Hey Halloweenies! I can't believe it's Hallo-week already! I'm pretty stoked that I was able, for the most part, to deliver a daily dose of creative mental healing to my readers. It's been a lot of fun for me and from the comments and messages I've received, It sounds like you've been having fun as well! It reminds me of the special blog-antine postings we shared in April.
Today was a much better day anxiety wise. I'm happy to share that after yesterday's neurotic and rambling post that I did get my shit together and did a pretty intense cardio workout. I know it's good for my body and my mind. I normally don't feel the kick-ass head clearing benefits of a good workout until the next day and today I'm feeling pretty on top of it. Thankfully. The sun is really bright and it's shining beautifully through the bright colors of the leaves. I always will do much better mentally on a sunny day. That's just the way God made me.
Today I want to review a past post of mine that is really close to my heart. When I wrote this post, I was still high off of the excitement of being reached out to by a fellow mental health blogger who wanted to feature me in their daily Instagram feed of mental health warriors telling their own stories. I was terrified to record myself. I actually just re-watched this recently, and you guys, I was so scared and nervous and so unbelievably self conscience. I see myself in this video clip and I was trying so hard but I can tell my skin is dull, my hair is thin and voice is wavering. I wasn't my strongest but I was fighting. I try not to judge myself on my weight and yes I was much heavier at this time but it was also an exciting time as I was just beginning to really find my voice and the purpose of this blog. but I guess it's also ok to recognize how hard I've worked and celebrate the fact that I've lost over 70 pounds since I recorded that clip for their page.
When the girls who ran this account, which is called Joy For Jan, reached out to me, I was immediately touched by their story. You guys, look at their facebook page and pour over the hundreds of voices speaking together. It's so uplifting. Read these inspiring words for their bio and you'll see why I chose to immediately participate in their endeavor;
JoyforJan launched in May 2017 by Melanie and Krystle Loomis in dedication of our mom, Jan Loomis, who fought a lifelong battle with depression and died by suicide in November 2016.
Mental health advocates from all over the world have submitted short videos covering mental illness, joy, grief, depression and suicide awareness. Our mission is to break the stigma associated with mental health and also build a community of mental health warriors.
Each video serves as a daily reminder to seek joy in the ordinary and help those struggling find a sparkle of light, especially during the hard moments.
All too often, these topics are taboo. You are not alone if you suffer from a mental illness or you are grieving beyond words. You matter- more than you realize.
Never underestimate the power of your actions. Please like and share if the content moves you, as you never know whose day you could change by spreading positivity.
The fact that these woman share a last name with me gave me immediate chills and really forced me to look at my life. I did attempt to take my own life when I was 17. (my suicide story is written in this blog- obvious trigger warnings. ) However, and happily, after that one attempt I haven't tried to again since and don't think I ever will. Truly. but then to see that their beautiful mother, who had daughters and a whole life she built and probably worked hard for, could still lose the battle to depression....it just terrifies me. It reminds me that those of us who are struggling with these issues shouldn't let our guard down and we should always be not only self aware, but aware of others as well and the signals they are putting out.
What are those signals to watch out for? I'm glad you asked! According to the mayo clinic-
Suicide warning signs or suicidal thoughts include:
Talking about suicide — for example, making statements such as "I'm going to kill myself," "I wish I were dead" or "I wish I hadn't been born"
Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills
Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next
Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence
Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there's no other logical explanation for doing this
Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again
Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above
It's never too late. Ever. I'm always here but if you or someone you know are at the point of taking action then you need to call one of many hotlines. 1-800-273-8255 any time of day or call 911.
I know this blog got serious really quickly today but that doesn't mean I'm not still enjoying the sweet sunshine and squirrels scampering about in the fall foliage. My life is so sweet now that I know how precious it is. and I hope for you too, my dear friends, that life is just as sweet for you. Work hard and keep smiling. :)
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