Overview of Mental Illness

What is a mental illness?  A mental illness has been defined as “a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning (NAMI).”  Just like heart disease or diabetes, a mental illness is a medical condition.  I repeat a “medical condition.”  Usually with mental illness the person suffering can see a change, if not, total interference in their ability to handle their everyday life.  Mental illness does not discriminate by age, race, religion or income.  Therefore, it is important to remember that having a mental illness does not make you weak or … Continue reading Overview of Mental Illness

Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct 7-13, 2012

  When I first got out of graduate school I felt like I knew exactly what I wanted to do;  I was going to give everyone all the knowledge I had acquired in the hope that this would help heal their pain.  Sounds good right, but try to translate that into an actual job.  Well I did, I became a therapist and worked as a mental health family support specialist.  I got the opportunity to work with the families of people suffering from a mental illness and provide an educational 12-week series on mental illness.  Now years later, I still … Continue reading Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct 7-13, 2012

Pieces of Me: 11-20 are some of the thing that feed my joy

11-20 are some of the thing that feed my joy At some point in our lives we have to learn how to define what makes us happy.  This section gives us a chance to look at what feeds our joy; is it, a character trait or a simple action.  Make your list and then ask yourself how often you feed your joy. 11-20 are some of the thing that feed my joy 11.  I am full of love 12.  I am painfully honest 13.  I am a supporter of what is good/ right 14.  I love feeling, happy so I … Continue reading Pieces of Me: 11-20 are some of the thing that feed my joy

The Long Day Decision…

The Long Day Decision Oh! When I saw you it was like my day had just been made perfect.  I knew when I came here today there was no guarantee to find “the one”.  But oh how the selection of fineness filled my little heart with joy.  It was like the rainbow after the storm; the day that started off so-so was now far from over, I decided to skip the routine ride home from work and ended up in a good old fashioned shoe store!!!   Option One Who could hold back from the perfect sandal with a summer … Continue reading The Long Day Decision…