support

A solid support system is invaluable for one's recovery from psychiatric illness and mental health issues.

My Almost-Suicide
If you know me or have followed my journey here on Vocal or via social media, you know that I struggle with multiple mental health illnesses, and I’m doing okay right now. For most of you, it probably seems like I’ve been okay for most of my life. Now, if you REALLY know me, and most don’t, you’d know that I’ve thought about committing suicide more than once. As mental health awareness month comes to an end, I felt inspired to share a story with you that not many know.
By Shaley Speaks6 years ago in Psyche
How To Help a Loved One Who Is Struggling With Addiction
When someone you know and care about is struggling with addiction, it can be difficult to deal with. Not only can it be painful to watch them struggle, but it can also be hard to know what you should do to help them, too. That doesn't mean, though, that there's nothing you can do. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding to seek help for a loved one dealing with addiction.
By Kevin Gardner6 years ago in Psyche
Protecting the Little Person Inside My Heart
FRIDAY -- May 21, 2020 • 7:00am = Water bill, meditation, interpretation, movement, light, shroom, hydration, ginger, tofu seasoned and pressed, baby potatoes soaking.
By Karen Lichtman6 years ago in Psyche
LGBTQA+ Mental Health in Public Education
There’s no question that the mental health of students in public education needs to be taken seriously. Poor mental health can affect grades, participation, cause substance abuse, and can cause even more serious problems down the line, such as depression. However, one group of kids are often brushed off when it comes to their mental health: LGBTQA+ students. LGBTQA+ students in the public education system are more susceptible to bullying, harassment, and even suicidal thoughts due to their sexuality/gender expression. In this essay, I would like to highlight the common problems LGBTQA+ students face in their day-to-day lives during adolescence and how school administrators, staff, and counselors can help improve and prevent mental health issues.
By Jasmine Smoot-Leyva6 years ago in Psyche
Pain is temporary
Everyone experiences pain in their life and some experience more than others. But what's important is how we deal with that pain and how we use those traumatic events to help better ourselves as we try to heal and move forward. When we are faced with difficult circumstances we tend to revert to things that make us feel comfortable because we are trying to avoid that stressful feeling, whatever that may be. Many turn to drinking, drugs, food, toxic people, or environments when things aren't going the way you wanted them to go. Your original plan took a detour, now your stuck in this toxic headspace and don't know how to get out. It sucks, but it's also comfortable in a way because you're avoiding things that you're afraid of. This isn't benefiting you in anyway, but you also don't really care. You don't want to feel like this because it's painful so you try your best to pull yourself out of that negative headspace without completely destroying your mental health and wellbeing. I know its hard. I deal with it almost everyday.
By Sarah6 years ago in Psyche
The Deepest Hunger
Every day I used to find myself surrounded by hungry, frightened people who were desperate to “fix” what’s wrong (now we're all socially distanced but I bet it's still the same, maybe worse).
By Remington Write6 years ago in Psyche
Ativan, Calgary, and the art of supporting sobriety.
"Oh GAWD, I seriously love Ativan." My eyes darted across the room to one of the other counsellors I hadn't yet had a chance to meet, but now definitely needed to. Finally, a coworker who is at least interesting, and seems to have my sick sense of humour. Even better, she's going to bust it out after the last three hours of this dry mental health first aid course.
By Hannah B6 years ago in Psyche
I Lost A Friend
Death was something that I was never familiar with. The idea of it is still something I can't fully comprehend. I guess it's kind of different when someone of old age dies.. it's kind of expected, you know? Granted, I'm sure it doesn't hurt any less, but here's what I can't get through my head:
By sadass6 years ago in Psyche
5 Tips for Being a Good Friend With Someone With PTSD
Full disclosure: I do not have a post-traumatic stress injury or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). What I do have, however, are a lot of friends dealing with this serious set of sometimes debilitating symptoms. I do not pretend to know what it is like to live with this somewhat hidden disorder, but through the years I have utilized 5 guiding principles that have helped me be a better friend to those dealing with post-traumatic stress.
By Heather Down6 years ago in Psyche
Anorexia
It's your life. You can't let your mental illness control it. I've been there. Struggled, but at the same time became friends with Anorexia. She was my best friend. She was my only friend. She controlled what I ate, but not only; she controlled my thoughts and every aspect of my life.
By Tatiana B.6 years ago in Psyche
Life After Suicide
Suicide has and always will be a part of life for us humans. Suicide can be prevented yes, to a degree but, humans are not super heroes and we don't have the power to save everyone. As much as we'd like to have that power, we don't. From the age of 10, I have been suicidal. When I was 16, I attempted to make that thought reality. I attempted to take my life, I woke up, I went to school that day. Obviously, the state I was in caused concern for a close friend who alerted the school. The only thing that sticks with me the most is that, my mother, did not notice that there was anything wrong with me. She did not take notice of my eyes, how pale I was and how I was talking. So I kept my head down and tried to go on with my day. After that, it took a long time through drug and alcohol addiction that I finally realised, I had to make a change if I wanted to find the feeling of wanting to live. So I did. I am still here.
By Wyborn 6 years ago in Psyche
: Treading Water, the Invisibility of Suicide :
Suicide isn't wanting to die for some people. Suicide is wanting to live so desperately but not being able to stand another moment of pain & suffering that your life has become, scrambling through your mind for every positive you possibly can find daily to why you should try and push on yet another day.
By Cristina Daniela6 years ago in Psyche