Tag: support

SGs workout plan 2023

I put this into place some time ago. In the time since, I have lost 20 lbs, working out at the gym, and overall diet and sleep has vastly improved. I have continued to make strides and overall feel so much better and healthier. Looking forward to a good year of continued good health ahead. … Continue reading SGs workout plan 2023

Ella’s Winter Play: The Runaway Snowman

Ella’s Winter Play: The Runaway Snowman

Today was Ella’s drama Winter Play Performance of “The Runaway Snowman.” Ella’s role was Robin, the lead role. She played the girl that befriends Happy, the Snowman. Ella, cast and chorus did an amazing job. She sang, acted and danced her little heart out. I was overjoyed and laughed the entire time watching Ella on … Continue reading Ella’s Winter Play: The Runaway Snowman

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.

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

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.

All we need is just a little patience…

All we need is just a little patience…

I took a major step backward yesterday. I pushed myself too hard the last couple days. I trained as an lacrosse official, too many obligations in general scheduled…and then yesterday occurred. It was a mix of lack of sleep from the night before (maybe 3 hours), trying to do IOP and work simultaneously, more work … Continue reading All we need is just a little patience…

SGs Workout Plan reboot 2022

SGs Workout Plan reboot 2022

I started this sometime late last year. I was unsuccessful. One of the main reasons for such was my later discovered sleep apnea. Second, I admittedly did not change my diet initially to the point where I was eating at a deficit, nor did I do my best to eat clean. Third, I stopped dead … Continue reading SGs Workout Plan reboot 2022

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.

Reassurance and relief

Reassurance and relief

I continue to struggle as Monday August 29 marks two weeks of interrupted sleep patterns. Two days in from a recent cpap level adjustment, it is still very difficult to continue to sleep past the threshold of 4 hours of sleep using the machine. I continue to awake today at the lovely hour of 230pm. … Continue reading Reassurance and relief

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