Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Simplicity in Life

2013-05-21T23:27:00.001-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I went to the University Mall and found out the mall now has a Yankee Candle Store.

I bought the new "Summer Collection" sampler votives. Tonight I'm burning 'summer wish'. It smells delightful.

The other scents are:

“Loafing needs no explanation and is its own excuse.”
- Christopher Morley

I've been evaluating my life and how to simplify things. I've come up with a few ideas that I believe will be helpful. Downsizing my possessions is coming along fairly good. Clothes, make-up, hair items, perfumes, tons of household items (seriously, is there a reason to have two potato mashers?) Blankets, mismatched sheets, handbags (Oh my gosh! Did I give away handbags?!?) I still have way too many.

Step One: *Admitting that one cannot control one's addiction or compulsion*

--I guess that's a good start.

How living with less will change my life:

1. One thing at a time.

2. Simplify my schedule.

3. Get moving.

4. Develop one healthy habit this month.

5. Do something calming.

6. Simplify my finances.

7. Have a blast!

8. Get creative.

9. De-clutter.

10. Be early.

“If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it.” - George F. Burns

I feel a "Friends Marathon" coming up!

Here are some funny, cool, weird, whatever things that I found on Pinterest earlier today!

I think the next time I decide to take time and blog I will save the "tagging" part for last. I don't feel like writing about Facebook, Life or Depression. Let's face it, they all go hand in hand anyway.

Till tomorrow ~

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Long Time No Blog ~ May 2013 Mental Health Awareness Month

2013-05-21T08:06:00.000-06:00

I've been contemplating on making actual time to blog. Really, I have. Usually when I think I'm going to do it - something else comes up, like sleeping or something interesting on television. I know, it's called procrastination. I do it ... a lot.

May has been a busy month for me. I've been in attendance to two National Alliance on Mental Illness conferences. The first one was for Utah Affiliate and the second one was to become trained to instruct the Family to Family Course that NAMI offers. I'm now certified!

The first week of May, I was invited to attend Wasatch Mental Health's Mental Health Awareness Day.

My mother came out to spend some time with me on May 7th and left on May 17th. We had a very good time. Here are some of the photos that we took: (Saturday night at the hospital with Mitchel John!!) (Mothers Day with Megan, Tommy and Chazen)

~Mothers Day~

Mom and Chazen

Gramps and Chazen

Megan

Chazen

Grandma and Chazen

Mom and Me

Mom and Me and Megan

Mom, Megan, Tommy and Chazen

Megan, Chazen and Tommy

Marc

Tuesday night, May 14th at 7:00 P.M. Our local Utah County put on an event called "Utah County NAMI Presents ~ Tanner Kirk and Taryn Aiken" - It was amazing and so inspiring! Here is the article in "The Daily Herald" - Click "HERE" to read it. Here are some photos:

I know that I say that I'm going to keep up on my blog and make it a priority. This is something that I would like to be able to keep up on especially with all of the amazing things that is happening out in our community. I will try to stay connected. Obviously, life happens and I'm not always as strong as I portray myself to be. But I will do my best.

There will be a NAMI Utah Walk that is scheduled for October 19th (Saturday) This year our local county affiliate here in Utah County is adopting "Friends of Mitchel" - I will know more about this soon and will be posting about how to become involved with fundraisers and such.

If you're in need of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Please click HERE ... For Utah's Chapter/Community click HERE ~ You can also reach Tanner Kirk and Taryn Aiken ~

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Random Thoughts

2013-04-17T01:02:00.003-06:00

I missed my ride. The pumpkin carriage took off about 30 minutes ago. That's unfortunate because I must be up and at it in about 6 hours. Let's see how fast I can type!!

Random Thought #1. Is it just me or are you supposed to use your turn signal when you are coming upon a roundabout? I use mine but it doesn't seem like anyone else does.

Random Thought #2. I grind my teeth a lot and now I have little tiny blisters on my tongue. It's painful and I'll catch myself doing it and try and quit but I'm right back at it when I'm not thinking about it.

Random Thought #3. I'm saving money for a vacation. The only thing is I have no idea where I want to go. I guess it all depends on how much money I save up.

Random Thought #4. I have come to like some different music other than just new country. This is a big deal for me. I'm now open to many types and finding out that I actually like other things. This is a good thing.

Random Thought #5. I found a cat toy in my handbag tonight at school - I all ready know who the culprit is.

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Boston Marathon Terrorist Attack, Depression and Death

2013-04-15T22:45:00.000-06:00

Today, April 15th, 2013. Another horrific day etched in our minds forever. America has been attacked, yet again. This time in Boston, MA at the Boston Marathon - Patriots Day. As of tonight there are three confirmed dead and 130 critical to seriously injured. Two major explosions and a total of five explosive devices were found.

Why? Who?

Do we really live in a country where these types of terrorist attacks can continue to happen? Apparently we do. I do not understand. I do not understand.

I've been feeling a ~~bit~~ really down for a few days now. Chalk it up to Depression/PTSD/Anxiety. Unfortunately this sneaks up on me occasionally. I don't like it one bit. If I could make it go away I would. I don't welcome it but I have it and being treated for it. I have learned to somewhat pull myself out of it gradually so that is a good thing. This is the way it affects me:

I don't want to leave my bedroom.
I need it to be dark.
I don't eat.
I cry.
I go over and over and over things in my head that make me sad.
I don't take care of myself.
I sleep for a very long time.
I develop a lot more "Why's".

Death. There has been so much death in this past couple of weeks. One of my dear friends from High School lost her 12 year old precious son on Easter. He had a seizure which then caused him to go into cardiac arrest. The pain she must be going through has to be excruciating. She lost her mother only a few weeks before her sons passing. Why do these things happen? I can't grasp on to it.

Today I found out that another dear friend from High School lost her son yesterday. I don't have all of the details so I'm not going to assume anything. I just know that My friend and her husband are hurting horribly and this is a parents worst nightmare.

Why?

My faith is once again tested and barely hanging by tiny piece of thread. There is so much hurt in this world and when it comes close to home it really gets me to rethinking life.

Something else that has been weighing down on my heart is hearing about all the talk of local suicides here in Utah County. It's disheartening. There was another one over the weekend. I'm not sure of the exact number but there have been quite a few and at very young ages. The youngest is 10.

My friends, Shelsee Kirk, Linda Estey and so many others have had this happen to their young boys. It makes my heart cry. It's not only difficult for these beautiful mothers but also for their other children who are still home.

I watched a documentary a couple of nights ago. It was called "Bully - The Movie".

There are a lot of resources out there but you have to know where to look or know who to talk to to get help. The Bully Project. You can also order the movie from this site or you can watch it on Netflix.

Tomorrow I will be posting some books that I've read that talk about some of the very things this post is about. For now, I'm signing out. Goodnight.

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

"A Celebration of Real Beauty"

2013-03-10T14:46:00.002-06:00

Did you know that 97% of women report having 1 or more negative thoughts about their body each day? And less than 3% of women consider themselves beautiful?

A Celebration of Real Beauty aims to change those numbers!

The day included:

Alex Boye' in concert

Powerful Speakers
Amy Walker
Carol Tuttle
Julie Hanks
Kim Flynn
Kirk Duncan

A photo of me with Alex Boye'

To see the rest of the fabulous photos from yesterdays event click HERE!!!

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Too Funny!!

2013-02-25T02:05:00.002-07:00

@smhunter1966You were prophetic.Mayor did resign yesterday!
— Brent Hunsaker (@brenthunsaker) February 25, 2013

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Everyday Is A Gift

2013-02-24T14:56:00.002-07:00

My new blog is up and running! Click HERE to view it!

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Oscar Night

2013-02-24T14:45:00.001-07:00

My pics:

#BestActor #BradleyCooper #BestPicture #SilverLiningsPlaybook #BestSupportingActor #RobertDeNiro #BestDirector #DavidORussell
— Sherry Hunter (@smhunter1966) February 24, 2013

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

New Facebook Page - Up and Running!

2013-02-21T11:07:00.001-07:00

I will be converting my personal account to a Facebook Page -It should be taken care of by this evening.
— Sherry Hunter (@smhunter1966) February 19, 2013

Please come over and visit me! If you feel so inclined please "Like" my page!!
https://www.facebook.com/sherrymarie1966

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

'Raising Adam Lanza'

2013-02-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

Click on this TITLE to read the story The 27th Victim: Nancy Lanza Is Subject Of 'Frontline' Documentary

Watch Adam Lanza As a Child on PBS. See more from FRONTLINE.

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

It's VALENTINES Week --

2013-02-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Keeping it Real

2013-02-11T01:12:00.000-07:00

Why people who brag about themselves are so annoying

One should feel sorry for people, who need to brag about themselves. However, that does not mean that they are not intensely irritating.

Everyone has to sell themselves these days; Careers advice, these days, is to sell yourself at job interviews, it is an encouragement to boast and exaggerate, fib, or even lie about your attributes and capabilities. A Curriculum Vitae, (or resume) should tell an experienced and competent interviewer all that he or she needs to know. The sell yourself advice is an American export and inappropriate in English workplaces.

People who boast all the time are usually insecure, or ill-at-ease, amongst their peers. Perhaps they feel that, in any true comparison, they may be at a disadvantage. Anything you say about what you have done, seen or bought they will have been somewhere better, seen something better or bought something better, at a bargain price.

Empty vessels make the most noise, and most braggarts have very little to boast about when it actually comes down to brass tacks. Most braggarts are clueless because, they are so busy talking about themselves that, they never close their mouths in order to listen and learn.

People who boast all the time are very selfish and self-absorbed. They take the floor in social situations and exclude those who may well have something much more interesting to say. They are so busy relating to themselves, they have no time to relate to others, so there is no two-way flow of conversation or relationship.

Although, occasionally, some people who boast all the time are interesting, most are very boring because they are only happy when they are the topic and focus of conversation. Most people who boast all the time wear a mask of their own making. They never let you know the person they really are. If they stopped boasting long enough to let the real person behind the mask emerge, there might be a really pleasant, amiable and likable person under there.

People, who brag all the time, are trying to prevent anyone seeing behind the mask that they wear. They are sad, unhappy people, but that does not prevent them from being intensely irritating to everyone they come into contact with. Braggarts tend to exaggerate, which many people see as deceit, and most people do not like lies.

by Maria C Collins

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Goodness, Remembrance and Love

2013-02-10T00:48:00.001-07:00

Celebrating the goodness in my life ~

Trust, Books, Cats, Heavenly Father, Forever Friendships, Random Acts of Kindness, Flowers, Down Feather Bedding and Pillows, Pedicure, Musicals, Snow, Humor, Road Trips, Puffy Clouds, Candlelight, Sand Beneath My Toes, Seattle Rainstorms, Kittens, Chubby Baby Thighs, The Sound of a Waterfall, Colorful Rainbow, Cartoons, Old Photos, Plants, Herbal Teas, A Phone Call, Red, Flannel, Simplified Life, Bubble Bath With Aromatherapy, Window Shopping, Laying on a blanket at the park with no distractions, The Temple, Deep, Perfect Sleep, Salted Chocolate Bars, Being Surprised, Foreign Films, Country Music, Autobiographies, The Sounds of Waves Crashing Against the Shore, Forks, WA., Freedom, Choices ~ Diet Coke, Bright Red Lip Stick, Empathy, An Eternal Life, Sidewalks, Dreamer, Creator, Survivor, Photographer, Mother, A Work in Progress, a Sister, an Aunt, Anything Pink, Courageous, In Tune, Wisdom, Writer, Wife, North and South West Girl, LDS, a Very Strong Heart, Peace, Knowledge, Glittery and Sparkly Anything, Driving with the windows down, Hope, Guidance, Dare Truth, Sending Cards Just Because, The Smell of Freshly Dried Laundry, Diversity, Comfortable in my own Skin, Cinnamon Bears, Pharmaceutical Researching, A Form of Transportation, Honesty, Tacos, A fun Haircut, A Day Alone, Uncontrolled Laughter, A Hot Shower, Concerts, Faith, The Gift of Life, A Professional Massage, A Long and Sweet Hug from my Son.

Celebrating those in Remembrance ~

“Remembrance of things past is not necessarily the remembrance of things as they were.

― Marcel Proust

Recognition, Flashback, Memorable, Remembered, Reminiscence, Recollection, In Memory, Resting, One More Angel, Silent Grief, Tender Treasures, Memories that will Last, Words Unspoken, Memories Left Behind ~ Celebrating LOVE ~

"Do not waste time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone you will presently come to love him."

--C.S. Lewis

Admire, Devote, Affection, Emotion, Passion, Lovable, Intrigue, Embrace, Hug, Beloved, Tender, Happy, Warm. Sweet, Forever, Compassion, Understanding, Trust, Friendship, Attraction, Comfort, Kind, Giving, Smile, God, Eternity, Together, Fun, Loyalty, Caring, Joy, Peace, Respect ~

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

My Mission Statement

2013-02-09T16:09:00.000-07:00

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Frances Farmer

2013-02-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

BEST KNOWN FOR

Actress Frances Farmer starred in films in the late ‘30s and early ‘40s, but was best known for her rebellious reputation and the time she spent in a mental institution.

Born: September 19, 1913, Seattle
Died: August 1, 1970, Fishers

Education: University of Washington

Parents: Ernest Melvin Farmer, Cora Lillian Farmer

Spouse: Leland Mikesell (m. 1958–1970), Leif Erickson (m. 1936–1942)

Synopsis

Film actress Frances Farmer was born on September 19, 1913, in Seattle, Washington. The 1936 film Come and Get It is considered her best work, but shortly after she gained a rebellious reputation. It worsened when she was arrested for drunk driving in 1942. She was deemed mentally ill and institutionalized. She made a comeback in the ‘50s with the TV show Frances Farmer Presents. She died in 1970.

Early Career

Actress. Born September 19, 1913, in Seattle, Washington. The daughter of a lawyer, Farmer enjoyed a comfortable childhood, during which she developed a penchant for stage acting. In 1931, she enrolled at the University of Washington, where she majored in journalism and drama. After a failed attempt to join the Group Theatre in New York, Farmer concentrated on a film career, signing with Paramount Studios in 1936. Later that year, she was cast in a bit part in the drama Too Many Parents, followed by Border Flight and the musical Rhythm on the Range, starring Bing Crosby. Playing the dual role of a saloon singer and her daughter, Farmer's work in the 1936 film Come and Get It, was heralded as the best screen performance of her career.

Personal Issues

Despite Farmer's initial success, she quickly earned a reputation as a demanding and rebellious actress on the set. Displeased with her attitude, Paramount cast her in bland parts in a handful of films, including Exclusive and Ebb Tide (both 1937). By the early 1940s, Farmer was forced to appear in a succession of inferior productions, including South of Pago Pago (1940), World Premiere, and Among the Living (both 1941).

In 1942, Farmer's career enjoyed a brief resurgence when she was cast opposite Tyrone Power and Roddy McDowall in the swashbuckler Son of Fury. However, Farmer's efforts to improve her image backfired when she was arrested and convicted of drunk driving at the time of the film's release. Inundated with negative publicity, Farmer traveled to Mexico. However, by leaving the United States, she was found in violation of her probation. She was put on trial and deemed mentally ill. Farmer was committed to a mental institution where she underwent shock treatments, hydrotherapy baths, and reportedly received a trans-orbital lobotomy. Over the next few years, her physical and mental health deteriorated; she developed a debilitating dependency on alcohol and suffered from a series of nervous breakdowns.

Career Comeback
Upon her release from the institution, in 1949, Farmer worked as a hotel receptionist before making a comeback appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1957. The following year, she starred in her last feature film, The Party Crashers, and began a six-year run on the Indianapolis-based TV show Frances Farmer Presents.

Legacy
On August 1, 1970, Farmer died after a long battle with cancer; she was 56 years old. Her intimate autobiography, Will There Really Be a Morning?, was published posthumously in 1972. In the early 1980s, her story was captured on film in the biopic Frances (1982), starring Jessica Lange, and in the black and white documentary Committed (1983).

More than two decades after Farmer's death, the alternative rock group Nirvana recorded the single "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle." Written by lead singer Kurt Cobain, the tribute appeared on the band's In Utero (1993) album. Cobain also named his daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, after Farmer.

Farmer was married three times: to actor Leif Erickson (from 1936-42); to Alfred Lobley (from 1953-58); and to Leland Mikesell (from 1958 until her death).

Frances Farmer was given a Lobotomy -

This was AFTER her lobotomy. The fact that she appears emotionless is no surprise, as this is a consequence of the lobotomy procedure.

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Simulation of Schizophrenia

2013-02-05T22:48:00.000-07:00

Schizophrenia ABC 20-20 Documentary Part 1

Schizophrenic Episode Simulation

You are about to experience a brief simulation of a psychotic episode in a person with schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia can provide powerful experiences, especially for those undiagnosed or not being treated effectively enough. The symptoms you will experience represent a compilation of a range of sensory occurrence's, as reported by actual patients.

This experience is intended to heighten your awareness of the conditions affecting breakthrough symptoms in patients with schizophrenia who may be in need of efficacious treatments.

It is not meant to suggest that all of the symptoms depicted here are displayed by all schizophrenics.

There is no typical case of schizophrenia.

Simulating Schizophrenia in 3-D Virtual reality theater mimics the disorder to educate doctors and policemen. Unfortunately your browser does not support IFrames.

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Silver Linings Playback

2013-01-31T20:54:00.002-07:00

"Silver Linings Playbook" tells the story of a person, family and community in which individuals suffer from mental disorders much the same way as people do in the real world. It is not so much a story of mental illness as it is about two people who happen to struggle with mental illness -- among many other things -- and their relationships with family and community.

The fact that the protagonist (Bradley Cooper) and his father (Robert De Niro) suffer from bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, respectively, and the love interest (Jennifer Lawrence) has engaged in reckless self-harmful behavior in her transition from youth to adulthood, are simply aspects of their characters.

Their illnesses don't define their identities -- nor are they even the main point of the story. In coming together, the characters find the mutual support that enables them to contend with their respective problems and redirect their lives presumably in a more positive direction.

There have been comments that the film does not accurately portray mental illness and conveys negative messages about psychiatric treatment. I completely disagree. And I think these criticisms miss the main point.

This is a story in which everyday characters (everyone can't have John Nash's beautiful mind) experience mental disorders as part of their lives and manage to cope with them and ultimately prevail. They overcome the emotional problems that affect them, as characters in other stories overcome different forms of adversity.

Review: 'Silver Linings' will give audiences a lift

In portraying the characters in this story as affected by mental illness, the film communicates powerful and constructive messages that resonate with the public. It says that mental illness affects ordinary people in normal domestic settings.

Many people regard mental illness as remote and rare, only affecting people to whom the average person (whoever that may be) could not relate. Yet epidemiologic studies tell us that one in four persons will suffer from mental illness in their lifetime. The film also shows us that treatment can work and people can overcome their disorders. All are not doomed to suffer.

The main character in the film suffers from bipolar disorder, a condition for which there is a risk of violent behavior if symptoms become severe and go untreated. However, with the support of his family, the efforts of his psychiatrist and the love of a good woman, he avoids the tragic outcomes that we unfortunately have seen repeatedly in our society, and he achieves a new beginning. Of course, continued treatment and support will be required to keep things on track.

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Schizophrenia and Stigma

2013-01-31T20:35:00.003-07:00

Words can hurt. Many derogatory words and phrases are used in relation to mental illness. However, these words maintain the stereotyped image and not the reality about mental illness. Try not to use these words, and encourage others not to use them. It is more appropriate to refer to “a person who has a mental illness” when speaking about someone.

10.3 Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia affects approximately 1 percent of the population, or 2.2 million U.S. adults. Men and women are equally affected.^25,
³² The illness usually emerges in young people in their teens or twenties. Although children over the age of five can develop schizophrenia, it is rare before adolescence.
²¹ In children, the disease usually develops gradually and is often preceded by developmental delays in motor or speech development. Childhood-onset schizophrenia tends to be harder to treat and has a less favorable prognosis than does the adult-onset form.

10.3.1 The symptoms of schizophrenia.

There are many myths and misconceptions about schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is not a multiple or split personality, nor are individuals who have this illness constantly incoherent or psychotic. Although the media often portray individuals with schizophrenia as violent, in reality, very few affected people are dangerous to others.
³² In fact, individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of violence than violent themselves.

Schizophrenia has severe symptoms. A diagnosis of schizophrenia requires that at least two of the symptoms below be present during a significant portion of a one-month period:

delusions (false beliefs such as conspiracies, mind control, or persecution);
hallucinations (usually voices criticizing or commenting on the person’s behavior);
disorganized speech (incomprehensible or difficult to understand);
grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior; and
negative symptoms such as flat emotions, lack of facial expressions, and inattention to basic self-care needs such as bathing and eating.⁵

However, the presence of either one of the first two symptoms is sufficient to diagnose schizophrenia if the delusions are especially bizarre or if the hallucinations consist of one or more voices that keep a running commentary on the person’s behavior or thoughts.

The DSM-IV specifies additional criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia:

social or occupational dysfunction,
persistence of the disturbance for at least six months,
exclusion of a mood disorder,
exclusion of a substance-abuse or medical condition that causes similar symptoms, and
consideration of a possible pervasive developmental disorder.⁴⁴

The course of schizophrenia varies considerably from one individual to the next. Most people who have schizophrenia experience at least one, and usually more, relapses after their first psychotic episode.
³² Relapses are periods of more intense symptoms of illness (hallucinations and delusions). During remissions, the negative symptoms related to emotion or personal care are usually still present. About 10 percent of patients remain severely ill for long periods of time and do not return to their previous state of mental functioning. Several long-term studies found that as many as one-third to one-half of people with schizophrenia improve significantly or even recover completely from their illness.

10.3.2 The causes of schizophrenia.

Like the other mental illnesses discussed here, scientists are still working to determine what causes schizophrenia. Also like the other mental illnesses, genetic and environmental factors most likely interact to cause the disease. Several studies suggest that an imbalance of chemical neurotransmitter systems of the brain, including the dopamine, GABA, glutamate, and norepinephrine neurotransmitter systems, are involved in the development of schizophrenia.^20,

Family, twin, and adoption studies support the idea that genetics plays an important role in the illness. For example, children of people with schizophrenia are 13 times more likely, and identical twins are 48 times more likely, to develop the illness than are people in the general population.⁴⁴ Scientists continue to look at genes that may play a role in causing schizophrenia. One gene of interest to scientists who study schizophrenia codes for an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the synapse.
¹² Investigations to confirm the role of this and other genes are ongoing.

Imaging studies have revealed differences in brain structure and function in individuals with schizophrenia compared with control individuals. Brain imaging studies show that young people who have schizophrenia have structural differences in their brains compared with individuals who do not have schizophrenia. These changes include a reduced total volume of the cerebrum (the upper portion of the brain, which is divided into halves), a reduced amount of gray matter (the tissue that makes up a majority of the brain and consists mainly of neuron cell bodies and dendrites), enlarged brain ventricles (the cavities, or spaces, in the brain that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid), and other abnormalities.

PET scans of identical twins have revealed that the twin with schizophrenia has lower brain activity in the frontal lobes (the front section of the cerebral lobes) than does the twin who does not have schizophrenia.⁴⁷ One group of researchers used MRI to periodically scan the brains of teens with childhood-onset schizophrenia and an age-matched control group over a five-year period. They found that teens with schizophrenia lose four times the amount of neurons in a specific region of the brain that teens in the control group lose.⁴³

10.3.3 Treating schizophrenia.

There is no cure for schizophrenia; however, effective treatments that make the illness manageable for most affected people are available. The optimal treatment includes antipsychotic medication combined with a variety of psychotherapeutic interventions.⁴⁴

Since the 1950s, doctors have used antipsychotic drugs, such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol, to relieve the hallucinations and delusions typical of schizophrenia. Recently, newer (also called atypical) antipsychotic drugs such as risperidone and clozapine have proven to be more effective. Early and sustained treatment that includes antipsychotic medication is important for long-term improvement of the course of the disease. Patients who discontinue medication are likely to experience a relapse of their illness.

People who manage schizophrenia best combine medication with psychosocial rehabilitation (life-skills training).
¹⁷ Therapies that combine family and community support, education, and behavioral and cognitive skills to address specific challenges help schizophrenic patients improve their functioning and the quality of their lives.

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Real Friendships, Letting Go of Frustration and The Gifts of Imperfection

2013-01-26T20:40:00.004-07:00

"I'll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour. I'll be there for you, like I've been there before. I'll be there for you, cause you're there for me too. "

Tips on how to Gain more positive Friendships

Tip Number 1: Not everybody is going to like you and you are not going to like everybody. One person for example might find you the funniest person alive, while the next person thinks you're the most annoy. Keep it movin' find those who appreciate you, and are not as selfish as the people I listed above.

Tip Number 2: Positive good natured people are everywhere, you will notice them by the many selfless deeds that they do on a reoccurring basis. They usually aren't the party animal types, and are goal and action oriented.

Tip Number 3: Nobody is perfect and I am sure almost all of has have been less than stellar friends at some time or another. The point is to have the want and desire to be better and to actually make the right steps to progress. Treat others like you would like to be treated. Fake friends can become reformed, but like with anything they have to realize first that they have a problem, take responsibility and acknowledge their faults.

Tip Number 4: Learn to love yourself and set boundaries of what behavior you will not tolerate,and stand by it as firmly as possible.

Let Go Of Frustration with Yourself/Your Life

1. Learn a new skill instead of dwelling on the skills you never mastered.

2. Change your perception—see the root cause as a blessing in disguise.

3. Cry it out. According to Dr. William Frey II, PH.D., biochemist at the Ramset Medical Center in Minneapolis crying away your negative feelings releases harmful chemicals that build up in your body due to stress.

4. Channel your discontent into an immediate positive action—make some calls about new job opportunities, or walk to the community center to volunteer.

5. Use meditation or yoga to bring you into the present moment (instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.)

6. Make a list of your accomplishments—even the small ones— and add to it daily.You’ll have to let go of a little discontentment to make space for this self satisfaction.

7. Visualize a box in your head labeled “Expectations.” Whenever you start dwelling on how things should be or should have been, mentally shelve the thoughts in this box.

8. Engage in a physical activity. Exercise decreases stress hormones and increases endorphins, chemicals that improve your state of mind.

9. Focus all your energy on something you can actually control, instead of dwelling on things you can’t.

10. Express your feelings through a creative outlet, like blogging or painting. Add this to your to-do list and cross it off when you’re done. This will be a visual reminder that you have actively chosen to release these feelings.

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

by Brené Brown

Each day we face a barrage of images and ideas—from society and the media—telling us who we should be. We are led to believe that if we look perfect, live perfect, and do everything perfectly, we'd no longer struggle with feelings of inadequacy. Ironically, it's the pursuit of perfection that fuels the message 'never good enough.'

In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Anxiety ~ Depression ~ Pain ~PTSD

2013-01-05T20:17:00.000-07:00

You only have this one life ~ Make it your best!

For Anxiety or Panic the oils used by many are similar - Lavender, Orange, Lemon, Serenity, Aroma Touch, Elevation, Balance, Breathe. Those are the top choices most use. So there are plenty to choose from so that you can find the 'right' one for you.

For depression - Lemon, Frankincense, Lavender, Bergamot, Elevation, Balance, Citrus Bliss

As you can see the Lavender, Lemon, Elevation, and Balance are listed for all of them. So if you suffer like most with both depression and anxiety you still have several choices.

Life is hard - but it can be managed. Sometimes we need a little help though to get through - sometime we need a lot.

Welcome to my essential wellness store!

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Christmas, My Children and other things that I'm grateful for!

2013-01-02T23:18:00.000-07:00

2012 Christmas was beautiful! I was able to spend time with all three of my children. I'm so grateful for the opportunity my girls had spending some quality time with their brother. It was heartwarming.

Christmas eve Melanie and I went to the State Hospital to see Mitchel. They talked and she gave him his Christmas gifts. Pajamas and slippers. He liked them.

Afterwords we (Marc, me, Cody and Melanie) drove around Provo and looked at Christmas lights. Marc told us stories about the neighborhoods (he's lived here his entire life) ~ Love the stories!

When we got home we played Apples to Apples and Backseat Drawing. Two very fun games!

When I woke up Christmas morning my husband told me that Santa had been at our home! He led me out into the entry way and there it was! A hall bench! Marc built me the most beautiful hall bench with antique handles and knobs! It is gorgeous. He is so talented!

Marc cooked all of us a delicious Christmas dinner. Turkey, dressing ... and his famous chocolate/banana cream pie. Afterwords I took Megan and Tommy up to the hospital to see Mitchel. They had a good time visiting. It was somewhat intense but still nice to be able to spend time visiting with him.

Here are a few more pictures from Christmas day! Love to all and hope everyone had a Happy New Year!!

Chazen

Megan, Tommy and Chazen

Melanie and "Little" (her dog)

Cody & Melanie

Tommy, Chazen and "Little"

Me, Megan and Melanie

These are not my children......

Me, Megan and Melanie

Cody and Melanie

Mitchel John

Here is wishing everyone a GREAT 2013!

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

News Corner USA

2012-12-30T00:11:00.000-07:00

I have been asked to write a column every Sunday for an online news site called News Corner USA. My column will deal with mental health issues. My first column was published last Sunday, December 23rd. My second column will be published tomorrow, Sunday, December 30th.

You can view my News Corner USA Profile HERE.

If you would like to read my column click on the links below!

13 January 2013 Let's Talk About Different Mental Illnesses

6 January 2013 Health and Wellness for People with Serious Mental Illness

30 December 2012 Why is there a Stigma for the Mentally Ill but not the Physically Ill?

23 December 2012 - A Broken Mental Healthcare System

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

doTerra Essential Oils

2012-12-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to learn about essential oils and what purposes they can serve you? I know! Me too! So I began to study up on them and what I found out is the following:

dōTERRA (CPTG) Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils represent the safest, purest, and most beneficial essential oils available today. They are gently and skillfully distilled from plants that have been patiently harvested at the perfect moment by experienced growers from around the world for ideal extract composition and efficacy. Experienced essential oil users will immediately recognize dōTERRA's superior quality standard for naturally safe, purely effective therapeutic-grade essential oils.

If you are interested in learning more or even ordering doTerra Essential Oils please contact me by clicking HERE.

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Matthew 7: 1-6

2012-12-15T19:16:00.002-07:00

Matthew 7: 1-6

1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

6 ¶ Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot

Silent Night

2012-12-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

Michelle Moyer

Random Thoughts & Adventures & A Few Tales To Boot