Exploring the fabric of our stories one character at a time.

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When you know there is something wrong

As you are going through your daily routine, you start to notice that something is off with how you are feeling. You don’t know why you feel this way. Or where it came from. All you know is you are not feeling good. Not happy. Maybe even depressed. This is a point where you have a very important decision. To say something or stay quiet. Get help or hide from it. When you know there is something wrong, then it is time to get help. (Lifeline) Asking for help Asking for help is not easy to do. Pride itself can …

We cannot compare apples-to-apples anymore

I bet there is not a single person that has not compared themselves to another in some way. Whether it is comparing image, abilities, or something else, we have all compared. And for many of us, it never is in our favor. So why do we do it? Because when you really look closely, it is never an apples-to-apples comparison anymore. Image As we all grow up, the girls compare their ideas of beauty and the boys compare strength and smarts. Ideas of having to be the prettiest girl for the boys to like them or be the strongest or …

It’s not just mental health anymore

When someone asks you about how your health is doing, many of you probably only think about your physical health. Don’t worry, because I usually do too. That’s because physical health is more publicized and commercialized. “Come join our gym to start feeling good about your body!” And “Check out this gadget that will make it easier to eat your fruits and vegetables.” Sound familiar? When was the last time you heard or saw anything about counselor groups or ways to get help for your mind? But the problem is, mental health should not be ignored. Because mental health and …

Sometimes everyone can use a helping hand

“You don’t know what you can do, if you don’t do it yourself.” “I don’t need anyone’s help.” “I can do it myself.” “I am embarrassed to ask for help.” Do any of this sound familiar to you? How many times have you been faced with so much on your plate that you just cannot handle it yourself? Secretly wishing someone would help you or take the hurt away? Or just have someone that will sit and listen to your feelings? We all have. And we also know how hard it is to ask for help. The internal feeling of …

Are you trying to see the forest through the weeds

Ever find yourself so engrossed in everything that is troubling you that you cant seem to see a way out? Like walking through each day with all of the worries of the world on your shoulders and you can’t see the positives going on around you. I was talking with a friend tonight, and I realized that I do that all of the time. As if I have blinders on and cannot see anything but in front of me. So wrapped up in the now, forgetting the “all of the times” surrounding me. How am I supposed to see the …

What does depression look like to you?

Could you accurately describe what someone with depression looks like? Can you tell me how they would act? What many people don’t understand is that depression is not always noticeable. Sure, if you see someone sad or quiet, they could be dealing with depression. But there are many of us that go through life with a filter. A sort of mask to hide away our true feelings. Hiding behind smiles and laughter. Only to drown in sorrow when we are alone. So, I ask again. Can you accurately describe what someone with depression looks like? Every day I have moments …

Only in darkness can you see the stars

I wasn’t sure as to what I wanted to write about today, until I had the chance to talk to a friend. They were having a bad day, but by the evening it was starting to turn around. We have all had those days. When nothing felt good. Everything decided to challenge you, push you back. As someone once told me, it is like life is just needling you all day long. All you want is to go right. One glimpse of something positive to tell you will be okay. It may feel like the day is full of darkness, …

Just a nugget of happiness each day

Recently I found myself looking at my friends and family and seeing how they view life. Whether it is personal, career, financial, or their environment, there is always something that tries at our mental well-being. And for so many, it is not just one thing. Then there are too many of us that have too many things. Just trying to find a moment in time that brings us peace and happiness seems smaller and smaller. Do you have a nugget of happiness? Happy Hobbies Having hobbies can bring you that one moment in time. When you turn off all of …

It’s all about who you know

I have been trying to learn more about who I am. As each year goes by, I find myself angry that I wasted my early years. I am in my late 40’s and I am trying to figure out who I am. Most people use their 20s and maybe even their 30s to figure out what they like and what they want in life. But for me, I was so deep into a depression and this false sense of worth, that I was lost. Mirror Mirror Today, I am learning more. Like how I always felt that I was not …

I doubt you can doubt more than me

This week was a test of mental stability for sure. Well, for me it was. I have been with my company for only about 4 months now. The people are so nice, and I can see many of them really care about each other. I look around and see people working hard, laughing, and casual conversations. It is a pleasant experience each day. And for 4 months, I have had a really good time here. But this week really tried me and my mental health. And suddenly, my own self doubt found a way to creep back in. Creeping back …