#do as a Potential Symptom. which is a conversation that has merit of course

[flamingothing]

think im really struggling to find the middleground between "not pathologizing all my behaviours" and "these are textbook symptoms of the disorders i have"

[scientificphilosopher]

I’m still learning how to be an effective ally in the pursuit of social justice. Part of this, for me, comes through figuring out how to best support other allies, how to effectively engage with them, even when they’re not as well-versed in the issues as I’ve become through many years of education. I often ask myself this: How can I balance meeting people where they’re at while also holding people responsible for their ignorant and harmful actions and beliefs? Is there a place for compassion and patience toward well-meaning allies, even when they unintentionally harm others?

What I want to focus on for this blog post is the phenomenon of what I’m calling “anxious allyship” — what it is, how it manifests in certain spaces, and what I do to prevent myself from both being an anxious ally and driving others into anxious ally behaviors via things like gatekeeping.

Anxious allyship, in short, is the tendency for well-intentioned allies to shut down and fail to meaningfully engage with social justice work — be it online or in person — out of fear of saying something wrong or appearing ignorant or racist. Now, it’s important to keep in mind that there are MANY reasons why an ally might fail to show up. There are various elements at play that lead to white people’s fear of appearing ignorant or racist in the first place. For the sake of this blog, I want to focus on how this crops up in online spaces full of predominantly white, left-leaning allies and the tendency for these spaces to partake in gatekeeping (though much of what I’m talking about can extend beyond just conversations with allies — that is simply what I’m focusing on for now). By gatekeeping, I mean for members of these spaces to be overly hostile toward people who are presumably not as knowledgeable in the topic or who say problematic things. In some cases, this type of gatekeeping results in driving people out of the spaces or even harassing them. This type of gatekeeping can be seen as self-righteous bullying, both deliberate and unintentional. At its core, it’s shaming people for not knowing what you know and using that to drive people out of an online space. Again, this can be done with the best intentions. Sometimes gatekeeping occurs out of righteous indignation, to really show that problematic fool how wrong and ignorant their views truly are. More often than not, though, it’s done for the sake of showing off; it’s done to signal to others just how knowledgable and committed of an ally you truly are. To be clear, I am not speaking about justified criticism or the moderation of certain spaces in the service of keeping discussions civil. There are often good reasons to call people out; there are good reasons to react with anger or exasperation; there are good reasons to ban people from certain online forums or refuse to take the time and effort to have a fruitful discussion with them. Just because an ally has good intentions doesn’t mean they are immune to criticism. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, as William James said. No, what I’m talking about is white folks lording their knowledge over fledgling allies for reasons like sanctimony and virtue signaling.

Just to be clear as possible, I want to emphasize what I am not saying throughout this post. I am not saying that there is no room for anger (there is). I am not saying that I shouldn’t call people out — allies or otherwise — for their harmful ignorance (I should). I am not saying that patience and effectiveness should always be the primary focus when engaging with allies. I am not saying that there is a singular way of doing any of this. The last thing I am interested in is tone policing. I am, instead, advocating for a pluralistic approach, and that means leaving space for people to be angry, enraged, unresponsive, disengaged, or any other manner of reaction. It is not my place to say that one should not react in anger or ridicule to a well-intentioned but harmful comment simply because it might not be the most effective way to engage with that person, to get them to understand or change their mind. Express your anger if you're angry. Be angry. There is a whole helluva lot to be angry about.

Instead, I am arguing that overprivileged people such as myself should, perhaps, harbor some sense of responsibility in thinking about how to respond in ways that are more inviting to allies based on where they’re at in their educational journey, especially since it has increased potential for maximizing effectiveness and minimizing anxious ally behaviors. I am coming at these issues from a very different place than a lot of marginalized folks. It does not require as much emotional labor for me — an overprivileged white male — to discuss race with people as it might for many people of color. As Audre Lorde — a queer black woman — put it, “Frequently, when speaking with men and white women, I am reminded of how difficult and time-consuming it is to have to reinvent the pencil every time you want to send a message.” White men should, I think, be more willing to sometimes take on the time and effort to reinvent that pencil, especially since other white men are more willing to see us as “objective” and authoritative merely by merit of our maleness and whiteness. In a clear case of cosmic irony, white men will listen to other white men, even in regard to realities like racism, about which we tend to be utterly inexperienced and grievously ignorant. And to further the injustice of that irony, those very white men are the ones who are more likely to harbor power and social capital, thus the ones who can leverage our platforms in ways to most swiftly bring about systemic change. That is why I think those of us in privileged positions have a moral responsibility to learn to engage effectively on these issues.

Still, I’ve certainly found myself attacking people on social media, sometimes looking for that mic drop moment, and in hindsight, I realize I was doing it simply out of self-righteousness or to look smart to my virtual onlookers. If I had taken time to step back and evaluate what was motivating me to say what I was saying, I would’ve recognized that unproductive performative allyship showing its face. I don’t want to lend my energies to creating spaces that are needlessly hostile to people, including other allies. Spaces that are highly judgmental of their participants will engender performative behaviors precisely because people become anxious that they will mess up and get shamed for it. Not a feedback loop I want to amplify.

So, what can I do? Well, I don’t know, exactly. Probably a lot of things. One thing I try to do when interacting with other people who might be in the early stages of exploring their privilege or learning about race, gender, oppression, etc., is that I remind myself of my own journey. As an exercise in perspective and compassion, I reflect on the fact that education is largely a privilege. I have been absurdly lucky to learn the things I’ve learned, to have the resources and support in my life, the patient and empathic teachers. I remind myself of all these privileges, privileges that are not present for many people. Next, I meditate on the many ignorant, problematic beliefs and behaviors of my younger self. I was still me, just a version of me who was oblivious to the fact that a world existed outside the scope of my perspective. I harbored deeply racist, sexist, homophobic, and self-serving beliefs — because I was raised in a deeply racist, sexist, homophobic, self-serving culture. We all are. And I still grapple with these things today, and I imagine I always will. Of course, it is emblematic of privilege that some of us learn about oppression in more academic, impersonal ways, rather than having to confront its realities on a day to day basis. For overprivileged folks such as myself (and, really everyone to some extent), learning about the experiences of marginalized identities is an ongoing journey. None of us comes fully equipped. I remind myself of these things in order to temper my criticism with kindness and compassion. It is an exercise in humility and empathy.

I’ve also alluded to “effectiveness” throughout this post. How can I most effectively engage with other allies? Exercises in compassion and humility are good for me for a variety of reasons. They are humanizing. They are perspective-giving. They are, also, practical. I care deeply about social justice and I want to do what I can to keep privileged eyes and hearts on progressive change. One strategy that I find particularly effective is to meet people where they’re at, ask questions, and engage with them as if they were sitting in the room next to me. I try to remember that this computer screen acts as a veil of anonymity, which gives me a felt sense of licensing in treating people more coldly or harshly than I otherwise would.

So, in discussions with fellow allies, I try to exercise compassion and humility, while still keeping an eye on effectiveness. But this post isn’t solely about what I personally do to prevent others from becoming anxious allies. It’s also about how I try to recognize and combat the anxious ally in myself. Personally, I try to steel myself against some of these more toxic tendencies by practicing these things:

Being Okay With Mistakes. In fact, I have to work to get to a place where I embrace my mistakes. I have to be ok with being dumb and ignorant much of the time. I have to embrace the fact that I will mess up plenty. I have a wrinkly monkey brain and I know somewhere in the vicinity of none percent about the world. I am human, I am fallible, I am ignorant, and my understanding of reality is inherently limited by insulating and unequal social systems. One of the most insidious symptoms of privilege is how its benefits tend to be concealed from those who reap them. White people don’t need to think about racism; men don’t need to think about sexism; able-bodied people don’t need to think about accessibility, etc. This is all expected and understandable; it’s how we respond when our privilege is challenged that matters.

Staying Open and Receptive to Criticism. Ok, so making mistakes is inevitable. What do I do once I realize I’ve made one? How am I responding? An unfortunate reality for marginalized identities is that they too often have to undertake the emotional labor of teaching privileged identities all about these issues. This is not fair. It shouldn’t be this way. This makes it all the more meaningful when I get called out for saying something offensive, ignorant, racist, sexist, or bigoted. My initial response might be embarrassment or shame, and I might take refuge in my intentions: “That’s not how I meant it!” But this is defensiveness. This is symptomatic of what Robin DiAngelo calls “white fragility.” More to the point, it’s a bad interpersonal habit. As Cori Wong points out in her TEDtalk on feminist friendship, you would not react with hostility if a friend lets you know you had a big ol’ booger hanging out your nose in public. You might be embarrassed at first, but you’d ultimately thank your friend for speaking up so that you could take care of it (by wiping it inside your shirt like every warm-blooded American would). The same goes for people pointing out my mistakes in regards to social justice. My ultimate response, regardless of my intentions or initial emotional reactions, should be to listen and to give thanks. I have, after all, been presented with an opportunity to learn more.

Engaging With the Literature. Okay, so I’m willing to make mistakes and I’m willing to listen when people say I’ve messed up (at least some of the time). Is that enough? No. There’s still plenty left to do — and I cannot simply count on the emotional labor of oppressed peoples to figure out what to do next. Thankfully, I have incredible resources at my fingertips. I have YouTube channels, I have article after article after article, Instagram feeds, Facebook pages, books, books, books. There’s so much to learn and it can feel overwhelming to get started, but it’s never too late. There’s no better time than now. (I will also be making a blog post that provides a more extensive list of resources.)

What we have now, as mentioned by activist Maya Rupert, is a climate where the only people who are readily talking about race are those who know the least (vis-à-vis Dunning-Kruger effect) and those who engage with it regularly or professionally. The center has collapsed, with too many well-meaning white people sitting in anxious silence, thus reinforcing the very status quo they’re concerned with challenging. This is not an atmosphere conducive to collaboration, democratic and egalitarian participation, and effective mobilization. As an ally, I hope to do what little I can to correct this. I want to encourage other allies to take the leap of getting engaged. Advocating for spaces that are less hostile to newcomers is only a tiny piece of the puzzle, of course. But I think it’s a good step toward combating white fragility, white inaction, and anxious allyship — though white folks must recognize that it is our ultimate responsibility to undertake this.

In short, I want to be mindful of my impact, whether I’m criticizing people for virtue signaling and engaging in counterproductive ways, or I’m the person being accused of that very thing. I strive to foster allyship environments that are more welcoming and more willing to meet people where they’re at, while also fostering a willingness on my end to make mistakes while remaining open to feedback and staying committed to learning and changing. That’s just me though. In the end, a pluralistic approach to effective social engagement is likely what’s needed. It’s not realistic or productive to prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach to such dynamic and prismatic realities. On top of that, it’s clear that what I’ve talked about so far is just the beginning. A single angry Facebook post does not an activist make. Activism is more than simply learning about a topic; it’s getting involved in ways that lead to direct social and political shifts. It’s taking concrete steps. This requires more than reading a book or posting a hashtag (though these are not necessarily meaningless steps either). Remember: this is just the beginning.

Are you an ally of these movements? Are you nervous about engaging with folks, looking stupid or making mistakes? All understandable. The key? Make mistakes! Look stupid! Wade into the muck of it. Get messy. But just be sure to LISTEN and LEARN while doing so. Put down those defenses. Own your ignorance. Don’t center discussions on your own emotional well-being, but don’t render yourself paralyzed to the point of doing nothing either. Engage. Speak up, speak out. Explore ways to be an effective activist. Understand that social justice work is ongoing. You do not arrive into a state of enlightenment. You have to keep fucking up and keep learning. The reward? A better planet. Keep up the momentum, you messy, ignorant ally, you.

[perfectirishgifts]

11 Things Incurably Happy People Don't Care About

New Post has been published on https://perfectirishgifts.com/11-things-incurably-happy-people-dont-care-about/

11 Things Incurably Happy People Don't Care About

Happy people simply don’t worry about things most others do, and that makes them mentally and … [] physically healthier.

One of the biggest, post-Corona challenges for professionals and leaders is helping themselves and others avoid negative and depressed feelings. Whether those feelings stem from working remotely or from other, public health measures, they can materialize, in any case.

Indeed, apart from anything else, depressed and unhappy people make for a less productive and less creative office and social sphere.

In this regard, we can learn from the behavioral science of happiness. In particular, it teaches that incurably happy people resist negative and depressed feelings by avoiding certain unproductive ways of thinking. Thus, according to science, there are at least 11 things incurably happy people don’t care about. These include:

They don’t care about pursuing happiness as a life goal. Strange as it sounds, researchers have found that the very pursuit of happiness drives away happiness. In one study, for example, the scientists discovered that people seeking happiness by watching happy movies often felt disappointed afterwards. They were often more depressed than people who did not watch the movies but read the news. And in another, longer-term study, they found that people who pursued happiness from a youthful age (in the 1920s) ended up dying earlier, potentially from the onset of depression that came about when they did not continually reach new happiness milestones. As an alternative, the researchers suggest living in the present experience, but not actively seeking a happy experience.

They don’t care who is to blame. To the extent happiness means reducing stress, one of the best ways incurably happy people do so is by not assigning and/or even accepting, blame. Scientists have found, for example, that people who routinely assign blame to others—even when it’s merited—suffer numerous, stress-related illnesses. Indeed, recent work has even begun to overturn older concerns about ‘self-blame’. In that past, psychologists, such as Freud, argued that blaming one’s self led to depression. However, however, recent evidence from brain scientists has challenged this view. They found that self-blame of the negative sort could be a defensive mechanism: one wherein the depressed person did not accept blame appropriately in some past, critical instance. Yet, when blame is accurately attributed (or accepted when plausible) brain processes associated with depression are not related to self-blame. Indeed, self-blame ignites pleasure centers. The upshot is that many happy people achieve this state by not seeking to assign blame in the first place.

They don’t care about losing things to change. The enemy of change is our inability to let things go. Indeed, some brain scientists at Yale have found that the stronger our attachment to possessions, the more stressed we become about losing them to change. Naturally, that leads us to resist change. Yet, this ignites a vicious cycle. As other research studies have shown, stress leads to loss aversion—or a mental hangup wherein we hold a distorted view of risk-taking. When we’re loss averse, for example, we’re unwilling to accept opportunities when we should and willing to take bad gambles when we shouldn’t. The upshot is that we make things worse for ourselves precisely because we resist change. As a result, incurably happy people do not resist change. They realize losses are often necessary to make room for new gains.

They don’t care about missing out. Similar to their lack of concern about change, happy people are not worried about missing out. The fear of missing out (FOMO) has become a popular phenomenon of discussion, especially in regards to teens. FOMO not only leads to anxiety and stress, but is even defined as a particular type of anxiety. Moreover, there are studies which show FOMO can actually fuel happiness if it motivates teens to make more social connections. Hence, proponents of FOMO would claim it’s a good thing. Nonetheless, as any teen will tell you, making and maintaining social connections is their biggest challenge. If they fail to do so, depression (and worse) can often result. Incurably happy people avoid playing this game altogether. They regard what they’ve missed as having “obviously” been unnecessary.

They don’t waste time on conspiracies. By now, you’re seeing the strong connection between anxiety, stress and happiness. Good. Generally speaking, stress kills happiness. Moreover, few things incite stress more than conspiracy theories. In a review of numerous studies on the connection, for example, scientists show that not only does a belief in conspiracy theories create stress, stress also makes people more likely to believe in conspiracies. If you’re under great stress and strain, for example, you’re more likely to believe evil people are out to get you. Indeed, that’s not to say happy people turn off their natural ability to sense danger. Rather, it’s fatalism they avoid. The fatalism of many conspiracy theories creates worry. Incurably happy people realize this and break the cycle by not paying attention to them.

They don’t hold grudges. Holding a grudge is much like the tendency to assign blame. The difference is the culprit is often correctly identified. Nonetheless, the challenge, medically and psychologically, to holding a grudge is it has an incredibly negative impact on the person. Research by the Mayo Clinic has found that refusing to hold a grudge (i.e., forgiving) has a long list of measurable benefits, including: healthier relationships, improved mental health, less anxiety, stress and hostility, lower blood pressure, fewer symptoms of depression, a stronger immune system, improved heart health, improved self-esteem. If all those benefits aren’t enough to encourage forgiveness it’s not clear what are.

They don’t envy others. In one fascinating study, researchers showed that people who envy others become more stingy. At the same time, people unconcerned about what others have are not only more generous, they’re happier. Generosity has long been associated with happiness, of course. What’s more surprising for the unhappy, however, is that generosity—when fueled by seeking happiness but while still being envious—is less effective at creating and maintaining happiness.

They don’t worry about being seen as ignorant. In an important study, behavioral scientists found that women who worried about being seen as ignorant work much harder than men to prove observers wrong. This created a backfiring effect of generating more stress and, therefore, greater unhappiness. Biologically, the was no difference between men and women in terms of their efforts during the exercise, excepting the anxiety. This suggests men who didn’t care about being seen as “stupid” were happier. In other words, one key to happiness is to suspect worry about being perceived as ignorant or incompetent.

They don’t worry about the future. Behavioral studies since the pandemic have found a wave of mental and physical illnesses have been directly connected to worries about the future. Indeed, other studies have shown that people with anxiety disorders worry largely because they anticipate future worries. The irony is that no amount of worry predicts the future. Indeed, despite so-called, self-dubbed, “futurists” now increasing in number on the internet, for example, none predicted the Pandemic. That suggests prediction of what comes after equally difficult and equally elusive. The happiness lesson to be learned is this: don’t worry about the future, as you can neither predict it or change it.

They don’t worry about the ill will of others. Obviously, the actions of other people—particularly when ill-intended—can upset us. However, the incurably happy use a combination of the above behaviors (e.g., blaming themselves, lack of concern about how others view them, etc.) as a mechanism for dealing with how others treat them. To be clear, this does not mean they ignore situations where they caused others harm. Indeed, researchers have found that when we cause others harm, but ignore it, our subconscious eat away at us—making us unhappy. As an alternative, the path to happiness requires implementing the above coping mechanisms with sincerity.

Becoming famous, wealthy or remaining beautiful. Again, using a combination of the above coping mechanisms (e.g., not seeking happiness as a goal, not worrying about change, lack of concern about others’s evaluations) lead happy people to ignore notoriety as a way of pursuing happiness. Not worrying about change, they recognize change in themselves, for example—whether in wealth or physical terms.

Of course, the fact that incurably happy people reject the above is not to suggest they’re stoics. Happy people are just active in the management of their emotions—realizing doing so is imperative to making the best decisions, in any case.

Moreover, the above is not to suggest leaders or professionals can or should take responsibility for the happiness of others. Rather, the above act as conversation points. Leaders and professionals can aim to design their workplaces and work strategies to make happiness more likely. That starts by encouraging colleagues and subordinates to avoid many of the same things incurably happy people avoid.

From Leadership Strategy in Perfectirishgifts

[ymd3signs]

How Do Graphic Designers Affect the World Around You?

Graphic Designers and the World: A Capstone Paper with the aid of using Holly Breslin

Introduction

Take an excellent study your surroundings – you'll maximum possibly see the paintings of an image fashion dressmaker gift on a few surfaces. Whether it's an advertisement, the quilt of an e-book that rests on a shelf, the infographic at the wall of a doctor's office, or maybe an avenue sign, an image fashion dressmaker has had a hand in developing the same factor being appeared at. Graphic fashion dressmaker won't look like a noteworthy, or maybe very talked approximately, activity title, however, it's miles tough to disclaim its effect and significance. In this international, humans are surrounded with the aid of using a plethora of snapshots, symbols, and portions of textual content, a significant quantity of it prepared with the assistance of using the ones known as image designers.

Since image designers have one of this visible presence withinside the international, it's obtrusive that they have got a few types of effect on ordinary lives, or maybe society itself. Design can be an artwork in and of itself, and it can, at instances, be beautiful. However, the position of the image fashion dressmaker isn't to create an appealing image or enhance an area like one could with a painting; an image fashion dressmaker has a more profound social duty, and that may are available in more than one paperwork. Graphic designers are liable for the robust conversation of thoughts, and whilst doing so, they have to recollect the wishes in their target market, social and cultural traits or ethics, and on the subject of the substances for those messages, sustainability and effect at the surroundings.  This paper will discover the image fashion dressmaker's dating with society and the surroundings.

What Design is

Simply put, image layout is a visible conversation via using and a mixture of typography, illustration, and photography. However, allow us to examine what the idea of the layout is similarly. Is layout an artwork? Technically, yes, the layout is an artwork; however, it's miles indeed of its very own class in a sense. In a paper with the aid of using Robert Harland, he references Jack Breen in pronouncing that layout might be visible as something that branches into each the humanities and sciences and takes traits from those matters to create its very own class. While artwork makes up the nice of expression, technological know-how makes up that of knowledge. Design is taken into consideration to be a "0.33 way" that mixes each creative and medical questioning methods (Breen 2005) (Harland 2011, p. 27).

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) states that the features of the layout itself also can be damaged down into three categories: aesthetic, teleological, and semiotic. The textbook's image outlining the features of the layout reads as follows: "Aesthetic: Related to splendor of shape. Teleological: Related to function, purpose, application, and usability. Semiotic: Related to which means and subject matter of content material" (NCERT 2011, p. 4).

Graphic Design and Society

Graphic layout is visible in lots of places: advertising, product packaging, internet site and app interfaces, files, avenue symptoms and symptoms or different varieties of wayfinding, or even social attention messages. Since layout encompasses such a lot of matters in a single's everyday life, it's miles crucial that the designers create with social attention and accessibility in thoughts so one can cater to the big selection of humans dwelling withinside the international, now no longer only one kind.

Social Awareness and Responsibility

In the past, the position of an image fashion dressmaker might also additionally had been more comfortable. Their essential project turned into to create the ornament for or provide shape to merchandise, function inside aesthetic and technical principles, and consciousness at the marketability of inventory. Now designers have to be aware of social traits, their moral implications, and reproduce cultural meanings via their layout (Margolin 2007) (Al Qur'an 2016, p. 1472) (Fox & Grant p. 77, 1992). Designers on this contemporary ought to additionally be running toward more extraordinary illustration and removal of dangerous stereotypes. The obligations of the fashion dressmaker have indeed widened; however, that doesn't suggest they ought to be neglected with the aid of using designers and their customers, due to the fact what humans see around them can affect them internally.

Designers ought to be capable of apprehending the social context in the back of why clients use complimentary merchandise, due to the fact if they do now no longer, they won't be capable of successfully create meanings which might be socially relevant. Designers that problem themselves with the wishes of the purchaser and human interplay itself might be known as social designers. To acquire the right friendly layout, the layout ought to enchantment to the fundamental wishes of the target market and their human rights. One instance from this newsletter could be a furnishings and hardware keep making sure the consolation and effectiveness in their merchandise, whilst such as snapshots of humans, particularly of ladies and minorities, which might be fantastic. Present at the packaging of those merchandises ought to be messages which might be smooth to apprehend and legible, in addition to substances that aren't dangerous. Relating returned to such as ladies and minorities withinside the advertisements, additionally found in this newsletter turned into an advert for Simmons Beautyrest, presenting a lady sporting enterprise garments mendacity on a mattress, her briefcase and footwear beside it. This lady turned into portrayed in a beautiful and empowering light, as she turned into now no longer displayed in a demeaning or harmfully stereotypical manner, however alternatively as a hardworking character that merits the aid and luxury the mattress brings her (Fox & Grant p. 85 & 86, 1992). Designers ought to paintings to put off dangerous stereotypes and portrayals of individuals who are taken into consideration minorities or marginalized, as this may assist us paintings toward a higher society. Representation this is correct and wonderful is something designers ought to paintings toward with their customers so one can now no longer best enchantment to a much broader target market, however, to boost them up and lead them to sense accepted, which additionally from an enterprise viewpoint ought to make contributions to logo loyalty.

Understanding cultural institutions in image elements, in addition to knowledge key social troubles and present-day occasions happening withinside the international, are different matters a fashion dressmaker ought to have. Colours may have specific academic institutions carried with them relying on the tradition; ensuring to analyze what colourings suggest in a lively practice is a significant factor to do whilst designing for one. A colour which can bring a terrific connotation in a single tradition might also additionally get a poor one in some other, as this all relies upon at the upbringing, beliefs, mythology, politics, and worldview of these in the tradition. Some colourings are extraordinarily culturally-substantial as well, and that ought to be taken into consideration and explored. Colours can initiate positive emotions and or maybe offer situational context so that they ought to be used wisely (Yu p. 49 & 51). Designers ought to observe a comparable method on the subject of cultural symbols and patterns; whilst designing something artistic, make an effort to study the cultural importance of the layout and why a person acquainted with it can be drawn to it or become aware of with it (NCERT 2011, p. 7 & eight). Events and troubles that take location inside society also are crucial for designers to make themselves aware about. It is essential to observe that each media and culture are reflections of every different; as such, the social duty that designers have is running toward a higher society and surroundings. With their creative and communicative skills, designers have the cap potential to create attention approximately those present-day occasions or social troubles via many means. Just as designers can create branding or package deal layout, designers also can create enticing and informative photographs and campaigns to focus on problems which include worldwide warming, abuse, home violence, and toddler labour, amongst many different matters (NCERT 2011, p. eight, 9, & eleven). Most humans have maximum possibly visible lots of those social attention campaigns withinside the shape of billboards, posters, or internet advertisements. Graphic designers can, indeed, be a pressure of social alternate with the aid of using teaching the general public on crucial subjects affecting humanity and the sector itself.

Designing for Accessibility

Many humans withinside the international own a few sorts of incapacity or impairment, whether or not it's visible, auditory, or mobile, intellectual. Designing for accessibility is of extreme significance to get messages to as many humans as viable and exercise inclusivity. With the generation to be had today, designers could make distribution of media and letters greater reachable. In phrases of files, Section 508 calls for Federal corporations to make all in their files reachable to humans with disabilities or impairments (GSA 2018). Accessible PDF files ought to be capable of be examine aloud with the aid of using assistive generation like a display reader, have searchable textual content, paperwork which might be interactive and capable of being tabbed via, and tagged paragraphs and photographs, descriptions on snapshots, and navigational aids, amongst different matters. Also, e-courses ought to have reflowable textual content that lets in the person to resize it to match their visible wishes (Adobe). Similar accessibility parameters also are brilliant for web sites and apps. Accessibility is substantially crucial due to the Digital Famine, which is the truth that there isn't sufficient virtual content material to be had for people with disabilities or impairments. Ignoring this piece of the populace whilst developing e-courses prevents a bigger target market of humans from seeing content material they may advantage from or enjoy (Garrish 2012). Designers might be a crucial key in growing inclusivity in society and spotting range in all of its many paperwork.

Graphic Design and Sustainability

Part of the image fashion dressmaker's social duty is to the surroundings, and this is applied via making environmentally-aware choices whilst designing. The overuse of herbal resources, blended with electricity intake and pollution, is inflicting the surroundings to degrade rapidly. As folks that create merchandise that require quite a few substances, designers are liable for minimizing their ecological footprint and making wiser, much less adverse, and much less wasteful choices approximately substances and electricity intake (NCERT 2011, p. eleven).

Professor Brooke N. Scherer, Assistant Professor of Art on the University of Tampa, taught a category on the sustainable layout. Some of the questions she had the scholars solution in the course of developing their designs have been as follows: "Have I selected a layout for re-use/longevity? Have I selected to layout cyclically and now no longer linearly? Have I selected recyclable/non-poisonous substances? Have I controlled to put off waste? Have I controlled to reduce ink insurance? Have I taken care and proven admire for the community? Have I helped enhance the nice of life? Have I helped to reduce the depletion of nonrenewable sources? Have I helped to allow a alternate in non-public attitudes and practices?" (Scherer p. 7). Teaching sustainable layout from the begin is prime to developing a more fantastic green international, as we'll be turning out new designers withhold close on those environmental concepts. No longer is the image fashion dressmaker's obligation to create visuals; their duty is to be energetic in how they affect society and the surroundings. However, whilst those questions Scherer wrote have been for students, designers already withinside the area ought to be asking themselves those similar questions so one can assist them in pursuing sustainability of their layout paintings.

To create a sustainable layout, the fashion dressmaker has to pick out the varieties of substances that they plan to apply for their project. Offset inks, the conventional kind used for printing, include pigments that composed of many metals, the maximum poisonous of them being a collection known as CAMALS (cadmium, arsenic, mercury, antimony, lead, and selenium). Groundwater infection has been the result of the paper wasted from landfills containing paper published with those inks. It is likewise hard to put off dye primarily based inks in the course of the recycling process. A lot of the components inside those inks are petroleum-primarily based totally. Inks are dried via the heat-setting process, and this makes use of up greater electricity in the course of the print run. Also in the time of this heat-setting, 35 to forty-five per cent of the VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the inks might be launched; VOCs are materials which might be carbon-primarily based totally and are dangerous to the surroundings and health. There are a few opportunity inks picks that designers can pick out so one can be greater environmentally-pleasant, even though not anything is perfect. UV inks dry whilst uncovered to ultraviolet lamps which might be located after the paper rollers, making it so that they right away dry. Since they dry right away, there isn't a want for heat-setting, decreasing each electricity intake and VOC release. UV inks additionally don't require solvents. The disadvantage of UV inks is that the generation is steeply-priced and workforce wishes special education. Vegetable-primarily based ink is some other opportunity, and it works at the equal varieties of printers that offset inks do, so no unique gadget or knowledge is required. A positive quantity of the petroleum base in the vegetable-primarily based ink is changed with oil. This is bio-derived, that could reduce the emission of VOCs. The disadvantage of this sort of ink is that it calls for more fantastic drying time, this means that accelerated printer electricity intake because of longer heat-setting.

Overall, the exceptional desire of motion for a fashion dressmaker regarding inks is to pick out inks primarily based totally on the extent of dangerous materials, reduce the insurance of ink, and strive now no longer to make lengthy bleeds off the whole published area (Romano 2014, p. 28 – 30). Designers additionally want to be acutely aware of paper picks. In truth, the manufacturing of paper claims approximately forty per cent of the duty for the sector's business deforestation (Dougherty 2008) (Romano 2014, p. 33). The manufacturing of recent paper is adverse and calls for trees, electricity, and water. In phrases of alternatives, PCR (post-purchase recycled fibre) has emerged as a replacement to paper this is virgin fibre-primarily based totally. PCR is created via paper series packages, and it does now no longer depend on wooded area ecosystems. Another paper opportunity could be to apply paper from forests which might be controlled responsibly and constituted of fibre this is sustainably harvested. There also are specific varieties of tree-unfastened opportunity fibres turning into to be had so that designers can recall the ones as well. Bamboo is likewise a brilliant opportunity, as it's miles fast-developing and does now no longer want to be replanted because it regrows from the roots, casting off the effect at the soil's pinnacle layer. Hemp is a comparable tree-unfastened replacement (Romano, 2014, p. 33 – 39). Essentially, picks approximately substances which includes ink and paper are paramount in a fashion dressmaker's plan to be sustainable.

Conclusion

Since the paintings of image designers are so visibly gift inside one's life, it ought to now no longer come as an excessive amount of wonder how a great deal of an impact they have got on the sector. Their effect may be felt in society and tradition via how they talk thoughts and painting humans, troubles, and occasions. Design displays society and it, in turn, shows image layout; as such, layout may be used to make a significant distinction withinside the international. Designers additionally discover themselves with the project of being environmentally-pleasant and sustainable. As designers undertake more extraordinary green practices, they lessen waste, destruction, and dangerous materials being launched into the atmosphere. It's additionally a desire that as image designers undertake green attitudes that different humans will observe the match. Take some other appearance round, this time figuring out how deeply designers have impacted the sector.

[itinerantscribe-blog]

Day 4 of 56

I had white bread for breakfast today. I don’t even care. I fancied a German breakfast. I call it a German breakfast but I have no idea if this is typical or specific to a German diet. I’ve just always called it such since the days of my footloose and fancy free travelling. I was young then, earning well, spending more than I was earning mind you, no rules, no sense of responsible living. Ha! Responsible living? Whatever that is. I met a whole bunch of German folk, my age, when I was living in Rome. Even started an affair with one of them. I say affair, it was just sex on the hoof. But after I left Roman climes for English shores, I maintained contact with these beer swilling, fun loving individuals hailing from Dusseldorf. They used to invite me to their Saturday night parties which I would invariably attend, heading off to the airport Friday night, indifferent to the dimensions of the airport terminal, no difficulty with the landscape that has come to sabotage so many similar efforts these days. Off I’d go, drinking in anticipation, making them all laugh, having a weekend carved from the monument to pure hedonism, back in Blighty by Sunday evening ready for Monday morning travail. Then, a midweek call informing me it was happening all over again the coming weekend, that I was welcome once more, and true to my devil may care attitude and my lack of ties elsewhere, true to my indifference to an ever inflating Amex bill that should really have counselled otherwise, off I’d trot again to my newly discovered Dusseldorf drinking haunts. And to my Doris. Not Doris as in old English vernacular, but Doris as in appellation, Doris as in her name! Well, my meine liebe Doris would now and then prepare a breakfast composed of rolls divided into 3 parts of which one part would be layered with cheese, one with jam and the other plain for the purposes of the boiled egg which sat enthroned at the centre of  the courtiers encircling its regal presence. I was a right gadabout was I. Not a seeming care in the world, untroubled by family ties, there were none, untroubled by responsibility, untroubled by anything. I remember an aunt once asking me a question in this period, to which I reacted with some typically frivolous response. ‘Do you just laugh at everything?’ she replied, her manner anything but jocular. ‘Don’t you ever take anything seriously?’ I laughed. I wasn’t taking anything seriously. The laughter would never stop, would it? No, of course not!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdXAUKcjejI

Well, the laughter may not have stopped, but the cavalier spontaneity certainly left me for some greener pastures. An example of crossing the road was a modest example of difficulty, but I see no reason not to introduce areas of greater, almost impossible variety, current and real, requiring all manner of preparation just to enable an attempt whilst promising no surety of successful outcome. You listen and you be the judge of the correlation with the alcohol that inevitably snakes its way into the following story, this one story from a catalogue of multiple examples but the one most recent that makes me consider the futility of further resistance despite my gung ho message of defiance not more than 24 hours ago.It begins some months prior to the event itself, an event I have desired to witness in person for many years, the need to compete for tickets for PMQs always in heavy demand the reason for an early bird approach. Successfully booked, I awaited the day with increasing trepidation until my mounting disquiet penned an email on my behalf. 'Sorry for short notice, unexpected developments dictate the need for a cancellation, preferably a postponement if this email alienates not its recipient with its last minute composition.' The email was more expansive than this, I piled it on, obsequious too flaccid a word for my written prostrate supplication,  desperate to receive a second chance, desperate to ensure only a battle it was I had lost, not the war. The response to some measure mollified my worried soul, it was indeed, only a battle, and as if some unseen, silent force had allied itself to my cause, the revised date coincided with what would be Mrs May's last ever PMQs, a splendid event I have witnessed on TV oft times previously with other prime ministers, more than worthy of a real life visit when the house would be full and the jousting less toxic albeit robust and boisterous nonetheless. This time I would be ready.

The tickets came in pairs and whilst I was quite content to make my personal pilgrimage a solo affair, I considered the merits of inviting a guest, part altruistic my consideration, part self interest not entirely absent from my deliberations. I began in earnest my preparations 2 weeks in advance, enjoying my last real ale until the completion of my endeavour. Gradually my research intensified, entrenched habits, virtually and remotely examining the lay out of the building that was the equivalent of my Everest, availing myself of the official website which offered the facility of virtual on line tours, many of which to my undiluted interest and surprise, was aimed specifically at those individuals who are placed within the autistic spectrum and whose symptoms and difficulties clearly coincide with my own. Hmmm. That notwithstanding, it became clear from my forensic scrutiny that this was going to be no slice of sponge, so many elements conflating to produce a moving sequence of a slide show of horror. Tall buildings, long open halls, heavily armed police, security more intensive than airport terminals, an entire panoply of Danny's worst vignettes beautifully crafted together in loving preparation for his bestest possible experience. What was not to like? Yumbloodyyum! Westminster Hall held particular beauty and promise for me. I felt my hands moisten in the tranquil security of my small abode as I watched from a screen the reality beyond my door and beyond. By the time I had finished my laborious but distant familiarisation process, I knew the co-ordinates and dimensions and the procedure like the proverbial back of my hand, although I suspect I knew them better. The back of my hand instils in me not one iota of fear, Westminster Hall is already instilling me with terror...

https://www.parliament.uk/about/podcasts/video-tours/westminster-hall/

So, emboldened by a good period of abstinence, the morning of departure I was quietly confident. I felt healthy, I had subjected myself to a hard bout of high intensity exercise (always a wonderful antidote to all things malign, alas, normally after the event, not before), eaten an athlete's breakfast and was prepared for the inevitable escalating surge of adrenaline the nearer the time for immersion into the event arrived, an habitual surge that is as permanent a feature on my existence as the nose on my face. I had with me my emergency measures compendium, lavender for my wrists, a paper bag if my breathing needed assistance, Valium, that loathsome, odious Valium which I so detest, chewing gum and the omnipresent sunglasses, grateful that their prescription based origin would allow their use contrary to stated parameters for their non prescribed equivalent. It did cross my mind to pick up a cheap miniature whisky en route for last resort circumstance but it almost certainly be held at security and so of little productive benefit. I was as ready as I was going to be. 

https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/3733/famous-grouse-miniature

Arriving in London, my home town, with buckets of time to spare, I tested my status, defiantly surveying the tall buildings at Fenchurch Street to their very apex, excellent litmus paper for my state of mind to judge the levels of my anxiety. I was able to maintain my gaze for a not unreasonable length of time. Not bad I thought, not bad at all. I know London well, born and bred I am conversant to an intimate degree with its geographical nature. The Houses of Parliament, well, what London visitor cannot at once visualise that corpulent and imposing vista, let alone an indigenous fellow? I had established that on PMQs day, the queue for security can take 45 minutes, not my best but I was still fine. Ha! Silly me! There was no need to worry! That benevolent unseen, unspeaking force was still with me! There was no queue at all!! This was going to be fine! I breathed a sigh of relief. I could now walk the route blind, so familiar had I made myself with the logistics, but Westminster Hall still played on my mind and I knew this was coming up fast. The coffee shop was exactly where it should be, and I suggested to my companion that since we had more than an hour to spare, perhaps a brief pause might be in order. I of course, would not dare risk coffee, the additional  caffeine in moments of potential crisis a guaranteed source of heightened woe and chaos, adding as it would to the adrenaline that would certainly flood my interior should things even yet take a turn for the worse. 

My companion. It is apposite to say a thing or two about my companion. I chose carefully, bearing in mind that my choice was limited in any event, these long years of a condition that ensured I remained fairly isolated and on the perifery of the social fabric having effectively rendered me largely Billy no mates. I don't mind being no mates Billy, I quite like my isolation and own company, but there are one or two drawbacks. And certainly, other than the period of stewardship of my son ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B013CEN8S6/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1) when he would be my best ever company in our various trips about the world, I have often undertaken these things I do alone, not hampered by the need to explain if I suddenly have to break into a sprint, not judged if I have to dart quickly into a pub to drink a pint of courage to move to the next stage of whatever event I am undertaking. I'm a scathing enough judge of myself, I need neither validation nor confirmation from anyone else about my periodic aberrant behaviour and I certainly won't apologise for it. I am best alone. That day I was not alone. The companion was female, an individual who whilst not knowing me well nor for any sustained period of long standing acquaintance, had witnessed by accident a mini 'event' I had undergone once before. I recognised at once her lack of judgement, her lack of condemnation, ridicule or endorsement. She was easy to read, one of those who will do anything for anyone, I suspect even provide a lift to a stranger if asked. Furthermore, her role within a medical environment suggested to me some exposure to the various and copious issues that roam the world and select their victims almost randomly. And finally, her innocence, her lack of experience of the world, extraordinarily devoid of virtually any real exploration beyond her parochial (in a totally non pejorative manner I employ that adjective, it is all literal in its inclusion) existence, geographical and otherwise. This last facet meant that the event that day would provide her with something so outside her normal frame of reference that no matter what happened to me, she would have something memorable to take from the experience. I had briefed her on the train, I had tried to explain and condense the last 40 years of my life in the 45 minutes the journey took, to prepare her in advance for what might happen and how she must no matter what proceed alone and witness a fairly unique experience. I could tell she could not quite grasp the concept, why would she? I mean, let's face it, it is a little weird…

 'I am off to have a quick look round,' I say.

 'Ok,' she says, soaking up the adventure, enjoying the coffee before her, not the only entity she was imbibing as she drank in the atmosphere, the majesty of the place, its unmissable historical aura. Off I go, venturing through a door on the right, marking the terrain, a soldier mapping out the landscape, scouting the territory. I happen upon the small souvenir shop, I have a quick glance round, they sell alcohol!! Expensive alcohol. Port and stuff, wine, oh, and miniature bottles of whisky. Six quid each!!! I could have bought three of these en route, but no matter, these aren't for consumption on the premises and besides, I am not going to need them today. There is a toilet up ahead, I have a look. Oooohhh! Dead plush! Modern interior contrasting unpleasantly with the antiquated exterior that leads to it I am thinking. Back out I come. There is another door, open, I know where it leads, I know, I just don't want to look. I am going to have to look. Tentatively I pop my head through the gap. Tortoise neck. Peering in. Westminster Hall. 72 metres? This is never 72 metres! It is much shorter. They got it wrong!! I smile, I rejoice, this will be easy. I do what I have been avoiding. I look up. Ok, not too bad, it's a buttressed type of ceiling, they at least got this right. It curves, it's only high dead centre. Just don't look. Damn, shouldn't have looked, what's been seen cannot be unseen. I look over at the small desk where stand the various attendants. I have my security badge on, dangling from its lanyard, I have been checked, no need to worry. Nothing to see here. Strange I think, not many people, especially not for PMQs.

'Hi,' I say as I regain the table. 'Nice little shop round there.' I am pointing. 'I think we should walk to the chamber, just see what it's like, collect our tickets and then come back and you have a look round the shop. We still have over an hour.'

'Ok,' she says. I am right about her character, entirely relaxed and easy going, no demands at all. We walk outside and I talk to one of the attendants.

'Very quiet today, isn't it? Especially for PMQs.' I am friendly, keen to elicit as much info as I can, I think I am a bit wobbly inside. I touch my pockets, verify the location of my emergency measures.

'Yes, it is,' he says, old boy, friendly and jaunty. 'Theresa isn't here of course today. Down at Portsmouth with Donald. June the fifth.’

 'Oh yeah, course!' I say, knowingly, having thought that she would be here first before helicoptering down there second. My heart sinks a bit, if she's not here, Corbyn will be absent too. At least Emily Thornberry will be there in his stead, she is better than him at the dispatch box, funny too. There is that. I quickly glance at my companion, to see if she shares my disappointment, that would make me sad for her, for anyone, I'd built it up so much. She reveals nothing, I am definitely right about her, she just doesn't mind. 

We enter the hall. It suddenly seems a lot longer than 72 metres, more like half a mile. I quickly absorb the scene at the end, where the stairs replace the flat floor. There are a pair of armed policemen on either flank. My heart is beginning to flutter, the attendants at the desk are looking at me, what can they see? Can they see through my flimsy veneer, are my forced efforts at relaxation personified that transparent. I smile, it's an effort. It's beginning.

'Do you mind if I grab your hand for a minute?' I whisper, the smile still etched on my face. 'Please don't misinterpret.' 

I had briefed her on the train, she is remembering, Her answer confirms she was the perfect person to ask. 

 'No problem,' she whispers back, her smile all real, no masquerade.

'Oh, and I'll need to walk on the left, by the wall, sorry.' I thought I didn't apologise.

She moves effortlessly into position and greedily I grab her hand as we begin our march to whatever is lurking down the road. The sweat has begun its passage, in no time I feel my armpits sodden, oh my god, we have barely walked 2 feet. 

 'Owww,' she whispers. 'Let me take my rings off.' 

It takes her forever, I seize her hand as soon as it becomes available once more. The steps are getting closer, beyond that St Stephen's Hall, I will be ok with Stephen's Hall. If only I could run, I could cover this ground in seconds, my age would be no match for the fuel of my panic, I know this so well. But I can't. I have to maintain a projection of relaxed calm, the police are well trained, I know this too. They are taught to spot the signs that deviate from the norm. I am standing out like something standing out. I smile at them as we approach wishing I could pass between them and the narrow gap to the wall. I will have to ascend the middle, leaving my precious wall, out in the deep end. I pretend to move slowly up the stairs but this theatre works, I am going up 4 at a time. My companion is having to jog slightly, she cannot make 4 at a time, she is not driven by the petrol of fear. My breathing returns to normal, I release my companion's hand. But now the anxiety is being spurred on, encouraged by its own momentum.

We are in the next hall, St Stephen’s. it is thin, just as I'd researched. Ok, Danny, ok, calm down now, we are fine. I am urging myself, trying to talk myself down. This hall is much shorter, pleasant almost. And then we are there, Central Lobby, gateway to both the Lords and Commons, where the throng assembles, where members of the public can come meet a member from either house, Central Lobby,  the final staging post before entering the House of Commons Chamber, our objective, Central Lobby which I had completely underestimated and to which I had not allocated enough preparation time. The ceiling!! Its height! Oh no! The perspiration takes no time to wreak its second round of mischief, my heart, how does my heart always survive these poundings? Will it always? I sit down, eyes glued to the floor, not daring to look up again. I tell my companion where the tickets need to be collected. She has no idea of the process, I educate her quickly. Whilst she is gone I am considering my options. I am paralysed. I cannot move forward, I cannot go back. What the fuck am I going to do? I am screaming inside. I am aware from my periferal vision of the seriously strong armed police presence in this confined space. I am aware I am courting attention. I embolden myself and sit upright, staring at any official with a weapon staring at me, smiling as broadly as I can as I make childish gestures of enormous excitement. My companion comes back, tickets in hand.

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/jan/16/the-scream-edvard-munch-ultimate-image-political-age-british-museum

'We have to go back!' I whisper loudly, desperately. She doesn't hesitate, no matter what happens here, I will buy her an expensive lunch. She in indescribably tolerant and understanding. I am making a fool of myself and her by association. I stand up, I never knew standing could be so physically demanding, I take her hand without asking and pretend to saunter back whence we came, pointing out frescoes I am not really looking at as we go. Westminster Hall is no easier on the return leg than the original, but we make it, back to the coffee shop, still 45 minutes to go. She is looking at me without speaking, I am looking at nothing, too busy on my inner dialogue. I suggest she takes a tour of the shop, a suggestion she gladly embraces. I am thinking hard, tears not distant as the effort takes its inevitable emotional toll. I have dark glasses on, no-one sees. 

'I am not going back in,' I declare upon her return.

'Really?' she says, this time her disappointment apparent, though I suspect more for me than for her.

 'I can't,' I say, 'but you can, and you must. I will wait for you in a pub I know nearby. I can't go through that again.' I am on the verge of running away, out of that place, back to safety, away from high interiors and wide spaces and everything that hasn’t been sanitised. If only life could be sanitised. 

We sit silent. The cafe is busy, excited tourists chattering, sharing each others joy, the novelty of it all. Ten minutes pass.

'Right,' I say. 'I have three choices. I can leave, I can take a Valium or I can buy a whisky and drink it in the loo.'

She is listening, she listens well, she would make an excellent counsellor I think, reflecting back what she hears without making a definitive statement. 

‘If I take a Valium it will have to be 10mg, there will be no time for a smaller dose, my normal dose. I've never taken 10mg in one day before. But if I do that, I will have a window of opportunity for about an hour, and then I will need a beer as the anxiety will explode after its enforced suppression.’ I know the story, I know what happens, it’s become ritual. I have to get the timing dead right, it has to be impeccable.

‘Or I could drink  whisky,’ I think out loud. ‘Ok, go buy a whisky if you would, here's the money.' I don’t care about the preposterous price. I am buying calm.

She goes. I look at the time. The whisky won't work. Not one. I am not going to leave without seeing PMQs. I take a Valium.

 'I've got it,' she says.

'Thanks. I won't need it now. I've taken Valium.'  Don’t worry, I am thinking, it won’t go to waste.

We sit there for 20 minutes, I am waiting for the little pill to work its false magic. We go back in, I am calm. We get into the chamber. Thornberry is there but she isn't standing in for Corbyn, I am not surprised, she overshadows him. He won’t let her put him in her shadow. We stay for half hour, the pill is already beginning to wear off. That’s fast, and very strange. But I know my companion has had enough anyway, the main thrust, the primary fun of PMQs is the half hour between midday and half past. Besides, it's quite boring today. All the principal protagonists are absent. My principal protagonist isn’t absent unfortunately. Mr Anxiety is preparing his second, more deadly wave of attack.

 'Ready?' She nods. We leave. Westminster Hall again. Bastard. I take her to the pub I know on the bridge. She has tonic water, I have a pint and a large whisky. I have never tasted beer so good. That's a lie. All the other times relief has replaced terror the beer has tasted just as good.

 'I will buy you a fabulous lunch,' I say, and I mean it. She deserves it. 

This effort will drain me for at least 5 days, it always does. Is the effort worth the aftermath? Was what happened an excuse or a reason to have that drink that continued for the rest of the day? Wouldn’t it just be easier not to try anymore? You decide. I’m too drained….

[simplemlmsponsoring]

New Post has been published on http://simplemlmsponsoring.com/attraction-marketing-formula/blogging/how-to-handle-complainers-and-rude-emails-to-support/

How To Handle Complainers And Rude Emails To Support

This article was originally published in 2008, then totally rewritten and re-published in 2019. Which explains some of the dates on the comments below.

Enjoy!

There is a simple fact of life when you run a blog or online business. Heck, this is just a part of simply being alive. And that is…

You’re going to have people complain.

The things people complain about can vary from legit concerns to trivial matters that you can’t believe they just bothered to email you about. Things like:

Typos and grammar errors People taking offense on something you said, or a word you used. People ripping you to shreds over trying to sell something. People jumping to conclusions and calling you a scammer over the smallest things, or because you didn’t reply back to them fast enough.

I don’t list these things as an attempt to make fun of them. Not at all. However, these are some of the kinds of complaints I’ve seen over the years.

Sometimes they’ll email you privately or email your support address. Other times they might post it publicly on social media, in a blog comment or elsewhere.

So, how do you handle these things? What do you do about it?

Should You Let It Bother You?

Fast answer = NO.

In some cases, it may be hard to take. Sometimes you’ll have people really tear into you. It can be hard to be called a scammer or to have somebody tell you they’re offended by something you said. Not everybody can take the criticism.

It is important to maintain perspective. Always remember:

Most people are good, decent people. Many times, a complaint was sent to you “in the heat of the moment” and the moment you reply back to them they will apologize. I’ve had it happen more times than I can count. There is always a small percentage of people who will find a way to be upset by something. Life is a big confrontation to them. It is sad, but the problem most definitely isn’t you.

Working with a lot of students over the years, I have found that beginning entrepreneurs who are making their first attempts at sales with their blog can be the most sensitive to negative comments. The moment somebody calls them a scammer, they just wilt. If you’ve ever felt that way, please check yourself.

When you stand up in this world and do anything out of the ordinary (and putting up a blog and/or selling something online is out of the ordinary), you’re more likely to get an arrow in your back. This is part of having an online presence… and it could get more common the more popular your site gets.

So, definitely don’t let a complaint bother you or get to you personally. This is simply part of life online.

How To Handle Typo And Grammar Complaints How do you handle it when you get people complaining about typos and grammar errors on your blog? Like so…Click To Tweet

Guess what?

When you create a lot of content online, you’re going to make some typos and grammar errors. This just goes with the territory of doing something a lot.

Also, sometimes the way we type isn’t exactly grammatically correct. When I create content, I do so in a conversational way. I write in a conversational way. This is because my purpose is to effectively communicate ideas to you and to get understanding. My purpose is NOT to impress an English teacher! Truth is, when you are communicating effectively online, not everything you say or write is going to pass a grammar check.

And so, you have to take these kinds of complaints with the proper perspective. There are certain kinds of people who are just sticklers for proper word structure. To each their own, but just because they are that way doesn’t mean you have to change the way you wish to communicate on your own blog. In the end, words are meant to communicate IDEAS. And it is the IDEAS that are more important than some of the nitty-gritty rules of grammar.

So, how do you handle people who point out typos and grammar errors?

You handle it politely, of course.

Here’s what I do:

Read the email and see what the error is that they’re pointing out. Reply back and thank them. That’s it. You really don’t need to comment any further on it. Just thank them for reaching out on the issue. Review the actual issue and decide whether it needs to be corrected. If so, do it.

If it is a legit typo, go fix it. If it is a gross grammar error, go fix it. If, however, it is just conversational speak, works just fine despite the fact that it might earn a red mark from an English teacher, feel free to ignore it.

How To Handle Rude Comments And Emails

What do you do if the person is just being rude? What if they’re calling you names? Should you even respond?

As I said before, don’t let this kind of thing get to you. In more cases than not, they emailed you in the heat of the moment and aren’t actually like that. In some cases, they’ve just got issues.

Either way, don’t take it personally.

First, always look at whether there is merit to what they say. Even despite the unfortunate tone and even if it is highly inappropriate, there might be a legitimate concern behind that email. Did you fail to deliver on a promise? Did something not get delivered? Did you go too long without replying to them and they felt ignored? Always look. Always look at any complaint as a potential symptom of a breakdown in how you are managing things. If there is something you need to fix, fix it and make it right.

Sometimes nothing is actually wrong, but they think it is. Perhaps they misunderstood something. If that’s the case, clarify it to them. Realize, however, that if they misunderstood or missed something, others might have as well and just didn’t bother to tell you. So, look and see if there’s something you need to change to make it simpler to avoid the situation again.

In some cases, you’ll just have people complaining for little to no reason. Well, like I said… sometimes people just do that. Not every such complaint has to be actionable on your part.

Now, do you reply?

In almost all cases, yes. In fact, often you’ll just make the situation worse if you ignore them. One of the worst things you can do online is to fail to acknowledge somebody’s communication.

Now, do you get defensive? Do you tell them where to shove it?

I wouldn’t. I always look at whether I’m in the right or not. If something needs to be corrected, I always do. However, if I evaluate things and determine the person is being rude and unfair incorrectly, I will put them in their place. I never respond in kind, but I remain firm.

In that rare case where a person is just being rude for the sake of being so, you can make a decision on whether you choose to do business with them anymore. For instance, in the last several years, I’ve probably had a couple of people who emailed into support and just ripped into my virtual assistant. Called her names, etc. I have zero tolerance for such things and will ban a person from my business for doing it.

In the end, you are the owner of your business and nobody is forcing you to do business with anybody. If I don’t want to deal with a person, I don’t. The good thing is, as I said, I think I’ve only had to do this a couple of times in my many years in business.

How To Handle Threats

It does happen (again, in rare cases) that you may get rude emails to you which threaten to do certain things. I’ve had people threaten to call the attorney general on me for a bad review of their product, for instance.

Ah, good times.

Sometimes, people will express dissatisfaction with something you send on your email list and they’ll threaten to unsubscribe. My response? Help them do it.

Honestly, that just tells you they’re not the right person for your business anyway. It isn’t as if they’re doing you a favor by being on your list. If they don’t want to be there, show them the exit.

Sometimes, people will express dissatisfaction with something you send on your email list and they’ll threaten to unsubscribe. My response? Help them do it.Click To Tweet

If you get threats about calling the news media, reporting to the BBB, or some other agency, you can pretty much ignore it. In almost every case, they’re just blowing smoke in order to try to get a response. It doesn’t mean that you ignore the fact that they emailed you and they’re mad. You treat it like any other complaint. When people are mad, they often say irrational things. So, just look past it and evaluate it with an even keel.

What If The Negative Comment Is Out In Public?

This is often when people get the most worried about complaints is when it is out in the open. Will it hurt business? Will it affect what people think about you? Should you just delete it and go private with it?

As a general rule, you will make things worse if you delete the comment. For instance, a company I work with recently got themselves into a little PR jam because they handled a price increase pretty poorly. In the resulting reaction, they ended up banning one of the figureheads of their Facebook group from the group because he tweeted his dissatisfaction. The fact that he was banned caused even further PR damage and ultimately they reversed it, re-joined him to the group, complete with a pretty lame excuse for what happened that likely wasn’t even true. In the end, it just looked really bad.

People will usually make assumptions to fill in what they don’t know. And often those assumptions will be against you. They’ll assume the worst.

So, when a negative comment is in public, I say leave it there and respond to it in public. Be honest and transparent.

Did they say something snotty in a blog comment? Well, if it is a real comment from a real person, leave it there and reply to them.

Did they say something snotty on Facebook, Twitter or some other public forum? Leave it there and reply to them.

If what they say is incorrect, then correct them. If it is a customer complaint, handle it. Be polite and write your response knowing that others may read it that aren’t part of the transaction. Use it as an opportunity.

One Last Thing…

You are the owner and founder of your own blog and your own business. And guess what… you get to run it the way you please. You get to say things the way that you please. You get to do business with who you please.

Own it. Be confident in that. You always want to be fair and treat people well, but never lose sight of the fact that you are in charge.

There’s the old saying that says “The customer is always right.” Well, guess what… sometimes the customer is just plain wrong.

There’s the old saying that says ‘The customer is always right.’ Well, guess what… sometimes the customer is just plain wrong.Click To Tweet

The idea that “the customer is always right” carries with it the connotation that you must do whatever it takes to please them, to placate them…. no matter how unreasonable it may be. And that’s a rather large load of BS, to be frank.

All transactions are voluntarily. They can choose to read your blog, interact with you, or do business with you. Likewise, you get to choose who you work with. If you get yourself into a mindset where you feel you need to grovel for whatever you can get, then that’s not a mindset that will lend itself to success.

Always do what is right in your business.

Always treat people fairly and seek to over-deliver.

Always create the best content that you can and try to help others find meaningful solutions.

And, be willing to correct course if you got something wrong.

If you do all that, you’re in the right and you’ll do just fine. And for those rare cases where you might get yourself a person with a chip on their shoulder, you just let it roll off and treat it accordingly.

Besides… the fact that you even get complaints at all means they’re paying attention. So, well done!

The post How To Handle Complainers And Rude Emails To Support appeared first on Blog Marketing Academy.

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  How do I unblock my toilet?

A blockage where it makes the largest difference to your daily life can be a real nuisance. It causes great inconvenience at best. A health risk at worst. A blocked toilet is a serious issues which need instant attention. It’s not an issue one should ever close the door to.

If your situation is one that needs advice on how you unblock your toilet. The fastest and most foolproof way to rid yourself of the problem is to get in touch with a drain clearance service. Our skilled technicians are available and ready at any time. Equipped with the tools to handle any block. You can call at any hour.

But if you are not quite at that stage. And would like to try a few ways to unblock your toilet yourself. Here follows some easy to follow instructions that might be of assistance.

What is the most common, workable and successful ways to treat a block?

Under each bathroom sink or cleaning cupboard there should be the old, but reliable remedy. The plunger. A specific, and unique toilet plunger, preferably one made to suit the shape of the facility. When using a plunger always ensure there is enough water in the bowl as not to let air through.

When working with the plunger to unblock your toilet. Do so in a careful and calm way as to avoid water splashing around. A point, especially important if there is backed up sewage.

If you have no luck using this method. Try using a sink snake, or an old wire coat hanger fashioned into a suitable hook. Try to unblock your toilet carefully when using this way. Scrapes on the inside of your bowl or pipes can cause scratches. Which lessens the life of your pipes. And can attribute to it clogging up again. A fellow drain clearance company have kindly written this article.

If all else fails there are chemical products for dissolving and to unblock your toilet. And of course as a last resort there is to call in the professionals.

A who is always ready and always available

There are few scenarios to imagine more stressful than coming home to a bust pipe and a flooded home. This is something that a compassionate man will no doubt understand. This is also the reason to why for us, it’s important that help can be reached when most needed. Meaning that you can call at any time should you find yourself in this unfortunate scenario. Trowbridge Plumbers knows that water damage is something that should not be taken lightly, and in addition to damaging the interior of your home it can also cause the structural integrity of the building to be compromised. So in cases of emergency, it’s important that you get in touch with a professional as soon as possible, not only to fix the plumbing issue, but to ensure that no further damage is caused. So keep the number for all your needs including our unblock drains service that comes with the highest recommendation from previous customers, and who is known to build long lasting customer relationships based on merit and work done to the highest professional standards. If you are in need of any other services who can help you with anything from advice to renewal and installation of boilers, bathrooms, kitchens and much more feel free to give us a call and discuss your options with us today. And with experience on the industry market and competitive service prices we can help you find the perfect deal for what it is you are in search of. To speak to a professional today is as simple and easy as picking up the phone and dialing our number.

Helping you Heat your Home

In the midst of spring it’s easy to get excited and underestimate the temperature drop to come when the night falls. This is something that your team are very understanding of, simply as we are also greatly excited by the coming season. The reason we bring this up is that with these times there is also and influx of cold and flu symptoms which of course is nothing out of the ordinary, and nothing dangerous, but something to be aware of. Extra important in this season then becomes keeping warm enough, giving your body time to relax and rest in the comfort of your home, to ensure that your immune system keeps strong, and you can carry on with your important tasks as you were. If you are having issues with your heating at home it can not only be an inconvenience for your senses, but also for your general day to day running. Speaking will help you in taking the next step on getting things resolved. If you are giving thought to a bit of luxury in the form of underfloor heating, you will also find the expertise you seek with the wonderful team here. With many innovative solutions and ideas and a bundle of experience with different heating solutions, you can trust to know the field, and coupled with the strong customer service focus the team also holds, you will struggle to find anyone more suiting for the job. With competitive prices, great service, and heating solutions to suit your particular situation, routine and home you simply cannot go wrong. Get in touch today with your questions and get a high value, fair, honest and transparent quote for the work you need!

With the right tools at hand

If you are searching for a service which is close by, quick to respond, always available, and who puts your requirement as their highest priority, ensure that you get in touch with the team that works hard here. Day and night, we are ready and available for your emergencies, as well as always remaining flexible and intuitive in how we perform our jobs. We’ll come to your home at a time that works with your clock, we’re always happy to have clear conversations and give clear advice and quotes. For us, a great job done is one which involves also customer satisfaction and understanding, which is why we are always there to inform as your personal expert. Feel free to give us a call right away, and if you are in an emergency scenario we’ll be on the way, straight away. That is a promise. We are here to assist and by helping others is how we derive our own work pleasure and value. Should you in the current be stuck with an issue that needs a specialist then call us now. Or perhaps you are just looking around and would like a quotation for the work you require, with this quick and clear , a competitive quote is only a phone call away. So don’t put something as important or longed for off as having your plumbing sorted or your bathroom refurbished, these things will only add value to your life and you may as well do them sooner rather than later. Speak with the lovely here to find out more on your situation and your options.

On the lookout for mould

The merry team hard at work here are always looking for ways to help you improve your situation at home, and to your attention we would like to bring the importance of keeping vigilant in spotting mould. The caring knows that not only can it post an annoyance for you as the one having to look at it and clean it, but it can also pose a health hazard if breathed in often. So if you find yourself often scrubbing excess of mould off in any area of your home, an investigation of why that is, should be in order. In bathroom areas often there is an issue with ventilation, or surfaces are not suitable for the humid conditions. Getting in touch with will help you find a better bathroom solution for your issue. In some more extreme cases, visible and recurring mould can be caused by a leak in the pipework, and if this is something that you expect, don’t hesitate to call us right away. Leaks can lead to long term damage which exceeds the inconvenience of a mouldy patch somewhere, and it’s highly important to ensure that the issue is resolved. Call experts now to speak to us about your concerns. And don’t forget, you can call us at any time for any service you are in need of, 24 hours a day we are ready for emergency situations and in our day to day we are flexible to fit in work and appointments around your convenience and your day plan.

Your service ready and at your service at any hour

Situations have a habit of occurring when they are the least expected, on top of that there is often a tendency for some other additional stressful element of one’s life to make the stressful situation’s one is already dealing with worse. Stress and anxiety caused by plumbing issues is something that the team here has great empathy and understanding for. We understands your worries as a home owner, flooded floors, water damage, structural damage and so forth are just to mention a couple of the worries that come flowing to mind when met with a potentially bad situation in need of urgent attention. The request is for emergency assistance is heard loud and clear by this dedicated pro service team who cares for your home and for you. Quick to respond to any urgent burst pipe, blockage and drainage issue or whatever else you might encounter, you can always rely on the team here to be at your service, no matter what the hour strikes. When you need it the most, your service heroes are on your case, and our top priority is to resolve your current situation. Save yourself a lot of stress and hassle by safe keeping the number for your favourite guys. That way you will always have a flexible expert at hand should you ever face an plumbing emergency which is too urgent to wait until morning. If you have questions or if you are suspecting that your plumbing requires repair or maintenance, you can call this reliable and friendly team today, in choosing us you rest assured that all your needs will be met, and at great affordable and competitive prices. Call today to find the quote that you are looking for today.

Friendly, Professional and at your service

A service who treats any work that you need as their own is surely one which you can trust and rely upon. The customer relationships that we build and aim for are of the long lasting kind, and many of our current customers have been with us for years and had all their needs fulfilled by the skilled team here. Their recommendations and good feedback is testament to that our hard work is paying off. The satisfaction of our customers is a highly important factor for us, and ensuring that you have the repair, installation and advice you need with regards to your plumbing, heating and draining system at home is what we burn for. Call today to find out how your friendly, trained and professional service team can help you as soon as today. Urgent needs are also an area which the team here understands well, and should you get in touch with an issue such as burst pipes, drain blockage and other things which required immediate attention. You can rest assured that this caring and speedy service team will be ready to come and resolve your issue. Save the number you see on the top of this page to ensure that you always have a way to get in touch with a recommended, rapid and dedicated who are here and waiting for your call. If at the current you are searching for a quote, it can be with regards to your home improvement project in the area of heating, bathrooms, kitchen and so forth, feel free to call a wonderful now to receive your price competitive quote today.

Two in one kettle and pipe cleaning with Trowbridge Plumbers

There are a few home remedies which have been passed down for many generations which are still applicable and a good idea to apply today as well. When it comes to keeping nice clean pipes, the old fashioned baking soda and vinegar works a treat, however white vinegar mixed with just boiling water will also have a great effect. A provider who knows how great free flow in your home pipes will have a positive effect on you, as it will cause you less stress, worry and frustration over slow drainage. If you need more help and tips on what you can do to ensure that your pipes flow freely, and you would like to speak to provider who knows the strains that a family home puts on the pipes. You can always feel free to get in touch with a pipe expert at any time. What would suggest in this case, is to give your electric kettle a clean whilst you’re at it. All you need to do is add white vinegar at the bottom of your kettle, about enough to cover the coils which boils the water is enough. After that you fill the kettle to maximum capacity, put to boil, and when it’s done, straight away use the same boiling water and vinegar solution to give some attention to a drain in need of it. After this first lot of boiling water and vinegar has been poured down the chosen drain, a kettle once more, at full capacity with just water, to ensure that you get rid of the vinegar smell. And if you have any further questions on pipe cleaning or preventing blocked drains and would like to speak to a friendly and, please feel free to dial our number today

Ample time for new installations

A service with experience with installations throughout the year would like to bring to your attention that, if there is anything that you are thinking about fixing at home, if it’s with regards to the central heating or boiler, or if you are thinking about getting that new bathroom installation done. Now is a great time to do it. Although we are happy to perform installations all year round, and of course all installation work is done with the highest respect to your home and your privacy, now is a good time to do it. Simply due to the fact that it’s great weather outside, and should there be any noise you can be outdoors and undisturbed by the commotion which may be caused during the installation. So why not make yourself a nice drink, go out in the sun, and let me take care of what it is that you need doing. All whilst you sit outside, relax and enjoy the sunshine? Give us a call to discuss the work that you need doing, the team here are up to date with the current market and will be able to help you choose from the many products available there, help you find the style that you like, and that within the budget that you set. So the conditions are perfect for your new bathroom installation for instance to take place, so why not get in touch and speak to the friendly and helpful team, here you can find a one who will be with you from start all the way to completion. And on top of that we come with great recommendations from previous customers, so don’t hesitate to get in touch today!

Any and all jobs from your relied upon

If you are on the lookout for a service which is trusted, relied upon and always flexible and ready to help with what you are in need of, make sure you get in touch with a long running and experienced service. Here you will always find a highly trained professional to perform any job you are in need of when it comes to plumbing, drainage, pipes and more. And on top of that, prices are always kept competitive, and you can rest assured that products provided are of the highest quality standards as our team aims to build long lasting customer relationships and would never settle for bad quality parts in order to save a few pennies. So if you want a which you can rely on to provide long lasting repairs and quality installations, ensure that you come to the dedicated and friendly team here. A conversation about what we can do for you is only a phone call away, and in dialling our number you can be sure that you’ll never need another number again. Anything from taps and fixings repair work, heating related issues, pipes and pipe maintenance and much more can be found from your team. With clear prices, and the highest level of customer focus and care you will simply struggle to find a better and more trusted business. We happily listen to any request and need, as well as help you find the answers to the questions that you may have, no matter what the job is. So call today, and speak with your favourite nearest or next most convenient time!

A trusted, ready and close by

Being able to help local individuals, organisations, small businesses and the rest is something that the team here takes great pleasure and pride in. Bringing something as important as conveniently running heating systems, home improvements in terms of bathroom installations and kitchen upgrades, as well as ensuring that any pipe and drain issues are resolved is what has built their great reputation on. Quality of workmanship, quality of products, and of course providing a full service which takes care of all your needs, including caters for emergency situations, burst pipes and so on. Being able to help private home owners to a comfortable and luxurious living as well as being able to help commercial customers to run their businesses smoothly on a day to day basis is all included in what your caring and near service team provides. In our aim to provide you as the customer with everything that you need, reducing the number of phone numbers you require to keep to a single one you can of course call at any time. If you are stuck with an emergency scenario on your hands, the 24 hour service is here and ready to come to your aid. The service team have great understanding of the stresses drainage issue can case in a business situation or the panic that a burst pipe and a living room flood can cause at home. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch at any time. Your trained, intuitive, flexible and caring are here to help, and always happy to do so.

The right tools for any job!

Some people who are good in crafting, building, constructing and finding solutions for practical issues say that you need the right tool for the job. And this is something that your crafty can easily see eye to eye with. Of course tools can never make up for a lack in skill or knowledge, which is why the training is always underway here, however having the right tool for the job, of the right calibre is indeed something that we appreciate. With the right equipment comes elegance in problem solving, and by helping you with your issue, using the right set of tools, a swift and efficient job done is certain. If you are interested in the plumbing tools the lovely are always happy to show you what we use and why we use it in your specific case. With a great interest for both tools, products, parts and techniques you will by coming to this always practicing have the best and most flexible plumbing problem solvers at your service. Call today to find out how we can help you find a solution to your issue, and if you are planning work done in your home or for your business, rest assured that the quotes provided by this interested and dedicated service team are always clear, easy to understand and competitive in nature. There is no reason to go far to find an expert to help with your pipes, feel free to give us a call at your closest convenience to find out more!

One service for all your needs

For your small jobs, or big bathroom and wet room refurbishments and replacements, make sure you get in contact with a team who cares for you, and treat every job as if it was work done for their own home. Down to the smallest details, quality is always on our mind, and with all parts and all work done to the highest possible standard. You can keep ensured that your repair, installation or other work done will last and last. Having a chat with your team you can find aid in everything from what to choose, get good design suggestion and of course get what you require installed. Ensuring the best for customers is something we are happy to dedicate ourselves to, and for all answers to your questions, get them from an experienced expert. Of course part of why we gain such good reputation with people is also the fact that we are competitive in price, and work is always affordable and fair. Transparent pricing and quotes are always provided, meaning you always know exactly where your money is going. If you still have doubts, why not speak to your friendly team today, and find out for yourself. Why not give yourself the luxury bathroom you always dreamed about, or why not get that extra shower installed. Call today, and find out just how quick and easy it can be. Repairs, heating installation and maintenance, drain blockage and much more can of course also be found amongst the wide range of services provided. No matter what you need, a professional team is always here for you to ensure your convenience and comfort.

Your bath and shower expert

For any and all services and parts that you may be in need of, speak to a professional here. Many things can be found in stock at all time and is of course also ready for installation. Your service are flexible and can perform work when you want, and working on weekends and around your schedule is something we happily do as part of keeping our own customer service ideals. The work week is long and busy, and who can work with you, and with your schedule is something more than needed, especially in situations of bigger jobs. Should you for instance be in the process of renewing your bathroom you can speak to your service, who with a team of experts have the skills and knowledge to advice you to the highest standards, the most stylish models, and of course at competitive rates which any issues beating. Getting in touch with specialised in amongst other things bathroom refurbishments and installations, you can expect the highest level of expertise in every detail. Effective showers, with the most luxurious of spreads and mixers of any kind, beautifully designed bathtubs making your bathroom a home spa or a romantic setting, and much more can be found of experience and professionalism. Call today and discuss your plans, or speak about your installation requirements, and we are sure you will find a suitable and satisfactory solution. Your bathroom and wet room service experts, will be with you all of the way, part of the way or however much you require. Call now and find out how we can help you.

Quality guarantee from your expert

There are no short cuts with pipes, ensuring only the highest standards of workmanship and customer satisfaction lives here, the team is dedicated to providing the best, and only the best. A quality guarantee with every job performed, the size of the job is of course of no relevance, and ensuring that every customer is satisfied is something of a must for the dedicated team. A guarantee as such can only come from the greatest attention to detail in installation and repair work, knowledge about the industry and of course the years of training and practical experience held by the individual performing the job. We can vow solemnly for each of the great members of the team is there, and a long row of satisfied and happy customers from the past is the proof. Your guarantees not only a job to perfection, but also that you get a good price, financial fairness to you as a customer is given by the reasonable rates which are both competitive and see through. What is meant by that is simply that simple to understand quotes without hidden factors are presented to you in full, and of course avoiding confusion and difficult jargon language is something which your faithful service team believes benefit no-one. If you are planning on an upgrade in your bathroom or kitchen, or if you are in need of a repair job, why not join the mass of happy customers from our current and past. Getting in touch will give you the insights of a professional. So ensure you choose a service who cares about you and your pipes, and feel free to get in touch with the lovely and helpful team today.

A Christmas present to last with your expert

Coming up with a good Christmas present may be an easy task for your children, grandchildren, cousins and friends. But what to give to your spouse who you’ve known and lived with for countless number of years? Here we might be able to make a suggestion which makes sense. Why not give yourself, your spouse and your home a better day to day with a refurbishment of your bathroom. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to add that little bit of luxury and comfort to your day to day life. If you speak to one of the expert bathroom planners and installers here you will be able to find an affordable, yet highly personal and luxurious bathroom solution. Everything from the small fine details which make all the difference to the look, as well as eco friendly solutions for your shower, bath and mixers. With a wide range of styles and features, you will be able to find exactly what suits you and your beloved. Perhaps it’s finally time to have that luxury bath installed, turning your regular bathroom into a home spa and therapy room. Of course we can help you with everything from advice, all the way to installation, and rapidly so. Get in touch today, and you’ll new bathroom solution will be up and finished by Christmas, ensuring that you get something of the highest possible value added to your home. And of course, you can never lose when it comes to things which add value to your house. If you have given though to a bathroom renewal, now is the perfect time. There are no good reasons to wait, speak with your friendly and helpful bathroom expert today.

Don’t let boiler issues ruin your Christmas!

What better Christmas present is there than being able to spend a warm cosy winter with your family? For the service there is nothing better than a wonderful night in with the family, and of course in this scenario it’s essential that the heating is without issue. A burst pipe due to the cold, or a malfunctioning boiler can really put an end to the happy Christmas spirit. To ensure that your Christmas is kept warm and comfortable, call on your experts, if you get in touch, an appointment to check your boiler and your pipers can be made. And of course this can be arranged around your day. Help with insulation of outdoor running pipes, checking the pressure and workings of your boiler as well as ensuring that everything runs smoothly is something that can help with. Making sure your Christmas holiday flows smoothly is easy, and won’t take much of your time. All you need to do is call, and the rest will be taken care of. If you are of the handy type yourself, you can always have a check around your home yourself, and if there is anything which takes your attention as a potential issue, listen to your guts, and get in touch with a trained professional. Of course are always happy to help and if you have questions get in touch today! We also recommend that you save our number should the nightmare scenario strike, as we work long hours with you in mind, and you can always call should there be an emergency scenario!

happy to advice and offer competitive quotes

If there is anything of bigger scale at home which you are thinking to take on, but you are unsure of what is required and how much it will cost you. Please don’t feel hesitation and get in touch. Here the team are always happy to help, and if you supply us details and information on what it is that you would like to have done, we can provide you with accurate, and competitive quotes both on services and products. We’re always here, and always happy to help advice you on your path to home improvement. We cover virtually any need there may be, and being well wandered on the industry market we can point you in the right direction of products of interest for you, this of course includes the right style and the right practical use for you. By getting in touch with today, you’ll be able to get a better idea of how to put measures in place, and on top of that, with great reputation from previous customer, earned though a job well done. You can rest assured that your plumbing is left in good hands. Bathroom upgrade and refurbishments, Kitchen installations, heating solutions, repairs and maintenance can all be found with your trusted and loved. Why not get in touch and take the first step to making the improvements in your home that it has been waiting for? There will always be someone on the other end of the line when you give your a call, and the team is always friendly and understanding.

building lasting customer relations

When it comes to something like your home, the team here understands the need for a service which you can trust to provide what is best for you, and what is best for your property. It’s not easy to find a service which is dedicated to you as well as providing you with the services you need, when you need them the most. For a man who is flexible, reliable and always ready for your emergency needs, get in touch with the team here. We know plumbing, and can help you to the best solution for your current issue, your new installations of kitchen and bathrooms, as well as help make sure that your home is free flowing at all times. If you have a drain in need of unblocking urgently, or a bust pipe which is flooding your home, don’t panic, just switch of the mains water to your house, and give your guysa call. You will always be guaranteed a reliable service at the end of the line, who is ready and available to come to your rescue should disaster strike in your home. On top of that, with competitive prices on all services, as well as being stocked and prepared to resolve common issues directly on the spot, you’ll be guaranteed a quick turnaround for the work that you have done. Here the team understands the need for swift service and great quality, which is what we build our great reputation on. So feel free to get in touch for your emergency or to book in for any day to day required.

Keeping Laundry connections in mind

One of the most commonly used appliances which often require some form of plumbing is the washing machine. Something used regularly and needed for hygiene purposes, and part of every home, the washing machine is a vital point in the homes and in the lives of many. This is why we would recommend that we treat it with care, as to make sure that it runs smoothly and for as long as possible Should you have any issues at all with your washing machine and require advice from a professional. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team are experienced, and with dedication to the customer we always aim for the best solution, both from a practical and from a financial perspective. Simply saying that if you get in touch, you’ll find competitive prices for the highest standard of service. One of the most common issues when it comes to the washing machine, is the set of rubber connections hoses which connect the water line into the system of the machine. Here issues more commonly occurs than in other areas, as they are in a weaker and more movable position than many other things. They are in risk of drying out, and in cases they have been known to burst, causing massive flooding in the room. Not one of the most common scenarios, however if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation and you need to get in touch straight away. In prevention you can also have these replaced by steel pipes, which will to a large extend remove that risk.

Monthly pipe maintenance

Getting in touch with to find out what the best way to keep your pipes clear is a something that we highly recommend, and if you give us a call, our team is always happy to help advice you on day to day things which you can do to help keep the flow in your pipes clear and free flowing. The frequency of maintenance work such as using pipe cleaning products or home remedies such as baking soda and vinegar we would recommend at around one time per month for drains and sinks that are used on a regular and daily bases. Of course different professionals differ in their own recommendation, however what all agree upon is that as frequent as possible is best. Even if you cannot find time in your monthly routine, doing maintenance clean at least once every couple of months is something that provider will suggest, and it’s something that will greatly help your flow, and something that will also greatly reduce risk of getting a blocked drain.

Flow in your home, flow in life

If you speak to any professional service provider they, as us will always agree that maintaining your pipes at home and keeping a good flow in your home, will not only make your home a more convenient place to reside, but it may also help you keep a better flow in your life. With less little interruptions in your day to day, such as little reminders of issues like cleaning the shower, slow drainage in the kitchen etc. may lead to a less stressful life. What our team of experts see is that by removing frustration of waiting for water to drain, removing unwanted input of the senses such as unwanted odours in your kitchen or your bathroom and all other little things which can cause interruption when a more important focus is needed and so forth, can be a great help in finding balance in life. Of course as a plumbing lover it’s easy to see life metaphors in the flow of water, however there is an applicable aspect to it. If your home and the plumbing runs smooth without frustration, it can indeed also help your life run smoother and with less frustration.

Saving energy and water, tips

With the times it’s becoming increasingly more important to keep a thought on sustainability and making sure that we don’t live a wasteful lifestyle. Not only due to the fact that it’s something that the planet and the country needs in order to work towards a sustainable and maintainable future for coming generations. But also due to the fact of simple economics. We would always advice any of our customers of the benefits towards trying to make a home of as little waste as possible. There are many ways in the home in which one could make little savings from little or no financial investments. Things like fitting good shower heads, reusing water within the home, say for instance the drainage water being used for the toilet flush etc. Are things that we highly recommend, and stand for. If you need to speak to us to discuss what can be done in your home to make your carbon footprint smaller as well as your water rates bill lower, please feel free to get in touch with our dedicated team today.

Keeping your shower head at even distribution

Something that can greatly inhibit the experience of your morning shower, is that of a clogged up shower head. With time sediment and layers of mineral build up in and around your shower head, which can cause both the water to mix unevenly as well as make the flow uneven and difficult to use. I know that most people don’t have 20 minutes extra in the morning to spend on trying to get their shampoo out of their hair. So what we would suggest is some maintenance and cleaning work. Once a month remove the shower head from its fixing, use pliers and cover the metal with a town or cloth as to not damage the finish of the metal. I recommend soaking the shower head in vinegar over night, and after, rinse and scrub with a little brush, also scrub and remove any sediment that you can see on the pipe itself. Then all you need to do is reattach using the reverse process, and as per frequency suggests to do this once a month to keep a nice even flow in the mornings.

Combi-boilers, efficient and convenient ways to live

A choice for many these days when they are replacing the heating system in their homes is that of getting a combi-boiler installed. This is a good choice as the modern boilers provide a much better all-round heating system for homes. With more efficient ways to heat water instantly, mean that you will be able to have convenience as well as efficiency and economy. So if you are in the midst of choosing a boiler for your new home, why not make it a combi-boiler. If you feel the need for any advice, we are happy to provide you with information on what type of models there are and that type might be right for your home. Plus, we can provide quick installation. With the reliable and skilled team here, you can’t go wrong, we are with our customers from start to finish, and we never leave a job until everything is working as smooth as can be. All our members of staff are highly-trained and happy to take your call, no matter what questions you may have.

Make sure you stay clear of frozen pipes this Winter

Currently the temperatures are still dropping with each passing day as we move closer and closer to the end 2017. The first thing you should do is make sure that the pipes in need of insulation are insulated, by this we mean any pipes that run outside of the building, pipes that run though your loft or your basement that are exposed to colder areas of the house that may not benefit from the regular insulation. For us this also includes pipes that run though the ground at a shallow level where frost can still reach, and freezing temperatures can cause a plumbing issue. And if you have any further concerns or questions on what you can do to prevent plumbing issues this winter, please feel free to get in touch as we are always happy to help with our knowledge and expertise.

Cleaning your aerator

If you notice that the water pressure seems low, and the flow of water from your kitchen sink is not as it was a couple of months ago. There may be a build up of lime and sediments in your aerator, which may cause reduced flow. Cleaning this is fairly straight forward: firstly you need remove the aerator from the tap, simply unscrew it in a counter clockwise direction. A wise tip to remember in this instance is that if you find that it’s stuck, make sure you cover it with masking tape, and use pliers to unscrew it. You can then most commonly separate the parts of the aerator and clean the individually before mounting the same way you removed it. There are of course many products available for cleaning, but what we suggest is an inexpensive small brush, like a toothbrush, dipped in vinegar which will do the trick nicely.

Let us help you install the shower of your dreams

When it comes to something so enjoyable which for many is used on a daily basis, it’s worth spending a little extra to get the ideal scenario for you. Everyone enjoys their morning, daytime and evening showers, and the fresh feeling after a nice shower is something that everyone can relate to. There are of course other benefits than just the feeling to giving some extra thought what type of shower you would like to install. Selecting the correct shower head will help you ensure that you enjoy an even distribution of spray or droplets, and with the right choices made there is only rinse and no need to repeat – saving time and money! Any one of our experts can help you find the best green and economical shower head which will not only save on water and water heating bills, but also help reduce your carbon footprint. So speak to one of our highly trained professionals today to discuss your own dream shower, and make waking up and having a shower every day a joy.

Fast response times from the plumbing experts

Of course all of the team members here are dedicated to ensure your convenience. As such, we never trivialise plumbing issues, not even the small ones as they are often the cause or symptom of a bigger issue. So if you have any concerns with regards something to your own home plumbing please get in touch with us today and let us advise you on what the best next step to take is. And should you ever find yourself in a situation where you are in need of a service, fast, then rest assured that you can just pick up the phone and we will be on the job straight away. We understand that there are many potential factors in any type of water related issue, and the damage that standing water can cause to your property and to your things can incur great cost if not sorted immediately. So if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, give us a call, and we can guarantee we will be there in no time fully equipped to handle any type of plumbing issue and prevent long term damage to your home and belongings.

What’s the history of plumbing?

Most commonly on our website we provide our customers, our community and anyone else who may be interested with tips on how to keep your own home plumbing running smoothly, and give you some tips on what you can do should you face any plumbing issues. What we want to show you know is some fun history about plumbing, more specifically how far back in history it actually goes. Things that we find interesting and hope that are interesting to you as well. As early as about 2500 B.C. it’s been found that Egyptians used many different ways of drainage which is an early form of plumbing. It has been found that it was used for purification rituals, and in rituals associated with the burial of diseased kings. In their structures it can be seen that they were adept to the methods, and used natural flow and water pressure, gravity and many of the structures were advanced enough to suggest a very good understanding of the physical mechanics of the constructions.

Get out of bed for a good shower head

Something that we here in shop are often thinking of and always keeping in mind is a sustainable way of living. This is the reason to why we want to make sure that you give some thought to what type of shower head you are using currently. Here in shop we see that this is one of the little things that can quite easily get forgotten about, and something that can be left on hold for a long time. So we would like to remind you of the actual benefits of getting a good shower head. Firstly of course there is the saving of water, but also the time needed to get a good clean is greatly reduces, as is the comfort of having a shower in the current colder times. A good stylish, and efficient shower head is not something that has to break the budget, plus you will make it back on the saving of water in no time at all. And if you have any questions or thoughts, get in touch with one of our friendly plumbing professionals today.

Sink positive

Here in our little local shop we are always aware of our own sustainability, and want to work for a cleaner and better way forward. This is why the team thought it would be a good idea to let you know of this wonderful invention being a sink which reuses the hand wash water for the toilet reservoir. With our focus on green and environmental plumbing, we see this as a very good option for those looking for a greener way forward. It’s a simple easy installation process, just a matter of rerouting the water though through the sink. On top of that, it’s also a very compact way of installing a sink at the top of the toilet. We see this type of solution ideal for bathrooms that may also have limited space. If you have any questions with regards to this, or any other plumbing issue you may have, feel free to give the lovely team of plumbing professionals in Trowbridge a call today.

Top tips for dealing with a sweating tank

Although this issue is more common in the summer, there are some occasions where action can be useful during the colder months of the year as well. This is why the team see it as a good time to bring this up. When it’s too warm and damp, the water in the boiler will cool the outside and the warmer air encourages condensation to happen. This high humidity can be the cause of all types of issues resulting from something being damp. The solution that we offer is to make sure that the inside of the tank is insulated, something that will also help keep the water a good temperature during the colder months of the year. Now for this type of job, as it requires the tank being emptied and special products, we recommend that you give us a call should you be interested in having this done for you. Should you have any questions at all with regards to your boiler or other types of plumbing please do feel free to give us a call today.

Load your dishwasher for better running

For those of you out there who use a dishwasher, there is a couple of tips that we would like to give you in how you load it. Most people know that most models which provide an energy saving colder and shorter wash are actually capable of washing your dishes completely clean most of the time with just following a few pointers in the loading process. Firstly the team would like to remind you to always get rid of any type of remaining food items on your plates and in your pans, if you then have a look at the sprayer of the dishwasher located at the bottom, you can see how it works. Often it’s important to ensure that water spray can reach all the areas that are in need of cleaning, so packing your dishwasher full to the brim is not the best of ideas. Make sure that dishes are left with space, and vertically stacked. And make sure that your big pieces don’t cover the spray for smaller dishes behind.

Tools for tackling small issues

Plumbing dates in some ways back all the way to Roman times, and although it has changed much the basic principle on how we use it in our day to day lives right now. The plumbing team would this time like to give you some tips on what are some very useful tools for simple plumbing solutions at home. These tools are something we highly recommend that you add to your toolbox at home, as it will save you much time and effort, as well as make sure that your convenience is kept. First up is the plunger; now there are some different varieties out there and it may be a good idea to get one for the toilet and one what you can use on any blocked sink or shower outlet in the house. Secondly, we here at Trowbridge Plumbers see it as very good investment to get a pipe snake, this will help with the blocked drains where the plunger is inefficient. Lastly, if you are a little bit of a DIY person, it’s also good to get a specific pipe wrench, again, to help with the blocked drain situation which cannot be helped with the plunger or the snake.

How to combat loud sinks?

Today many sinks are made in stainless steel or a similar material, this is the case for most kitchens, and at times they can be quite loud. There’s one tip we would like to offer you on how to easily lower the noise made when the stream of water hits the sink. If you fill the space between the two basins in the metal sink with expanding foam, it will anchor them together in a flexible way, and on top of that the foam will work as a sound insulator making the echo of the sound lower. The team of plumbing experts at our office always recommend doing this before installation, however it can quite easily be performed after as well when the sink is in place. And for the aesthetic and practice sense, we also recommend trimming the foam after it’s hardened with a knife. If there is anything you are wondering about with regard to your own plumbing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our a member of our friendly, professional team.

Tip for sorting an inadequate flush

It’s important to have a good working toilet, both for your convenience as well as for keeping a green way of living. So the team would like to help you with some tips should the flush not be strong enough. We recommend that you check for faults related to the link between the handle and the trap lever, making sure that the block is lifted enough for water to flow freely thought. At times what we see as well is that the block actually closes before the tank has emptied, so test the flush whist you have eyes on the mechanism to assure that this is not what is causing your issues. The last thing we recommend is to make sure that the pipes are free flowing and not partially blocked by something, causing a weak flush.

Tips to keep in mind when planning a new bathroom

If you are in the midst of planning or designing a new bathroom there are a couple of tips on both design and practicality that we would like to share with you. As a team of professionals, we think it’s good to keep these things in mind when planning your own dream bathroom. Firstly, pick what you like, over what other people might. This makes the most sense for us, simply due to the fact that you will be using it much more than anyone who will ever visit your home. Secondly, even though we are big fans of being impulsive, at times it’s better to go with a safe choice, something you know you will still like a couple of years from now. And thirdly, make sure what you’re investing in works for you practically. It’s no use spending time and money developing something which simply doesn’t work. If you have any questions, or when are ready, give us a call to speak about the installation, particularly if you have a focus on green, environmentally-friendly bathroom designs.

How do you find the main tap?

It is something which we should know, but at times never really get around to checking. Just knowing where and how to turn off the main water supply to the house in case of emergency can prove a good piece of information to have. This is why we highly recommend that you find this information out, most commonly it’s very easy to find, either outside or where the main services comes into the house. Should you have any issues finding it, you should consult the house building plans which you should have, otherwise make sure you contact your local council. Should you still have issues finding the main tap, give us a call as we know where the most common places of location in most types of homes, so given a description often we will be able to give you a good idea of where to look. And finally, should you ever be faced with that emergency situation, remember righty tighty and lefty loosey, and keep our number close at hand in those worst of situations.

How to deal with a cold snap?

Should the weather take a turn for the worse, and should a radical drop in temperature hit, there are some things which the team here we would like to remind you of. In a cold scenario freezing pipes can cause direct emergencies in the home, not only due to the fact that it may cause a plumbing issue, but it might also leave you without proper heating and exposed to the element. I would like to let you know that the reason for the increased risk with frozen pipes, is simply that frozen water expands. The best way to prevent this type of scenario, should a cold snap hit, is to make sure that your pipes are properly insulated, especially those who might run outside of the house. In the case of the temperature dropping dramatically we would also like to recommend opening cabinets beneath sinks and bathroom fixtures, the warmer house hold air will help keep the water flowing and prevent it freezing. Should things get really cold, it may also be a good idea to open the tap just ever so slightly, allowing for a minimal trickle of water to stream, also keeping the water in the pipes moving.

Practical ways of addressing a flooded basement

One of the worst nightmares in the minds of many is to come home to a flooded home. Unsurprisingly, this type of scenario is most common in the basement and can be caused by undetected burst pipes or if you live in an area with heavy rain. There is no need to panic, just give our team of friendly, professional plumbers a call and we will be there to your rescue as soon as we can. There are, however, a couple of steps you can take before we arrive, as all flooding issues are in need of swift action. Make sure you shut off the main supply of water to the house and if you have some way of starting the draining process then we highly recommend that you do so. As the longer you leave something soaking the longer it will take to dry out. So start work on removing your furniture and personal items to dry and save as best you can, and remember wind is a bigger factor in evaporation than heat. The team from us will be with you in no time to solve the plumbing issue, meaning you can go back to your day to day life as quickly as possible.

Remodelling x-ray tip from us

OK maybe not quite as good as an x-ray, however if you are in the process of remodelling your home, or if it’s a new build, from a plumbing point of view would like to advice you of the practical value of taking a simple picture before closing the up the walls. As long as there is some point of reference in the picture, for instance a door or window, then this picture, after your painting and decorating is done will be able to tell you where to not put a nail. And in the case of you needing one of the services we provide here. Well then this will be a big help, the saying is true, a picture says more than a thousand words, and the information we can derive from the picture can save much time, energy and resources! Plus, a picture these days is usually easy to take perhaps with your smart phone or tablet!

When should I get my boiler checked?

The maintenance of your boiler depends almost fully on what type and model it is and where it is situated. In the perfect conditions a boiler needs to be checked and maintained only as often as it needs to be cleaned. Pressure checks times are recommended by your local for the model you use and a yearly look is a good guideline. However, as mentioned the frequency is highly dependant on the make and model of your equipment.

There are a few common wrongful assumptions as to when the best time for boiler checks is. Some examples are at the end of winter after a season of heavy use, only when something goes wrong, or a special count of months from the initial installation. Although they are all valid reasons, the best time to get your boiler checked is at the end of summer when it’s out of use, and the engineer is free to do the work without the system having to be in use at the time.

Part of a good boiler check is a thorough service and clean. Meaning that any related issues are cleared up before they become large, expensive and unmanageable things. Get such a thorough check done with our professionals and find out the right service times for your specific boilers. Or get an upgrade to something more efficient and green in a quick and affordable way by calling us now.

Like any machinery and engines, a boiler is best in use and if you know there will be long periods where it’s not needed. Keep in mind that running it ever so often will only help keep it in good nick. If the boiler that you use have the facility to easily check the colour of the central heating water ensuring there is no discolouration. In many cases this is action is best left for a professional.

  from Trowbridge Plumbers https://plumberstrowbridge.co.uk/info/

[ionecoffman]

If Legal Marijuana Leads to Murder, What’s Up in the Netherlands?

In 1971’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, a mescaline-infused Hunter S. Thompson and his benzedrine-addicted attorney infiltrate a police conference, where they are amused and appalled by the naiveté of the people charged with enforcing drug laws.

Thompson captures the tone with a fictionalized bulletin, “Know Your Dope Fiend,” that warns officers:

The Dope Fiend fears nothing. He will attack, for no reason, with every weapon at his command—including yours. Beware. Any officer apprehending a suspected marijuana addict should use all necessary force immediately. One stitch in time (on him) will usually save nine on you. Good luck.

At one point, Thompson convinces an oblivious district attorney from Georgia that when Dope Fiends attack, the only recourse is to chop off their heads. “Nobody’s safe. And sure as hell not in the South. They like the warm weather.”

“Jesus God almighty,” the officer responds. “What the hell’s goin’ on in this country?”

Today, the idea of marijuana causing a murderous rampage still sounds absurd to many users of small amounts of the drug. Drug abuse and addiction has slowly moved from being treated with disdain and punishment, and toward rehabilitation, harm reduction, and prevention. The medical establishment has moved, if glacially, toward embracing potential therapeutic properties of cannabis. There is less fear, less loathing—though still most doctors do not prescribe the drug, and most researchers are prohibited from studying it.

Which is why it was jolting to read echoes of these old tropes this week in The New Yorker, where the journalist Malcolm Gladwell makes the case that marijuana is not as safe as “we think.” The primary source of his criticism is a new book by the novelist and former New York Times reporter Alex Berenson, Tell Your Children: The truth about marijuana, mental illness, and violence.

The book is, by Berenson’s account in the prologue, “not balanced.” It is an argument—an accumulation of evidence to support a thesis and convince a reader of something. “Marijuana causes paranoia and psychosis. That fact is now beyond dispute,” Berenson writes. “Paranoia and psychosis cause violence. Overwhelming evidence links psychotic disorders and violence, especially murder.”

Berenson is forthcoming about his bias at the outset: “If you want to read about the way marijuana legalization will provide jobs, or anecdotes from people who believe that smoking cured their celiac disease, or discussions of the relative merits of indica and sativa strains, this book will disappoint you. Maybe I’m too cynical, but I believe most people smoke marijuana for the same reason they drink alcohol or use any other drug: because they like to get high.”

Gladwell distills the argument still further, and the end result is paragraphs like this:

Berenson looks, too, at the early results from the state of Washington, which, in 2014, became the first U.S. jurisdiction to legalize recreational marijuana. Between 2013 and 2017, the state’s murder and aggravated-assault rates rose forty per cent—twice the national homicide increase and four times the national aggravated-assault increase. We don’t know that an increase in cannabis use was responsible for that surge in violence. Berenson, though, finds it strange that, at a time when Washington may have exposed its population to higher levels of what is widely assumed to be a calming substance, its citizens began turning on one another with increased aggression.

We don’t know—that’s true. Science can’t prove a negative. But this is innuendo, the public-intellectual equivalent of just sayin’. Innumerable factors go into homicide rates. One of the strongest predictors is income inequality, for example, which was increasing in Washington during that period; the state now has the 10th biggest gap in the country. If marijuana legalization accounted for increased murder rates, Amsterdam wouldn’t be among the be a much deadlier place to live. As it is, the homicide rate in the Netherlands is one fifth as high as it is in the U.S.

The article sparked backlash against Gladwell for, among other issues, the implication of causation from correlation and the apparent inconsideration of the political context into which the argument is introduced—one of mass incarceration, where millions of American lives have been upended not by consuming marijuana but by having some in their pocket.

Berenson does acknowledge the role of racism in drug legislation and enforcement. He covered the pharmaceutical industry while at the Times, then left a decade ago to write fantasy novels. But he threw his hat back into the ring with this book, which he says is the result of crawling down a rabbit hole of evidence after a conversation with his wife, a psychiatrist, who told him accurately that it’s well known that marijuana can cause psychosis.

I read the book this week. It argues that we are in the midst of a dangerous cannabis-driven psychosis epidemic: “The epidemic isn’t coming. It’s here.” Berenson describes murders, in detail, committed by people with schizophrenia or acute psychosis. He went to Colorado and combed through homicide records looking for evidence of marijuana involvement. In one case, he visited Bent County Correctional Facility and spoke to a teary inmate named Richard Kirk, who murdered his wife and claims that it was because he’d just eaten “a nibble” of an edible called Karma Kandy Orange Ginger. After the nibble, Kirk drove home, opened his safe, took out his pistol, and shot her.

Berenson takes Kirk’s account pretty much at face value, concluding that the man “existed at the center of the Venn diagram of three great American maladies—opiate abuse, financial stress, and easy access to firearms. But he’d lived there for years and never been violent, not until he ate a bite of Kandy Karma Orange Ginger.”

Vivid as the anecdotes are, the strongest part of Berenson’s  argument is a 2017 review by the National Academy of Medicine, “The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids,” which Gladwell also references. These reviews tend to be the “gold standard” for getting everyone in the medical field on the same page about how research should translate into practice. They bring together groups of experts and go through all the evidence they can, and distill it for doctors who can’t possibly keep up. In this case thousands of studies that became a nearly 500-page report.

In the good-news category, Berenson notes, there was no clear association between marijuana and lung cancer. (He does not mention  the “conclusive or substantial evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective for the treatment of chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and multiple sclerosis spasticity symptoms” or the “moderate evidence” that the they are effective for improving sleep in people with sleep apnea syndrome, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain.)

Berenson focuses on the report’s finding that there is “substantial evidence of a statistical association between cannabis use and the development of schizophrenia or other psychoses.” Though, again, it also found “a statistical association between cannabis use and better cognitive performance among individuals with psychotic disorders,” and “moderate evidence of no statistical association between cannabis use and worsening of negative symptoms of schizophrenia.”

The report does not discuss violent behavior specifically, which requires another leap. Berenson argues that if marijuana can cause psychotic breaks from reality, and psychotic people are more inclined to violence, marijuana is a cause of violence.

This is where he and Gladwell lose and upset some experts. Berenson specifically takes issue with the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s famous assertion that people with mental illness are more likely to be the victims than perpetrators of violence. “Those statements are deeply misleading,” he writes, claiming that the subset of mentally ill people with schizophrenia are much more likely than average to be violent.

Yasmin Hurd, the director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, works on figuring out who is prone to addiction and why. She is among the small number of U.S. scientists who have authorization to study marijuana. “There is nothing to support that marijuana legalization has increased murder rates,” she told me. “The association between schizophrenia and marijuana use is nothing new. Early use of THC, especially in high concentrations, is associated with psychosis and schizophrenia. That has been studied a lot. But schizophrenic people are not the ones committing murders. Trying to put a mental-health disorder as the explanation for murder rates—that is incorrect and should not have a platform.”

Hurd also emphasizes, contrary to Berenson, that marijuana remains a promising alternative to minimize opioid use and dependence. “I’ve studied cannabidiol and found that it does have beneficial effects in reducing opioid use,” she says.

The consensus is that, yes, for most people, there is such thing as too much marijuana. In some cases, using too much can have severe consequences that many people could benefit from taking more seriously. There are documented instances in which people have been driven to violence by marijuana, though what Berenson describes mostly seem to be cases where marijuana use is heavy over the course of many years—which could itself be a result rather than a cause of a psychosocial problem.

In these and the other cases in which an occasional user ended up in a psychotic episode or violent fit, it seems mostly that the marijuana does the final unleashing. As with any drug that lowers inhibitions, marijuana is much less likely to bring forth an entirely new person than it is to expose the nature of a person formed over a lifetime of input and environmental exposures and genetic proclivities. Violence is always a multifactorial end-point.

Gladwell makes the same basic point: “The experience of most users is relatively benign and predictable; the experience of a few, at the margins, is not. Products or behaviors that have that kind of muddled risk profile are confusing, because it is very difficult for those in the benign middle to appreciate the experiences of those at the statistical tails.” Those outliers, if you will, are where the headlines are made. They are the focus of both writers’ arguments. But they’re also the heart of the problem these arguments face in the first place: The question of exactly how muddled that risk profile actually is makes it impossible to say whether marijuana is “more dangerous than we believe.”

That’s also the straw man in the room: the assumption that most people believe marijuana just makes you laugh and gives you munchies. Berenson goes as far as writing, “no one disputes that occasional use of marijuana by people over 25 is generally safe.” In fact, the U.S. government still treats cannabis as extremely dangerous, among the most dangerous drugs. It is one of only a few schedule one substances—the most forbidden category, along with heroin and LSD, “for which there is no accepted medical use.” Meanwhile cocaine, Dilaudid, and methamphetamine are down in schedule two.

The punishment for possession has long reflected this idea of danger, in which the criminal justice system has treated marijuana similarly to carrying a bomb. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are still arrested every year for marijuana possession, and the penalty can mean a loss of livelihood, housing, and basic freedom. This is not yet a substance that society takes lightly, despite state-level moves toward decriminalization and legalization.

The feeling of being lashed back and forth by this book and the outcry over the Gladwell piece reminds me that science and medicine are rarely well served by writing in argument form. To do so well is compelling, and reading contrarianism is addictive. But an arguments’ job is to undermine, downplay, or ignore contradicting evidence. Gladwell and Berenson offer no stories of anyone who has a positive relationship to the drug. By the end, I found myself questioning even my own experiences, in which I’ve mostly just laughed with friends about nothing. Though there was one night in Colorado when I ate a brownie and went back to my hotel room and became convinced that someone had followed me and was hovering just outside my door. I kept the lights out, and I sat on the floor next to the bed, and I ate an entire jar of almond butter.

I wasn’t deeply scared; some part of me knew it wasn’t real. If I had been another person, though—one more given to paranoia, who hadn’t been raised in a safe home by loving parents, and who was in possession of many firearms and had many sworn enemies, would I have opened fire through the door? I suppose it’s possible.

If there is anything on which there is unanimous agreement about marijuana, it is that we need to study it more. This did not happen for decades because it was regarded by regulatory agencies as an irrefutable evil, a dangerous vice that, if you were found possessing it, should ruin your career and rob you of your freedom. One stitch in time (on him) will usually save nine on you. This is the narrative that such articles and books feed.

The pendulum has been swinging away from that, and even Berenson believes decriminalization is the way to go. But whether it is legalized or decriminalized, if it’s going to be used medically, as a drug, it should go through the same process of clinical trials as other drugs: looking for side effects and attempting to discern proper dosages and delivery mechanisms, populations in which it is most likely to be effective and most likely to have drawbacks, and so forth. All of this information is severely limited by the fact that studying marijuana has been illegal for most researchers and remains heavily restricted.

The fear-and-loathing narrative conflating marijuana and murder, Hurd worries, does nothing to stem abuse. Nor is it good for promoting further research: “It makes a huge difference. Many people who are making the decisions about funding going to NIH and other organization will now say we should have a moratorium on a drug that increases murder. Why would we want to do that and put people’s lives at risk? That’s why it’s dangerous to make these broad, unsubstantiated, and factually incorrect statements.”

Article source here:The Atlantic

[nancygduarteus]

If Legal Marijuana Leads to Murder, What’s Up in the Netherlands?

In 1971’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, a mescaline-infused Hunter S. Thompson and his benzedrine-addicted attorney infiltrate a police conference, where they are amused and appalled by the naiveté of the people charged with enforcing drug laws.

Thompson captures the tone with a fictionalized bulletin, “Know Your Dope Fiend,” that warns officers:

The Dope Fiend fears nothing. He will attack, for no reason, with every weapon at his command—including yours. Beware. Any officer apprehending a suspected marijuana addict should use all necessary force immediately. One stitch in time (on him) will usually save nine on you. Good luck.

At one point, Thompson convinces an oblivious district attorney from Georgia that when Dope Fiends attack, the only recourse is to chop off their heads. “Nobody’s safe. And sure as hell not in the South. They like the warm weather.”

“Jesus God almighty,” the officer responds. “What the hell’s goin’ on in this country?”

Today, the idea of marijuana causing a murderous rampage still sounds absurd to many users of small amounts of the drug. Drug abuse and addiction has slowly moved from being treated with disdain and punishment, and toward rehabilitation, harm reduction, and prevention. The medical establishment has moved, if glacially, toward embracing potential therapeutic properties of cannabis. There is less fear, less loathing—though still most doctors do not prescribe the drug, and most researchers are prohibited from studying it.

Which is why it was jolting to read echoes of these old tropes this week in The New Yorker, where the journalist Malcolm Gladwell makes the case that marijuana is not as safe as “we think.” The primary source of his criticism is a new book by the novelist and former New York Times reporter Alex Berenson, Tell Your Children: The truth about marijuana, mental illness, and violence.

The book is, by Berenson’s account in the prologue, “not balanced.” It is an argument—an accumulation of evidence to support a thesis and convince a reader of something. “Marijuana causes paranoia and psychosis. That fact is now beyond dispute,” Berenson writes. “Paranoia and psychosis cause violence. Overwhelming evidence links psychotic disorders and violence, especially murder.”

Berenson is forthcoming about his bias at the outset: “If you want to read about the way marijuana legalization will provide jobs, or anecdotes from people who believe that smoking cured their celiac disease, or discussions of the relative merits of indica and sativa strains, this book will disappoint you. Maybe I’m too cynical, but I believe most people smoke marijuana for the same reason they drink alcohol or use any other drug: because they like to get high.”

Gladwell distills the argument still further, and the end result is paragraphs like this:

Berenson looks, too, at the early results from the state of Washington, which, in 2014, became the first U.S. jurisdiction to legalize recreational marijuana. Between 2013 and 2017, the state’s murder and aggravated-assault rates rose forty per cent—twice the national homicide increase and four times the national aggravated-assault increase. We don’t know that an increase in cannabis use was responsible for that surge in violence. Berenson, though, finds it strange that, at a time when Washington may have exposed its population to higher levels of what is widely assumed to be a calming substance, its citizens began turning on one another with increased aggression.

We don’t know—that’s true. Science can’t prove a negative. But this is innuendo, the public-intellectual equivalent of just sayin’. Innumerable factors go into homicide rates. One of the strongest predictors is income inequality, for example, which was increasing in Washington during that period; the state now has the 10th biggest gap in the country. If marijuana legalization accounted for increased murder rates, Amsterdam wouldn’t be among the be a much deadlier place to live. As it is, the homicide rate in the Netherlands is one fifth as high as it is in the U.S.

The article sparked backlash against Gladwell for, among other issues, the implication of causation from correlation and the apparent inconsideration of the political context into which the argument is introduced—one of mass incarceration, where millions of American lives have been upended not by consuming marijuana but by having some in their pocket.

Berenson does acknowledge the role of racism in drug legislation and enforcement. He covered the pharmaceutical industry while at the Times, then left a decade ago to write fantasy novels. But he threw his hat back into the ring with this book, which he says is the result of crawling down a rabbit hole of evidence after a conversation with his wife, a psychiatrist, who told him accurately that it’s well known that marijuana can cause psychosis.

I read the book this week. It argues that we are in the midst of a dangerous cannabis-driven psychosis epidemic: “The epidemic isn’t coming. It’s here.” Berenson describes murders, in detail, committed by people with schizophrenia or acute psychosis. He went to Colorado and combed through homicide records looking for evidence of marijuana involvement. In one case, he visited Bent County Correctional Facility and spoke to a teary inmate named Richard Kirk, who murdered his wife and claims that it was because he’d just eaten “a nibble” of an edible called Karma Kandy Orange Ginger. After the nibble, Kirk drove home, opened his safe, took out his pistol, and shot her.

Berenson takes Kirk’s account pretty much at face value, concluding that the man “existed at the center of the Venn diagram of three great American maladies—opiate abuse, financial stress, and easy access to firearms. But he’d lived there for years and never been violent, not until he ate a bite of Kandy Karma Orange Ginger.”

Vivid as the anecdotes are, the strongest part of Berenson’s  argument is a 2017 review by the National Academy of Medicine, “The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids,” which Gladwell also references. These reviews tend to be the “gold standard” for getting everyone in the medical field on the same page about how research should translate into practice. They bring together groups of experts and go through all the evidence they can, and distill it for doctors who can’t possibly keep up. In this case thousands of studies that became a nearly 500-page report.

In the good-news category, Berenson notes, there was no clear association between marijuana and lung cancer. (He does not mention  the “conclusive or substantial evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective for the treatment of chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and multiple sclerosis spasticity symptoms” or the “moderate evidence” that the they are effective for improving sleep in people with sleep apnea syndrome, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain.)

Berenson focuses on the report’s finding that there is “substantial evidence of a statistical association between cannabis use and the development of schizophrenia or other psychoses.” Though, again, it also found “a statistical association between cannabis use and better cognitive performance among individuals with psychotic disorders,” and “moderate evidence of no statistical association between cannabis use and worsening of negative symptoms of schizophrenia.”

The report does not discuss violent behavior specifically, which requires another leap. Berenson argues that if marijuana can cause psychotic breaks from reality, and psychotic people are more inclined to violence, marijuana is a cause of violence.

This is where he and Gladwell lose and upset some experts. Berenson specifically takes issue with the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s famous assertion that people with mental illness are more likely to be the victims than perpetrators of violence. “Those statements are deeply misleading,” he writes, claiming that the subset of mentally ill people with schizophrenia are much more likely than average to be violent.

Yasmin Hurd, the director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, works on figuring out who is prone to addiction and why. She is among the small number of U.S. scientists who have authorization to study marijuana. “There is nothing to support that marijuana legalization has increased murder rates,” she told me. “The association between schizophrenia and marijuana use is nothing new. Early use of THC, especially in high concentrations, is associated with psychosis and schizophrenia. That has been studied a lot. But schizophrenic people are not the ones committing murders. Trying to put a mental-health disorder as the explanation for murder rates—that is incorrect and should not have a platform.”

Hurd also emphasizes, contrary to Berenson, that marijuana remains a promising alternative to minimize opioid use and dependence. “I’ve studied cannabidiol and found that it does have beneficial effects in reducing opioid use,” she says.

The consensus is that, yes, for most people, there is such thing as too much marijuana. In some cases, using too much can have severe consequences that many people could benefit from taking more seriously. There are documented instances in which people have been driven to violence by marijuana, though what Berenson describes mostly seem to be cases where marijuana use is heavy over the course of many years—which could itself be a result rather than a cause of a psychosocial problem.

In these and the other cases in which an occasional user ended up in a psychotic episode or violent fit, it seems mostly that the marijuana does the final unleashing. As with any drug that lowers inhibitions, marijuana is much less likely to bring forth an entirely new person than it is to expose the nature of a person formed over a lifetime of input and environmental exposures and genetic proclivities. Violence is always a multifactorial end-point.

Gladwell makes the same basic point: “The experience of most users is relatively benign and predictable; the experience of a few, at the margins, is not. Products or behaviors that have that kind of muddled risk profile are confusing, because it is very difficult for those in the benign middle to appreciate the experiences of those at the statistical tails.” Those outliers, if you will, are where the headlines are made. They are the focus of both writers’ arguments. But they’re also the heart of the problem these arguments face in the first place: The question of exactly how muddled that risk profile actually is makes it impossible to say whether marijuana is “more dangerous than we believe.”

That’s also the straw man in the room: the assumption that most people believe marijuana just makes you laugh and gives you munchies. Berenson goes as far as writing, “no one disputes that occasional use of marijuana by people over 25 is generally safe.” In fact, the U.S. government still treats cannabis as extremely dangerous, among the most dangerous drugs. It is one of only a few schedule one substances—the most forbidden category, along with heroin and LSD, “for which there is no accepted medical use.” Meanwhile cocaine, Dilaudid, and methamphetamine are down in schedule two.

The punishment for possession has long reflected this idea of danger, in which the criminal justice system has treated marijuana similarly to carrying a bomb. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are still arrested every year for marijuana possession, and the penalty can mean a loss of livelihood, housing, and basic freedom. This is not yet a substance that society takes lightly, despite state-level moves toward decriminalization and legalization.

The feeling of being lashed back and forth by this book and the outcry over the Gladwell piece reminds me that science and medicine are rarely well served by writing in argument form. To do so well is compelling, and reading contrarianism is addictive. But an arguments’ job is to undermine, downplay, or ignore contradicting evidence. Gladwell and Berenson offer no stories of anyone who has a positive relationship to the drug. By the end, I found myself questioning even my own experiences, in which I’ve mostly just laughed with friends about nothing. Though there was one night in Colorado when I ate a brownie and went back to my hotel room and became convinced that someone had followed me and was hovering just outside my door. I kept the lights out, and I sat on the floor next to the bed, and I ate an entire jar of almond butter.

I wasn’t deeply scared; some part of me knew it wasn’t real. If I had been another person, though—one more given to paranoia, who hadn’t been raised in a safe home by loving parents, and who was in possession of many firearms and had many sworn enemies, would I have opened fire through the door? I suppose it’s possible.

If there is anything on which there is unanimous agreement about marijuana, it is that we need to study it more. This did not happen for decades because it was regarded by regulatory agencies as an irrefutable evil, a dangerous vice that, if you were found possessing it, should ruin your career and rob you of your freedom. One stitch in time (on him) will usually save nine on you. This is the narrative that such articles and books feed.

The pendulum has been swinging away from that, and even Berenson believes decriminalization is the way to go. But whether it is legalized or decriminalized, if it’s going to be used medically, as a drug, it should go through the same process of clinical trials as other drugs: looking for side effects and attempting to discern proper dosages and delivery mechanisms, populations in which it is most likely to be effective and most likely to have drawbacks, and so forth. All of this information is severely limited by the fact that studying marijuana has been illegal for most researchers and remains heavily restricted.

The fear-and-loathing narrative conflating marijuana and murder, Hurd worries, does nothing to stem abuse. Nor is it good for promoting further research: “It makes a huge difference. Many people who are making the decisions about funding going to NIH and other organization will now say we should have a moratorium on a drug that increases murder. Why would we want to do that and put people’s lives at risk? That’s why it’s dangerous to make these broad, unsubstantiated, and factually incorrect statements.”

from Health News And Updates https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/01/marijuana-murder-gladwell/579949/?utm_source=feed

[overcomingdepression101]

Why we become addicted depressed and anxious, what it does to our mind, and how to overcome it

Ive been considering all these topics as of late. For the past two years now Ive felt overwhelmingly depressed, apathetic, and lethargic towards life. Most notably of all the depressive symptoms though, my focus has deteriorated, that I find it hard to maintain visual focus on any one thing. At the start of the depressive cycle, reading was impossible, and even now continued visualization is difficult. I find myself regularly pulled out of the imagined scenario. Its odd though. Its not like I lose the drive to maintain focus and then all of a sudden im putting the material down and shifting to a different task. Its as if my mind itself has ceased to see any true value in continuing the action. Ill be in the middle of reading a page, and then without warning, my mind will have shifted focus. It will reflect on something in my life. Generally it will bring up a past memory that has some degree of lament to it and start creating a fictional instance around the memory or the projection of a person; an argument that could have been had, lovelorn words that could have been spoken, experiences that  could have been shared, hell, sometimes it will be a want to discuss the material im reading with someone that I once had feelings for and will begin to build a feeling of self importance as a result of having those conversations. Afterwards I feel discouraged, realizing, especially in the ladder case, that any intellectual validation or merit or strength that could have been ascertained from the actual activity of reading was undermined by delving into the fantasy.

Thats the strange thing about this focuses lack actually. A lot of the time, I will fantasize about doing or responding to what I am doing. The ultimate value underlying the digression actually being completing, with clarity and competence, the activity at hand. And yet my mind continues to wander away from the task at hand, inhibiting me from actually learning or appreciating or involving myself in what Im doing.

So, as of this point, Im sure you're wondering where the question about the reward center of the brain comes in. Well, we generally understand that the reward center of the brain, when primed and matured and uninterrupted, will release dopamine, the pleasure center of the brain, to influence the body to continue this action; chemical positive reinforcement. In doing this, the body is habituated to pursue self actualizing behavior. Yet, in my instance, there is some recognition that my mind desires to pursue the self actualizing behavior, but something always gets in the way.

I shouldn't say something. im more aware of the mechanism than that. Its actually a who. An ex. A woman I believed to be the love of my life, potentially soul mate. To a certain extent I maintain some of these beliefs. But I am become more suspect of them as time progresses and as I learn more about the interactions of drugs on the mind. Let me explain.

This relationship had a good deal of drug over the course of its duration. But there was one experience, the day I’d say the relationship really began and also an event that Im begin to hold more and more accountable for my current state of mind, that I accredit more than any other. On our first true date. This woman and I went to a music festival together and took MDMA. This experience was prefaced by three dates, a growing belief that I had never prior met someone who was so like me, the first true wisps of love as a legitimate feeling, and an intense sexual attraction. To say little of the experience other than what is necessary, I have never felt so much mental, physical, or spiritual affirmation in period of time. I can only imagine that my body was flooded with an unparalleled amount of dopamine.

The day after, in an unexpected and tragic way, the relationship flourishing was cut short, but continued on and off for the next few months. During this period of time, whenever I was in her presence, I felt more intelligence and focus flood my mind than at any other time. But that to was quickly diminishing as I got further from the events of the festival.

We know that stimulant drugs and psychoactive drugs have a cerebrally stimulating effect. There are studies that demonstrate that the mind is more active and acute while under different influences. Marijuanna, Nicotine, Cocaine, MDMA, etc. We also know however, that there are near degenerative effects to these substances if used over a period of time. The general consensus explaining this phenomenon revolves around the brains pleasure response mechanism. When we are doing something that intellectually validating and we combine it with an external chemical that causes a release of dopamine which is the neurotransmitter that enables focus and memory, we ar enhancing our minds capabilities to learn because we are flooding it excessive amounts of dopamine. However, over time, the body becomes reliant of external chemicals for the same dopamine release, self regulating as it is. Beyond that, the chemicals wheres away at our minds ability to producedopamine, eventually leading to a reduction in overall production, even while in the presence of the substance. If the substance is removed all together though, then the relative level of dopamine in the mind is comparatively less than a mind that has abstained, leading to the neurodegenerative process we've seen.

Certain substances cause such an elevated release of dopamine, that production is hampered for months or even years after use. MDMA is an example of a drug that produces this effect. While the research discussing the phenomena is heavily politicized, there is still evidence suggesting that MDMA at worst is neurotoxic and at best still cause a significant decline is available dopamine for sometime after use.

Knowing both of these facts, I began to consider what that dopamine drop would look like if it cooccured with high levels of oxytocin present in the mind, I.E. what if someone were in love and also released an immense amount of dopamine? Would the effects be even more drastic? Would they be noticeable? In a mind that was still demonstrating significant levels of neuroplasticity as an adolescent, could this lead to severe long term damage.

Before going further into detail, its also important to note that the effective of substance on the adolescent mind are well researched and documented. Long term substance problems are usually the result of adolescent consumption and that generally speaking is a result of an alteration to the reward mechanism inside of the brain. “The brain regions and neural processes that underlie addiction overlap extensively with those that support cognitive functions, including learning, memory, and reasoning. Drug activity in these regions and processes during early stages of abuse foster strong maladaptive associations between drug use and environmental stimuli that may underlie future cravings and drug-seeking behaviors.” (Gould) Gould’s paper elaborates on this in significantly more depth but in laymen's terms, while our brains would normally get hard wired to reward us with dopamine if we pursued altruistic behavior or things that were generally good for us, substance abuse in minors rewires the brain so those chemicals are released when the drug is present in the body. Learning, memory, and focus are all hampered as a result of this wiring and as such, instead of pursuing things that benefit our wellbeing, we pursue the drug.

This has many different implications, especially when considering the nature of focus in the recovering addicts mind. But prior to that, it also brings up a bevy of other questions. How many uses of substance are necessary to rewire the brains reward circuitry? What are the varying degrees of circuitry rewiring that exist; more to the point is there a way to create a spectrum for the varying degrees of learning deficiencies and rewiring behaviors? Can other chemicals that act of neural circuitry behave in a similar way: love, sugar, validating external mediums (social media for example).  If so, or even if not, when this manifests in a person what is the actual psychological process and experience of deteriorated learning and focus look like? Is the process reversible to any degree? What is the method of reversing the cognitive deficit? And lastly, is there any way to ascertain a general time based on treatment behaviors?

I opened up this line of question because after reflecting on may experience, I do believe the co-occurence of love and MDMA in my system made me truly addicted to the presence and validation of a person. Realizing that the a-priori consideration of my mind, even when pursuing things I found generally enjoyable for two years post experience, was to try and validate it to this other, made me realize just how deep rooted this type of addiction could be. I will note that I did have experience with other substances prior to this point in my life, and as an adolescent, but they were minimal at best, and never as irreversible or as all consuming as this singular experience.

I have been completely clean of any substance (alcohol and tobacco included) for over three months now. I am emerging from a period of intense depression and anxiety and on a daily basis I still live with a mind that is fractured and quick to recall and past ill, grievance, misgiving, or yearn. But through a strict lifestyle of regular meditation, exercise, sobriety, and presence, I am making real headway in overcoming the anxiety behaviors. More-over, having spent the majority of the past year deeply researching mental disorder, anxiety, and depression in a functional sense, I feel like i understand the disease better than ever and what type of mental schemas and behaviors lead into it.

To preface a lot of what Ill be talking about, i believe that anxiety and depression are a result of biological traits, chemical presence, and behavior. That said, having been deep into the pit of both depression and anxiety, having lost all my mental faculties and general feelings of pleasure for the world, I dont think these feelings are permanent, or genetically predisposed to hamper you your entire life. Many people overcome these trying disorders, even with long family histories present with the condition or even after long periods of drug abuse.

I started writing when I became stricken with fear that I would never get my mind back, I would never achieve the intellectual or potential filled heights I could have prior to making the decisions I made, and I would never get over the addictions I faced (the girl and the substances that had destroyed my life). Im getting close to the other side though. I can see with clarity how it will happen. And Im going to articulate each step.

Im doing this so i can have a written record for myself more than anything. I want to know how I emerged from such a pit in case it ever happens again. As a result, this is one part journal, one part help guide. Sometimes the writing will be messy. Sometimes it will be more personal than universal; in those instances, ill try and qualify what I say. But know that I always write recognizing that each struggle with depression and anxiety is incredibly personal. The demons that haunt and pester us all have their own back stories; stories so powerful they would have to be lived to truly be understood. I will never pretend to understand them.

What I do understand is that there are shared characteristics between each experience. I also know there are shared characteristics revolving around many individual’s escapes. I am writing to those experiences. I want to make them understandable, digestible, human too. To regularly in medical writing, you feel depersonalized because its like a prescription bottle is talking to you, in that same sterilized, medical dialogue we expect from a droning oncologist. Not here.

And thats the last thing I understand and really, my point in writing this and giving you a little insight into what I’m thinking, how I’m thinking, and how it relates to my life. Im there with you. Not living your story, but desperately trying to escape a story that has some shared characteristics as your own. I hope we can help each other, grieve with each other, and overcome with each other. This is hell. We know it. This isn't what life should be or has been or could be. We also know that. And with that knowledge in our hearts, let us remind each other. Continually and eternally. And push each other in the direction of clarity and song.

Till next time,

Alex

[armorroofing]

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