Monday Mental Health Moment

 Monday Mental Health Moment

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I want to take a moment today, Monday, July 15th, to share this quote with you: "Your mental health is as important as your physical health." This quote is a crucial message for anyone dealing with mental illness, and it's a great mantra to start each day with. Remember to tell yourself this at least once as you start your day. If you have trouble remembering, write it down and post it where you will see it, or set an alarm on your phone. And remember, this mantra is not just a saying; it's a truth you should hold onto daily. 

Falling Off Track into Depression: My Journey

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Life can be incredibly challenging at times, and for many of us, navigating the ups and downs can sometimes lead to feeling off track and lost. For me, this struggle manifested in the form of depression, and I'd like to share my journey with you in the hopes that it may offer some comfort or insight to those who may be going through similar experiences.

 Falling off track into depression was a bewildering and isolating experience. It crept up on me slowly, like a dark cloud moving in front of the sun, and before I knew it, I found myself engulfed in a sense of hopelessness and apathy. Simple tasks that used to bring me joy became insurmountable obstacles, and I struggled to find meaning and purpose in my days. I had been here before and hated to know I had returned. 

One of the most complex parts of this experience was feeling as though I was alone in my battle. It's important to remember that depression can affect anyone, regardless of their external circumstances or perceived strength. Seeking help was a significant turning point for me. Opening up to a trusted friend or professional about what I was going through was a crucial step in my recovery process. Talking about my feelings and experiences helped me realize that I wasn't alone and that there were people who cared about me and wanted to support me through my struggles. Even though I know this, I can't seem to understand it when I am suffering. 

Finding healthy coping mechanisms was another essential aspect of my journey. Engaging in regular exercise, meditation, and creative outlets gave me a sense of purpose and helped me regain control over my life. It's essential to experiment and find what works best for you, as everyone's journey to healing is unique.

In addition, challenging my negative thought patterns was crucial in reorienting my perspective. Exploring therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques gave me the tools to recognize and reframe my negative thinking patterns, allowing me to develop a more positive and adaptive mindset.

Lastly, building a solid support network was indispensable in my recovery. Surrounding myself with understanding and empathetic individuals who offered unconditional support and encouragement was pivotal in my healing process. It is not always easy, but it is possible. Connecting with others who had experienced similar struggles helped me feel less isolated and gave me hope for the future.

While my journey through depression is undoubtedly challenging, it has also been incredibly transformative. I've learned to be more compassionate toward myself and others, and I've gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of mental health. Suppose you find yourself feeling off track and struggling with depression. In that case, I encourage you to seek help, explore healthy coping mechanisms, challenge negative thought patterns, and build a supportive network around you. You are not alone; hope and healing await you on the other side of this challenging journey, no matter how often you find yourself in this position. 

In Loving Memory of Paw Paw Buck Burbanks

April W. Holdridge

In the quiet of the sun's embrace, where memories bloom, and shadows trace, Paw Paw stands tall, a beacon of grace, Guiding us onward in life's endless race. 

His hands were calloused and kind. He carved wisdom into hearts and minds. He spoke of faith, forgiveness, and love, a testament to the heavens above. 

Blonde jokes danced upon his lips, Laughter echoing through time's eclipse. In his eyes, the twinkle of shared delight, A bond unbreakable, woven tight. 

I learned lessons at his knee, roots of resilience, strength, and glee. He taught us to love without restraint, to cherish each moment, and never to simulate.   

When the sun sets on this earthly shore, Paw Paw's legacy lives forever. In our hearts, his spirit takes flight, a beacon of love shining bright. 

April W. Holdridge 

Holiday Toll Taken, Don’t Forget

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Holidays can be challenging, right? I've been thinking about Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Valentine's Day lately. There are times when I wish these holidays didn't exist. They can take a toll on our mental well-being and wallets. As I get older, I feel more emotional during these celebrations. I thought it would be the opposite. I thought I would grow used to them not being here, but with every accomplishment, from the kids to the grandkids, I will start wishing my loved ones could be here to celebrate with us more than ever, causing a flood of memories and emotions.

Dealing with the loss of my father to suicide makes these holidays even more challenging for me. It's stressful to pick out gifts and cards for others because it reminds me of my father and his situation. Sometimes, my kids don't fully understand how these holidays affect me. Getting to see them can make a big difference, but sometimes, I don't even get a phone call. It breaks my heart and makes an already challenging time almost unbearable. I am trying to take my time and figure out how to address this issue when I am not feeling so hurt. With my Bipolar Disorder, I then start picking myself to pieces, trying to figure out what I did. Not to put all the weight on my children, I am just saying that seeing them on those holidays would help soften the rest.

I understand that people dealing with mental health issues may find the holidays to be more challenging. The holidays can affect our mental health in various ways depending on our circumstances. It's upsetting to think that others may be experiencing even more pain than I am.

It's important to acknowledge these potential challenges and take steps to manage stress and maintain mental health during the holiday season. If the stress worsens, consider setting realistic expectations, maintaining healthy habits, and seeking support when needed. Remember, it's okay to prioritize your well-being and set boundaries that help you enjoy the holidays to the fullest.

You can try these ideas to help during these difficult times such as holidays.

Practice self-care

• Schedule time for yourself and activities that recharge your mind and body. These can include regular exercise, eating healthy meals, staying hydrated, and making sleep a priority.

Practice mindfulness

• Try mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing to calm your mind and slow your heart rate.

Take a break

• If news or social media are causing you stress, take a break. You can also try to follow a regular schedule daily and build time for breaks.

I know these sound almost too simple, but they really do help. Mindfulness helps me more than any of them, but I usually need a little of each.

Please remember that we all need Grace from others and Grace for ourselves throughout the year and holidays, not just at Christmas. Here's a reminder to help you through this Father's Day.

Stressed spelled backward is desserts.

Loreta Laroche

Everyone Knows, but No One Knows

How can a pioneer family that started a new life in a new county at the county's birth, spreading roots from county to county across the state, be forgotten? 

Records, censuses, and newspaper clippings are plenty. Cemeteries mark a few, but roots still exist and run through. Communities everyone knows, but no one knows. 

How many families' existences become beyond recall? Some will be saved, but how many will not be remembered at all.

 A name being spoken may be the key to ensuring we are not overlooked by history. For now, the question's answer remains a mystery. 

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Watch Him Work

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I didn't know for a long time what it meant to see God at work until I slowed down enough to pay attention. When I think about Jesus working, I used to imagine seeing physical work being done, but that's not how it is. It's happening undercover, and today, I finally understood it.

I want to share this with you because today, I witnessed what I believe to be a higher power at work; I was right in the middle of it. I had been feeling really down and stressed because of my bipolar disorder. I didn't want to go to the doctor, leave the house, or deal with all the things that come with leaving the house. But as soon as I left, I didn't encounter any traffic. It felt like a ghost town whenever I tried to pull onto the road. Auburn is incredibly chaotic to drive in, but there wasn't a sight when pulling out of Taco Bell, Dunkin' Donuts, the Doctor's, or Doctor the gas station. I was able to get everything done with ease. If you can't see The Lord helping me in that, then I fear you can't see can't.

How Quick Are You?

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How fast do you write your blog? Do you work on it tirelessly, or do you use it as a notepad? I live with Bipolar II disorder with rapid cycling, and let me tell you, finding that balance feels impossible. I think this could apply to anyone, but it's an even more significant challenge for those battling daily mental health issues. It also brings to my mind the topic I've already mentioned: obedience and faith.

My realization that I needed to lean more on my faith and obey without questioning led me to finally start these blogs. I'm grateful for the chance to emphasize the purpose of this blog and studio: to bring art, photography, genealogy, history, writing, faith, mental health, and self-care together in one comforting space. It is also a place that holds me accountable and transparent. 

I write my blog in two different ways. However, to be more organized and to help with my battles with my mental health, I have been trying to use Google Keep as my notepad and avoid having a dozen drafts on Blogger. I need to decide where to blog from, as I am currently blogging on three platforms. This reflects one of the struggles of having Bipolar II Disorder. Instead of using the existing blog, I have started new ones twice. Having too many blogs is just confusing and more work than needed as the structure is one of the most significant aids to help with bipolar disorder. Keeping it simple is critical, no matter what your mind tries to tell you. 

I've been thinking about this while learning about blogging. I realized that I need to have faith and be better at listening to what God is trying to tell me. I need to improve at obeying and trusting blindly. This is a journey of rehabilitation after diagnosis, and I can see it coming full circle. It was leaning on my faith and being obedient that allowed me to begin this journey. I must keep reminding myself to go with what God puts in my heart and not question it. That means the answer to my question is to write whatever your higher power gives you whenever you get it, no matter how long it takes. "All in God's time" is what I need to make as one of my daily mantras.