Tag: NAMI

SGs mental health day

SGs mental health day

I have been neglecting Seascape for some time, and need to change that. Just an update on life in general, it is exciting, grueling at times, work is incredibly time consuming, extracurricular activities for the kids is in full swing for the spring. Frankly, I am a little over done. So today, I scheduled a … Continue reading SGs mental health day

A new chapter begins, 2023

A new chapter begins, 2023

The past couple years for many people has brought tough times, instability, grief, heightened anxiety and turmoil. I am hopeful that this year, 2023, will be a year of new beginnings. I am nearly 39 years old. February 2023 marks the close out year of my thirties. When I reflect on my life I feel … Continue reading A new chapter begins, 2023

SGs guide to surviving the holidays

It’s that time of year again. The holiday season is upon us. From now until New Year’s Day it can be daunting for anyone when it comes to family, stress, work, holiday preparation, and could cause anyone’s thoughts and mood to spiral. Living with bipolar disorder, every year I become increasing cautious and learn ways … Continue reading SGs guide to surviving the holidays

The last day at NAMI Jax Office, a bittersweet goodbye.

The last day at NAMI Jax Office, a bittersweet goodbye.

Today was a turning point in my current life, when I left NAMI Jacksonville as Program Director. I was nervous for the week to conclude, and hoping for the best with new horizons ahead of me. Trepidatiously I walked myself downtown to work early this morning. My last time walking into that beautiful building of … Continue reading The last day at NAMI Jax Office, a bittersweet goodbye.

NAMIWalks Jacksonville 2022

NAMIWalks Jacksonville 2022

Last Saturday was a culmination of months of preparation. It was quite a sight to see so many gathered to raise awareness for mental health. We had politicians in attendance, news anchors covering the story, high school bands, cheerleaders, Jags mascot and cheerleaders, wellness fair, tons of participants. The event went off without a hitch, … Continue reading NAMIWalks Jacksonville 2022

30 seconds or less, my story.

I have been asked to tell my story, of breaking the stigma of mental illness in 30 seconds. There is an upcoming Jacksonville Iceman special event on mental health awareness upcoming. I was asked to tell my story, in 30 seconds or less. My face will be on a Jumbotron. They will shoot the stories … Continue reading 30 seconds or less, my story.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Self- worth, self-love, and self-respect. Somehow those words have escaped me. For 20 years my bestie would tease me that I am a chameleon, a pleaser, a shape-shifter or yes-woman. I don’t think I ever fully understood what she meant until my recent troubles. I admit that I lacked the insight to see that I … Continue reading R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Here we go again.

Here we go again.

I managed to keep it together for a rather busy day. I did some work early on. Got hazel out the door (Ella I found out later has strep throat). Met virtually with my psychiatrist and IOP in the morning. Took Ella to urgent care, attempted to fill her Rx of antibiotics twice. Took Ella … Continue reading Here we go again.

Controlled chaos, a tale of returned hypomanic symptoms.

Controlled chaos, a tale of returned hypomanic symptoms.

I have attempted with every ounce of my being to prevent the hypomanic symptoms, but it seems it has appeared, beyond my control. For those unfamiliar with hypomania it is classically defined in the DSM-5, as elevated mood, increased energy, rapid thinking, heightened anxiety, assertiveness, less need for sleep, irritability or inability to focus. Hypomania … Continue reading Controlled chaos, a tale of returned hypomanic symptoms.

MAY. Mental Health Awareness Month, obligatory testimony.

MAY. Mental Health Awareness Month, obligatory testimony.

I have grown accustomed to sharing my struggles with mental health over the years. Whether as a outreach presenter with NAMI sharing my story with various types of audiences, or writing a brief post here and there on social media. Whenever May rolls around every year, I am always inclined to share with others, what … Continue reading MAY. Mental Health Awareness Month, obligatory testimony.

NAMI Connection Facilitator Training Spring’22

NAMI Connection Facilitator Training Spring’22

I recall that moment in 2008, when I first attended a NAMI Connection Support group. In that moment I was nervous to step foot into a mental health support group, not even considering sharing with strangers my own struggles. I lived in Southern Maryland with my parents at the time. I was living in recovery … Continue reading NAMI Connection Facilitator Training Spring’22

Chilly and Productive in NE Florida

Chilly and Productive in NE Florida

It is a dreary, rainy day here in Northeast Florida. Despite the weekend’s crummy weather, I am in good spirits, and rather productive for a Sunday morning. This weekend I caught up on several loads of clean, unfolded laundry, cleaned several rooms in the house (including the massive dumpster fire of Hazel’s room), cooked a … Continue reading Chilly and Productive in NE Florida

SG gets her groove back

SG gets her groove back

Well, I am making strides to do so. Some friends and family know that I was struggling with my mental health recently Aug-Sept. I have felt more balanced and generally more focused lately than before. With some perspective I know that I was hypomanic moving into full blown mania during those weeks, accompanied with high … Continue reading SG gets her groove back