Mental Illness

#WorldHealthDay & Why #MentalHealthMatters

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Of all health awareness issues and causes, mental health remains an under-represented topic.

World Health Day is more than an opportunity to complain about our rising health insurance premiums. Health coverage differs all around the world, and of course, the U.S. doesn’t rank as one of the best. This includes the lack of mental health services. Read the rest of this entry »

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Dear Oddball: Be Different. Be Unique. Be You.

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be-differentI have always been drawn to “different” because I never felt like I fit any traditional mold. From my ethnicity, to my ambitions, to the way I was raised, I’ve never felt like I truly fit in anywhere. Perhaps, at times, I’m socially awkward for the reasons of knowing I am not like anybody else. Read the rest of this entry »

The Force of Positive Connection

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Photo by Sonyo Estavillo shot on Canon T5i at the South Coast Botanical Gardens

Early this morning on my way to the gym, I saw a disheveled homeless man convincingly arguing with a phantom antagonist. He was waving his hands in the air to emphasize an imperative point.

We call people like this homeless man crazy, but I wonder how much of his insanity stems from isolation and the need for positive connection. I wonder how many of us dog lovers have better conversations with our four-legged friends than with humans. I wonder if like this homeless man, we are all craving a little conversation and are willing to argue with ourselves just to feel the rise of human emotion, reminding us we’re still alive. Read the rest of this entry »

The Gift of Crisis We Are Leaving for the Next Generation

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Photo Credit: English Blog

My delay in posting a blog lately has been directly related to a couple of family members being recently admitted into the ICU. It’s been a challenge to focus on writing when my mind has been consumed with a concern for their wellbeing. Luckily, one is recovering well but the other remains in the hospital as I type.

Aside from being mentally distracted, the holidays have gotten in the way and then there’s this “new mom” thing. Read the rest of this entry »

Rejection: The Root of Gun Violence?

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Rejection is the most powerful human emotion. Without a doubt, it is a universal experience that, it’s safe to say, everyone hopes to avoid. Personally, I believe everyone has a deep desire to be accepted.

Acceptance is the driving force behind everyone’s human need to love and to be loved. Without the acceptance from peers, friends or family, feelings of rejection often result as does the seeking of vengeance. In our generation of gun violence and school shootings, most of the deadly news headlines have resulted from the same recycled cause. Read the rest of this entry »