Last Friday my husband and I drove my thirteen-year-old daughter to the ER after she expressed concern that she would take her life no matter what my husband or I did. Our daughter has been struggling with suicidal ideation for over a year, but when she said she could no longer trust herself to... Continue Reading →
The Riddle of Resilience
When I’m feeling well, I feel very resilient, but when I’m not—when depression sets in as it inevitably does— I feel weak, like I’ve failed to stay well and I should have known better. I think, “How could I let this happen? Why didn’t I practice my coping skills better? How did I miss the... Continue Reading →
“I wish I knew what to say.”
I hear this a lot when I'm in the midst of a depressive episode. It's understandable that someone who doesn't suffer from depression wouldn't know what to say. Thankfully there are plenty of resources and services out there to educate oneself and learn. This article, in particular, provides some helpful advice for caregivers, friends, and... Continue Reading →
Keeping It Real
Sometimes you can do all the right things (e.g., practice gratitude, mindfulness, reframe distortions, use positive self-talk and affirmations, exercise, eat right) and depression can still rear its ugly old head in and leave you in a world of suck. I’ve really been struggling the past few weeks and my biggest fear is: what if... Continue Reading →
The Power of Peer Advocacy
Of all the wellness tips and techniques I've learned, the most impactful and surest way for me to stay healthy is through peer advocacy. Sharing my story and providing hope to others gives me purpose and value. It also reminds me how far I've come and how important it is to practice all of the... Continue Reading →
New Mental Health Initiative
So grateful to have been included in the mental health initiative panel discussion with Governor Wolf, Rep. Mike Schlossberg, and Dr. Rachel Levine held today at Muhlenberg College. Through new initiatives and candid conversation, I am hopeful that mental health will receive the same attention, care, and consideration as physical health conditions. By speaking out,... Continue Reading →
On Recovery
ON RECOVERY Recently, a friend shared the following post regarding her recovery from cancer on Facebook: “I've been cancer-free for almost nine months. Some days, I can't tell if I'm recovering from all of the treatments because it takes so long to recover. But, then I look back on the past nine months and realize... 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 →
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 →
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