#AToD Here to Help

[f-117-nighthawk]

Playlist Update Part 2: Electric Boogaloo

Part 2! Here lies Endless War, Dystopian Fiction, and Filaments. EW hasn’t changed much, DF has a bit and it's all INFECTED's fault, and Filaments has more than three songs finally. My explanations for these aren't quite as fleshed out (partially bc there's less in my head to flesh out with and partially because these aren't nearly as set in playdough as the main playlist. more like set in syrup)

Part One

In chronological order:

Endless War

Dark Matter is here because it always is, twining through everything else.

(Don’t stop, don’t think, don’t look back/You’re a bolt of lightning in the sky now/Don’t stop, don’t think, don’t look back/I’ve pulled you in, nowhere to hide now)

I Am the One links into Eater of Worlds as sort of the aftermath, sort of during Apocalypse 1992. Our Fifth General has her realization about [REDACTED] far, far before Team Voltron does because she’s there in the thick of it during Through Apocalypse Skies.

(I am the one/I hold the dreams from fallen heroes)

(We are gods, we are monsters/We create to devour/Not for love but for power/What’s a life worth in the end?)

(From the caves beneath Dundee/Ancient hermit arrives/A messenger to the war in the stars/Korviliath is nigh!)

The Truth Beneath the Rose is from the perspective of our last (and first) Blade in the aftermath of Through Apocalypse Skies, as she realizes just what she helped create. Also… kinda connects to a song in the main playlist, but not very obviously.

(Blinded to see the cruelty of the beast/It is the darker side of me/The veil of my dreams deceived that I have seen/Forgive me for what I have been, forgive me my sins!)

Raise Your Banner is The Fifth General’s newfound resolve as she starts collecting allies against Zarkon’s empire.

(Wake up/I’m defying you, seeing right through you, once I believed in you/Wake up/Feel what’s coming deep within we all know)

Obey is a bit of a weird one. It’s in the same vein as You Keep What You Kill in the main playlist, but it’s more specifically about the creation of the first Druids and how Haggar uses them against the Fifth General and her team.

(Obey, we're gonna show you how to behave/Obey, it's nicer when you can't see the chains)

Silver Moonlight is cracks forming in The Fifth General’s new set of alliances and her desperate and occasionally rash attempts to get them to believe in her goal. Not just the main one to take down the empire, but the one that will allow them to do that.

(I’m impatient, but it’s colors that I need/Too many shades of grey, I cannot breathe/The dreams I have ain’t tainted, I need you to believe/The only way to make them real, oh)

Endless War is the title track, connected to Holy Ground and I’d Rather Burn as a specific event but also sort of encompassing the Fifth General’s motivations throughout the series. She’s “hunting a miracle” that is also those colors from Silver Moonlight, and then the end of Endless War kicks in with Holy Ground, and the Fifth General’s final stand in I’d Rather Burn.

('Cause you’re fighting an endless war/Hunting a miracle/And when you reach out for the stars/They just cut you down/…/Is it worth dying for?/Or are you blinded by, blinded by it all?)

(You got inside my head, I want you out/'Cause I’ve been betrayed on holy ground)

(Won’t let you take my soul away/I’d rather go to the stake/I’d rather burn)

Empty Eyes is [long spoiler beep]. (and yes! I found it on Spotify finally!)

(I don’t know where I’m going/In search for answers/I don’t know who I’m fighting/I stand with empty eyes/You’re like a ghost within me/Who’s draining my life/It’s like my soul is see-through/Right through my empty eyes)

Dystopian Fiction

Dark Matter is on here because title track, but also it does end up with effects. Especially by the end… and of course, the Thing that is Wrong With Earth.

(Don’t stop, don’t think/Move up, don’t blink now/On your knees pray for rain/Don’t breathe when you take your aim)

The Human Condition is the Éskhayklos manifesto. A warning of the end times. The condemnation of the parasites. The reveal of the only cure. The final extinction cycle. Also their new image song, as Cross the Line got moved.

(We have the cure for the disease/Locked down inside us/When all is dead, then we will see/We are the virus)

INFECTED is the Éskhayklos’s slow, well, infection of the Sol Federation, and their descent into full-blown terrorism. (And yes, I know the actual lyrics have ‘he’. Shhhhhh. It’s a STARSET song, it’s about a Shirogane, even if it’s sort of from Cascade’s POV)

(Here's a challenge for all mankind/The preacher man is warning of the end times/The weatherman agrees but she don't know/So she's got to go now)

Who Will Save You Now here is about Sam, and the aftermath of Here to Save You, in addition to its referenced role in the main playlist.

(Alone with this vision/Alone and blind/Go tell the world I’m still alive)

Codebreaker is Adam’s song! But here it’s also in conjunction with Cross the Line as the final Éskhayklos mission before...

(Codebreaker can’t you find/Can you read between the lines of code?/Tell me all that you know/How far down the hole does it all go)

(Cross the line, redefine, break away unbent, unafraid/Together we stand in the dark/Seeking the light and what is right, together we cross the line/Our journey will come to an end and then our human cause will be/Justified)

The Day the Earth Collapsed

(How much time has been elapsed/Since the day the earth collapsed?)

Dystopian Fiction is the title track for this part. With the events of The Day the Earth Collapsed, the Garrison and our heroes on Earth are at their lowest point. It really is a piece of dystopian fiction, between [spoiler] and [spoiler]. They’re fighting for something that, at that point, must seem like ‘superstition.’ And also: “Nobody can shoot me down, not just yet” is about Adam bc Fuck Canon. Even if he does, technically, get shot down.

(I’m a dead man/In the wasteland/I’m a soldier fighting for superstition/Under searchlights/In the long nights/We’ve been written like dystopian fiction)

World on Fire and The Reckoning are the two of their subset that make it over here because they’re the two that happen before the result of This is a Call can come to fruition, and are more focused on our Earth heroes anyway.

(Sent by forces beyond salvation/There can be not one sensation)

(We’re all alone, walking in twilight/The night has been long and so many have fallen/Feel no remorse, light will be breaking/Our freedom is worth it all)

Filaments

Filaments is still in flux but does have way more solid than it did. Like, you know, most of an ending. I just don’t really know how they get from A to B yet.

Dark Matter is here because, well. A) Title track, B) yes, it still has effects. It’s the overarching theme, after all. Filaments sort of has a subtitle itself, which is ‘The Undoing,’ after the other part of the lyric that the subtitle of the main playlist comes from. It’s about undoing a past mistake (that wasn’t obviously a mistake until much later) and reconciling the events of Your World Will Fail.

(I am the keeper/I am the secret/I am the answer/I am the end)

Filaments is the title track of this part. It’s… a little hard to explain without giving away the entire plot but it’s about the connections between different parts of the universe, and some fall-out of Cosmic Vertigo and Louder Than Words.

(These glowing filaments/Conducting this enchanting/Sarcophagus that’s holding us)

Starlight is, again, Adashi song, and this time the happy part

(Don’t leave me lost here forever/I need your starlight and pull me through/Bring me back to you)

Carry Me Home is its eponymous fic.

(Carry me home to the morning light/carry me home before you wave me goodbye/Oh, carry me home…)

And then we get to the new part. Know that stuff in Carry Me Home about “The record skip that only [Keith and Krolia] can remember”? Yeah, Prognosis is a huge step to figuring that out.

(How long is the body beholden?/How long 'til we run out of road?/Deep down in the black of the ocean/Fading from the glow)

The timey-wimey ball gets tossed around more in Blackstar. Partially due to [REDACTED] and a certain terrorist’s reemergence, but also due to Prognosis-related stuff

(They'll let you try/To reverse everything/Don't waste your time/Sing Hallelujah 'cause you can't change anything)

Eon straight-up plays Calvinball with the timey-wimey ball and gets the Paladins stuck in a groundhog-day situation, and the only way out? Isn’t good.

(If time's a song, I won't wait for its reprise/I am done wishing farewells and goodbyes)

The Art of War and Centigrade are the beginning of the end. The Art of War is Cascade finally showing his true colors, and the Sol Federation not having a good time. Centigrade is the other side of it, Team Voltron having a realization of just what they’re going to need to do.

(I can remember all the days of violence/I can remember all the days they fought for rights/When men united all by fear and interest/I mustered them with hopeful promises I've broken)

(What did you hope to find adrift and lost in time?/Is this the end ready to begin?/It's time to escape the fate of destruction, excavating within until salvation/No longer pretend the future's a lie from a past you cannot hide)

The Future is Now and A Theater of Dimensions are. Well. You’ll see. It’s a little hard to pick a lyric from AToD, I'll say that much.

(They said there was no way/But they forgot the black hole in the sky/Yesterday is nothing/I have half a life to rewrite)

(I’ve seen our freedom in the mist of time/The old signs I’ll follow and the day of relief will be yours and mine)

And then there’s Afterlife. Fitting to end on a UtA song, after everything, especially since The Immortal has repeatedly throughout DM been a metaphor for Voltron. Also fitting that it’s this one, considering the parallels between the end of The Immortal’s story and Filaments

(But with such power, think how you could rule/Hold to your promise to watch over those in despair/Why would you choose to serve when you could be master of all?/Be true to your honour and fight for a world that is fair!/Out of shadow, out of darkness, welcome to the light/As the day shines boldly over night/Follow me to finally be who you are inside/Open wide, embrace the afterlife)

[magicalserendipity]

WELCOME BACK TO LAMPLIGHT LOUNGE! MY HAPPY PLACE FOR DRINKS AND LOBSTER NACHOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need to give y’all the lowdown how get a reservation if you weren’t able to get them when they dropped! ⠀ ⠀ 🐚- Come to the parks early if you can. I suggest not parking at Mickey and Friends if you want to try and dine here early. Patrick dropped me off at Harbor early today to just try and get seats for Lamplight. The parks for ATOD open at 11:30AM so people are already going in.⠀ ⠀ 🌊- Lamplight Lounge took the first 10-12 groups at the walk-in reservation first thing in the morning until they open the Virtual Wait at 12PM. ⠀ ⠀ 🏝- Unfortunately, the Virtual Wait didn’t open at 12 but opened 20 mins after at 12:20 and filled up FAST! When it becomes unavailable again, you’ll have to check back all day and see if there spot opens. ⠀ ⠀ 🦞- When we got our reservation, it took about two hours to be called back even though it was posted at a 60 Minute Wait! So plan accordingly. Come hungry if you can! ⠀ ⠀ 🥙- The Lobster Nachos is very much available but don’t forget that you can also get Steak, Chicken, or even Barbacoa Nachos! The menu is limited so I suggest looking beforehand if you really want to dine here. ⠀ ⠀ 💳- Your ATOD Dining Card is absolutely valid here! But it doesn’t work on alcohol. Only food and non-alcoholic beverages can be paid with your Dining Card!⠀ ⠀ I hope that helps! All of this can change by the time you go. Everyone is still figuring things out and how to navigate them. But have fun and enjoy yourself! Be safe and stay hydrated! 🥺✨🦋💜💕 (at Lamplight Lounge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMoHkrNgtnO/?igshid=s9bp8765pa86

[authorscarlettstclair]

Q&A

Heyyy. I LOVE answering questions, and I wanted to put some of the common questions I’ve been getting in one place for everyone, so here they are: 

Is there another book about Hades & Persephone?

Yes! I have planned 3 books in the Hades and Persephone saga. Who knows, there could be more. I love these two. 

When will the second book come out? 

I can write a book in 6 months, so I’m going to say early 2020.

Is A Touch of Darkness available in my country? 

ATOD is not available in all countries and I’m so sorry. There is only one way to help me get the book published in other countries and languages and that’s to spread the word about how much you love it, and encourage people to download. ATOD has limited release in the UK. It is not available in India, and it isn’t translated into any languages. 

Will there be a paperback version of ATOD?

Yes! The release date is June 24th. 

Will you continue to updated Wattpad/Is the Touch of Darkness posted on Wattpad your book?

Yes and yes. I’m not sure I’ll post the full A Touch of Darkness on Wattpad, but right now, I’m keeping up with it! I hate the idea that people wouldn’t be able to read my books just because they cannot buy it.

[earthstory]

RARE GLIMPSE INTO PREHISTORIC CHICK DEVELOPMENT

A recent study of one of the smallest, most complete, avian fossils to date, has also shown it to be one of the cutest. Casually known as MPCM-LH-26189 and belonging to the family Enantiornithes it existed alongside the dinosaurs 127 million years ago and died shortly after hatching from its egg. Measuring a mere 5 cm in length and bearing only a few feathers, it was likely no larger than a big cockroach. But the timing of its death has allowed us to glimpse briefly at its early development, building on what we know from extant species. Chick development has been extensively researched as a branch of embryology and birds are often used as models to compare skeletal and organ development between organisms.

Chick skeletons consist mainly of cartilage which is replaced by bone as the hatchling develops, known as ossification. The timing of ossification varies greatly between modern bird families and generally depends on parental care and how long it takes for the chick to leave the nest. In extant bird species, the sternum is one of the last skeletal components to ossify, usually right before a chick learns to fly, to support the necessary muscles and force required for flight. MPCM-LH-26189 showed some signs of ossification of the sternum and parts of the tail shortly after hatching, though only from certain regions. Ossification of the sternum was reported here to occur earlier than in similar species suggesting that the timing of ossification differed in Enantiornithes as much as it does it avian species today. Most of the sternum of MPCM-LH-26189, however, was still cartilaginous meaning it likely couldn’t fly at the time of its death. While there is insufficient evidence to determine the developmental strategies based on these findings, generally precocial species, or birds that hatch at an advanced state and are able to feed themselves early in development, show early ossification patterns.

Studies like these help us envision the prehistoric world in evermore detail. It is particularly interesting that many of the features seen in birds 127 million years ago are still present in modern species. Could it have been some of these persistent traits that helped birds outlive the dinosaurs?

KR.

References and Further Reading:

http://go.nature.com/2FIIwSj http://bit.ly/2HxY6ko http://bit.ly/2p9euRp http://bit.ly/2pcE5IE http://bit.ly/2p6Rd2L

Images: http://go.nature.com/2FIIwSj

[phoenixfire-thewizardgoddess]

Australia: Helplines

Here are a series of resources that can help if you need to talk to someone or get help. Past, Present, Future. 

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>Lifeline  - Ph: 13 11 14 They have a Crisis Online Chat, a 24hr phoneline, and specific resources for men, women, young people, indigenous persons, poc, parents and the elderly. They also have additional resources for your specific needs under their Resources tab.

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>United Synergies the main website has links to various other help organisations that specialise in mental health, youth, homelessness, suicide prevention, homelessness, and other topics. >>United Synergies: Standby Suicide Callback Service - Ph: 1300 659 467 Suicide Prevention & Support Service.  Online Text & Video Chat counselling services available. For people who have experienced suicidal ideation, attempts, suicide in their social circle; for information, advice, assistance and counselling, and resource provision. They can plan to make contact regularly, if you need it.

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>Kids Helpline (Youth & Young Adult 13-25yrs) - Ph: 1800 55 1800 24hr phoneline, online crisis chat & email counselling is available. Trained counselors can listen and provide you with resources, and/or support.

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>BeyondBlue - Ph: 1300 22 4636 Online Chat & Email Counselling available, as well as 24hr confidential phoneline. Specialise in providing counseling for depression, anxiety and suicide related issues, concerns, and sufferers.

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>Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) - Ph: 1800 177 833 This line can can provide information, advice, counselling, and referrals to a service in your area that will meet your needs. [Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Services (ATODS) can be accessed through this line.]

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>Eating Disorder Helpline: Butterfly National Helpline - (Ph: 1800 33 4673) Also has email and online chat counselling available.

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>1800RESPECT - (Ph: 1800 737 732) National Sexual Assault & Domestic Family Violence  Counselling Service [24hr information, counselling & support phoneline] Information for Victims/Those who are or have experienced sexual assault or familial violence, Family & Friends, and Professionals who support persons and families affected. Can help with safety planning, planning to leave, and provide counselling or additional resource as necessary for the individual.

[[Has 24hr phoneline, ONLINE COUNSELLING, Interpretor Service & Auslan video about services for victims, families and friends affected]]

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>Child Protection Services & Regional Intake Services (reporting lines) If you feel a child or children are at risk, report it. You are anonymous, and they will not tell the person who reported (that goes against privacy and confidentiality laws).  -> You can report online, or via the phonelines provided; this links to Queensland services, but your own state services will have their own child protection site information. 

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>>Indigenous Australians (persons who identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or both), can locate culturally-appropriate healthcare services through the Indigenous HealthInfoNet.

Which can help locate a specific service in your area; including comprehensive gender, sexuality, mental health, and addiction-specific services. 

Additionally, most hospitals have Indigenous Liaison Officers, who can provide you with information relating to local Indigenous organisations that they can link you with, as necessary.

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REMINDER: If you are in an EMERGENCY situation, if you feel you are NOT SAFE, or someone (yourself included) is at IMMEDIATE RISK OF HARM*... please call 000. 

000 - Is the emergency number in Australia, nationwide (if anyone was not aware). They can access fire, ambulance and police services.

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[*An extreme risk of harm covers suicidal ideation, especially in the instance where you are experiencing it and are afraid that you may cause yourself physical harm (self harm or worse). Call for help, as paramedics are trained to make an assessment as to whether you are safe/whether you need to be taken somewhere safe.] 

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>>The majority of the above services provided have multiple methods of contact. All have verbal contact methods (24hr phonelines), and the majority have non-verbal contact methods (email counselling & crisis chat online counselling).

>>Use the method of contact that works for you. Some people are good at talking about things, others refer the ability to write them out.

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Things to Remember:

>>’Wellbeing’ consists of multiple spheres of your life. Physical health, mental and emotional health, social, financial, cultural, spiritual, environmental health, etc. There are many factors that influence your life in different ways. If there is an issue with one, it can affect the others. Don’t ever think, ‘Oh I’m just stressed over something small and I’m being stupid’ (e.g. your financial situation is causing panic attacks which is crippling your mental, emotional, physical, social, etc. health). You can talk it out with a trained counselor who can just listen, or provide resources, or help you figure out what steps you feel will work for you.

If you have access to a competent social worker, counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, doctor or similar mental health service... please, utilise it.

>>It’s okay to seek help: if you are affected directly (victim/survivor), or indirectly (support person, friend, family member).

Self-care is important, and can be as easy as picking up the phone/opening the chatbox, and speaking to someone about what’s happening.

[therebelwithcause-blog]

Here To Help || Keith+

Outside Jameson’s Garage | Mid-morning

Keith looked at the engine that had been pulled out of the Taurus, and disassembled out on the block of pavement beside the garage. Derek had been teaching him a lot, but this newest task, to figure out what was wrong, fix it, and then re-assemble the engine, was making his head hurt.

It had been a couple weeks since Derek had hired him on, in Keith’s attempt to work off the damage done to his bike when he rode it drunk, and the man had kept Keith on after he had laboured his bill to zero. The younger man was grateful, and was even, for the most part, saving up what Derek was paying him to get out of his mother’s house. The longer he stayed there, the more he wanted to drink, and though he had learned his lesson of riding while under the influence, there were plenty of other poor life decisions that Keith could get himself into while under the effects of alcohol.

Rubbing the back of his neck in confusion over what was before him, Keith sighed and looked around. Spotting a familiar face he gave a smile. “YO!” he called, waving. “Whatcha doin’ out this way this fine morning?”

[phoenixfire-thewizardgoddess]

I'm really sorry to bother you but I'm scared and I don't know where else to go. I'm a danger to myself, I keep overdosing on various pills and I can't stop thinking about hurting myself. I was hospitalised at the end of last year and spent 6 weeks in the psychiatric ward but things are getting bad again but I don't want to be put away again and my ED is making a return I can't stop making myself throw up and I'm just really lost and scared I don't know why I'm like this

I can see you are looking for direction, or at least validation that what you think is the next step, is the right course of action. You cannot ignore what is going on, and you know that too or you would not be seeking assistance from someone else.

You need to go straight to your doctor, and tell them what is happening.Or a counselor, if you have one assigned to you/any ongoing mental health support, now would be the time to make an urgent appointment. Do it. 

Take a support person you trust, and if you feel that it will be too hard to say what is happening, write down everything and give the doctor the letter/list/paper.

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The reality is you may require hospitalisation again, and that’s okay. You need to tell yourself that that is a thing that may happen, and it is a necessary step towards getting back to who you were before this.

Look at the plain fact you have told me:>you are overdosing>your ed is flaring up and exacerbating the issue>you are damaging yourself through continuous induced vomiting, hich you say is compulsive>you stated you are experiencing severe suicidal ideation/self harm>you are scared of all of this and want to change the situation for the better.

Why is this happening?>Only through exploration of your psychosocial circumstances over a period of several sessions can a trained professional help you work that out. It could be anything, from extreme distress, to hormonal imbalance/mental health concerns, through to repressed trauma. Everyone is different, every individual has a reason; biological, environmental, social, mental, physical, psychosocial, physiological, or any combination.

>You need professional support to explore this, and ascertain both what has triggered this, and how to resolve it. Which may take some time, but all recovery does. 

>You need personal support, emotional support, and someone who is on your side but non-judgmental. For some people they have a family member or friend who can fill this role of support person, but fr others they prefer a slightly more impartial person such as their counselor or psychiatrist. 

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The most important thing is seeking assistance from a primary healthcare professional, such as your doctor. 

But if you require further support to make that step, or more resources, here are a handful of organisations who can give you a more personalised, anonymous, degree of support. Some can even help you make an action plan and schedule in to speak with you again, to check how you are going.

>Lifeline  - Ph: 13 11 14They have a Crisis Online Chat, a 24hr phoneline, and specific resources for men, women, young people, indigenous persons, poc, parents and the elderly. They also have additional resources for your specific needs under their Resources tab.

>United Synergies the main website has links to various other help organisations that specialise in mental health, youth, homelessness, suicide prevention, homelessness, and other topics.>>United Synergies: Standby Suicide Callback Service - Ph: 1300 659 467Suicide Prevention & Support Service.  Online Text & Video Chat counselling services available. For people who have experienced suicidal ideation, attempts, suicide in their social circle; for information, advice, assistance and counselling, and resource provision. They can plan to make contact regularly, if you need it. 

>Kids Helpline (Youth & Young Adult 13-25yrs) - Ph: 1800 55 180024hr phoneline, online crisis chat & email counselling is available. Trained counselors can listen and provide you with resources, and/or support.

>BeyondBlue - Ph: 1300 22 4636Online Chat & Email Counselling available, as well as 24hr confidential phoneline. Specialise in providing counseling for depression, anxiety and suicide related issues, concerns, and sufferers. 

>Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) - Ph: 1800 177 833This line can can provide information, advice, counselling, and referrals to a service in your area that will meet your needs.[Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Services (ATODS) can be accessed through this line.]

>Eating Disorder Helpline: Butterfly National Helpline (Ph: 1800 33 4673)Also has email and online chat counselling available. 

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If you are in immediate danger, if you take pills or feel like this is the moment you need to no longer exist, call 000 (or your country’s equivalent) for immediate emergency assistance.- - - 

In short the plan is simple, and you need to do this in order to protect yourself.

Step 1 (Optional): Find a friend or family member, someone you trust and know will be supportive and/or non-judgmental. Tell them that you need their help, their support, and if you can tell them what is happening. You can also do this in letter form if you wish.

Step 2: If Step 1 is not an option for you, then choose one or more of the above services and make contact in whichever way you feel most comfortable. I believe all the above have both verbal and non-verbal methods of counseling, which should allow you to express yourself in the way that is easiest for you. As some people experience heightened anxiety from talking on the phone, or talking about personal issues.It would be beneficial to you, even if you do have a support person, as the trained counselors on the other end of the phonelines/chat/emails will have experience in helping people in similar situations through difficult times, and can provide situation-specific resources for you. 

Please consider calling at least one of the provided organisations above.

Step 3: Create an appointment with your preferred healthcare professional. If you do not have a doctor, sometimes it is best to go to the hospital directly and tell them what is happening in length. The more detail they have, the more they can help you, or provide accurate care.>Hospitals also have mental health departments and social workers who can help you with a full spectrum of your circumstances.

If the idea of making the appointment is stressful, you can ask your support person to make it for you and/or attend the appointment with you. That is the role of a support person.

As said before, if you feel more comfortable writing out your situation (as you have in this ask) and providing the letter to your doctor or healthcare practitioner instead, you do it. It doesn’t have to be a final-edit novelisation, it just has to be a statement of the facts with your feelings interjected.E.g. “I need your help, but I am not sure how to say it, therefore I have written it down. I am scared for myself, because of the actions I have taken recently. I cannot stop trying to hurt myself, through taking large assortments of pills (specify if you wish), and making myself throw up. The idea of my ed returning is causing me stress. Consistent throwing up has (list any physical side effects such as weakness, mouth pain, etc.). I am afraid of being rehospitalised for this; and it has made it hard to seek help directly. At the moment I have told (name anyone directly involved like your support person) and/or contacted (any agency you have spoken with), who have helped me to come and see you today.”

Because it gives them an overview of your situation. What has happened, who is involved, your personal feelings, and where they can support you most.If you have been given any medications/been taken off any medication recently; or have been taking any additional substances (self medicating), please let them know. This can change the diagnosis slightly.

And if there has been a significant event or stressor this is related to, please let them know. 

Step 4: Understand that you may need to go to hospital, and prepare for it.What do you need to feel calm, what can you do to destress or decrease the anxiety associated with this situation?Otherwise, adhere to any plan you make with your doctor or further specialist/mental health physician. Including continued contact, medications, and/or hospital stays or assessments. 

Use your support person, let them know if things are going well or not. Have a codeword or a plan for if you feel things are too much and you need immediate assistance.

E.g. If you text them, “Rainclouds” covertly, they need to call you and check how you’re doing/call to talk you into calling one of the above organisations (or your specified mental health professional). Or if you send them, “Chasm” it means you feel the need to hurt yourself, and they should call for emergency medical help immediately. Ambulance officers can respond to patients in distress who are experiencing suicidal ideation, and determine if you are safe. It is better safe than sorry. 

Have a plan.

Also, use the organisations. Even if your support person is the closest person to you, if they are not trained in providing mental first aid or dealing with stressful situations, then it may be difficult for them too. They can also talk to any of the above organisations about their feelings on the situation; which will avoid tension and burnout in both of you.

Understand that you may not feel better for a while. And Relapses happen. But the more you persevere, the more likely it is that this can resolve and recovery will be in you grasp.

>If any medication you are given is having significant side effects (physical, mental, emotional, other) write them down, go see your physician. It does no good if they are making you feel worse, and it persists (your doctor will advise if there are temporary side effects).

Step 5: Write down how you feel.And I know that sounds incredibly “drink water and  do yoga for your depression sweetie :)” but it is actually an important psychological tool.If you write down your thoughts, how you’re feeling, any intense emotions, your physical symptoms, on an almost daily basis or whenever you need to… it gives you a record. A physical thing that you can look back on, and track your progress.

For example: “Aprarch 37th, you felt lethargic and down. It was day four of your new medications (name it if you wish), but otherwise you felt good. You saw a Chihuahua today, it was adorable. That was good.”Or, “Janutober 82nd, I got a bad grade on my test, and I am tempted to Gollum into a nearby volcano… but I called (support person) and that helped. They didn’t do much better than me, and we laughed about it. I feel a little sick, but I think it’s the cold going around campus.”Etc.Overly simplistic, but like, that’s really just it. It can be nothing more than that.But it tells you what’s happening, when, and why. 

Step 6: Know what your goal is.

You don’t want to feel this way, do you?You WANT to change, or you would not have sent this ask, and I assume the ‘help me please’ ask of the other day. 

Your goal is to fight this, and become who you were before.And you are not alone in this, there are a lot of people who can provide you aid in this. So never feel that this is something you have to do by yourself.

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You have reached out and been heard, your concerns and experiences are valid. You are very strong for seeking assistance to locate your next step, and I am very proud of you for finding the inner strength to do so.

The next thing you must do is seek assistance, personal and professional, to help you move on to a better phase in your life. 

If you find none of the above helpful, please make contact again.You are also free to simply leave a message to let me know how you are doing during this process. 

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