During a PlayLab session at the International Women's Writing Guild Conference last week, I introduced my short piece called "Bang Head Here," which you will find in my blog post "Using Humor To Cope." The presenter encouraged me to explore other possible endings and I came up with this FAR MORE satisfying ending--the ending that... Continue Reading →
Even “The Boss” Struggles with Mental Illness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxe5fpKDbp8 Even Bruce Springsteen is not immune to mental illness. He opens up about medication, chemical imbalances, two breakdowns, and how music became his "refuge" and "chased away his blues." He finds he struggles most with his depression when he isn't working or on the road. For many with mental health conditions who may be... Continue Reading →
Newton’s Law of Motion and Mental Health
I'm no scientist and I don't remember much about Physics, but I know all about inertia. It is easy for me to get stuck in a rut and I have to really push myself to get motivated. Some days are easier than others, but one thing's for sure: lying on my couch doesn't help. Once... Continue Reading →
Congresswoman Susan Wild Loses Partner To Suicide
"We must act - removing the stigma cannot just be a slogan." For many it takes the loss of a love to realize or accept that mental illness can happen to anyone. I certainly never thought i would be diagnosed with one. I was a successful teacher, wife, and mother leading a stable, fulfilling life.... Continue Reading →
Has a friend or family member told you to “snap out of it” or “get over it”?
I don't know how many times I've heard these responses to my depression. As if it's that easy. Anyone who tells you "You're just having a bad day. You'll feel better in the morning" has clearly not experienced the crippling agony and utter devastation of depression. Thankfully, there are programs in place that help family... Continue Reading →
Using Humor To Cope
One of the hardest things I've ever had to do is resign from my job as a high school English and Theatre Arts teacher. From the time I lined up my stuffed animals on the basement stairs and taught them their ABCs, I had always wanted to be a teacher. After many years of hard... Continue Reading →
Find Your Roots
As I was gathering material for this new blog site, I revisited an old blog I started 5 years ago. I wish I could have told my younger self not to worry so much and that it would all work out for the best. But then again, I needed to experience those lows to be... Continue Reading →
Depression Is A Serious Illness That Requires Treatment
"Get over it." This is one of the most frustrating responses I get during a bout of depression. Telling someone to "get over it" is like telling someone with broken legs to run a marathon. It defies common sense as depression affects the brain's ability to think clearly in the first place. Others recommend going... Continue Reading →
…And That’s a WRAP!
People have compared mental health treatment plans to emergency kits, toolboxes, lunchboxes and so on. These action plans are known as WRAPs (Wellness Recovery Action Plan). It doesn’t matter what you call it, but it’s important to create your own toolkit of strategies to use to stay well. It takes time to learn which tools... Continue Reading →
Cognitive Distortions
I describe myself as a "pessimist from birth." Seriously, I can't remember a time when I didn't have worst case scenarios and "all or nothing" thinking. It's as natural to me as breathing. I berated myself if I missed a point on a test. If I got a 99%, I focused on the 1% I... Continue Reading →
C. L. Dunbar Health 
Recent Comments