, I really can’t say that. But, I can say that getting the right help from trained professionals and support groups, along with implementing positive things in my life as often as possible, have made a difference in the way I cope with my depressive symptoms. Still, some-days are easier than others, but I continue to fight and move forward because I am worth it.

Changes in relationships - Change in you

2011-10-09T18:17:00.001-04:00

As time goes on in many relationships, certain aspects of it can change and things such as chemistry,communication and quality time spent together become less. This can be difficult for a person or even both indiviuals involved in the relationship.

It is even safe to say that there are days and nights spent, being more concerned over the lives of our better halves then of our own life. Constantly worrying about their thoughts, whereabouts and what makes them happy without necessarily taking into account what makes us happy, and we must not forget the time some of us have invested conjuring up well thought out plans on how to bring the spice back into the relationship.

If this sounds at all too familiar than it may be time to put the focus back on you and find positive ways of building a life of your own.

At least that is what I did when the light bulb went on above my head, which by the way was always aching because I was always questioning my relationship or worrying about this, that or the other. And I soon found out that yes for many couples the honeymoon stages eventually does end and overtime responsibilities can become bigger along with bills.

All of the sudden romantic dinners and movies take a temporary back seat and reality sinks in and you are asking yourself is this it? Hoping to get a glimpse of affection from him/her or something that signifies how it use to be and how unseparable you were as a couple and how desperately you want to feel that way again.

It may or may not be the way it use to be but, one thing you can change is yourself!
So basically what it boils down to is putting the focus back on your life before you become resentful and bitter toward your partner and even those around you because you are feeling unfullfilled. And it isn't hard to understand that eventually your relationship will begin to suffer as well, and you can possibly even seap into a depression because your needs are not being met and your expectations are to high.

Guess what? you can meet your needs! That's right. It is never healthy to wait or expect for others to meet your needs and fill your empty void, even if it is from your partner. So stop moping around and make things happen for you, surprise yourself and it may even bring joy back into your relationship because your self esteem will improve and so will your attitude.

Here are five great tips to lead the way:
1- Put some space between you and your significant other.
2- Do not isolate. Re-establish your relationships with your friends and family, you probably have lost touch since becoming consumed with your significant other.
3- Get involved in activities that will empower you such as taking a class on a subject that interest you, exercising (join a gym), volunteer for a good cause. Finding a hobby also helps a great deal, try crafting or painting.
4- Find some quiet time to do some soul searching, meditating, and perhaps even journal.
5- If you are caught in the grips of confusion and find it difficult to implement positive behaviors in your life, it may help to speak with a trained therapist.

It is important to have a life of your own separate from the life with your partner. An individual should have there own thoughts, likes, dislikes, interest, values, opinions, etc. It’s what makes us who we are and it is what helps others to learn and experience life. Our individual traits bring to the table the other part of what makes a relationship a whole. Allowing us to learn from one another and be amazed while at the same time being fulfilled with who we are as one.

Therapy session

2011-10-05T18:55:00.000-04:00

I had a session with my therapist today, it has been a while since I have seen her, but due to my dad’s recent passing I figured it would not hurt, and it didn't. She asked me how I have been doing since dad passed away, she recalled him and I being close. She also asked how I have been holding up with my symptoms of depression. I told her that I have been feeling sadder than usual since losing my dad and that the change of season along with family conflicts did not seem to be helping the situation much, she agreed and felt that given what has taken place, my feelings and emotions were indeed quite normal.

Like the good therapist she is, she let me rant non stop on what had taken place these past two months and if felt good to just let it all go. What I really like about this therapist is that she always shares a bit on her past experiences, sort of just to let me know I’m not alone and she responds to my rants with an understanding and comforting tone.

Next week I have another appointment with her, although she did not insist upon it, at the end of today’s session we automatically set out to fit one in our schedule, and that is fine with me, because there might be some work to be done, plus her suggestions have always made a difference on how I have approached things in the past.

Friends supporting friends no matter what

2011-10-02T08:50:00.001-04:00

Thank goodness for the friends I do have. I don’t have many, you can pretty much count them in one hand and in my mine, you stop at three, but they are three of the most loving, nurturing friends a person can ask for. One in specifically, she is the one I talk to almost everyday and run my mumbo jumbo by her when I need guidance and someone to help me carry my worries and concerns. I do the same for her, sometimes I think that if I did not have these angels in my life, they would have locked me up an in insane asylum and thrown away the keys.

These girls know some of my deepest darkest secrets, as I do theirs. They are non judgmental and accept me the way I am, we have fought, disagreed, and even taken a break from one another during some pretty heated quarrels, but the bottom line is when we have been in our glory days or in depths of despair, we are there supporting each other no matter what. To me they are the sister I never had.

Your best advocate is YOU!

2011-09-29T09:00:00.002-04:00

There will be those who simply will not understand your depression, which is one of the reasons why it can be such a lonely and quite often misunderstood illness. Do not let that discourage you from getting the help you deserve and learning all you can about your illness, you are your best advocate, so learn all you can about the nature of symptoms and begin your journey on the road to recovery.

Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight. – Benjamin Franklin

Wherever you go, go with all your heart. - Confucius

Motivational, inspirational, life quotes for today

2011-09-29T08:52:00.001-04:00

Taking time out to rejuvenate, relax and re-energize

2011-09-28T20:07:00.001-04:00

We all have those days that are busier than others. Days where our schedules are filled with appointments, dead lines, engagements etc, and in between it all we wonder how on earth we will ever find that moment of peace or relaxation where we can take a breather and find the energy to continue running our errands and completing our tasks.

It is very important, not only for our health, but also for our mental stability to take time out to rejuvenate,re-energize and recharge. If you are running around non stop from place to place consider making a 20 minute pit stop at home and take a power nap. If you’re are in your office putting in extra hours, try to step away from your desk and find a spot where you can have a little time for peace. Even if you’re in your car, you can pull over to a quiet spot and have some quiet time.

keep in mind that those minutes you take to rejuvenate will actually help you perform better during the rest of the day.

Overcoming and fighting depression, putting in the foot work

2011-09-24T09:00:00.015-04:00

There are some mornings after my coffee that I can feel it sinking in, my depression. I play with the thoughts of just crawling back into bed, pulling the sheets over my head and dwindling off to that place, the place of fear, sadness and irrational thinking, but that is just too darn scary, I don’t like it there, did my time, I will not entertain it.

So I walk to the mirror, take a good look, say to myself “I won’t let it take me down“ then I open my jean draw take out a pair, proceed to my tops and bare essentials, obtain my towel and adjust the water temperature. After washing away the eerie feelings, I get dressed; open my blinds, let the sunshine in, and open my door smile at the sky.

Seriously folks, this is what I do on those mornings where I feel the depressive cloud hovering above my head. It is in ongoing process, I am not exempt from falling back into the dark pit. I am a work in progress, but in order to progress, I have to continue to put in the foot work.

Expectations of others - Having your very own goals and dreams

2011-09-23T15:27:00.001-04:00

It is liberating to live life not according to other people's expectations. To do what you feel, to be where you want, to be who you want, celebrating your own views, opinions, goals and dreams. Having awarness of self and an understanding that as long as it does not hurt others, diminish anyone’s quality of life or well being including your own, you are exactly where you want to be in spite of other people's expectations.

"All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was. I accepted their answers too, though they were often in contradiction and even self-contradictory. I was naïve. I was looking for myself and asking everyone except myself questions which I, and only I, could answer. It took me a long time and much painful boomeranging of my expectations to achieve a realization everyone else appears to have been born with: that I am nobody but myself." --Ralph Ellison, Battle Royal

Learning from your mistakes and dealing with failure

2011-09-22T09:14:00.001-04:00

It is quite the norm to get disappointed and maybe even utter a few undesirable words under our tongues when we fail at something or make a mistake. What should not be the norm is to give up on our main objectives and goals, especially if they have anything to do with our well being and the well being of others.

Now, we have heard this said many times, “It is inevitable not to make mistakes or fail, we all make them.” Still, we get pissed off when making them; some times even give up on our main goal. We forget that many of the things we know how to do today and many of our accomplishments were learned and made through mistakes as well as failures.

I think back to the time I first learned how to ride a bicycle, sounds cliché, right? But, for me, I know I fell many times before I learned the right way to ride a bike. Now, imagine if I would have just said “I'm done! Falling down is just not worth it.” Then, I would have never known the joys of bicycle riding and I would have missed out on a lot of fun with my childhood friends.

Sure, there are plenty of things that we know how to do, that did not involve failure, but I strongly believe that somewhere, somehow, someone must have made a mistake doing that very thing, before they learned.

Experiencing failure, making mistakes and learning from them is a stepping stone toward reaching our goals, both physically and mentally.

Practicing what I preach

2011-09-20T17:26:00.004-04:00

One of the reasons why I like to inspire people to do better with their lives, is that while I have a sincere desire to help others, at the same time it motivates me. When I hear the words I speak or read the words I write, it helps me take a look at how I’m living my life. In other words, am I practicing what I preach?

Maintaining good mental health - Not always easy, but there are tools that can help

2011-09-18T21:33:00.001-04:00

For some maintaining good mental health is not always easy there are times where I still stumble, for I am only human. The difference for me between today and the past is that while I still experience depression, stress and anxiety, I refuse to let them grab me by the hair and drag me into the pit of hell. I said goodbye to that pit long ago. Today I utilize my tools, if I sense feelings and emotions coming on that may be difficult too deal with, I immediately make it a point to surround myself with positive people, places and things which can be as simple as reading an inspirational book, listening to a great song, writing in my blog, and I also tell on myself to a close friend. I have learned from experience to change a thought, move a muscle and that keeping certain feelings of uneasiness and emotions inside to fester will only deepen them.

Musical about madness

2011-09-18T12:21:00.000-04:00

This looks like a good drama/musical. If it comes to off Broadway or a they write a book on it, I would see and read it. Musical about madness

Postpartum Depression: Listening to Mothers - Child in Mind - Boston.com

2011-09-18T12:15:00.001-04:00

Postpartum Depression: Listening to Mothers - Child in Mind - Boston.com

The right way or wrong way to mourn, I don’t know. I just know I miss him so very much.

2011-09-16T20:26:00.001-04:00

The right way or wrong way to mourn, I don’t know. I just know I miss him so very much.

Okay, this experience really sucks. I gather there is no right or wrong way to mourn, but I can tell you the pain of missing my dad and knowing that I will never seem him again is terrible. Especially at night and during idle time, it seems worst, the thoughts of wanting to hear is voice again, of thinking if indeed he really knew just how much I love him.

I must admit there are times, especially during the day where I dodge the thoughts of dad because I am too afraid of the sadness, and the hollow feeling inside, so it is business as usual, I get things done and take care of my responsibilities and mark off my to do list one by one.

Sometimes, I even think that if I do not think of my dad, it would be as if it never really happened, that’s no good; I even know that, but maybe I am just not ready, but when do you know when you are ready, and what about the acceptance process? Accept what? I do know he is gone, and that he is in peace out of his suffering from the cancer and in a better place.

At night seems like the best time to let it out, when everyone’s asleep, like last night I cried and cried and I silently told my dad how much I love him and miss him, than I fell asleep with an ache in my heart.

I have not seen my therapist in a long while, truthfully because before my dad passed away, I had been feeling pretty good and most of the work I had done with her was paying off. But, I gave her a call during the week, and although she said that most of the feelings I am feeling are normal during this time, I still made an appointment to visit her and chat in person, it sure won’t hurt, and it can only help.

Through all this, I stand by the fact that talking and sharing about your feelings and emotions will help you heal and keep you further away from falling into a deep depression, which is part of the reason I am writing about it, calling friends and seeing my therapist. I will be sure to write a post on my visit with her.

In the meantime and always, I will have my dad close to my heart and keep praying for dreams of his beautiful smile and his words telling me “I know you love me, and I love you too.”

Dopamine - Neurotransmitters

2011-09-14T20:18:00.000-04:00

Neurotransmitters, are molecules that act as messages in the nervous system.

Dopamine is one of several neurotransmitters.

The dopamine system is roughly divided into the three sources. The ventral tegmental area projects to the frontal lobe of the cortex, and it is associated with Schizophrenia and reward systems. The substantia nigra projects to the striatum, and its failure to produce enough dopamine is correlate with Parkinson's disease; this system affects fine motor control. The basal hypothalamus projects to the neuroendocrine cells, which regulate posterior pituitary functions, including prolactin secretion.
For more information on Neurotransmitters, visit http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Neuroscience/Cellular_Neurobiology/Neurotransmitters

Straight off my mind

2011-09-13T20:56:00.001-04:00

Funny how sometimes people are viewed as "not wrapped to tight" if they are outspoken, tell it like it is and have different views or opinions. Jeez, what ever happen to respecting others individuality? Live and let live.

Move on
Move forward
In Good character
Always smelling like a rose
Respect others, especially yourself
Can't change others, but You CAN change you!