#but it’s like a 98% certain self diagnosis

[thealternatemind]

realizing and accepting that I’m autistic has done a lot for understanding my mental health and healing but it’s also opening up so many old wounds and retraumatizing me in a way and I just

[that-girl-glader]

You know what's crazy? I have never once EVER considered that I had OCD. And I'm still not convinced I do at all. And I am neurodivergent. So ik symptoms overlap sometimes right? But I didn't realise till today that I have never once researched OCD. Never. And I actually know so little about it. But there are times when I look at myself, and I'm like this feels like it might be a symptom, but like it doesn't affect my daily life. But now I thought a little more, and I just considered that maybe it does.

Yet, I also get anxious and paranoid sometimes, and I always just think that's anxiety. That I'm just anxious or worried. And maybe it is just that. But I need an OCD perspective. (Keep in mind that I live in a country with like no mental health professionals where like there is stigma for mental health. And my family aren't like people who believe in that stuff. I also don't want a diagnosis or assurance of everything. I am an undiagnosed neurodivergent person, and for now I'm okay with that.I'm just curious to understand this topic better.)

Can OCD look like:

Maybe in your life you have like a set of cups right. One green thin cup may have been dirty once years ago. Or something happened years ago that you don't even remember. But now you never use those cups because you get "bad vibes" and only ever use the purple ones or any other cup but all the green thin ones.

You're anxious/scared of your future life and you have no control. The only thing that makes you feel a bit better temporarily is like taking BuzzFeed/uquiz/online quizzes that tell you what your future life will be. What initial you'll end up with. Any predicting crap.

You think things like "if I play my spotify liked songs and the first song is heather by Conan gray, I will marry my crush" "If my dad says the word gumball then so and so will live to be 98" "if I met my soulmate today I will see the word lavender".

Your brain constantly going "what I'd you die" "What if you exploded" "what if so and such is a lie" "what if you jumped in front of a bus" "what if you end up in a horror movie rn" "what if you are dying and you don't know it"

You know clear as day that your friend of 1 year is named Alicia, but when it's their birthday you have to check 33 times that that is actually their actual name and that their name wasn't like Dina or something when you wanna write their name.

You blow on dandelions, search for four leafed clovers, not step on cracks for some reason even though you do not believe it'll break your mamas back. All just for a little sense of luck and for something you wish for to be true or you just get bad vibes from doing certain things.

This one feels a little more wrong to me, but like you constantly ask God for reassurance about your future through maybe dreams or like a word or something.

Rarely but sometimes if you have a bracelet you just count if the amount of beads minus like the word needs are an even number and if you can put like 8 beads each on a side.

Obviously you also have intrusive thoughts that you yourself do NOT believe, but you feel ashamed by some of them. Like you love someone to pieces, but your brain goes "they're annoying when *insert an unfixable neurodivergent trait*" and like NOOO you don't believe that but now you feel bad. Or like you have like thoughts of like kissing someone else or not loving them anymore or like hurting them with your nails somehow in like a good 60% of times when you think of them. And sometimes your intrusive thoughts are like incest, racism, ableism, or stuff like that. And NOOO you don't want to take part in any of that at all, but it HAUNTS you DISGUSTS you and makes you feel a little like shit.

You always push in your chair and your friend chair after class and if you see other chairs....you FIGHT the urge not to push in those chairs too and live.

You always use certain bathroom stalls and if it's taken you have a back up bathroom stall you use.

Self-degrading voices and inner thoughts. Like "you are a horrible person" "everyone is better than you" "everyone can do this better than you WHY can't you??"(In like a social situation like group convos or like being of more help to someone you love with their mental health) "When it's you who is neurodivergent, gay, a certain body shape and whatever it's like wrong but when others do it it's okay".

Now, this are like examples of how my brain works. And I just wanted to see if it was familiar to the OCD community outta innocent curiosity. And I'm NOT looking for a diagnosis at all. I just want some perspective. Because I never considered that OCD was more than just intrusive thoughts, repetitive behaviour, perfection tendencies, and superstition at severe levels. Like I did have an idea that it was more than all the stereotypes. I just never looked into it more. I do want to understand it better. And like yk see through all the stigma. And Ik a few or maybe even all of the stuff I listed are probably not even OCD at all...I just want to know what y'all have to say about it.

[lionheartslowstart]

The Loss of Myself

I saw something today, on TikTok of all places, about taking the time to mourn the part or parts of yourself that you've lost. An important sentiment on its own, but even more poignant for me in particular, the person who wrote this had suffered from a stroke, just like me. "I had to accept that part of my brain is dead. I will never be the same."

That is true. Part of my brain is dead. You can see the spot very clearly on the MRI. And while I always did know that on some level, I have never fully acknowledged or accepted it.

My balance has never been fantastic, because of my extremely flat feet. But since the stroke, my balance is basically zero, because the stroke happened in my cerebellum. Not only do I constantly bump into things and trip over nothing, but I struggle with certain aspects of pole dancing, one of my absolute favorite things to do. I get dizzy quickly, even when I take a non-drowsy diazepam, and I often have to take breaks when I work on spin pole specifically (as opposed to static pole). Maybe if I had started pole dancing younger, I wouldn't have these issues. Part of me hopes that the more I practice, the more I'll get used to the spinning, and my balance might even improve. But I somehow doubt it. I may never be able to advance to where I'd like to be, and the distance I can go as a pole dancer may be severely limited as a result. Of course, I'm not going to give up. I'm going to keep pushing myself and practice as much as I can, and just hope I surprise myself.

Perhaps even more devastating is my decrease in intelligence. You may ask, but how can you possibly know that? I'll tell you. Part of my autism assessment was an IQ test. The facility where I was evaluated just includes it for whatever reason. While I won't share the exact number, I will say that I tested in the 98th percentile. Definitely not anything to scoff at, and my mom was certainly impressed. But what if I told you that I took an IQ test ten years before that, and that I tested ABOVE the 99th percentile? Is it possible that my IQ simply decreased with age? Certainly. But a whole six points in ten years? That seems unlikely. I know IQ isn't the most reliable way to calculate intelligence, and of course there are many different kinds of intelligence. Besides, intelligence isn't the most important thing in the world anyway. But still. While I would never judge anyone based off of how "smart" they are (because, again, there are many different ways to be smart), I personally was always very proud of that part of myself. Especially because I spent my whole life being called stupid, vapid, empty-headed, slow, and a dumb-blonde by many of my peers, and even some teachers. Maybe it's wrong for me to be upset at 98%. Fine. But the bottom line is I dropped SIX IQ POINTS because of something completely out of my control, and I feel that I'm entitled to mourn that.

I also have significantly dropped in my ability to mask. Now, that probably has nothing to do with the stroke at all. More likely, that is due to autistic burnout, a barrage of trauma in quick succession, and then the diagnosis itself, which often does result in a decrease in masking ability. Is it possible the stroke contributed? Sure. All we know is I had it sometime before 2018. It's entirely possible I had it while I was in college, when my social and coping skills took a severe nose-dive. We can't know for sure. But whether the stroke contributed or not, it's still a piece of myself that I've lost. I don't fit in as easily anymore. I struggle to make new friends, and I often feel left out in social settings. ANY social setting really. I feel like I stand out a lot more, but in the worst possible way, because my autistic traits are more visible now. In many respects, it feels like I'm back in elementary school. Stuck there. And I have to accept that. At the very least, I now I have the self-awareness, maturity, and knowledge to be able to navigate it in a way that was just not possible for me as a child. While it is important to look at the positive, I also have to acknowledge this major piece of myself I've lost. Deep down, I'm actually a very social person. And I miss being able to blend in and connect with others so effortlessly. But I have to accept that I just...can't do that anymore.

I would say these are the main losses I am struggling with, though I'm certain I will discover more. I can't move forward with my life until I accept that the life I wanted, whether I was ever able to have it or not, is not possible. My brain literally has a scar where some of my brain cells died. I am literally, physically, not the same person I was before I had the stroke. I am also not the person I was before all of the trauma. That person doesn't exist anymore. This is who I am now. And I have to learn to not only accept, but love that person. I can't move forward until I fully mourn the person I was. They're gone.

[scuttle-buttle]

Kind of a weird ask but I never see anything with the Danny boys and a neurodiverse reader. I imagine Zemo and Laszlo would be particularly understanding and open to learning how they can best help their autistic partner. Like Zemo knows the food brands for them and always makes sure to buy the right ones for their food sensitivity. Idk sorry if this is a weird ask.

Honestly this is such a valid ask, especially because I myself am neurodivergent in several ways. (I'm like 98% certain I'm autistic but as a grown woman I don't see the point in getting testing because there's so little evidence to help understand girls to start with, let alone adults. It's severely lacking in research 😒. But in my sort of self diagnosis it's made a lot of things "make sense" now). I like to think it comes out a bit in my stuff, but then again I try to make things pretty general so that more people can relate to it. I also personally have a lot of food issues and aversions so this ask is very much yes. 

This is gonna be long so I've put it under the cut sorry.

I think they would be really good at knowing your cues on things. Like when you get overwhelmed about something but don't outright say it, or when you're uncomfortable or confused. Communication would be a big thing early on, and you would explain to them things that you really like or dislike so that they are aware, as well as how you need them to treat you when things happen. Sometimes when I get in a mood™️ I have trouble verbalizing what's going on to people so they don't know how to help me or act. Zemo and Laszlo would already know because you told them. So when something does happen they are prepared without having to necessarily ask. Of course on the flip side they know what you love, so they make it an effort to get you things or take you on experiences for those topics. Imagine - if you loved like dinosaurs that boy would rent out the museum for just you two for a night so you wouldn't be bothered by crowds or people in general. I personally hate the crowds at museums so much. 

They would also know your vibes on things like touching for comfort. Perhaps you don't want it at all when you get overwhelmed, or maybe you need to literally be like physically smothered to calm down. Sometimes I personally absolutely do not under any circumstances want to be touched if I'm feeling things. 

I think for like the food stuff they would check out restaurants ahead of time to ensure they have what you like, or they would make it a note to explain to the server (without your knowledge) if you need it a certain way - like make sure the food isn't touching - so that the dinner goes seamless for you. And of course absolutely no shaming or judging on what you will or won't eat. Maybe if there's something you think sounds good but has like a bad texture for you, they would eat it for you or something. Live thru them I guess. 

Oh one thing I know I would like for them to do is taste things for me and describe the flavor/texture extensively. I'm often afraid to try new foods because of my issues, so if the person can taste it for me and describe exactly what it's like, or compare it to something very similar then I'm more likely to step out of my zone and try it. 

This is what I can think of right now. Really just overall they would be so open to communicate with you and what your needs are in general and from them as your partner. Their goal is for you to be happy, safe, and comfortable.

[gerrydelano]

hey guys! gonna consolidate this here for ease and access real quick, these got long. one at a time!

ANON ONE

OKAY, yes, first thing to realize is that psychiatrists are not always right. in fact many doctors are wrong a LOT of the time because it’s a fallible field by nature. literally only one doctor actually Finally acknowledged my autism and that was at intake at the psych ward when i went in for a totally unrelated problem. literally No One Else Has Ever Believed Me Despite Overwhelming Evidence. i’ve been told by psychs that there’s no way i could possibly be autistic specifically because i can make alright eye contact when talking vividly about my passions (aka infodumping lmao) and i’ve faced mountains of institutionalized ableism that i’m not gonna get into here because it just, isn’t important.

these doctors are working with whatever WE relay to them, in the end. it’s glorified guesswork and checklists a lot of the time. it is important to recognize that they’re only human, too, and are capable of interpreting the signs wrong.

so if your psychiatrist isn’t specializing in this field (and even if they ARE, which can get REALLY BAD) then it seriously isn’t the word of g-d y’know? just because they say they don’t think you’re autistic does NOT mean you Aren’t. 

that’s not to say always undermine doctors and whatever (they went to school blah blah blah) but as someone who has had 98% bad experiences with every doc i’ve ever seen in my life and have always figured my shit out First only to be doubted doubted doubted and then Finally confirmed after the fact, i do believe that generally speaking, you know your body and mind a lot better than anyone else ever could. 

and when it comes to autism in particular, self diagnosis is often times the only tool a lot of us have! BECAUSE the system is so rigged from the inside. it’s extremely sexist and rigid and ableist and overall Not geared to acknowledge the different presentations of it that HAVE been documented but are NOT always examined or talked about. (looking at you, autism speaks!) the ASAN, meanwhile, encourages well informed self diagnosis. 

people who know what they’re talking about will Never tell you that self dx is inherently bad, wrong, or ill-advised. there are some things you can’t do it with (a lot of physical health conditions) but there are some things you ABSOLUTELY can, and autism is one of the biggest ones.

in the end, a prof. diagnosis is usually specifically for narrowing down what treatments are administered, a lot of the time it’s not even necessary to put certain things on paper even if they’re there. it’s a BIG complicated mess, i hate the entire health field most of the time (as someone who did try to work in it myself more than once haha OOF) so just.

grain of salt! if you have a strong gut feeling, do hefty research, talk to a community of people who go through the same things, and find ways to cope with your symptoms/experiences just based on that, then that’s uusally good enough when it comes to this sort of thing unless you wanna pursue actual accommodations.

ANON TWO

this one is tricky. first off, i’m really sorry that you’re stuck in this mindset right now; it’s very unfair that you were put in a position like that when you deserve to feel comfortable and at ease with yourself, whatever is going on.

it’s definitely not healthy in the end, for you or for others. very common! but ultimately not going to serve you. internalized ableism is a very painful thing to unlearn, but it would benefit you and other folks you interact with because just. 

even if you turn out to not be autistic, you have to examine Why you Don’t Want To Be, y’know? what about it is something you’re afraid of, or unsettled by, or any of it? is it because of how your symptoms have impacted your way of getting around the world (which is DEEPLY understandable and NOT your fault in the slightest), or is it because you don’t want to fit into a stereotype/you have a view that you need to dismantle?

i’m not accusing you of like Hating Autistic People of course like it’s just something we all have to ask ourselves when we get into a situation like this. 

chances are, and i’m just guessing, it’s definitely the first one. and it’s okay to be bitter or uncomfortable or unhappy about a difficulty that you face that no one around you seems to understand, or hasn’t been able to help you with. SO many people feel that way, i also feel that way sometimes, you’re Not alone there. 

the thing is, knowing what you need help with is the first step towards mitigating that! and being able to find words for it can often come from immersing more in a community that has shared experience with you.

so, i brought this question to my friends quick because i don’t have any blogs or resources for you and was wondering if they might, and here are some responses i think might help you:

ryl said,

i have no exact resources but i would tell them to get involved with autistic community, especially on twitter (since that's where most advocates go and not tumblr) and follow stim blogs? if you want you can direct them to me and i can find some particular recs, also the autistic self advocacy network has good things

so, ryl’s blog is @lilacqueerr​ if you want stim blog recs from them, go for it. i can vouch that they’re soothing and do tend to reblog positivity posts as well!

and DEFINITELY check out the ASAN, they have resources that are great!

parker said,

i was gonna rec the asan as well, and maybe rec they just spend some time in the actually autistic tag, like i know a lot of how i cope with shit like that is just immersing myself in positivity around it, and also maybe encourage them to like, 

1 get a good therapist [NOTE FROM RON: GOOD THERAPIST is the ticket here! refer to what i said to anon one]

2 try and reflect on the actual things that are bothering them like, Are they frustrated b/c they get sensory overload? Don't blame urself, fix your environment. Are they irritated b/c they have trouble connecting with people over stuff other than their special interest??? look for other autistic people with the same special interest

also fucking mood about that shit the only reason i realized i wasn't just (insert internalized ableism here) and was autistic was b/c i saw other autistic people talking about their experiences and projecting them on characters, i mean i didn't feel.... allowed??? to accept the label until my therapist said she thought i might be a little on the spectrum and also found out the ASAN is supportive of well researched self dxing

which i big agree with! don’t don’t don’t blame yourself for the way your symptoms might be impacting you - it’s not you, it’s your environment! the world, overall, isn’t constructed to be comfortable for anyone with a disability and it Sucks A Lot. but there are things we can do to make the littler things a LOT easier on us, and tbh? the first step IS accepting that we have these particular setbacks, so that we can address them!

it’s not bad to need help; it’s good to know what you need help with, so you can ask for it.

marley said,

yeah like, scrolling through the actuallyautistic tag helped me at first? nd i was like. kinda in a weird place bc i learned what autism was from. a headcanons post before i heard about it from anyplace else, but when i struggle with internalized stuff, it helps me to see ppl w said identity or something similar just like. living their life and being proud of who they are. the redinstead tag might help too

the actuallyautistic tag and the redinstead tag are both GREAT places to start, too! that’s honestly how i started looking into things, as well. talking to people about this stuff helped me more than any doctor ever has LOL.

which means now is the time to pull out my catchphrase: solidarity is my medicine of choice. 

and i’ll close this by saying that in addition to everything i pasted from my friends up there, they also added in SO many well wishes and positive thoughts and hopes for you to be able to pull yourself out of whatever sunken place you’re in. that’s support from a Bunch of people who know what you’re going through, and believe you deserve better, whether this is the thing that’s going on or not.

so, if you’re autistic? cool, so are we! and it’s a really wonderful thing to be, when you think about it. i know if i had the choice between being autistic and just taking it out of me, i’d not give it up for the world! it can make some things difficult, no doubt, but when you adjust your environment and interact more with like-minded people who know who you are and can communicate with you in a really special way that really displays the individuality and care in there? it’s worth EVERYTHING.

there is so much beauty in being autistic and i hope that someday you get to see it!!!! whatever happens, it’s gonna be alright. start small, maybe visit those tags and scroll through and see if you find any blogs and references in there. surround yourself with positivity and people who understand. you’ve got this! 

[studiash]

Or How to Survive School with Learning Difficulties

I recently got officially diagnosed with a significant specific learning difficulty (SpLD) in the area of mathematics or Dyscalculia after years of struggling with the most basic parts of mathematics, and I felt this was a suitable topic for a studyblr post.

My numeracy and maths fluency (addition) on the WIAT III both were in the 2nd percentile (Meaning I scored lower than 98% of people), and the highest percentile on any of the maths subtests was my problem solving, coming in at the 18th percentile, which is still disastrously low

And yet despite of all this, I’m currently in IB Higher Level maths, and actually doing somewhat alright, and I had to be pretty good at maths in school throughout the years in order to allow this to fly under the radar for so long, so how did I do it?

Showing. Every. Single. Step. Of. Your. Work. 

I know for a lot of people it seems like just a waste of time to show everything you do, especially if it’s something supposedly as simple as “2-1″ when you could just write “1″ right away, but if you’re like me... it’s not as simple as that and as it gets to more and more complex “basic” bits your likelihood of messing it up is higher.

I can’t speak for any other curriculum but in the IB the majority of your marks in maths come not from the answer itself but the working, even if your answer is completely wrong if you’ve shown every step of your work you will get the majority of the marks, but sometimes they will only award the marks if they see where you went wrong, and if it’s not clear why you might’ve messed up you could lose a mark.

Proofread, proofread, go over your work, proofread

Whether it’s an essay, a lab report, or an exam, always proofread and check everything over again n again. You can never be too safe.

Your calculator is your best friend

You know all those memes that have a picture of a calculator with 1+1=2 and a caption like “just to be sure”, yea that’s been my entire life. The majority of my maths tests in IBMYP were with a calculator, and that’s a huge part of how I managed to actually be one of the star students, it wasn’t until the last year or so of MYP and then this past year of DP that I started struggling because things became non-calculator, and that’s how my dyscalculia finally got picked up on, and I’ve got accommodations now (which I will go over in the next section) that will help with that.

But when it comes to calculator exams like DP paper twos, you get your graphing calculator, and even for people who are great at mental maths, your calculator should still be your best friend because it saves so much time, and if your calculator can do something for you, don’t waste the time doing it by hand.

You need to graph a function? Put it in the calculator and use that as a reference. You need to solve an equation? Graph it. You’ve got an integral or some other long calculation needs doing? Don’t bother to simplify it heaps to do it on paper, just type it in.

Your graphing calculator saves you time and provided you type everything in properly your answer will be difficult to get wrong, just make sure you show some sort of “working” on your paper. If you graphed something to solve it, do a quick sketch with basic labels to how you got your answer paired with “GDC” written somewhere in the corner. Whatever you type into your calculator, make sure that’s written somewhere on your paper (and whatever steps you had to take to get to that point).

Access Arrangements (Accommodations)

If you have a diagnosed learning difficult or any other condition that may affect your performance (This includes stuff like ADHD and Autism and even most mental illnesses), you may be entitled to inclusive assessment arrangements, different schools will have different processes for different things but most school/exam boards, from the IBO to APs and the US college board, to AQA and Edexcel and all other GCSE/A Level exam boards have systems in place for inclusive assessment arrangements.

Whilst schools are supposed to have processes themselves in place so that you don’t have to be the one looking at all this, sometimes you have to be the one to self advocate. Remember that these arrangements exist for people who need them, not just because you want an extra advantage, do not abuse them if you don’t need them. If you’re doing IB your school’s IB coordinator is the one who has to submit the applications for any arrangements requiring authorisation, most schools will also have a dedicated special education or learning diversity team for these processes, approach any people involved about these arrangements if you believe you do need them.

I don’t know much about other systems but it should be fairly easy to locate information online (If you can’t, feel free to HMU and I might be able to help you with my googling prowess) but click here for IBO’s document detailing the possible arrangements and requirements to receive those arrangements

The most common arrangements that people get however are:

Separate exam venue, you don’t actually need authorisation from your exam board in order to receive this, your school may require certain things like a diagnosis or evidence that you would be better suited for it than others to consider it but ultimately this is usually one of the easiest accommodations to get. Additionally, or by itself, if you have difficulties with noise/your surroundings, even if you’re in the main exam venue you should be able to wear noise reduction earmuffs (they mustn’t have any sort of audio capability or electronic function, think construction earmuffs) and/or have mini “walls” placed around you on your desk to block external viewing.

Rest periods, similar to separate exam venues you don’t typically need authorisation for this either, in fact all students (at least in the IB) are technically entitled to a certain amount of break time per hour (for the IB it’s ten minutes per hour), your school may already provide all students with this option or it may reserve it only for people who’ve asked in advance, if you feel you’d need it, ask about it. It’s also possible to apply for additional rest period time if you need it but that does require some form of diagnosis or doctor’s note giving proper reasoning why and depends on exam board/school/why you want/need it.

Extra time, now this you need authorisation for pretty much no matter how much it is BUT the requirements are fairly lenient, with the IB as well as most other boards (I believe) you can easily get 10-25% extra time for the majority of conditions provided it can be shown you need it, so even if you only have a diagnosis of depression, if it’s shown that your depression interferes with your speed or quality of work you can very easily get 10% extra time and possibly even 25%. Once you’re looking at higher percentages like 50% or 100%+ it gets increasingly more difficult to qualify, 100%+ is incredibly rare and 50% is somewhat rare, but the process is similar. Either way: Talk to your school about it

Modified papers (large text, braile, coloured paper), a reader, a scribe, or the option to use technology to type written responses. There are specific requirements for obtaining these arrangements, and they differ from board to board and school to school, typically you will know if you require this sort of thing or not and it’s easiest to do your own research, and then get a doctor’s note or other medical certificate for these applications. Talk to your school about what you need for them to consider it.

And my personal favourite: four function calculator. This is possibly one of the hardest accommodations to get and you need to have a certain standard score on a mathematical related psych test (IB wants below 90 on a test of mathematical fluency), which means you need to get properly evaluated by an edpsych to even have a chance at receiving it.

And last but not least:

Do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it

[theofficialbk-blog1]

Statistics on Girl’s and Women’s Self Esteem :

7 in 10 girls believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school and relationships with family and friends.

– Real Girls, Real Pressure: a National Report on the State of Self-Esteem, Dove Self-Esteem Fund 

74% of girls say they are under pressure to please everyone (Girls Inc, The Supergirl Dilemma)

98% of girls feel there is an immense pressure from external sources to look a certain way (National Report on Self Esteem)

92% of teen girls would like to change something about the way they look, with body weight ranking the highest. (Dove campaign)

90% of eating disorders are found in girls (National Association for Self Esteem)

1 in 4 girls today fall into a clinical diagnosis – depression, eating disorders, cutting, and other mental/emotional disorders.  On top of these, many more reports being constantly anxious, sleep deprived, and under significant pressure. (The Triple Bind, Steven Hinshaw)

By age thirteen, 53% of American girls age 13 are “unhappy with their bodies.”  This grows to 78% by the time girls reach seventeen. (National Institute on Media and the Family)

REFERENCE

Pressure and Perfectionism (Heart of Leadership):

https://heartofleadership.org/statistics/

[anxious-amethyst]

These days, I’ve taken to asking Google a lot of my questions. The questions I can’t ask anyone else. Not because they won’t know the answer, which they likely won’t, but because they are hard questions. Deeply personal to each being. Some random when something I’ve watched or read triggers a bizarre thought process. A lot of them have become existential in nature. I’ve become existential. If I were to pick up Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis right now, I’d probably be able to actually get through it this time and understand where he’s coming from. My brain relates that to being bad. In my senior year of high school, I found Mr. Kafka to be downright bizarre and depressing. I took a greater liking to Kurt Vonnegut and Mary Shelley. Thus making Slaughter-House Five and Frankenstein high on my list of favorite classics. But I can no longer laugh at him and his crisis. I’m fucking having one.

In my last therapy appointment, my therapist helped me make a discovery. A self discovery to be precise. I’m negative. Cynical. Many of those who know me, and anyone who has read my previous posts would likely go “No, shit.” And I’m aware that I’m negative, but I didn’t know just how deep it went. Farther than 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea if you ask me. No, I have not read that book or watched that movie. Was never interested, but it makes for good humor. Negative Level? Over 9,000. The way I perceive things and take in information. The way I process conversations, situations, expressions, etc; ends up on the negative side of life. I begin to be defensive. Another self discovery that I made last week, I begin to ruminate. 

I ruminate a fuck ton. Even when I am unaware. For example, I could be playing Minecraft and absentmindedly digging when I finally realize that I was dwelling on a subject again and really just digging into that instead of the virtual dirt. Current events and my existential crisis appear to be my mind’s favorite subject matters for rumination. Unlucky for me. The way our Earth is heading and the disgusting hell that my country, the United States, has become; weigh on my mind, heavily. I begin to go down a separate, but all too familiar negative spiral. The hopeless one. On this spiral there is only one end result, one way for me to achieve peace and avoid pain.. death. The protocols for the action-plan-that-isn’t-even-a-plan are as follows:

- In the event of a zombie apocalypse, end your life.

- The political state has become increasingly frustrating. Should humanity lose 98% of its compassion, women become completely oppressed once again, Trump wins the 2020 elections, the police go bat shit crazy, and any other events that arise from such a climate, end your life. More than 4 things must be met at once.

- If you are not better than where you were at the end of 2018 and beginning of 2019, by 2020, end your life.

There are probably less frequent protocols that my mind regularly checks on this spiral, but I can’t remember them. The horrid thing is, once a person thinks about death, they will always think of it. And once a person gets to a certain point where suicide becomes the third option in their life plan, the other two being continue to go downhill or get better, it will always remain there. So, my mind ruminates on death everyday.

Question for Google: If a person bleeds out and dies, does their pacemaker draw out their death?

Google: https://www.mypcnow.org/blank-fne00

TL;DR: Chances are, it does not prolong suffering. 

Another thing I am aware about myself is my horrid reaction time to change. Depression and anxiety increase in periods where something in my life has changed and it effects the way things are done, or the way I see things, or any other significant change to how things use to be. Knowing of a coming change ahead of time does not help. I then ruminate on that knowledge and become increasingly anxious and agitated. I am way behind those my age on the normal path of life. No job, no college degree, no money, no will to live I suppose.

Question for Google: What is normal?

Google: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200911/what-is-normal

(Truly enlightening to read, I recommend you do.)

TL;DR: “People afflicted by disabling panic or depression may fully embrace the disease model. A diagnosis can restore a sense of wholeness by naming, and confining, an ailment. That mood disorders are common and largely treatable makes them more acceptable; to suffer them is painful but not strange.”  <-- ME

There is no one normal. Normal varies person by person and by accepted behaviors in society. Even psychiatrists and psychologists cannot say what is truly normal.

Change is scary to me. It changes my normal. I don’t appear to be like other people my age, therefore I feel abnormal. The slightest flaw sends me scurrying to my mom, or my therapist, or Google, out of anxiety and the need to know if I’m okay. Often times I find that many people experience the flaw that I felt was abnormal. Sometimes I find that its not healthy, however, and then I make a plan to talk with my therapist or mother about it. Close friends and family have said many times this past month that they see me getting better. I don’t know how that is possible. Perhaps it is because of all the revelations about myself that I am making and my need to prevent them from continuing as they have all been harmful in my eyes. i.e. ruminating to the point of extreme depression lows and suicidal thoughts, picking up both positive and negative aspects of something, but more often than not, when involving me directly or indirectly, choosing to focus more on the negative. There is a part of me, I don’t know how large, that doesn’t want to get better. I only know that it is a strong force. Getting better would mean having to relearn and rediscover so many things. It would mean a drastic change to my normal. For me, not a day goes by that I don’t mention having depression or anxiety as a reason for why I am the way I am. These intense emotions are my normal and they are my crutches. While not easy to live with and breathe with and smile with, they seemingly make other things easier. They can be an excuse at times. I cannot imagine myself without them. I have had varying degrees of these ailments my whole life. The more developed my brain becomes, the worse they become. I believe it’s because I understand more and am able to pick up on things a younger me would have missed. Even now, with my mental situation, I do not know who I am. There are times, when the depression physically hurts my heart, that I want to rip my skin off. I imagine myself just grabbing and tearing the skin from my face and neck and then the rest of my body. Getting rid of this terrible self. That somehow it will reveal the true me. I struggle to not cut my face. As if the act of slicing my face and watching it bleed will somehow fix things. But logic tells me that I will only regret the ugly scar later on and not to do it. So I don’t, but I get angry because I want to. Who the hell am I, why the fuck am I this way, and what am I supposed to do? Will I ever do it? Is it even possible to get better? Do I want to get better? I don’t know. And that drives me crazy.

Question for Google: Who am I?

Google: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shift-mind/201006/who-am-i

TL;DR: Ask instead, how do I want to experience life?

[rossenrasch29-blog]

Health, Healing, And Rejuvenating.

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical magic that has gotten her a few years, Hazel has actually never ever been everything yet incurable, her final section etched after diagnosis. Nonetheless, exactly what I definitely didn't as if was that The Top secret likewise mentions that the tragedies you experience- a cars and truck collision or cancer or a genocide- are actually since you took that energy into your life simply through thinking about it. You called that in to your lifestyle, the same way you got up that new residence or even that million bucks coming from the magic brochure of deep space. Put in the time to locate all of them and you'll reveal plenty more very small tweaks that create Samsung's take on Android Marshmallow a downright pleasure to use. When you hit via to buy, the book provided as the free of cost friday book on the readouts page is not coming up free of cost. Merely this month, Bexar County, Texas declared think about the nation's first electronic-only public library A current research off Scholastic found that the percent of little ones that have gone through an e-book has virtually doubled considering that 2010 to practically half from all little ones aged 9 to 17, while the number which state they'll continue to review manuals in printing instead of electronically declined from 66% to 58%. This may have only a few times for a digital book to rise up the charts and also increase visibility - these books can conveniently arrive ONE HUNDRED checklist, especially in particular niche categories. That produces analysis in bedroom a great deal even more easier as I may do it one-handed as well as do not need an illumination on to review. Social media can both aid assist in info sharing and also be difficult in spreading out rumours in the course of typical (or seasonally anticipated) health celebrations and also health and wellness situations. http://csaladiszepseg.info to the fact that when I accomplished The Error in Our Fate and now, Guide Robber, I couldn't really feel but assist like an ignorant, little woman, novice along with the means from globe. Simply be sure to leave behind a little extra time (at least 3 hours) to arrive early to the airport to create certain you can easily acquire your wristband without experiencing a time crisis. Off the perspective from BlackBerry Chief Executive Officer and corporate chairman John Chen, the firm's exploration of flexibility in health care is actually nothing except critical to its potential excellence. Constantly seek the assistance of your medical professional or various other skilled health and wellness carrier with any inquiries you might have pertaining to a clinical health condition. Parents are actually effectively encouraged to 1st read Pax just before congratulating their kids. So that was actually really versus my instinct and much better common sense that I started reading this manual. The neighborhood segment from the website warns all novice authors that they might have to see a number of proofs from their book up until they are actually fulfilled. The consider God is new and also desirable; I have actually never go through a publication that thus precisely demonstrates how God's attribute as a Trio illustrates his love as well as concern. The remainder of the story concerns Mack's conference along with God which differs some other fictional summary I have actually ever before gone through of a Spiritual encounter. Yet, Circling the Sunlight is all about white colonialists as well as their self-enclosed world on their vineyards in the Eastern African Protectorate, where the natives are actually barely much more than an amazing background for the adventures and romantic affair of an English floozy. That is actually what has youthful goofy lawyer Jonathan Harker at the beginning from the book out to bushes of country Transylvania; this's his firm that's helping this secluded participant from the nobility move residential property and funds etc right into the British legal body, and as one of the most younger member Harker is the one delegated to actually carry all the completed papers bent on Dracula's spooky family members palace in the middle of the Carpathian Mountain ranges, for his ultimate fine as well as trademarks. Having chosen at the age from eight that she intended to be an author, she had finished an initial draft from guide by opportunity she was actually 16. Studying British literary works and also education at Leicester's De Montfort University momentarily killed" her satisfaction from composing, but in 2011 she returned to the document, drafted through her affection of the characters as well as the realisation that if I don't create, one thing feels incorrect". http://csaladiszepseg.info do not realize Sandy's been chatting, oblivious from the music puffinessing, of the mother-daughter getting back together that is actually happening in my head. Guide was outstanding, the particulars with the city produced the account really fascinating.

The moment you've received the album (or track or playlist) atop iTunes, click on the little bit of ellipsis to the right of the label and also decide on Include in My Popular music. In 2014 alone, there will go to the very least 12 comics movies on the silver screen These adjustments have introduced certainly not only brand-new audiences but likewise brand new types of visitors. The main personalities are uncritical as well as thus flat that one ca I was suggested this book through a number of folks which discovered that each removaling and also clean. In an astonishing flip from the standard publishing pattern, Random Residence's Doubleday lately revealed plannings to print hardcover models from E.L. James' bestselling FIFTY Hues from Grey triumvirate, despite the fact that digital and also mass market book versions have actually sold 65 thousand copies. There are numerous ideas in my head yet I can't definitely put all of them in to terms, particularly certainly not in English words. so let me just claim that this book was stunning, in every means. This publication is a compelling portrait from a solitary guy, his extraordinary presence, as well as his ultimate squeeze. She also always keeps the neighborhood up-to-date on publication finalizings and also in-store activities on the business blog site and YouTube network. As I maintained reviewing loads from short articles, video recordings, as well as manuals about Musk, I observed a big piece from the problem was actually overlooking. Said to through the eyes from some of the individuals, Kesey reveals littles his very own background, having actually recently worked as an orderly in a psychological health and wellness ward.

If you prefer your stuff to be less costly all you must perform is come to be a distributor and you'll receive a bag shake lift off ways to sale your items instructions books a sales brochure on all the items multi vitamins as well as tissue activator 2 markers and I ensure there is actually something else I am actually missing and your lol simply pay out 98 plus delivery will definitely be 102.00! Creating and also going through books down her expertises save Liesel, however this novel plainly portrays the terrible impacts from battle. On one palm, it tracks nutritional information for over 2 thousand food items and on the various other, this lets you document over 350 cardiovascular and stamina instruction workouts while providing you the flexibility to add your very own info as required. One point that is actually other in current analyses is that I have actually enjoyed and rewatched the BBC Sherlock and the American Elementary and also I have this as background for a very Sherlock concentrated book (that is actually Christopher's beloved collection from accounts). Besides, there mores than a thousand assessments of this book on GR (tough to believe-I have to possess been just one of the few people that have not review this manual)!

[lux-i-fer]

Thank you for your thoughts on Linda‘s diagnosis. That seems very reasonable. I always thought that Linda must have known that he had lived through a trauma. Now I really would have loved to read your ficlet. Also do you think that she now has a different diagnosis? ❤️

No problem! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I feel like even though Linda sleeping with Lucifer was slightly immoral, it gave her so much more insight on Lucifer as a person. She’s a perceptive person, I’d imagine she’d have to pick up on his trauma eventually. I wish you could have read my ficlet :( 

Now that Linda is In The Loop, I’d actually argue that Lucifer is pretty mentally sound. Now, hear me out when I say that. What I mean is that he doesn’t exhibit signs of any set disorder; however, his mental and emotional health certainly isn’t at 100%.

One of the things we have to remember about Lucifer is that he’s not human. For 98% of his life he’s lived with other supernatural beings with wildly different social norms from humans. His emotional capacity is on par compared to other angels, but it doesn’t live up to human standards because Lucifer isn’t human. So, partially, his emotional immaturity is caused by the environment in which he grew up, but the majority of his issues stem from the traumatic fall and its fallout.

I think one of the biggest things Lucifer deals with mentally is what my therapist calls “distortions”. Distortions are how you perceive reality and norms. Usually they have a negative skew and don’t exactly match how everyone else may perceive certain things. In Lucifer’s case, I’d say the trauma caused by his fall lead to him have a giant distortion on how he perceives emotion and personal relationships. Because of the fall, Lucifer was alienated by his family, and vilified by humanity. Over time, this would cause him to begin to perceive himself and his relationships with others in a negative light (i.e. self-destructive behavior, belief he is evil and cannot be loved). Therefore, most of Lucifer’s trust and intimacy issues stem from this distorted view of self. 

It’s kind of a “once bitten, twice shy” mentality. Lucifer’s family, whom he loved prior, turned their backs on him. It’s only natural that he would develop trust issues and emotional baggage as a result. Lucifer sees how humans react to his Devil face, so eventually he begins to generalize that response to every human. Really it’s all just fear on his part. The “this is what happened before, so this is what will happen again” mindset.

To some degree you could argue that Lucifer also struggles with depression; however, I’m not entirely sold on that. Yes Lucifer is extremely lonely, but again, that stems more from his trauma, familial issues, and other-worldliness than from a chemical imbalance. You could also argue Lucifer also has some acute anger management problems, but again, eh. It’s kind of a stretch. Lucifer has a very black and white view on evil and punishment due to his upbringing. 

So to sum all of this up, I don’t think Linda could really pin a set disorder onto Lucifer. What it really boils down to is Lucifer’s distorted outlook on life and the fact that he’s never been exposed to this level of emotion before. Things like this are pretty common in the psych world. Lots of people get an idea of how something is in their head that, in reality, simply isn’t true. Linda would most likely just work to straighten out those misguided perceptions with talk therapy and even a little modeling. 

[homestestforsyphilis-blog]

At Home Syphilis Test

The instant you believe syphilis there certainly must be urgent exposure to your medical care expert. Syphilis are also kept in mind to be associated with male-male sexual activity. Go to your medical professional immediately if you observe any sort of indicators of syphilis, however harmless. There might be actually one or even many such chancres seeming on one-of-a-kind elements of the human body, specifically if syphilis is in mixture along with HIV. Healing syphilis is straightforward in the begin. Tertiary syphilis could possibly cause blindness, psychological problems, deafness, paralysis, heart failure, and in some cases even fatality.

Free Home Syphilis Test

The package is helpful as it's basic to use as well as gives 99% accuracy in a quick period of 15 minutes. Usually, it has all the required compartments and resources for sample extraction. Every person may purchase an STD test set on the internet or in your area. It's possible for you to use an STD test kit to identify your standing in your home. It will definitely be actually beneficial to recognize an STD property test kit might considerably vary coming from an additional due to easy reality that STDs are actually caused by an assortment of brokers. Based upon the standing of the person, there are numerous STD testing packages which could be located on the market.

Numerous kind of tests can be used to find out a Chlamydia infection, as well as a lot of all of them are incredibly identical to gonorrhea tests. Essentially, in some circumstances, Chlamydia tests and also gonorrhea tests may be worked on an identical sample. The alternating technique demands an urine sample that may be effectively collected with no exterior help unlike the blood sample. The tests must be actually purchased directly on-line as the procedure is less costly and also quicker. Wherever you choose to decide on the test, are sure to observe along with the paths adequately. Locating a syphilis test is actually ever before therefore simpler nowadays as well as there are a variety of techniques to have it performed. There's a specialty laboratory test which not simply assesses the degree of the hormonal agent, but on top of that the accurate per-cent and also degree of increase or reduce.

If you recognize someone that's positive for an STD as well as is actually single, be certain you find out all the achievable self-destruction indication, so you will definitely manage to prevent the person from eliminating on their own. It is actually essential for everyone that thinks they might possess an STD to become checked as a method to guard their health and wellness along with the health of their partners. Unique STDs originate from different microorganisms that have numerous systems. A lot of STDs are actually asymptomatic in their first stages, consequently it's critical that you screen on your own to stay away from extra complications. Even one thing as quick and easy as genital STD yearning can easily boost the danger of a self-destruction. You can easily safeguard yourself from STDs by working with a condom with spermicidal yet the greatest security is sex-related sobriety. STDs brought on through parasites like lice attack as well as trichomoniasis are most definitely the absolute most obvious amongst the 3 teams.

Do Home Syphilis Tests Work

The signs are grouped based on the parts of the body that are had an effect on. Indicators of syphilis are based on the phase of the disease. To avoid obtaining in more issue, you should certainly get tested the second you experience any of the syphilis signs, especially throughout the main stage.

The set is user-friendly as well as products you along with as long as 98% accuracy in only a fourth an hour. Every person can get an STD test kit on the internet or regionally. The world wide web std test set might be actually the greatest selection for the majority of people, as you won't get in a situation to define why you would like to obtain evaluated.

Each kind of Syphilis test possesses its conveniences and also drawbacks. Locating a syphilis test is actually ever before thus much easier nowadays and there are several approaches to have it carried out. It is essential to get a syphilis test as a means to create the sure appropriate diagnosis.

When looking at STD test in your home choices, it's essential to ensure any sort of test you acquire is FDA Approved. Or, it is actually possible to directly select the test by taking advantage of any site that supplies Syphilis screening. There are great deals of treponemal tests currently on call, as well as a number of the best usually used treponemal tests are actually given listed below.

All our tests are conveniently available to acquire online. After you buy your test from our team, you can easily make a decision to receive a phone conversation or e-mail along with your outcomes. Blood test Blood test is most certainly the absolute most trusted test for HIV.

You obtain whatever you could ever must perform the tests in the house. Wherever you opt for to pick the test, ensure to observe alongside the directions properly. It's feasible when you conduct all the tests in 1 go. Adhering to that, opt for the test that you would like to take. Butat-home tests are actually commonly less accurate than a community medical clinic or even an internet STD test support. An added test will definitely be done in order to examine whether the RPR was actually shown to become a false-positive, or even in the unlikely event you possess Syphilis. Additionally, if you test positive using an at-home test, you could have to buy an indirect test to confirm the end outcome.

Free Syphilis Home Test Kit

There're 3 distinct tactics to receive your STD screening performed. Also be actually specific to go for STD testing to observe whether you've acquired other sexually broadcast contaminations that may enhance your odds of receiving HIV infection. If you're taking into consideration to get STD screening due to the fact that you're not exactly sure of a potential STI, it certain is actually the very best factor to carry out. Absolutely free STD screening isn't undisclosed considering that the testing agencies must report the end result of your test.

Syphilis tests There are actually lots of procedures to test for syphilis. Syphilis could be treated therefore you have to behave just before it is actually late! Eventually, it can easily become rather harmful. It is called the fantastic copy cat as it can easily replicate a few other ailments and also create identical symptoms which may puzzle certainly not just an average individual, but a lot of professional physicians also.

You'll discover whether syphilis is sensed. Seized early, syphilis is actually easily alleviated. Or even discovered, it may continue to be in the body for a long time.

The 3rd illustration is actually syphilis is due to bacteria. The particular initial indicators of syphilis may certainly not be viewed quickly. You find, syphilis is actually merely some of many treatable STIs. Syphilis, such as various other STDs, can easily generate terrible effect on the physical body when reveals its own signs and symptoms.

[fortheloveofelvis]

Fundraiser by Elle Rigg : Sara Falaro's Medical Journey

After 2 years of increasing chronic back & neck pain, frequent migraines, and intense nerve pain, Sara was diagnosed with a benign tumor inside her spinal cord. This tumor posed a severe threat to Sara’s ability to walk, speak, and function independently - and every doctor on her team recommended immediate surgery to remove the tumor. So, just three weeks after diagnosis, Sara went in for a cervical laminoplasty for the resection of a tumor. This is a complicated, invasive surgery, requiring a long recovery period afterwards.

Sara’s medical team is thrilled with her recovery so far - they removed about 98% of the tumor, leaving behind a small portion that would have caused permanent damage if removed. Despite having just undergone a massive procedure, Sara was walking the day after surgery, focused on having a positive outlook. She continues to have post-surgery deficits, like nerve pain & numbness in her hands and torso, as well as general weakness and fatigue. Even still, she is making huge strides toward recovery with the help of Physical & Occupational Therapy.

While we have successfully completed the first step in this process, we are certain that there are more surgeries & continued treatment in the near future. The tumor is guaranteed to grow back in her spinal cord - either immediately or in the next 5 years. Additionally, doctors think it’s likely that Sara has a rare condition called Neurofibromatosis. This would mean she is predisposed to more tumors growing in her spine & brain for the rest of her life. At only 27 years old, this is obviously a scary diagnosis. Sara is currently discussing next steps with her Neurosurgeons & her Doctors. In the coming months, it’s likely there will be a second spinal surgery, and possibly radiation treatment.

Sara is an Actor, a Singer-Songwriter, and a Branding Coach who helps people tell their stories with pride & live with radical authenticity. As Sara focuses on healing, she cannot do many of the tasks she previously was able to - rendering her unable to work.  In addition to dealing with the physical hardship & financial fallout from a surgery of this size, Sara is also going through huge challenges with her mental health while on this journey. Already a self-employed artist struggling with the pandemic, Sara is now facing tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills, and needs a way to sustain her livelihood & continue to pay for treatment. 

With large medical bills rapidly piling up, we are asking for support. As Sara’s medical journey will likely continue for years, these funds will be allocated to related surgeries, rehabilitation, genetic testing, medications, and specialist consultations.

Sara is one of the most genuine, kind hearted, loving people ever. She is hugely committed to living with audacity, and sharing both her joy and her struggles with true transparency. This is going to be a long journey of healing, and anything you can contribute will ensure that Sara can go through this intense process without added financial stress. We are incredibly grateful for the community in Sara's corner.

This fundraiser is organized on behalf of Sara Falaro, by her best friend Elle Rigg & her partner Sumaya Mulla-Carrillo. All contributions will go directly to Sara Falaro.

[autismus-obscurus]

On self-dx

A while ago, someone asked me privately to tell them why I was clearly pro self-dx. It's a question I have seen a lot. It's a complex topic and there's a lot of misconceptions about what self-dx even is. Here's a slightly adapted version of my answer (under a cut so I don’t clog your dash). If anyone else has something to add, please do.

Also, TW: swearing. Sorry not sorry, It's just how I talk.

First off, we have to define what self-dx even is. Self dx is NOT googling "autism symptoms", reading one list, and the deciding "oh I'm autistic, lets go beg for pity". I can't speak for all autistics, but I don't fucking want pity. That's not the point of saying you're autistic. I just want to live without constant overload, okay? Lets go a bit more into detail: I’m very clearly pro self-dx, but I will not take someone seriously who takes one test and reads one blog post and then decides “I’m autistic.” That’s not how this works. Self-dx means hours upon hours of reading blogs, of reading articles, of checking the criteria again and again (cynically said, you're checking off a list, we'll get to that again later on), of asking autistics about every tiny trait you suspect could point towards or against it, of self doubt, of hope, of finding autistics spreading positivity or Autism Speaks / Autism Moms(TM) telling you you’re a monster. It’s emotionally draining as fuck. Self-dx is a search for identity. It’s trying to find out why your life is the way it is, why you are a certain way and how to cope with problems in a way that doesn’t do any more damage.

This line of thought goes in hand with another tumblr thing: Many people shit on self-dx because there's this nearly immortal assumption that people self-dx because it’s “cool” to be mentally ill. It’s not. Admittedly, teenagers are fucking weird and maybe some genuinely think they are ill when they are not, but I'm convinced that is the minority at best. Also, when we get to the point of preteneding to be sick that’s a legitimate disorder in itself. (Münchhausen or imposter’s syndrome. I've heard it called pathological lying, but that's quite a bit different and also a disorder that people cannot control and need help for.)

Let's look at a few statistics. In Europe 30% of people are officially diagnosed with a disorder under the ICD-10 / DSM-V. 75% of mental disorders start in adolescence (according to a German survey, BGS 98; here's also a link to the offical WHO page with statistics: HERE). The survey does not include those who are too ashamed to get help, who have no access to help, who are just not taken serious or have to fear abuse if it becomes known. Autism is not a mental disorder, obviously, but the staggering majority of autistics in the past was diagnosed as a child and face many of the same problems. (I’ll get to why the diagnosis age is a problem for autistic people in general in a second.) Now imagine finding a community of people who understand you, who can give you actually helpful tips, and you don’t have to reveal your identity. Anything classified as abnormal is still a taboo. People don’t believe you or make jokes about you. Example: I had to fight for an autism diagnosis because my dad, and I quote, says “there is nothing wrong with you”. No, there’s not, but I’m still autistic. That’s the mindset people apply to any neurodivergence. As to the matter of why so many people on the internet claim to be neurodivergent / mentally ill, I have a theory of my own. I can’t prove it, but it makes sense for me. Many neurodivergencies make it hard to go out. I’m introverted as hell, and often don't have the spoons to go out. So what do I do? I spend my life at home, browsing the internet. It takes me so much less effort to keep contact with people than if I had to go out and meet them. No sensory overload, nothing unexpected will happen. Meanwhile, the healthy people and extroverts are out and about having fun their own way. And, coming back to the community, on here it’s a lot easier to express your thoughts, especially on taboo topics.

Example: I think reading this text we can agree that my English (my second language) is reasonably good and that I’m a logical, intelligent person that can express arguments in an ordered manner. Right? Well, if you would be talking to me face to face, I would probably not make a whole lot of sense. I stutter, I lose trains of thoughts, I fall over my vocabulary, my pronunciation is often wobbly and then I will inevitably panic and make even less sense (this goes for talking in my L1 as well, in case anyone wonders). I’m not dumb, but face to face communication is hard.

Next up, the issue with psychologists and getting diagnosed. There is this pervasive notion that pschologists are The Authority (TM) who know everything and nobody else can be as good as them. Here's the thing: Psychologists are human. They’re not omniscient. And sometimes those psychologists are just shit. They can be sexist, and racist, and narcissistic. They can be condescending, and unable to admit they doN't know enough about a topic, and flat out ignore new evidence because it doesn’t fit their worldview. Go in the actuallyautistic tag. The amount of people who are dismissed by their therapists because this so called professional “has a feeling” they’re not autistic is ridiculous. Feelings don’t matter. Only the diagnostic interview matters, but the patients are denied that because a psychologist trusts his gut more than science. Without a decent self-dx it will be pretty hard to get diagnosed as a teenager or adult. On top of that, once you have learned to pass, autistic traits get lost or suppressed for fear of punishment. Often you have to convince them to test you with a detailed list that describes how you fit the DSM criteria. Which is by definition already a self-dx. "Oh, but psychologist are trained for that, surely they know!!!!!11!" I’m a psychology student. I just got an A in my clinical psychology class. I'll write my thesis in clinical psychology probably. The amount of diagnoses you have to learn does not allow to go in depth of anything. What a psychologist does is listen to you and check boxes on a list. (Sound familiar? I said we'd get there again.) We didn't even talk about autism. I did a presentation on it, found out my course teacher doesn't even know ABA is harmful (his point was "well the literature says it's effective"; Are You Kidding?). Our paedagogy prof spewed some ableist phrases pitying her friend that has an autistic kid. The perks of being an undercover autistic person :))) (That's sarcasm.)

To get back to the point: An ableist at worst, at best uneducated psychologist decides if you’re autistic, solely on what they have been told. The amount of posts that goes "I was denied diagnosis because I have good grades / are a girl / have friends / can talk" is ridiculous.

Example: I was in therapy three times until I was fifteen and NONE of them got the idea I might be autistic, despite me showing pretty severe symptoms. I had to self-dx and then convince my therapist to test me. I only even got that idea because we watched Rain Man in school. Seriously? Who knows you better: You or a psychologist you know for an hour?

Okay, before I get carried off, all of that assumes you actually get as far as being tested. To get there, it requires parents to listen to their kid. Parents typically don’t want anything to be wrong with their kid. (There’s nothing wrong with being autistic, but too many people still think that.)

Example: My dad still doesn’t believe I’m autistic. My diagnosis was four years ago. Because, I quote, “There’s nothing wrong with you.” No there’s not, but that doesn’t make me allistic.

The amount of stereotypes and ableist myths is staggering. Autism is one of the most misunderstood conditions I’ve ever researched. The DSM criteria are shit. They are, since decades, based on boys. They’re very limited, and while not wrong, describe things in a way that makes it hard for people to find "atypical" examples (stereotypical interests = trains). What about girls obsessed with horses? Nobody thinks that’s abnormal, yet it’s very possible. There are still a ton of people who think girls cannot be autistic, or if they are, to use the ableist principles this idea is founded on, they have to be “low-functioning”. The truth is, even the diagnostic interviews can’t pick up on autistic girls very well, that is a known fact. (Look at this link for example: HERE) I have most of those posts tagged either as info or ableism, but I don't have the spoons to check right now and my internet is shit.) To paraphrase the article and the other sources I know: Most autistic females just fly under the radar because they’re better at adapting and hiding it. That doesn’t have to be a conscious effort, but it’s exhausting, and then you sit there as a teenager and wonder why you’re feeling like shit because you never learned healthy autistic coping machanisms (or got punished for them).

Example: I didn’t learn of stimming, of dyspraxia, of sensory processing issue and literally everything that had defined my daily life until I found the autsitic community. I don’t think my therapist ever heard of that and I was labeled too “high-functioning” to actually get help. I managed, and back then I was fine, or thought I was after the depression wore off. I’m paying the price for that now.

People of color and women are severely mis- and underdiagnosed in literally everything medical. Teenagers are very rarely taken seriously, especially girls. Some people don’t believe autism exists at all. Now, assume somebody has understanding parents or teachers or is an adult, and could, thoretically go to a doctor to get diagnosed. Because (paraphrasing the original ask here) by validating self-dx we only push the notiion that you don't need a doctor to be diagnosed (which is again the Autority Lane (TM)). Well, yes, it would be preferable to get an official diagnosis, for the accomodations alone, but there is a shitton of reasons not to.

Example: I am currently undiagnosed. How so? My therapist made a deal with my parents that we would not write down the diagnosis, to prevent it from bringing me trouble. At first I was like “that’s ableist bullshit”. It’s not. Well, it still involves a lot of ableism, but there are a lot of reasons why I have to weigh if getting a diagnosis is worth it, even though I clearly need the help right now.

Here is a list of good reasons why someone could choose not to get professionally diagnosed:

money (in Germany healthcare is mostly free, but in the US getting a diagnosis can cost several thousand dollar)

autistic people are at a much higher risk of abuse, and don’t get taken as seriously (see ABA therapy and Autism Moms)

With an autism diagnosis you can be instituationalized far easier against your will (that works with almost all mental diagnoses)

In Germany you will have a harder time getting an insurance, they will make you pay more and don’t provide certain services e.g. You want an insurance for when you become unable to work, you know, like almost everyone has? Yeah, forget about it, autistic people don’t get that.

It can be used against you when you get in a fight about your kids’ custody

Medical ableism is a thing. You can have everything from a cold to cancer, from depression to borderline, it’s all The Autism. Autistic people are often seen as not having enough insight into their own body and mind to judge their own body (just like women, so as an autistic woman you're fucked twice as much :))) )

Getting a job outside of “supportive” businesses (read: they want Rain Man. They’re IT businesses who want autistic programmers and engineers, everyone else is pretty much fucked.) will be almost impossible. Autism is a disability and nobody wants disabled people past what the necessary quota is.

In the psych field there are no officially diagnosed people I know of, one researcher’s work was discredited when it came out she was autistic. I was already warned several times that I should hide my autism if I wanted to get a job at all.

basically, people are shit and can and will use your diagnosis against you

Lastly, I don’t really understand why people are so hateful towards the self-dx crowd. I can’t prove that there’s no black sheep, but most of them are people who look to improve their lives and better their mental health. Let’s put it like this:

The anti-self dx crowd: Only psychologists can tell if you’re autistic. Self-dx: I think I’m autistic. Antis: How dare you! I can clearly tell you’re not autistic. Fuck off, faker.

Call me cynic, but that is the core of reason most anti-self-dxers apply. Who the hell gave them the authority to judge other people? How do you know what a person is going through from reading two posts on tumblr? This isn’t some elite club. That kind of thinking ostracizes us even more when we alread have to fight so hard to be allwoed to live. Who are the self-dxers hurting? The ableists treat us like shit anyway. And honestly? I’d rather let in five fakers than have an autistic person suffer alone because of they can’t “prove” they’re autistic.

Dev out.

[madd-information]

could you still have MaDD if you do confuse your daydream world as reality and etc?

Here is what the available literature has to say on the subject:

The daydreaming often has an addictive or compulsive quality to it, but the individual knows that it is an internal fantasy world and is not delusional about it. (source) 

Our respondents reported wakeful fanciful imagery that stimulated most of their senses in the absence of corresponding external stimuli. In contrast to psychotic or substance-related hallucinations, these experiences… are also associated with insight into their selfgenerated origin and their divergence from reality. (source)

Although they [MDers] state that they never confuse fantasy from reality. (source)

98% of participants state that they do not confuse fantasy and reality. (source)

Finally, we wish to note that although our sample was characterized by high comorbidity rates and severe impairment (suicidality and unemployment), psychosis was rare… MD, which, more often than not, involves retaining intact reality monitoring. (source)

They do, however, note that…

this may be related, to some extent, to self-selection (ie, perhaps schizophrenic individuals are less inclined to be active in MD forums). (source)

So, it’s not impossible, the percent mentioned above leaves us with 2% of MDers in some other category.  It’s also important to add, however that “to establish the diagnostic reliability and validity of a mental disorder… the disorder cannot be better accounted for by another disorder.(source)” Part of the exclusionary criteria for a diagnosis of MD is exactly this.  Confusion between reality and fantasy is, in short terms, not a part of MD, it’s possible that MD could be comorbid with something which is causing the confusion but these types of diagnoses have not been seen to crop up in MDers and it is likely that this other diagnosis would better account for the persons symptoms anyway.

In short, more research is needed to say for certain, but at this point it is most likely this person would not be diagnosed with MD though I hesitate to say absolutely impossible. 

So “could you still have MaDD if you do confuse your daydream world as reality?” No, except possibly in rare comorbid type cases.

[jeannietdunlap]

Tools that have Helped Me to Face the Uncertainty of Mental Illness

type="doubleclick" data-slot="/4649651/FullWebsite_Box_300x250">

Having uncertainty has been one of the most difficult and fearful parts of having schizoaffective disorder. There have been many times where I wasn't certain how my life would turn out or whether I would ever recover from the illness. Wrestling with uncertainty has been an adversity in itself.

There have been many times where I wasn't certain how my life would turn out or whether I would ever recover from the illness. Wrestling with uncertainty has been an adversity in itself.

When first diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder simultaneously, I honestly didn't know what to think. I had a lot of misinformation about the illness from popular culture which made the diagnosis somewhat terrifying. However, as I acquired more knowledge about what I was really going through, it became easier to deal with the illness.

I think the first part to finding some peace with my diagnosis was knowing from experience what having schizophrenia meant and also knowing that people do recover from the illness on a regular basis. One of the most difficult parts about initially getting diagnosed was not knowing exactly what had been going on in my mind and what was causing me to be so dysfunctional mentally and emotionally. Learning that my symptoms were manifestations of trauma from earlier years in my life helped give me an understanding that I just had to work on my trauma to recover. I realized that as I continue to educate myself on schizoaffective disorder, the fear that came from not knowing what it was or how to deal with it began to dissipate. For me, education has been a useful combatant in dealing with uncertainty. Education has given me more control over my illness.

Going forward, I at least had an idea of how to improve my mental health. However, I still had the fear that I would not have a full life. There were years I spent working hard on my mental health, day in and day out, and the part of not knowing whether my life would turn out for the better was very painful. I felt like my suffering had no ending because there was no paradigm for when I would recover. There wasn't a set date that my life would change and there weren't days I could leave the house without my coat of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Not knowing at which point I would be back to myself and free of pain was agonizing. Not knowing when or if my life would ever get to a place I wanted it to be caused a lot of hopelessness. Along with this, the hopelessness caused a lot of fear and negative emotions. When I felt uncertain of whether I could have the life I wanted, it was very difficult to work towards creating that life.

However, as I began making breakthroughs that improved my mental health I started realizing that I maybe could one day recover. I started believing in myself because I was proving that I could make progress and improve my mental health through hard work. Turning uncertainty into certainty helped change my hopelessness to hope. During some of the darker years of my life, hope was derived from the belief or partial certainty that I would one day overcome all the adversity I had been going through. I would one day live a life where I didn't wander through the day constantly dealing with emotional and mental pain from my trauma. I began to believe in myself and believing in myself was a manifestation of having some sort of certainty that my efforts would not be fruitless. This certainty was derived from taking more longitudinal looks at my life. I would look back six months to a year and make assessments realizing my health and life were better than they had been. My efforts and my belief in myself were the fuel that motivated me to continue to work and progress through some of my darkest hours.

Many times I was afraid to ask myself what would happen because I was so afraid to face the uncertainty.

type="triplelift" layout="responsive" src="https://ib.3lift.com/ttj?inv_code=goodmenproject_sub_article">

Sometimes just the fear of facing uncertainty on smaller scales was difficult. For example, I had a fear that I would get made fun of by other people and I was terrified of it. My doctor asked me “What would happen if they made fun of you?” I answered, “it would be embarrassing. He asked, “What would happen after that?” And I replied, “I wouldn't know what to say.” He asked, “What would happen after that?” And I said, “They would laugh at me.” He asked, “What about after that?” And I answered, “I would go make new friends.” This process of taking my uncertainty and exploring all possible outcomes to the greatest extent by asking questions has been a useful practice for me. I found many times I was afraid to ask myself what would happen because I was so afraid to face the uncertainty.

I also found that when I thought out what would happen with my uncertainties, even in the worst case scenarios, I had nothing to fear. I was more afraid of uncertainty in my life than I was with knowing what the worst case scenarios could be. So knowing the worst case scenarios became a reprieve for me and I learned for me that even having a certainty as to what the worst possible outcome could be was less fear provoking than simply not knowing.

The most important tool that has helped me during these times is knowing that I've been in these times before and I've been successful in finding the necessary wisdom to pacify the burdens of trauma.

While working through these difficult years I realized that finding certainties in uncertain times created hope and motivation to continue forward. Although my social life was in disrepair and my mental functionality was not where I wanted it to be, I still had some certainties. One of them was that my parents were always going to keep a roof over my head. Knowing I had food and shelter was very comforting as I had nearly starved to death in my first episode. Knowing that visiting my doctor helped improve my mental health every week also provided some hope. Knowing my Dad would take me golfing and my family was never going to leave me was also very comforting.

I think above all though, having made progress was one of the biggest motivators that fueled my recovery. After developing the ability to effectively alleviate mental health burdens I had some certainty that I wasn't fighting a losing battle. I knew that I had the tools I needed to combat schizoaffective disorder.

My recovery tools

Being a good person, making as many good decisions in my life overall as I could, going to therapy, journaling, reading good literature and acquiring as much wisdom as possible, and making certain I was treating people well.

I found that when I did these things, I developed the realization that I was more successful and better able to cope with my illness. Having a plan that worked in combatting my mental illness fueled the fire and motivated me to work harder than ever to get rid of the ailment. Developing my tools in journaling and talk therapy came in the form of self-educating and asking for psychological education from my doctor. There still were times periodically where I felt hopeless and during these times I did have suicidal thoughts.

After seven years of periodically having suicidal thoughts I came to realize that I usually felt suicidal when I felt stuck. Feeling stuck meant I had problems I felt I couldn't fix and I had no belief in myself whatsoever that I would be able to fix them. The most important tool that has helped me during these times is knowing that I've been in these times before and I've been successful in finding the necessary wisdom to pacify the burdens of trauma. Having faith in myself has and will continue to be the certainty I need to give me hope to fight through some of the darkest moments of my life. I never started out with the requisite tools and resources to overcome mental illness, but through hard work and being a good person, I developed them and I'm certain that everyone else can too.

Photo by Bobby Rodriguezz on Unsplash

type=taboola layout=responsive heights="(min-width:1907px) 39%, (min-width:1200px) 46%, (min-width:780px) 64%, (min-width:480px) 98%, (min-width:460px) 167%, 196%" data-publisher="goodmenproject" data-mode="thumbnails-a" data-placement="Below Article Thumbnails" data-article="auto">

The post Tools that have Helped Me to Face the Uncertainty of Mental Illness appeared first on The Good Men Project.

[cryptodictation]

José Luis Escrivá: “After an earthquake, investment is made in infrastructure. Here you have to protect income “| Economy

The Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, José Luis Escrivá, in his office.Andrea Comas / EL PAÍS

José Luis Escrivá (59 years old, Albacete) took over Social Security in January with a double mandate: to reform the pension system to close his deficit before the retirement of the baby boom and create a vital minimum income that attacks inequality and poverty, a pending issue for the Spanish welfare state. In that order. But the explosion of the pandemic turned these priorities around. Now the urgent thing is the minimum income.

It is Saturday afternoon, during the interview – half face-to-face, half telematics – he receives a call: a new appointment in an already loaded agenda. In the free holes, he confesses that he studies mathematical models of epidemiologists to see the evolution of the pandemic in Spain. In this, too, he is optimistic or, at least, all that one can be in these circumstances.

Question. You have been one of the most optimistic about the recovery from the economic crisis. Do you still see it like this?

Answer. What defines this crisis is that, by its nature, it will be temporary. We have considerable uncertainty about the sequence of the recovery, but the most relevant thing is that it will be a limited crisis in time.

P. How will we get out? V, U, L or W shape?

R. The time profile of the recovery will differ greatly by sector. Some will go very fast and others, slower. Talking about a single pattern is not a correct approximation.

P. In France they say it is the most serious crisis since the Second World War, they foresee a drop in GDP of up to 6%. In Germany, 9.8%. Apart from what we have internally, they are also our main clients. This sets up a not very rosy picture, right?

R. The crisis is going to have a major impact on activity. But given the uncertainty we have about how long the economy will remain in this severe slowdown, making accurate estimates is a very complicated exercise. There are uncertainties about the technological and medical part of the crisis and, therefore, making a forecast is extremely risky. I also miss in some projections (already known) that the degree of neutralization that is going to be produced by the action of the public sector with the income protection schemes and other stimuli put in place, which are very extensive and unprecedented compared, is made explicit. with the previous crisis, both by speed and by amplitude. It is not time to focus on the figures on how much activity is going to fall, we do not know, but to activate very intense and very extensive income protection policies, and in coordination with other European countries.

P. But a government must operate with a hypothesis. Without diagnosis there is no prescription.

R. The important thing is to understand the nature of this disturbance. I assimilate it, with different dynamics, to a great natural catastrophe at a global level that is very concentrated in time, like an earthquake with two or three aftershocks. It is not exactly that, but from the economic dynamics it is very similar. In an earthquake you would have to invest in infrastructure. Here you have to protect income and activities in the hibernation period. But it is similar because it is necessary to react with great force, with great radicalism and with great length, which I believe is what we have done.

P. Until a certain point. On March 12, 18 billion in measures were mobilized. On the 17th, the liquidity for 100,000 million … There has been more sequence by issue than radicality.

R. By far the most important part of what is being done is protecting the incomes of all those affected in the labor market. There we are talking about a quantity close to 25% of the active population. If we add all the income that is being guaranteed in the ERTE, to the self-employed, to the unemployed who did not have the right to benefit, we are talking about five or six million people. And that unfolded from the beginning. Then there is a second fundamental dimension: liquidity aid and those rental aid, which are not so urgent but have been deployed in record time. Honestly, we are one of the fastest countries to produce standards, to give certainty about how they will be deployed and to specify them in the BOE. Laws and regulations that usually take months to develop have been made in days. You have to take a little perspective to assess the enormous effort of the Administration.

P. The other day, he was talking about 900,000 freelancers who have requested the extraordinary benefit for cessation of activity. There are many, but they are left out more.

R. We are going to see how many finally request it, the normal thing is that the number continues to grow. Furthermore, we are favorably solving 98% of the requests. But it must be stressed that not everyone is being affected equally. Some have had to completely stop their activity; enough, intensely; others have a reasonable level of activity; and there are some who have increased their activity, few, but there are. And from the first moment we have faced some requests for coffee for all, open bar regardless of how they were affected by the crisis. Citizens would not understand universal benefits regardless of how the situation affects everyone.

P. When will the order with the quota moratorium be ready?

R. It is almost finished. In the next few days there will be a proposal from Social Security to start the procedures prior to its publication. We want entrepreneurs in the affected sectors to know how much sooner they also have this measure at their fingertips.

P. Do you have any estimate of what that will mean in terms of income reduction?

R. It will depend on the months it lasts. The reduction in collection will be significant, but transitory. This is a moratorium (of contributions) and at the same time it is an injection of liquidity to companies and freelancers.

P. And will the Social Security treasury be able to face the tension that this implies and pay the pension payrolls?

R. Of course. From the point of view of financing, I have maintained for years that there are communicating vessels here, we must look at the set of public administrations and how certain financial operations are accounted for between Social Security and the State Treasury. The key in this crisis is that there will be a large increase in public debt, but in one go. The jump will not be recurring. And that is not comparable to situations of deterioration of the structural public deficit, as a result of public spending that takes root in areas of the Administration or due to a permanent weakening of taxes and income.

P. The businessmen asked and are asking for a general tax deferral.

R. We have to be able to discriminate. The measures must be fair and balanced. Absolutely generous and extensive for those whom we have forced to stop their activity. But for those who don't, I don't see why.

P. You defend making a sectoral approach, how?

R. For ERTEs due to force majeure, there already is. In the case of moratoriums, there will be a ministerial order with a sectoral classification. And in the case of the self-employed we have opted for an individual criterion based on their fall in income.

P. And for the departure?

R. It remains to be seen how the alarm state evolves, but I think there may be asymmetries. In the same way that the discontinuity of activity has been very symmetrical and suddenly, one can visualize forward recoveries with different rhythms and, as this materializes, adapt the accompanying policies of that reality. In a crisis of this nature and with so much uncertainty about time sequences, I believe that public policies must be very flexible.

P. He says that around 25% of the active population is covered with some type of aid. How long can we afford it?

R. It is going to be temporary and the time that this lasts can be protected and will be protected. They are manageable figures. It depends on the duration and may be expensive, but, by the nature of the disturbance, genuinely temporary. It should be done like this.

P. It maintains that the minimum vital income or income will be structural. But is the entire government in that position?

R. It will be structural, permanent, it comes to stay. Although there are well-intentioned initiatives that are raising something extraordinary. Our preparatory work relates to how beneficiary households are identified, how it is paid, and how it is deployed: those jobs are exactly the same that are needed for both extraordinary and permanent benefits. It will be something new that Social Security has not offered so far and that we are trying to accelerate to the maximum. When we have everything well assessed, we will present it and start it up.

P. So the different voices that are perceived in the Government, what do they obey? A pulse on who gets the credit?

R. No, I think they are well-intentioned initiatives in search of a solution to a reality that is true: the most vulnerable groups may be affected for a time. There is a great sensitivity to these issues and there are initiatives that try to see how this can be addressed.

P. There are also the autonomous communities, which have many social powers.

R. We have had initial conversations with all the communities to inform them of the design of this income and it does not conflict with the ones they grant. We will complement them until the set reaches a certain level. We will consider very low income levels, but also different types of family situation such as the number of children or different types of families, such as single parents.

P. In other words, it is complementary.

R. Exactly: our intention is that you add, not that you substitute or duplicate. We must have clearly identified all the incomes that these groups receive, which come from regional programs and other types of aid. We are talking about homes, because the unit that we are going to protect is the home, and we hope to reach one million, of which 70,000 are single-parent families, which are one of the worst attended centers so far.

P. At what point are they?

R. We are working on typologies, amounts and thresholds. This requires crossing data from different sources and, above all, data on groups that have not been, until now, a particular focus of the Tax Agency.

P. Any details clear already?

R. An important characteristic is that it should be compatible with a fuller incorporation into the labor market. You must generate positive incentives to activate. We also want it not only to be an income, but also to be associated with inclusion itineraries, and not only in the job market. Consider, for example, who has problems with drug addiction or access to education.

P. A date?

R. No, but it will be soon.

P. April?

R. I don't dare with a date.

P. You have always said that the pension problem is “manageable”. Does this crisis change your perspective? We will come out with a heavier debt.

R. Although it may surprise, I do not see that this debate is influenced by what is happening. We arrived at the crisis with a structural deficit of around 2% of GDP, which is seen in an important part in Social Security. Given the level of social contributions we have, this should not be the case. Now that deficit is going to be distorted upwards by this crisis, but it must be seen more as a jump in public debt that will greatly affect the year 2020, perhaps with some hit in 2021. Later, the logical thing is that we return to conditions of departure. The Government's forecast for the legislature was a public deficit of 1% and that schedule will have to be readjusted. The deficit problem is aggregated from the set of Administrations, not specific to Social Security. This will have a problem when the baby boom retirements take place around 2025. I have always said that it is a manageable problem if we approach the effective retirement age to the legal one.

P. So this does not change your perspective of how to face the problem of pensions.

R. No, in no case. We will have a jump in the level of debt, but our structural situation in public accounts should not change.

P. Not even in the annual revaluation? You have said that society does not accept that pensions lose purchasing power.

R. No, it is not just that society does not accept it, it is not reasonable. It is not the case in any country with a pension system similar to ours that pensioners, who no longer have any capacity to react nor can adjust their future income flow, and who have generated an expectation, stop having a pension with a certain purchasing power. On the other hand, with parametric adjustments, as has been done before, small modifications can be made that are more graduated and that affect the pensions of those who are still in the labor market.

P. His ministry is preparing a new procedure for qualified immigrants in medicine or nursing without a work permit to request it and it will be resolved almost automatically. When will it be ready?

R. We have streamlined the incorporation of health personnel in a regular situation and more than 350 people have been hired by hospitals. We study additional measures with other ministries: Education, Health, Interior, Universities …

P. Has the president or the economic vice president already asked you for any technical preparatory document for some Moncloa pacts, as happened in 1977?

R. We are in a previous process of reflection and exchange of ideas. But this process also requires that the political and social forces put their positions on the table and seek a point of consensus. The initiative not only has to be held by the Government, but obviously we have many ideas and approaches on how to deal with Spain's economic future.

P. Does it stimulate or, on the contrary, postpone the revival plan, the so-called new Marshall Plan?

R. They are two initiatives that go in parallel, I do not see conflict in the temporal sequences. This crisis is going to require a very large increase in debt. It is clear that by their nature it would not be acceptable for countries to finance themselves at widely different costs. They must be as homogeneous as possible. In the previous crisis, firewalls came late and badly, and now they arrive promptly and with an adequate approach. Then, certain sectors will have to be supported, those that will have a harder time leaving and will require more support. That is where I see the Marshall Plan. It has another nature and other rhythms.

P. Requires common debt.

R. Debt mutualization may be more complicated. But virtue must be made of necessity and, as this is a symmetrical disturbance across the EU, the reconstruction of the parts most affected by this discontinuity of activity requires a comprehensive response. We will have to share risk.

P. The Stability Pact is parked for now. Should it be replaced later?

R. He already had enormous problems, he had lost credibility. There was a consensus on the need for reform. The current parenthesis opens the opportunity for a new framework to emerge. We should emphasize the long-term goal of public debt, 60% of GDP, and set paths to achieve it. Each State should have more decision-making capacity to define them. And the set, exert more demand if the commitment is not fulfilled.

The post José Luis Escrivá: “After an earthquake, investment is made in infrastructure. Here you have to protect income “| Economy appeared first on Cryptodictation.

from WordPress https://cryptodictation.com/2020/04/12/jose-luis-escriva-after-an-earthquake-investment-is-made-in-infrastructure-here-you-have-to-protect-income-economy/