Discover Your Authentic Self: Heal the Mind, Heal the Soul

Out of My Mind & Over My Head When Mary Ellen Copeland created a safety manual she wanted to design it in a clear & easy manner to help individuals with the wellness & recovery process. The most common response others have when we share our struggles with them is "Take it one day at a time." This response makes sense & is very valid, however, if you respond this way to someone like Jackie, that response may be offensive or even make Jackie feel worse & that is why it is best to recommend that those you care about, like Jackie, that they fill out the WRAP Crisis Plan. This plan will help guide the individual when they are in severely disabling mental distress that it affects them not only mentally but also physically. For example, lets say that Jackie is a thirty-four year old single mother of four children & works three jobs, two during the week. One day job and one night job as well as a weekend job. Her ex-boyfriend does not help with any of t...

Wellness within is a series of steps into discovering your authentic self; in order to live your most healthiest life, you must be genuine to yourself. One step that you may take in discovering your most authentic self is to reflect on your life socially. Before chasing others for their approval of you for the sake of companionship, first you must do yourself the biggest favor by observing yourself. Observing yourself from within may help you understand who you are as an individual rather than within a group context. Eventually you may reflect upon who you are within a group but first take a moment to identify yourself. From the fresh age of just two years old, we wander & experiment; we look to our caregivers within a controlled environment and observe other children. Eventually, we decide with whom we are friends with by elementary school by following common interests whether it is from popular culture or cartoons or whatever your preferences are. However, by the time we r...

The Popularization of Addiction & Recovery It is important to educate the public about addiction and recovery; however, making addiction & the recovery process into a fad isn't positive or healthy at all. For those on the lower end of economic stability, it can be very difficult to seek help because the Addiction & Recovery process has been monopolized into a clique of celebrities with lifestyles that are completely different than those of their own. Addiction is not immune to anyone, anyone can suffer with addiction, whether they are homeless or a billionaire that owns half of the world. It doesn't matter, addiction does not discriminate. Whenever a person suffering with an addiction is reminded of their addiction, little do those who critique them understand that they are actually encouraging the person with the addiction to continue abusing their drug of choice. Whether the substance is alcohol, cigarettes, prescription drugs, street drugs, etc... Addicti...

Developing a Wellness Toolbox What is a wellness toolbox? A wellness toolbox isn't anything lavish & luxury; it's just a simple collection of items that help you feel better whenever you feel that a trigger arising. How to Create a Wellness Toolbox: Touch & the Senses Creating a Wellness Toolbox includes anything that you find helps you feel relaxed whenever you are feeling severely anxious, traumatized or immobilizing stress. This can range from simple things such as a pouch of lavender in your bag, in your desk drawer or in your living-room side table. Personally, having a bottle of lavender essential oil in my bag then rubbing it on my wrists helps me feel a bit more relaxed. If you are sensitive to smells and sounds, essential oils can be very helpful in soothing tensions of your sinus. Stress balls are also very good for relieving stress, you can purchase a fancy stress ball online or just grab one right at the cashier at your local pharmacy. Some ...

What is a Self-Care Routine? A self-care routine is a routine can be used as a safety plan, it can be used for emotional break-downs or mental overload. When you feel that your body or mind are communicating danger, that fear or anger should alert you that it is time to pause, take a step back & reflect on your emotions. Why do you feel the way you do in this very moment? What is going on around you? Could the situation be interpreted in any other way? What is a Self-Care Daily Routine? Here is a list of suggestions that I have discovered from a variety of psychological self-help resources developed by psychologists & specialists in the field.  But first, here is an activity that I wish for you to do: • Understand what mindfulness is • Search for something new, a mandela coloring book, there are so many in discounts stores & many other places that are available for you to work on •  Look into a yoga or meditation class, it may seem cliche bu...

If you're an advocate, you understand on the surface within community engagement what it is like to feel overwhelmed holding the burdens of the ever so changing policies that make life and health of our communities deteriorate. It can be difficult to leave the workplace knowing that your patient had just shared with you a trauma about being raped by their father. When you go home, make sure that you understand that whatever happens in the workplace does not come home with you.  It is best to separate your work-life from all of the other areas of your life: • your intimate life with your partner • your relationship with your children • your personal life in general Also, try picking up some new hobbies such as knitting or crochet, maybe needle-making. You can also take some free language classes--try a new community program if you're on a tight budget. It can be difficult to make time but a great schedule that flows with your work-schedule, family and personal lif...

How to Survive Adulthood Responsibility : Finances Being an adult does not have to be an agonizing journey, it can be an adventure once you have your lifestyle under control. During the time that you've been living with your parent(s) you may or may not have picked up a few lessons or have or may not have been taught the basics of the responsibilities you will have in your adult life. Once you've gained independence you will begin to notice there are bills that need to be paid such as:  • shelter • electricity • transportation • food Cover All Expenses If you can't cover these basic expenses it may be reasonable to get a roommate or a second job if you can fit a second job into your schedule without it interfering with your first job. You can also try side-gigs. Always organize your bills in the order of what you will need to pay first.  Secondly, buy a simple calendar 12 month calendar with an outline of the entire month. Once you ...