Quanisha Davis Found

The search for the 30-year-old mother concluded on May 30, 2024, at around 7:45 am. The case has transitioned from a missing persons case to a homicide case. During a live press conference at 1 pm, officials announced they found her White Ford Explorer on Wednesday, May 29, in a wooded area off North Loop Road in Dadeville, Alabama. After securing and processing the vehicle, they continued to search for Ms. Davis. The police received information about her location. Her remains were located in a wooded area off Herren Street in Dadeville, which was about 3-5 miles from the location of her vehicle. Davis had been missing since May 17, according to law enforcement officials. The original information stated that her family last saw her on May 16th in Alexander City. She was reported missing on May 24th. 

Robert Lee Young, a 55-year-old man from Dadeville, Alabama, was arrested and charged with murder in connection with her death at 11:09 am. Authorities have not disclosed how she may have been killed or how long her body had been in that location. Young and Davis were apparently in a dating relationship. Young has a previous criminal record for minor crimes, but this is all we know about him now. Officials stated that there could be more charges to come. We have decided not to post his mugshot to uplift her family and not give attention to him. He is currently being held in the Tallapoosa County Jail as he awaits a bond hearing.

 For further information, contact the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office at (256) 825-4264. If you know anything to help this investigation, please call the Alexander City Police Department at (256) 234-3421. 

Bipolar Coaster: Navigating the Emotional Ride

Photo Credit- April W. Holdridge Photography

Living with bipolar disorder can feel like being on a relentless rollercoaster, with its erratic highs and lows akin to the sensation of veering on and off the tracks. The continuous cycle of bipolar disorder resembles a never-ending ride, with its unpredictable ups and downs reflecting the feeling of being on and off a track. I hope this analogy helps you understand what living with bipolar disorder is like from my perspective.

Imagine climbing the steep incline of a roller coaster. At the top, you’re invincible—ideas flow, energy surges, and creativity soars. This is mania. You’re riding high, making impulsive decisions, and feeling like you can conquer the world. But beware—the descent awaits. 

Suddenly, the track drops. You plummet into the abyss of depression. The world turns gray, and every step feels like wading through quicksand. Motivation evaporates, and even getting out of bed becomes a Herculean task. You wonder if the ride will ever end. 

Sometimes, the coaster twists unexpectedly. You’re simultaneously up and down—mixed states. Racing thoughts collide with despair. You’re agitated yet lethargic, laughing and crying in the same breath. It’s disorienting, like riding backward through a loop. 

After the chaos, the coaster ascends again. This time, it’s a gradual climb toward stability. Medication, therapy, and self-care help level the track. You learn to recognize triggers and manage symptoms. The ride evens out, and you catch glimpses of normalcy.

 At the plateau, the coaster glides smoothly. This is euthymia, where emotions settle into a manageable range. You appreciate the view—the sun on your face, the wind in your hair. It’s not thrilling, but it’s sustainable. You savor the moments of calm. 

Between peaks and valleys, there are tunnels—times when you retreat inward. You reflect on your journey, question your resilience, and find hidden strength. These tunnels are essential for growth. They remind you that the ride isn’t just about highs and lows—it’s about self-discovery. 

Every roller coaster has safety bars. In life, these are your support systems: friends, family, therapists, and support groups. They hold you steady during the loops and reassure you that you’re not alone. Reach out; let them be your safety net.

#bipolar #mentalhealth #rollercoaster 

Digesting Beauty

Time digesting beauty, 

A longing beckons my soul, 

Making my heart envious of places I have been to before. 

Waiting patiently to return. 

Through a lens, a love was born while walking the path Papa adorned.

 -K.Sidebottom

Time Warp

 If you don't understand what a time warp is or what it is like, then try suffering from bipolar disorder. It provides firsthand experience. 

Truthfully, I understood the concept of a time warp, but I didn't recognize that I was experiencing it firsthand until after my diagnosis and subsequent research into my disorder.

Autopilot is a state of being mentally absent and not fully present. It's important to acknowledge this concept and ensure our loved ones understand it, too, as this is a time when someone might have trouble remembering.

The term "autopilot" in the context of mental health often refers to a state where a person goes through their daily activities without much conscious thought or engagement, almost as if they are on cruise control. Autopilot can connect to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or burnout, where individuals may feel emotionally detached or overwhelmed.

Going on autopilot can sometimes be a coping mechanism, but it can become unhealthy if it leads to disengagement from meaningful activities and interactions. It's important to recognize when autopilot becomes a predominant mode of operation.

If you feel like you're living on autopilot, try reconnecting with your present experiences and those around you. Engaging in mindfulness practices, setting small daily goals, and seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can help break the autopilot cycle and improve overall well-being.

One mindfulness technique I lean on the most is Mindful Observation: Choose an object—a flower, a tree, or any everyday item—and spend a few minutes observing it closely. Notice its color, texture, shape, and other characteristics. Engage your senses, allowing yourself to be fully present with the object. This practice helps shift your attention away from automatic thinking patterns and encourages mindful awareness. I will discuss the variety of mindfulness practices in a separate blog article. 

Here is what your loved one needs to know to help you. It requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to understand their experiences. They can provide adequate support by:

Educating Themselves: Learn about the distinctive mental health conditions they are dealing with. Comprehending the symptoms and challenges can help you furnish better support.

Listen Without Judgment: Offer an open ear and listen to their experiences and feelings without trying to fix them immediately. Just being heard can be very comforting.

Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their feelings and battles. Validation can make them feel understood and less isolated. 

These are just a few things you should share with your loved one. I will post another article or two focusing on this subject. 

You can add things to your daily routine to help you stay in the moment, like mindful waking up, disconnecting from screens, and practicing gratitude daily. I will gather the data and post it as well. 

It's important to remember that seeking help and dedicating time to mental health care is perfectly acceptable. If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties, contacting a healthcare professional can offer personalized guidance and support.

Learn more 1themighty.com 2psychologytoday.com 3medium.com 4idontmind.com 5calmsage.com 6bing.com

Timewarp Autopilot

In the quiet halls of routine, Where seconds stretch like overpraise strands, Autopilot whispers its lullaby, Steering us through life’s shifting sands.

We wake, we work, we sip our coffee, the bags of existence crumbling down. Yet hidden within this temporal spiral lies a secret path where dreams can grow. -K.Sidebottom

Obey! Can you?

I've decided to embrace the word "obey" as my guiding principle for the year. As I ventured into this new chapter of my life, I chose to start afresh. The word "obey" came to me after a heartfelt prayer, and since then, I've noticed numerous meaningful coincidences. It prompted me to reflect on the times when I didn't follow through with what I felt compelled to do.

I had been praying for guidance to enhance my painting skills and create art that would honor God when the story of the Good Samaritan came to mind. I felt a strong urge to paint that particular scene. Although I made several sketches, I never finished or even came close to completing the painting. I eventually stowed it away and left it untouched for a long time. When I revisited my prayer for the same inspiration, I realized I had failed to act on the creative impulse my higher power had bestowed upon me.

During my darkest moments before receiving my diagnosis, I try not to be too hard on myself. If you've experienced something similar, I urge you to be compassionate towards yourself. The crucial point is that I didn't follow through with painting the deeply ingrained image in my heart and mind. I felt disheartened and contemplated giving up on my artistic endeavors altogether.

Dealing with my condition, the fluctuating effects of new medications, and my disobedience was an arduous journey. I found myself praying for something that I already had. Fortunately, with the help of the Lord, I unraveled the underlying reasons for my struggles, sought assistance, and began my path to recovery.

It wasn't easy; I spent most of my time sleeping for about a year and a half. I tried various combinations of medications before finding a regimen that seemed to alleviate my symptoms without making me feel like a zombie. I still require adjustments and changes in medication, but it's not as challenging as it was initially. It feels like I've emerged from a terrible nightmare; I can barely recall the majority of the last two years. I'm aware that others with Bipolar Disorder can relate to the feeling of being unable to recognize or lose chunks of their lives.

As I regained my footing and continued to pray for guidance, I found myself drawn to the idea of letting "obey" be my guiding light. It dawned on me that I had yet to heed the guidance of the Lord (my higher power), and it was time to change that, even if I got knocked off track.

My question for you is, what is your guiding word? Are you "obeying" your higher power and following your heart? Please remember that we all get knocked off track, but what is essential is that we get back on. That is why, after many attempts, I am posting this article. I will leave you with this quote: "You can only learn what obedience is by obeying."

— Dietrich Bonhoeffer

                                                           April W. Holdridge Photography

Tiggers

 

WORDS AND TERMS WE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN

TO END THE STIGMA, WE SHOULD ALL KNOW THESE TERMS AND WORDS. PLEASE SHARE WHAT WE LEARN.

As we begin reading “Mindfulness for Bipolar Disorder,” we will create a glossary of terms pertinent to not only bipolar disorder but also mental health at large. This compilation will grow as we delve deeper into understanding mental health, mental health disorders, and suicide prevention. The glossary will be accessible on my webpage.

The term ‘trigger’ comes to mind. I hadn’t considered this word until after my diagnosis, but it has since surfaced repeatedly. I am committed to understanding more about triggers and their causes. As I gather information, I will share my findings, allowing us to learn together.

What I do know:

Trigger, (verb) cause (an event or situation) to happen or exist: “an allergy can be triggered by stress or overwork”. I had no idea but there are at least five different types of triggers.

• Psychological Triggers
• Environmental Triggers
• Cognitive Triggers
• Emotional Triggers
• Physical Triggers

We will examine various types of triggers and include them in our glossary. Today, I’m simply checking in to share what I’ve learned so far.

Sleep is crucial! My research and personal experience have taught me that insufficient sleep can be a trigger. For me, it’s the most significant one, as I deal with insomnia, which is common among individuals facing mental health challenges.

The mission for today is to read the intro to “Mindfulness for Bipolar Disorder,” and reflect on personal triggers. As I’ve come to understand, while we all have triggers, some are common across individuals, and others are uniquely shaped by personal circumstances.

You can find the book “Mindfulness for Bipolar Disorder” at various online retailers such as Amazon, eBay, and Book Depository. It’s always a good idea to compare prices on different platforms to find the best deal. Here is the link to Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Bipolar-Disorder-Neuroscience-Symptoms/dp/1626251851 , I was not asked to boost about Thrift Books but I got to tell you if you have not checked them out you should as this blog is to help learn free or at a low cost. Here is their link for this book CLICK HERE!

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR TRIGGERS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD PLEASE EMAIL ME AT

Do You Really Know Them?

"I wonder how many people miss out on the chance to truly get to know someone because they assume they already know them. It may sound contradictory, but many individuals might meet someone during a holiday or a rare occasion and believe they know everything about them without trying to get to know them better. This could even happen within one's own family."

Since my diagnosis almost two years ago, I have undergone significant changes. In all fairness, I do live two hours from my family, but when I do see them, they talk to me like I am the undiagnosed kid I once was. I used to be really upset about it, but since I am finally regulated with my medication, I see that they don't know me at all. The fact that they don't take the time to know who I am today does hurt me, but I can move past what I can't control, something I couldn't do before we found the medications that work for me."I understand that it may not be comfortable for some people to hear or talk about my disorder and how long it took to be diagnosed. However, if you want to get to know the person I am today and not the person
I used to be, it's important that you hear those things."

It's common for children to become busy with their lives and not have enough time for their parents. However, they may still think that they know their parents well. The truth is that people change over time for various reasons, such as maturity or life events. If you don't spend time with someone and listen to them without judging, you might miss out on love, time, and friendship. These things become more valuable when the person is no longer around, and you might regret not having them in your life. 

I can see that this situation has made you wonder how many people behave like this. I believe that more people do this than we realize. My advice to others would be to make sure that you treat the people around you based on who they are today and not on who they used to be when you spent time with them in the past. Even if you see them every day, make sure you are not stuck in the past and see them for who they are now. This does not imply that they were bad before, it simply means that they have changed, and are not the same person they used to be.