Tonight I’ve recorded and published Mental Health Network’s first podcast and I’m really excited for the future of the podcast and for the listeners as well. Please send me your wins, your experiences, your mental health goals, anything you need advice on, I want to hear it all.
I’ve dealt with mental health issues for the past 17 years, and I haven’t always had a network of people I could talk to. I’m hoping to change that for others that don’t have a community that they can reach out to.
Many people judge those who use mental health services. They assume that individuals are weak, lazy or crazy. These judgements can be hurtful and make it difficult for people to share their struggles with others. In this blog post we will explore the judgement of those who use mental health services as well as how you can stop the judgement from happening in your life!
Mental health services are used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These services can be very helpful in restoring someone’s mental wellbeing. However, many people judge those who use these services.
Judgement is often based on ignorance and misunderstanding about mental health conditions. People may not understand why someone would need to see a therapist or take medication for their mental health condition. This lack of understanding can lead to judgement and stigma towards those who use mental health services.
The judgement of those who use mental health services can be very hurtful. It can make it difficult for people to share their struggles with others. In some cases, it can even lead to people avoiding treatment altogether. This can be very dangerous and may worsen the person’s mental health condition.
If you are judgemental towards those who use mental health services, it is important to stop and think about why you are judging them. Are you judging them because you don’t understand their condition? Are you judging them because they don’t fit into your idea of what a mentally healthy person looks like?
It is also important to remember that everyone’s experience with mental health is different. Just because someone uses mental health services doesn’t mean that they are weak. Mental health conditions are real and should be treated with the same respect as any other medical condition.
If you want to stop being judgemental towards those who use mental health services, there are a few things you can do. First, educate yourself about mental health conditions. Learn about the different types of treatments available and how they can help people recover. Second, try not to stereotype mentally healthy people. Just because someone uses mental health services doesn’t mean that they are automatically different from you. Finally, be supportive of those who use mental health services. Let them know that you care about them and are there to support them in their journey to recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health condition, please reach out for help! Mental Health America has a variety of resources available that can connect you with the help you need. You are not alone!
I’ve been asked a lot of questions since I’ve started my blogging journey, and “Have you ever had an emotional breakdown?” has been one I’ve been asked numerous times. This post is one part of a three-part series, so grab some popcorn.
The short answer; yes I have. I’ve had multiple breakdowns where the stress and emotions have become to much. I will explain each one in three separate posts.
I remember one day when my truck had broken down, it stalled as I started going through the green light. So, I pulled onto the shoulder and called my girlfriend at the time. After that, I lit a cigarette and called my supervisor. She was on her way to come to get me, but I had to wait for 30 TikToks until she got there. Which back then, before joining the army, was a long time. She picked me up and I was on my way to the job site. During work, I set up my friend and girlfriend to drop off my car.
Work was stressful but putting up cell phone towers and replacing radios, antennas, running cable, making everything look good for our customers, will do that. If you’re looking for an amazing career, look into becoming a Telecommunications Technician. Results may vary, but I was making $2,000 net/week. Caffeine and nicotine addiction are required tools of the trade.
I was headed home after a long day and I swear this deer was suicidal. Bambi came across the road afterward and after witnessing her mom die, I’m positive she was pretty traumatized. I never even saw her until I hit her. She came diagonally across the road and into the car while I was going 55 mph. She knocked out my headlight, damaged the hood, and landed on the windshield while almost shattering it. I put my four ways on and pulled to the side. I got out and lost it, kicking the fender, punching the driver’s side mirror off (which wasn’t damaged at all by the deer), and smashing the hood like I was auditioning for the Hulk.
Once I regained my composure, I saw that vehicles were coming down the opposite lane and I didn’t want them wrecking their cars. Being a prior flagger in a road construction crew, my instincts had taken over and I had no problem letting them know that there was a hazard in the way while I called 911. I spoke to a dispatcher and let them know of the incident. I remember apologizing because it wasn’t an emergency but felt that it was necessary to get this deer out of the road.
The responding officer thanked me for slowing down the opposing lane and pulled the deer off the road. In hindsight, I should have done that, but at the time I didn’t even think of it.
When my girlfriend and friend pulled up, I wanted to see just how close my windshield was to caving in on me, before I left. It felt like I pushed about as hard as putting your hand on someone’s back to let them know you’re behind them, without having to speak. If you’ve never done that before, it’s not a lot of pressure. It’s more of “I’m here,” don’t step backwards into me. Glass went everywhere inside the car, and if she would have been on it for a second longer, I would have had a deer in my lap.
My friend and my tow truck hauled the car away, while I rode with my girlfriend back to my house. I needed a few cigarettes and a beer after that day.
As I reflect on the past I’ve noticed a trend; I don’t think about eating unless it’s structured. In some form or another, for me, it needs to be “lunchtime” for it to click in my brain that “hey, I do that! I eat food.” Why does that sound insane? It’s not like I keep some crazy schedule that I’m busy 24/7. I don’t do drugs at all that would hinder my desire for food.
I Googled “Why don’t I think about food?” tonight and the results I received were less than helpful. “Always Thinking About Food?” pops up as one example. “Hungry And Don’t Want Food” is seen in the search results which also isn’t the case.
It’s not just me that suffers because I don’t remember that my three dogs and cat eat food too unless I see their food dish or water. A bag of dog food the wife brings home from Wal-Mart also reminds me that the animals eat as well.
In basic training, they structured breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which helped tremendously. I ate all three meals with no problems. I enjoy eating bacon, steak, pizza, boneless wings, burgers, ham, mashed potatoes, asparagus, and different foods like that. Especially if they’re wrapped in bacon. I also have that reminder in my stomach when I get hungry that sets off the alarms in my brain saying, “Hey dumbass you need to eat.”
Possible reasons as to why this is happening that I can think of:
If you relate and know what’s going on, that would be very helpful if you leave me a comment. I shouldn’t have to set alarms for a basic human need but it’s something that I need to do.
“He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.” – Shannon L. Alder
“You have dug your soul out of the dark, you have fought to be here; do not go back to what buried you.” – Bianca Sparacino
“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest taken between two deep breaths.” – Etty Hillesum
“Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything.” – Mary Hemingway
“What people in the world think of you is really none of your business.” – Martha Graham
“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer
“[Slow breathing] is like an anchor in the midst of an emotional storm: The anchor won’t make the storm go away, but it will hold you steady until it passes.” – Russ Harris
“Life is 10% of what you experience and 90% of how you respond to it.” – Dorothy M. Neddermeyer
“Don’t worry if people think you’re crazy. You are crazy. You have that kind of intoxicating insanity that lets other people dream outside of the lines and become who they’re destined to be.” – Jennifer Elisabeth
“Whatever happens to you belongs to you. Make it yours. Feed it to yourself even if it feels impossible to swallow. Let it nurture you because it will.” – Cheryl Strayed
Did any of these quotes stand out to you and speak to you? Have a great weekend everyone!
The truth is, I haven’t and I don’t think that I ever will. To be honest, I don’t even remember the first time I felt anxiety. I also don’t know if I would want to get rid of my anxiety either (which sounds crazy, right?) but hear me out. I’ve tried medication and I don’t like the way that they make me feel. I also didn’t feel like myself when I took them, and I like who I am. Plus, have you seen the commercials for any medication? The list of side-effects take up most of the commercial.
Think about anxiety for a second in a positive way: What can I learn and how can I grow from this experience? Which are two things I strive to do every day; learn and grow.
Wait, isn’t anxiety also unhealthy for you too? Yes, it can be. Anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as:
Difficulty swallowing, dizziness, dry mouth, fast heartbeat, fatigue, headaches, irritability, inability to concentrate, muscle aches, muscle tension, nausea, nervous energy, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, and twitching.
I’m a board member for a natural disaster organization that a group of friends and I started a few months ago in September. We started it because we wanted to help people and we want to help make a difference. We are in the process of getting legalized as a non-profit and have not put up any social media pages, websites, or anything like that until we can secure the documentation. After the tornados hit Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee, I started calling local businesses today and asking for donations like food and water. My palms started to get sweaty, my heart rate was now noticeable, but I knew that I was calling to help other people.
I’ve never made calls like that before, so I practiced it in my head and that first call went well, but I probably sounded like a nervous wreck. The second business I called was a little easier than the first one. I also didn’t know what they’d say because I’m not a part of a business or a known organization. So, I went with the fact that I’m a soldier that’s stationed in Fort Campbell, KY and I plan on going out to Mayfield, KY next weekend when I start holiday leave.
As I felt and recognized the symptoms of my anxiety before I placed that first call and when I was on hold waiting to talk to the manager, I realized that maybe anxiety shouldn’t be something we’re afraid of. Maybe, we should be willing to put ourselves in these situations so that we can become better equipped to handle anything that life throws our way.
It’s very easy to be afraid of anxiety and how it makes us feel. It’s uncomfortable, it’s difficult, it’s embarrassing at times, and so many other emotions.
But what if we face it head-on? What if we put ourselves in those situations on purpose so that we can learn and grow every day? What if dealing with anxiety is exactly like those first two calls? The first time, it’s difficult and the second time it’s easier until you’re on the fifth call and you sound like a natural.
Please let me know what you think about this technique in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.
TattedFather 