Having a clean space and putting things in order have been proven to be calming, even to the point that they can help with anxiety. Continue reading Ways to Get Organized
Category: RESOURCES
The Hunt for Podcasts
Podcasts have boosted in popularity in recent years. Pretty much anyone can start one, about any topic, and talk for as long as they want about it, with a few tangents and distractions here and there. This popularity and accessibility, while convenient, can also feel overwhelming with the sheer number of podcasts available per the infinite number of topics.
A Penguin to Talk to
Sometimes, we just need someone to talk to, but for whatever reason, we might need be able to do so. We may feel uncomfortable with the stuff we want to share, or it may simply be the middle of the night, and everyone you talk to is asleep. As always, the Internet is here to help.
Hang Out Online in the “Facing Us Clubhouse”
This is the Facing Us Clubhouse. Each room has something special to help young people with symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder.
Continue reading Hang Out Online in the “Facing Us Clubhouse”
Bringing Some Color In
There are many outlets to take advantage of if you need a distraction that go beyond procrastination purposes. These kinds of situations can include sitting on public transit, waiting for a doctor’s appointment, or those times when anxiety can feel so overwhelming that you it can seem like you’re frozen, itching to do something to make the feeling go away. One of the most simplest and convenience ways to waste a little bit of time and keep yourself busy is through the infinite number of games available through the app stores on your smartphone. Continue reading Bringing Some Color In
Tackling Stigma
The topic about how stigma can affect how we view mental illness is not new. The way that people talk about mental illness can not only impact how we view those with mental illness, but how we can view our own. We’ve talked about stigma several times before, because it’s important to change this mindset and the harmful effects that it can have.
There have been many efforts and attempts to change the conversation, especially online. One such way is through the government: MentalHealth.gov provides content from other government organizations such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and NAMI and uses the site as a resource for information about mental health. One of their primary goals is to tackle the conversation (or lack of) about mental health and create a new one within communities to help normalize it.
One of their pages focuses specifically on stigma, and even more specifically, presents it as a fact sheet. Here, they present a common “myth” about mental health that can contribute to the stigma and a more negative way about how people can handle their mental illnesses. Not only do they cover the myths that people believe in about those who have a mental illness, but they also debunk ones about to help others. These include how thinking that there’s no use in helping others because they’re a “lost cause” and that it’s impossible to prevent. The site also links to external resources with some of their facts to provide more information.
You can check it out here.
What are other myths you can think of about mental health? How do you think people can change the way they talk about mental health? Let us know below in the comments!
Giving Back
There are going to be a lot of chances to reflect and give back now that the holiday season is in full swing. This doesn’t only include Thanksgiving during November, but other holidays such as Veterans’ Day here and Remembrance Day in places like Great Britain, Canada, and Australia. While reflecting and giving back can be done on a very personal level, such as evaluating how the past year has gone and what can change in the upcoming new year, or participating in local food and gift drives at school or work.
Ways to Stay Focused
It can be incredibly difficult to concentrate on something for a long period of time, especially when it comes to the more mundane and boring things, like chores or homework.
New Places to Write
Those interested in writing have probably heard of National Novel Writing Month, also known as Nanowrimo. Here, writers of all kinds attempt the intense challenge of writing 50,000 words over the 30 days of November, an average of 1,667 words a day, and a total of about a 200 page novel. Some authors have even been published with the books they started during Nanowrimo, such as The Night Circus, Fangirl, and some of the books in The Lunar Chronicle series.
Helping Where You Can
Trigger warning: mass shooting, terrorist attack
We understand that this week may have been a difficult one, given the tragedy that occurred last Saturday here in Pittsburgh. Our thoughts continue to be with those affected.