The psychiatric unit. It’s seen as a place of despair, a stereotypical “looney bin”, a mad house, a dark place that people go when things feel impossible. Over the last 20 years that I have actively engaged in mental health treatment, I have been in often rotating or long term stints at these units for … Continue reading What I have learned from the psychiatric unit
Tag: Florida
Lingering Heat and Fading Summer
It seems Summer 2025 is fading away and as it does, heatwaves rage on in Jacksonville,Florida. The heat index today was 117 degrees, 97 degrees Fahrenheit in Orange Park, on the west side, just inland of the city. I spent the afternoon smack dab in the prime wrath of today’s heatwave, visiting children on my … Continue reading Lingering Heat and Fading Summer
What they see matters
Hazel had a spring chorus concert today at her elementary school. It was super sweet to hear their little voices and see the effort they put into rehearsals. Hazel stood out, projecting and singing so clearly that at times her voice was the only recognizable sound. We got home and reminisced about the many performances … Continue reading What they see matters
Chasing the unstoppable
It’s not for lack of things to say or write. I could come up with more than a few reasons to have disappeared into this unstoppable world around me. I feel as though I am always struggling to catch up and keep pace with my surroundings. So as change each day occurs, I am chasing … Continue reading Chasing the unstoppable
Turning back time
I sat up late thumbing through memories of the girls when they were younger this evening. Reflecting on so many happy moments together. Questioning if I am making the right decisions for our girls. This Sunday like any fall daylight savings time, we turn back time. For a moment we are happy to gain another … Continue reading Turning back time
Hurricane Milton watch
After living in NE Florida for several years. I have never been so concerned about a pending hurricane barreling towards the state. There are mass evacuations from the west side of the state. We have prepared the best we can in Jacksonville. I hope to have a better idea of an evacuation back up plan … Continue reading Hurricane Milton watch
NAMIWalks Jacksonville is back!
https://www.namiwalks.org/participant/SarahGrant Join me for NAMIWalks Jacksonville October 19, 2024. The walk is a free event and open to the public to raise awareness for mental health As some of you know, I live with Bipolar I disorder. I found the support of NAMI (national alliance on mental illness) as a young adult, at the beginning … Continue reading NAMIWalks Jacksonville is back!
Very demure, very mindful.
I diligently try with every ounce of my being to be mindful. To be attune to my own needs and aware of my surroundings. Last night I facilitated a NAMI support group meeting, not unusual for a Tuesday night. Prior to the meeting I sat through hours of court proceedings in my work role. After … Continue reading Very demure, very mindful.
Changing hats
It’s been a long and exhausting week. An update in general on life, Hazel had eye surgery last Thursday. It was to correct a drifting right eye. She did amazing and she is excited to take a few days off school due to the redness in the eye. Jason has had some residual excitement with … Continue reading Changing hats
Steady as we go, Week 4 post op
A favorite song of mine from written by Dave Matthew’s. He sings, “if the road gets rocky girl, Just steady as we go. I know troubles they may come and go, but good times they’re gold…And if your load gets heavy, girl I will lift you up…I will walk halfway around the world, just to … Continue reading Steady as we go, Week 4 post op
Back to reality
I spend the early morning hours trying to coax myself back to sleep. The last few days I have had some disrupted sleep, spending the 3-4am hour lying awake and trying desperately to fall back asleep. I despise when my routine is thrown off and my mood starts to shift. Lately I have struggled with … Continue reading Back to reality
The results are in…
I received a grade for one of my classes, the Group Psychotherapy class. We recently had a midterm exam, one that took me almost the complete amount of time, 4 hours allotted total to take it. I took 231 minutes out of 240 minutes. I wrote 2,737 words during those 231 minutes. This class in … Continue reading The results are in…
Getting by, post-Hurricane Ian
I wanted to inform my friends and fans that we faired okay living in Northeast Florida. Despite some brief power outages, and a few fallen branches, we went unscathed. Unlike the rest of central and south Florida who are trying to pick up the pieces that was left in the wake of Hurricane Ian. I … Continue reading Getting by, post-Hurricane Ian
The Seascapechronicles 