#seeking mental health support

[roshni99]

One in seven Indians faces mental health issues, and men often battle silently due to stigma. Let's shatter the silence and foster a supportive environment. Here's how: 1️⃣ Educate: Early mental health education is crucial to dispel fears and encourage open conversations. 2️⃣ Role Models: Men embracing mental health self-care set a powerful example for the younger generation. 3️⃣ Workplace Understanding: Organizations, let's integrate mental health support into policies and practices. Recognize the signs: mood swings, sleep changes, persistent sadness. Speak up, seek help. Together, we can make a difference. 💪 #MentalHealthMatters #BreakTheSilence #InternationalMensDay #SupportEachOther 🌈 For more information, visit: https://www.raphacure.com For professional support and essential tools, don't forget to download our mobile app: 📲 Android: http://bit.ly/3JACQOb 🍏 Apple: https://apple.co/3I0QKbe 🌟🤩 men's mental health,mental health,breaking the silence,mental health awareness,men's health,men's mental health month,mental health tips,men's mental wellness,mens mental health,let's talk mental health month,men's mental health awareness month,how to improve mental health,men's mental health awareness,men's mental health depression,mental health challenges,seeking mental health support,men's mental health channel 5,mental health awareness month

[unsolicitedadvicecatlady]

A clarion call to put an end to cosplaying diagnoses

First off, it's cheapening the experiences of people who have actually been diagnosed.

Secondly, it's promoting stigma and misinformation.

A diagnosis is not a shield to hide behind or a weapon to bash people with. It's a life-altering piece of news to a suffering individual.

It's not cute, it's not trendy, it's not a joke.

There are protections in place for people with diagnosed disabilities to foster environments that are accessible and open for all; not to give people internet clout, not for attention, not for distracting from the issues on the table.

Claiming a disability without going through the proper channels is, to me, a lot like stolen valor. If it's against the law to pretend to be a veteran to reap benefits not earned, the same principle ought to be applied to people claiming they have been diagnosed with an illness without a formal assessment.

I am not talking about people who suspect they have a health concern and haven't been able to get a formal diagnosis but plan to, I'm talking about people who have no intention of receiving a valid diagnosis but want to claim they have it.

Receiving a diagnosis is life changing. It can be devastating; it can be a relief. With a diagnosis comes a responsibility to take action based off of the information that has now been received. There is now an opportunity to seek therapeutic intervention and to get help, whereas before it was only suffering without knowing why or what to do about it.

It's a disgusting trend that people are claiming to have a diagnosis for attention or even to rationalize their behavior. It needs to stop.

Sincerely, A legitimately ill mo-fo who will kick your ass if you're falsely claiming a disorder thinking it will save you from the consequences of shitty behavior.

[pumpkin-the-girlie-girl-vixen]

Meeting expectations set by my mom & the rest of the world can be quite challenging at times.

- StrawBerry Shortcake Kid

🍓 Strawberry Shortcake is usually portrayed as a cheerful and optimistic character, always ready to help her friends and spread positivity. Her mental status in the stories is often depicted as stable and resilient, even in challenging situations. She faces various adventures and problems with a positive attitude and a kind heart, which helps her overcome obstacles and support her friends. While this meme humorously suggests otherwise, Strawberry Shortcake's character is generally seen as a symbol of stability and joy.

🍰🍓 Even though Strawberry Shortcake is a strong character, everyone has their breaking point when the weight of the world is on their shoulders. No matter how resilient and positive she is, there are moments when the challenges and responsibilities can feel overwhelming. It's important to remember that even the most cheerful and optimistic individuals can struggle at times. Acknowledging these moments of vulnerability can make her character more relatable and human, showing that it's okay to seek support and take a break when needed. 🍰🍓🍰🍓🍰🍓🍰🍓🍰🍓🍰🍓

Growing up, I was lovingly referred to as my mother’s “strawberry shortcake kid.” This identity, infused with sweetness and cheer, has shaped who I am since before I even took my first breath. From the very beginning, my mother instilled in me the values that Strawberry Shortcake embodies—joy, resilience, and a commitment to uplifting those around me. 🍓

Just as Strawberry Shortcake navigates her adventures with positivity, I’ve faced my own challenges with an optimistic outlook. I recall moments in childhood where I would don my favorite strawberry-themed outfits, embodying that cheerful spirit, and aim to spread happiness to my peers. Whether it was organizing a small gathering to celebrate a friend’s achievement or lending a listening ear to someone in need, I embraced the role of a supportive friend, much like my beloved character. 🍰

The lessons I learned from Strawberry Shortcake resonate with me today. I understand the importance of mental resilience and the ability to remain stable in the face of adversity. Her adventures remind me that life will present challenges, but with a kind heart and a positive mindset, we can find solutions and support each other through tough times. 🍓

As I look to the future, I carry forward this legacy of joy and positivity. My journey may not always mirror the simplicity of a children’s story, but I strive to maintain that cheerful disposition and optimism in everything I do. I hope to inspire others in the same way Strawberry Shortcake inspired me—by embracing the sweetness of life, supporting friends, and facing obstacles with a smile. Truly, my identity as a “strawberry shortcake kid” is a testament to the power of positivity and the joy of community. 🍰

As much as I strive to embody the cheerful spirit of Strawberry Shortcake, I recognize that even she has her moments of vulnerability. Despite her strength and unwavering optimism, there are times when the weight of the world bears down heavily on her shoulders. This truth resonates deeply with me, as I have experienced similar moments of feeling overwhelmed, even while trying to maintain a bright facade. 🍓

Acknowledging these struggles is a vital part of my identity. Just like Strawberry Shortcake, I have learned that it’s okay to admit when things feel too heavy and to seek support when needed. There have been days when the responsibilities of life seemed insurmountable, and I, too, have felt the urge to retreat into my own version of Strawberryland, a place where I can recharge and gather my strength 🍰

Understanding that vulnerability is a natural aspect of the human experience has allowed me to embrace my own moments of doubt and fatigue. Recognizing that even the most cheerful individuals can falter has made me more empathetic toward others. It reminds me that behind every smile can lie a story of struggle. It is essential to create spaces where we can express our challenges without fear of judgment, much like how Strawberry Shortcake leans on her friends for support. 🍓

In these instances of vulnerability, I find strength in community. I’ve learned the importance of surrounding myself with friends who uplift and encourage me, just as Strawberry Shortcake does with her pals. By sharing my feelings and experiences, I discover that I am not alone in my struggles. This connection with others creates a sense of belonging and reminds me that it's perfectly acceptable to take breaks, reevaluate my path, and gather my thoughts. 🍰

Ultimately, embracing both the cheerful and vulnerable aspects of my identity as a “strawberry shortcake kid” has enriched my life. It has taught me that resilience doesn’t mean never faltering; rather, it means acknowledging our struggles and leaning on our support systems when we need them most. Just like Strawberry Shortcake, I strive to face each day with optimism while also allowing myself the grace to be human. 🍓

🍓 🍰

[queenlateph]

MR6:2

In summary, both community-based and individual-level interventions have critical roles in crime prevention, but their success is often enhanced when they are used in tandem, addressing both the community environment and the needs of individuals at risk.

COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS (LEFT)

INDIVIDUAL-LEVEL INTERVENTIONS (RIGHT)

REFERENCES:

Color Wheel

Sampson, R. J., & Wilson, W. J. (1995). Toward a theory of race, crime, and urban inequality. In J. Hagan & R. D. Peterson (Eds.), Crime and Inequality (pp. 37-54). Stanford University Press

Clarke, R. V., & Weisburd, D. (1994). Diffusion of crime control benefits: Observations on the implementation of the new police.* In R. V. Clarke & D. Weisburd (Eds.), Crime Prevention Studies (Vol. 3, pp. 175-200). Criminal Justice Press

[ociels]

god i think my cousin was relieved to see someone with the same disorder as her

[edwardshundredyearoldspunk]

I really think you're telling on yourself if you actually think that people are diagnosing themselves with every and any mental disorder in the DSM-5 from a tiktok. chronically online of you to think this tbh. it's giving, "I don't actually talk to people irl and all my information about this is from social media."

[kindnessoverperfection]

I can't stand being open about negative emotions, but covering them up feels like a fucking knife to the chest.

I think it's because the system is autistic and misses social cues / boundaries, so Grey has overshared and accidentally put too much on people in the past.

And from a combination of autism trauma + abuse & us not actually knowing the line between healthy sharing/support and Too Much, my brain processed it as "if you admit you're having a hard time or ask for support, they won't love you"

[kc22invesmentsblog]

Embracing Self-Care: Prioritizing Yourself in a Hectic World

What could you do more of? Written by Delvin In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, it’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of responsibilities and obligations. Amidst the chaos, we often forget to prioritize the most important person in our lives: ourselves. Self-care is not selfish; it is a crucial aspect of leading a fulfilling and balanced life. In this blog post, we will…

[inkubye]

[toweringclam]

I have something I've taken to call "itchy brain" where I'll suddenly start interpreting things in a very paranoid, personal way. People are against me. They're arguing with me just to argue. They're deliberately misinterpreting me. They don't care at all or they care too much. It genuinely feels like I have a sort of itch in my consciousness and I can't stop scratching it until it bleeds. I'll freak out and start begging them to tell me what's really going on or I'll start ranting about how what they said came off to me. I'll just start crying as I get in a spiral of trying to explain myself.

And then it stops.

Suddenly, I become completely aware of just how insane I'm acting. It's like this flood of negative emotions just evaporates. Which is weird because you think I'd still feel it from all the stress hormones. But no, suddenly I'm back to normal, albeit very embarrassed about my behavior over the past few minutes.

Most things I've looked into require you to feel it a lot longer-term, like days at the minimum. But it only lasts a few minutes, and I can go weeks without this problem. Intermittent explosive disorder might fit better, but it's not anger. It's fear and hurt and confusion. It might be a trauma trigger, but what could possibly be triggering it and why, I have no idea. It's not an autistic meltdown, those feel different. More overwhelming, less itchy.

IDK, Tumblr seems to be good at diagnosing brainwrong. If anyone knows wtf is up with me, please let me know, and share this if you don't.

[mental-health-advice]

I am preparing for a competitive exam and I can’t put myself to even shower daily forget about studying daily. I was seeking therapy and then we decided that I can cope on my own but I’m still on meds(mood stabiliser and got off antidepressants few months ago). I was diagnosed with depression last year and I seeked therapy for about a year. Now I’m off therapy and I have trouble doing things and starting things, I fall asleep way easily during my online lectures and because I’m not so productive I beat myself up over it and tell myself that I’ll start all over again tomorrow … with a new timetable and what not and then I don’t follow it. I procrastinate all day and then I still go to bed tired and sleepy. I also have trouble eating all my meds.

I want to do well in my competitive exam and get into a good college but I am overwhelmed with the number of exams I’ll have to give and the number of admission forms I have to fill. And my dad who used to help me with all this now doesn’t help with admission forms saying “I have grown old you deal with it” 😭😭

I have been binge watching phineas and ferb because that makes me go haha lol.

Do you think I need to go back to therapy? Also, how should I tackle procrastination and not fall into loop of sleeping all day and not doing the basic chores even like showering daily. Also, I have an upcoming appointment with a psychiatrist should I tell him all of this?

This is my first ask, I hope you respond as soon as possible. Thank you!

Hey there,

Firstly, I am glad that you have an upcoming appointment with a psychiatrist. This is a really positive step and if you are able to, I would encourage you to share as much with them as you can in regards to how you are currently feeling and coping with things. i.e. struggling to do everyday things like showering for example. I am also not a qualified medical professional but it sounds as though maybe restarting anti-depressants may also be considered by your psychiatrist and especially if they were helpful when you were last on them. Sometimes people can be on AD’s for a good few years or even for longer until they find the relevant coping strategies to enable them to do everyday things, and sometimes people may need to be on a medication for life as they may have a chemical imbalance that they need a psych med to help balance things out which I am thinking is partly why you are still on your mood stabiliser but right now you may be needing something extra or a higher dosage to help you through – I am by no means a doctor though so don’t quote me on this!

Studying for any type of exam can be really stressful and overwhelming for anyone, so it’s only natural that you are finding things quite tough right now and are finding even the little things hard to do. Have you ever thought of writing out a list of daily things you need to get done/ do each day and once completing these things crossing them off the list? I know that for me this helps me to get back into a routine and especially when I get to see the list getting smaller and smaller with each task I achieve. Just an idea! Doing this may also be more helpful than a simple timetable as well due to looking as a timetable can seem quite overwhelming and especially when you are already finding things difficult. Trying to get yourself into a bit of a routine (even if you only do one or two things a day to get started) can also help you to stay awake and then help you to get a better sleep at nights, so this is also something else to consider!

In regards to filling out admission forms, one thing I find helpful again for myself is to just focus on filling out or answering one or two questions each day. If you break the forms up and only focus on a section at a time then it may seem more achievable if that makes sense and this too can be part of your routine and especially if you have a bit to fill out/ answer.

For the time being starting therapy again may also be helpful for you and especially in this really stressful period. Even if you just use the sessions to vent or offload what’s on your mind. This may make it a bit easier for you to then refocus your attention on your studies and upcoming exams as you may find you are not worrying so much on other life stressors if that makes sense. And remember that it’s more than OK to ask and reach out for help and support again, it doesn’t mean you have gone backwards in your recovery, just that you need an extra helping hand and by asking for help, it actually shows your strength in knowing and being able to acknowledge when you are needing some extra support. And like your upcoming psychiatrist appointment, this too is a big positive if you are feeling that therapy would be beneficial for you to restart!

I really hope that this has helped a bit and please do let us know if we can help to support you in any other way!

I’m thinking of you, hope that you are going well and wish you all the best with your exams!

Take care,

Lauren

[v-67]

Does anyone ever feel like they're an impostor for going to therapy even when they're not depressed at that moment?

So I'm all good rn, Like yes I'm subconsciously stressed about a few things but I'm also aware of them and i know I'm good at the moment

Like, I'm functioning as a person and I'm okay

But I'm gonna go to therapy because I've tried thinking of solutions to the patterns in my mind and i can't find any

So isn't it better to seek professional help, and someone i can actually tell everything without feeling like I'm burdening them?

But i feel like an impostor too, because I'm great rn, I can do things and i feel okay

But i know that I need help to work on these issues because I can't tell anyone else plus i need help processing my previous trauma because I don't know how to plus i need help identifying my triggers and emotions

So it's okay right?

I'm writing this here incase someone is in a similar thought pattern

I'm unsure because I can't help but feel like an impostor but I'm logically sure that it's the utmost right thing to do

You should opt for therapy if you feel like you need help, whether you're depressed or not

Don't wait for things to pile up so much, go and seek help when you feel that you should

When you're still feeling things and are in the mindset of wanting to, I feel like you should do and try doing things that you think will help

So idk what this post is exactly about but yes

go and seek help when you feel like

And If anyone wants to talk about something, my dms are open

I'm so not a professional but i can listen to you and help you figure out your options and give you some kind of reassurance that it's Genuinely okay to seek help

And iknow therapy is expensive 🥲😭

But there are resources which can help you out, There are pro bono options too, so please find out resources because there is always something to help

So Yes cuties, take care of yourself and don't doubt things and don't worry and ask for help when you know you need it🫶

[galariangengar]

My dad while some gossip show or whatever is on tv: “only white people have therapists. Mexican people get un putaso”

…… And this is one of SEVERAL reasons why I am gonna heavily limit contact with my parents/family in the future when I move out, get my own place and financially independent

[drdemonprince]

The data does not support the assumption that all burned out people can “recover.” And when we fully appreciate what burnout signals in the body, and where it comes from on a social, economic, and psychological level, it should become clear to us that there’s nothing beneficial in returning to an unsustainable status quo. 

The term “burned out” is sometimes used to simply mean “stressed” or “tired,” and many organizations benefit from framing the condition in such light terms. Short-term, casual burnout (like you might get after one particularly stressful work deadline, or following final exams) has a positive prognosis: within three months of enjoying a reduced workload and increased time for rest and leisure, 80% of mildly burned-out workers are able to make a full return to their jobs. 

But there’s a lot of unanswered questions lurking behind this happy statistic. For instance, how many workers in this economy actually have the ability to take three months off work to focus on burnout recovery? What happens if a mildly burnt-out person does not get that rest, and has to keep toiling away as more deadlines pile up? And what is the point of returning to work if the job is going to remain as grueling and uncontrollable as it was when it first burned the worker out? 

Burnout that is not treated swiftly can become far more severe. Clinical psychologist and burnout expert Arno van Dam writes that when left unattended (or forcibly pushed through), mild burnout can metastasize into clinical burnout, which the International Classification of Diseases defines as feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance, and a reduced sense of personal agency. Clinically burned-out people are not only tired, they also feel detached from other people and no longer in control of their lives, in other words.

Unfortunately, clinical burnout has quite a dismal trajectory. Multiple studies by van Dam and others have found that clinical burnout sufferers may require a year or more of rest following treatment before they can feel better, and that some of burnout’s lingering effects don’t go away easily, if at all. 

In one study conducted by Anita Eskildsen, for example, burnout sufferers continued to show memory and processing speed declines one year after burnout. Their cognitive processing skills improved slightly since seeking treatment, but the experience of having been burnt out had still left them operating significantly below their non-burned-out peers or their prior self, with no signs of bouncing back. 

It took two years for subjects in one of van Dam’s studies to return to “normal” levels of involvement and competence at work. following an incident of clinical burnout. However, even after a multi-year recovery period they still performed worse than the non-burned-out control group on a cognitive task designed to test their planning and preparation abilities. Though they no longer qualified as clinically burned out, former burnout sufferers still reported greater exhaustion, fatigue, depression, and distress than controls.

In his review of the scientific literature, van Dam reports that anywhere from 25% to 50% of clinical burnout sufferers do not make a full recovery even four years after their illness. Studies generally find that burnout sufferers make most of their mental and physical health gains in the first year after treatment, but continue to underperform on neuropsychological tests for many years afterward, compared to control subjects who were never burned out. 

People who have experienced burnout report worse memories, slower reaction times, less attentiveness, lower motivation, greater exhaustion, reduced work capability, and more negative health symptoms, long after their period of overwork has stopped. It’s as if burnout sufferers have fallen off their previous life trajectory, and cannot ever climb fully back up. 

And that’s just among the people who receive some kind of treatment for their burnout and have the opportunity to rest. I found one study that followed burned-out teachers for seven years and reported over 14% of them remained highly burnt-out the entire time. These teachers continued feeling depersonalized, emotionally drained, ineffective, dizzy, sick to their stomachs, and desperate to leave their jobs for the better part of a decade. But they kept working in spite of it (or more likely, from a lack of other options), lowering their odds of ever healing all the while. 

Van Dam observes that clinical burnout patients tend to suffer from an excess of perseverance, rather than the opposite: “Patients with clinical burnout…report that they ignored stress symptoms for several years,” he writes. “Living a stressful life was a normal condition for them. Some were not even aware of the stressfulness of their lives, until they collapsed.”

Instead of seeking help for workplace problems or reducing their workload, as most people do, clinical burnout sufferers typically push themselves through unpleasant circumstances and avoid asking for help. They’re also less likely to give up when placed under frustrating circumstances, instead throttling the gas in hopes that their problems can be fixed with extra effort. They become hyperactive, unable to rest or enjoy holidays, their bodies wired to treat work as the solution to every problem. It is only after living at this unrelenting pace for years that they tumble into severe burnout. 

Among both masked Autistics and overworked employees, the people most likely to reach catastrophic, body-breaking levels of burnout are the people most primed to ignore their own physical boundaries for as long as possible. Clinical burnout sufferers work far past the point that virtually anyone else would ask for help, take a break, or stop caring about their work.

And when viewed from this perspective, we can see burnout as the saving grace of the compulsive workaholic — and the path to liberation for the masked disabled person who has nearly killed themselves trying to pass as a diligent worker bee. 

I wrote about the latest data on burnout "recovery," and the similarities and differences between Autistic burnout and conventional clinical burnout. The full piece is free to read or have narrated to you in the Substack app at drdevonprice.substack.com

[bizcochitomarmolado]

Cr. advocating.mentalhealth