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
Tag: Understanding
SG goes to the Courthouse
First official day on the job at Guardian Ad Litem yesterday. This week I began orientation and training to become a Case Advocate Manager at GAL. After a long day of orientation and paperwork at the main office downtown Monday, I made my way to the Clay County courthouse Tuesday morning to report. I walked … Continue reading SG goes to the Courthouse
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
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.
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…
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…
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.
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
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
Will Power or Peace prevail?
I lie awake as current events of Ukrainian invasion has become a reality. My heart hurts for the world and the threat of Russians and Ukrainians fighting. A group of people that share a rich history, cultures, families across borders and torn apart. This is not just a region at war, I fear the implications … Continue reading Will Power or Peace prevail?
The Seascapechronicles 