#and that anxiety is a common mental health issue and anxiety disorders exist and do not disqualify you from being a loving parent

[biggest-gaudiest-patronuses]

growing up with a perpetually anxious primary caregiver is such a mindfuck. that shit will rewire your nervous system

#not a shitpost #i get that parenthood and modern life in general is extremely anxiety inducing #and that anxiety is a common mental health issue and anxiety disorders exist and do not disqualify you from being a loving parent #but i am begging you PLEASE do not project your anxiety onto your kids #especially younger kids #your job is to make your kids feel safe and secure. that is a primary requirement #that doesn't mean you can't be anxious! #but just like being angry doesn't mean you're allowed to yell at your kids or slam doors or break things #being anxious doesn't mean you are allowed to surround your kids with your own fear and stress or teach them to share your anxieties #your job is to be a comforting nurturing parental figure. that means projecting comfort and love #even when it is hard! even when you are tired or angry or scared! #which is a damn hard job! and you won't get it right all the time! #but dammit babes you gotta TRY #kids deserve to feel safe and comfortable in their daily lives #you CANNOT be teaching them to expect catastrophe lurking around every corner

[multiplicity-positivity]

Dealing with Denial 101

We’ve gotten a few asks about dealing with denial as a system, so we wanted to put together a post that we can reference in the future.

Denial, imposter syndrome, and fear of faking are all incredibly common system experiences. Unfortunately, when dealing with something that is so heavily stigmatized and not well understood among the public, these issues come all to easily. Just because you experience these things does not mean you aren’t a system, however! Here’s some things to remember that may help with dealing with feelings of denial:

1. Every system is unique!

You do no favors for yourself, your system, or others by comparing your experiences to those of other systems. An endogenic system’s experience is going to look entirely different from a system with a dissociative disorder, and even within certain origins there is so much diversity! There is no need to deny your system due to having unique experiences. There’s a lot that brings us together as systems, it’s true, but there’s also so much that sets us apart from each other and makes us different and unique! Take pride in this fact and don’t use it as an excuse to deny your system.

2. Created/spontaneous systems are valid!

If you find yourself wanting to deny your system on grounds of being endogenic, feeling like endogenic systems can’t exist and therefore your system can’t exist, we’d like to reassure you that that couldn’t be farther from the truth! Endogenic systems are and have always been an important part of the plural community. Your experiences as an endo system might be totally different from the experiences of a CDD system, but that’s okay! And it doesn’t mean that either of you are inherently faking your experience with plurality.

3. Comorbidities can (and do) happen!

It is possible to be a system (whether disordered or nondisordered) and deal with a myriad of mental illnesses. You can be a system and still have personality disorders, anxiety disorders, developmental disorders or any other sort of mental disorder. The only exception to this would be, you probably can’t have DID and OSDD at the same time. If you’re wondering about comorbidities and your likelihood of experiencing more than one disorder, please consult a mental health professional! Having comorbidities is not an indication of faking plurality and shouldn’t be a reason for you to deny your plural experience.

4. Communication is often difficult!

For many systems, communication does not come easily and is something that needs to be practiced regularly in order to improve over time. Some systems never reach a place of excellent communication, and that’s okay! It’s also perfectly normal to have a system that goes through communicative cycles, with periods of lots of activity followed by periods of silence. Just because you aren’t hearing from your headmates multiple times every day doesn’t mean that you’re not really a system!

5. Introjects are normal!

It’s okay to have tons of introjects in your system, or even for your system to be made up entirely out of introjects! It’s fine to have fictives, factives, octives, faitives, fuzztives, and everything in between. Yes, you can still be a system with a bunch of anime or smp headmates! Yes, you can still be a system of your introjects are weird, “cringe,” canon-compliant, canon-divergent, factives of celebrities, fictives from popular sources, or anything else! None of these things should cause you to deny your system - lots of other systems are in similar situations!

6. Some members are more prone to denial!

Even in diagnosed CDD systems, sometimes hosts, persecutors, or other members dig their feet in and refuse to acknowledge the system’s existence. We know this definitely happened in our system! Just because a particular member often tries to deny the system, doesn’t mean that you’re faking at all! For some members, the realization that they’re a part of a system can be scary, frustrating, and anxiety-inducing. Some may choose to deny that the system exists in order to protect themselves, or to preserve their way of life. A bit of kindness, patience, and persistence can go a long way in getting these members to accept the reality of your multiplicity!

7. A syscovery may happen at any time!

You don’t need a therapist or specialist to confirm that you’re plural. You don’t need outside validation in order for your system to exist. You may discover your system at a very young age, or well into adulthood. Both of these are perfectly fine times to learn about your plurality - there’s no magic age you must be before you can learn about your system! If your system deals with heavy denial or dissociative barriers, it may take multiple syscoveries in order for the realization to stick. This is nothing to worry about and definitely not proof that you’re faking your plurality!

8. Fakers don’t usually stress about whether or not they’re faking!

Faking an illness is a conscious effort that takes time, knowledge, and dedication. Fakers also don’t worry too much about whether or not they’re faking - for the most part, they absolutely know that they are! If you’re worried that you’ve been faking your plurality all along, honestly chances are slim that you’re actually faking. Try to stay calm and patient, and allow your headmates to speak for themselves on whether or not they think you’re faking your plurality!

9. It’s okay to question!

It’s okay to spend a long time wondering whether or not you’re actually plural. It’s okay to experiment with labels and try some out before you’ve figured out the origins of your system. It’s okay (and recommended, and healthy!) for you to question whether or not you have a trauma history or childhood memory gaps, and to rule out trauma as a cause for your plurality first. It’s okay to have a “pillowgenic” label one week and a “stressgenic” label the next. Questioning is a big part of self-discovery - the mere act of questioning your plurality doesn’t mean that you’re not actually plural by any means. Take your time with figuring out who you are!

10. It’s okay to be wrong!

There’s so much more we’d like to add here, but the last thing we’ll say is it is absolutely fine to be wrong about your origins, headmate count, or your plurality overall! You are not hurting anyone by exploring the concept of plurality, wondering if multiplicity affects you, and ultimately deciding you’re a singlet. It’s also perfectly fine to be wrong about your origins or to discover you’re traumagenic later in life. Deciding you’re endogenic after discovering childhood trauma may not be a wise thing to do, but other than that, it’s okay to be wrong about your experience and the language you use to describe it!

Sorry for the long post! Hopefully some of these affirmations will be reassuring for struggling systems out there. Remember that we’re in your corner rooting for you regardless of your origins or whether or not you experience denial! Please know we’ll always believe you, and we hope that one day you’ll be able to believe in yourself and your system!

(Image ID:) A pale orange userbox with a cluster of multicolored flowers for the userbox image. The border and text are both dark orange, and the text reads “all plurals can interact with this post!” (End ID.)

#multiplicity #pluralgang #plurality #actuallyplural #system positivity #plural positivity #plural pride #system pride #denial #system denial #faking #self fakeclaiming #long post

[manstrans]

someone said on that post that trans men’s identities will be seen and respected by the majority

what world are these people living in

people are just outright denying transphobia exists as a whole at this point by acting like only one kind of trans people get it.

i guess any suicidal trans mascs need to man up and not make such a big deal. i guess any of us who went through that were deluding ourselves into thinking that society will reject us and that we may end up abandoned by families. all my family members were quick to get to call me a guy.

none of them ever accused me of saying anything perverted that I never said when I came out to my little cousin. or harassed me with my dead name. told me i was tied to my bones and when they dig me up in the future they would say i am a woman. that would just be mild discomfort though really if that did happen

getting harassed online, being called an ugly woman or a dyke or a deluded little girl (adults or not) all results in said mild discomfort. it is very easily brushed aside at the end of the day. it has no impact on mental health for people to say your top surgery scars make you look like frankenstein’s monster. people do not think a “beautiful woman” is being lost when trans mascs transition. because if people hate women, they would be totally fine with the idea of one “abandoning it”. instead of staying as pretty women that aren’t too much gnc. because a man doesn’t want to be with someone who looks like a lesbian

trans mascs never find struggle trying to get reproductive care because they are not being taken seriously. or ever had cases where doctors were late to diagnosing cancers due to this as well. because putting M down would mean anything to do with differing sex organs from cis men would not be ignored. that this is not the case for every trans person. that we do not have the issue in common of facing transphobia, and in this the shared experience of cissexism as well, in medical spheres

trans mascs never get misdiagnosed with borderline personality disorder when psychs misgender us as woman and think us being trans is the “identity disturbance” symptom. this doesn’t get any resulting impact from ableism, as personality disorders then will get you branded as a doomed person by many psychs.

people never try to fear monger trans mascs into thinking tesosterone is going to turn you into a violent, angry brute. the show The L Word never perpetuated this idea to millions of mostly cis queer women watching.

Boys Don’t Cry isn’t based off a true story. No trans masculine person can ever be rape victims as well. Or if they were, the perpetuator would never bring up the person being trans masculine as a reason.

i never saw terfs talking about correctively raping trans mascs back into lesbians

homophobia is faced by both gay men and lesbians. if anyone said gay men never facehomophobia i would ask them if they actually learned our history. or only snippets

if told that is not the same, I think they should look up Lou Sullivan for the intersection of being trans masc and gay. ask some trans mascs stories about going into bath houses and what happened when accused of being women in there. that this never led to anxiety over a consensual sexual interaction in being accused of rape for “tricking” a gay man into having sex with a “straight woman”? the trans panic defense ever comes up as a known concern in these cases

alright yeah the sarcasm is evident here.

just how do they not realize that implying that trans mascs do not experience transphobia with this is the actual terminally online take? holy shit.

either that or they get to live in a more generally progressive city and not a white suburb in the US. while also being not white. btw you don’t have any reason to think any of these problems may be emphasized if you are brown or black.

any response to this about accusing us of biological essentialism is victim blaming. what is being described are the consequences of biological essentialism that we both endure. we cannot ignore its existence. I wish we could. but transphobes won’t let us. because we challenge the fact and show that it isn’t true

YEAH I just read through this and like. everything in it. people in these echo chambers think a few snappy lines outweigh our lived experiences but it doesn't work that way at all

[alastairstom]

do you reckon matthew has adhd?

(i've seen some people really endorse it but also I feel like we're terrible at telling hyperactivity from hypomania, myself included, and it's possible that the old adhd stereotype isn't the best indicator)

this may or may not be me researching cyclothymia for myself too btw ;) and as a fellow adhder I also wish for all of the siderants in this post to be unapologetic <3 <3

Thank you for this. I do consider myself to have a PhD in Matthew Fairchild, so I'm excited to have a go here. Siderants incoming.

I don't want to get too deep into my own mental health issues on here, LOL. But I feel like it's almost impossible for me to talk about Matthew without being open about my own lens and viewpoint.

I need to preface this by stating that I relate VERY STRONGLY to Matthew in a ton of different ways, but one of the main ones is through a lens of mental health. We have similar symptoms and I definitely believe him to have a similar issue to myself. I am bipolar, have ADHD, and have PTSD. So this is where I am coming from; this is my background.

Matthew and PTSD

Let's just all agree right off the bat that Matthew has PTSD after the events of CLS. I don't think the word's used solely because it's 1903 and it doesn't exist. I'm pretty sure Cassie has said he has PTSD before directly. But also it's referred to in the books as "a shadow hanging over him" and a "hard edge." Everyone notes that his behavior changes after his mother's miscarriage. I'm not going to delve too much into this because it's literally canon and anyone with media literacy knows it.

Bipolar Matthew

I have very little doubt that Matthew is bipolar. He exhibits regular symptoms of depression and anxiety even as early as NBS and CLS. He also was completely out of control in several cases, and we see it most starkly when he blows up a wing of the Academy. If you read CLS, he seems completely unable to control his temper and detaches himself from the action as well, stating that in the interval between Alastair @ing him and his leaving school "a wing of the school blew up" rather than "he blew up a wing of the school". He also seemed incredibly giddy as talked with Will and then with Alastair as he told him he put all his things in the South Wing.

We see bipolar-esque impulsive behaviors in TLH, though TLH Matthew is definitely somewhat muted because of his alcoholism.

There is no arguing that Matthew suffers from depression in TLH, which manifests as addiction and also as what seems to be exhaustion. He falls asleep anywhere. Cassie herself has said that Matthew is depressed as well.

But, I also note that he has manic tendencies. He runs off to Paris with Cordelia extremely impulsively with almost 0 thought to the consequences. He jumps through the portal to Hell after James in a completely split-second decision. Thomas notes that Matthew has, for the longest time, believed that consequences were something that happened to other people rather than to himself and his friends. All of these things are consistent with bipolar disorder.

He also does something common to those both with BPD* and bipolar disorder called "splitting." Splitting happens when the person views others as either all good (Cordelia, James) or the literal scum of the earth with 0 gray area (Alastair, Grace). When shown gray area, he is jarred.

*I have also seen BPD peeps headcanon Matthew as borderline. When they talk about it, I can see an argument for it, but I do not personally think that Matthew has the shaky relationship insecurities that partly define BPD. He hates himself, but seems secure in the fact that others currently love him (even if he worries that they will not if they know of his Great Sin). I do not think he meets the BPD diagnostic criteria. But I am not a psychologist and am also biased as I am bipolar and want my fave character to be my Bipolar Buddy, lol.

ADHD Matthew

Getting to your question, does Matthew have ADHD?

This is actually the one that I'm least certain of.

He certainly does exhibit several ADHD-like traits. He's very externally boisterous and jubilant. He clearly hyperfixates on aesthetics and Oscar Wilde, talking about them in nearly every situation even when it's unrelated. (I find this funny because his Oscar Wilde obsession mirrors my TSC obsession. He's got a green carnation; I've got a clockwork angel pendant. It's amazing).

He also definitely shows difficulty focusing on tasks. However, it's impossible to say that this is a result of ADHD because of his addiction. Alcohol also causes people to have short attention spans and a bad memory, so this isn't saying much. The same goes for his poor physical coordination.

We would need to go solely from his time at school to figure this out. The only issue here is that it's challenging to separate Matthew's NBS behaviours from the fact that he was actively trying to get expelled. Did he really struggle to focus or did he just pretend to so he could piss off his teachers? Was he performing poorly because his needs were unmet or because he was purposely trying to be terrible? There's no telling, and I honestly suspect the latter.

So, I have no idea!

I personally think that Matthew may have ADHD solely because bipolar and PTSD exascerbate ADHD symptoms. All three of them exascerbate each other, actually. But I'm not too committed to this.

#matthew fairchild #chot #chain of thorns #tlh #the last hours #tsc deep dives #james herondale

[messymaelstrom]

With this post about complex ptsd going around, I wanted to post some actual resources about it. It's no good to just say 'you may have this' without pointing people towards information about cptsd and resources that can help in easing symptoms and treating it.

SO. If CPTSD sounds a little bit like home, I whole-heartedly encourage you to learn more about it. The more you know, the more you can help yourself.

The C is for complex. And my god, is it complex. When I first learned of it, everything clicked. All of my problems suddenly made sense. CPTSD can be the root cause of several mental illnesses including major depression, anxiety disorders, and even borderline, among others.

Fortunately there are a LOT of resources for CPTSD, and it's a growing field of research and targeted therapy.

Resources:

The Body Keeps the Score - a book I cannot recommend enough. It details a lot of the scientific evidence for cptsd as well as the behavioral patterns associated with it. It also discusses solutions to the problem.

Waking the Tiger - another book by Peter Levine

Peter Levine is an excellent resource. I recommend reading his books and listening to his videos on YouTube. They are commonly found on the NICABM channel.

Complex PTSD: from Surviving to Thriving

Complex ptsd workbook

When the Body says No

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents

Patrick Teahan: my absolute favorite childhood trauma therapist on YouTube. He (among many others) is at the forefront of cptsd treatment, and has pioneered a new childhood adverse experiences test that specifically discusses issues that lead to the development of CPTSD. There are compelling journal prompts at the end of most of his videos, and he also discusses reparenting your wounded inner child. Absolutely wonderful resource. Look through his community page because he posts profound affirmations each day.

Additional advice/notes:

Healing from cptsd is COMPLEX. It’s not an easy thing to do. Beware of people selling easy solutions. You cannot exercise, diet, manifest, talk, feel, or positive think your way out of it.

If you have cptsd, especially the kind that developed in childhood, you are more likely to have other chronic health conditions. Cptsd can cause autoimmune disorders and chronic pain. The pain itself is often psychosomatic, where you feel a lot of pain but doctors cannot find a physical reason for it. It's a frustrating pain to have, but it's REAL.

I believe a common trap to healing cptsd is thinking that psychotherapy is enough. In my experience, and from what experts say, it doesn't really address the roots of the problem. You will need additional and more diverse treatment like group therapy and inner child work at a minimum.

And the unfortunate truth is that you cannot heal relationship wounds without experiencing safe relationships. (I'm stuck here)

You will not heal effectively while you exist in the same conditions that made you sick. You will not heal effectively if you are maintaining relationships with the people who made you sick.

Reparenting the inner child might sound like a fake solution. But it's actually extremely effective. I really had doubts about it, but I've found that talking to my inner child is an extremely fast way to get out of a triggered state.

#mental health #complex ptsd #cptsd #trauma #childhood trauma #cptsd is genuinely the fucking worst. living with it so hard. #you're fighting every single day against your own dysfunctional brain pathways & it's exhausting. #but the effort is worth it.

[potsiefaerie]

Hi hey welcome!

Call me Lily! I'm a queer nonbinary person in my 30s with a number of chronic illnesses and this is side blog but it's probably the one I use most often. It is run on a queue. You'll find things like:

Queer/LGBTQIA+ discourse and memes

Disability discourse and memes

Neurodivergence discourse and memes

Mental health tips and tricks and positivity

General positivity posts and some cute animals

some USAmerican political bullshit (and memes)

some political shit and awareness posts for other places

Tumblr Heritage Posts and other shitpost hilarity

I try to tag for common triggers but I do not always remember - if you have something specific you would like me to Always tag, send me an ask or a DM and I can add it to my list and I will do my best (ex: mushrooms)

I'm an adult and I don't curate this blog with minors in mind, but besides the gratuitous use of the word "fuck" and the occasional political vent post with an empty death threat, there won't really be anything here that would merit an R rating (except in Florida which doesn't want to admit that queer people Exist). So if you're a minor you're welcome to follow, but I probably won't follow you back.

For everyone I do follow back, it will be under my main blog: @lily-leaves

FAQ & tag explanation beneath the cut

Yes that's my real face in the icon

My pronouns are she/her or they/them or any of the neutral neopronouns.

Current diagnoses are: POTS, chronic migraines, myoclonus, autism, adhd, generalized anxiety disorder

If you don't want to see USAmerican bullshit block the tag: "usian bullshit" or block "politics" if you don't want to see any politics (incl international) but would like to still see other cursed americana

No I'm not go to stop using the word queer for myself and the rest of the queer community; if you don't like the word you're not in the community and that's why I have two tags, kthanks.

Other Tags:

Ask Lily: my asks

C'est Moi: selfie tag

Personal: self explanatory

Lore Drop: personal nonsense in the tags or on reblogs

Bun Chronicles: pictures and tales of my rabbits

Get Therapized Nerd: me vaguing about being in therapy again

Frens: mutuals and rl friends

Hellsite (affectionate): Tumblr community stuff and heritage posts

Tumblr bullshit: when staff is being awful

Positivity: peep this tag if you need a pick-me-up

Indigenous Issues: this stuff rarely gets tagged "usian bullshit" or "politics" because it's bigger than that

#personal #lore drop #ask lily #hellsite (affectionate) #positivity #bun chronicles #c'est moi #frens #a chuisle mo chroi #la mia fiamma #selfie

[ina-nis]

If AvPD were to be considered a disability, what kind of accomodations and considerations (both reasonable and unreasonable) would you like to see societally and interpersonally?

I don't know about others but for me, AvPD is a disability. It's a chronic, invisible disorder that impairs my ability to exist around others and interact with people, causing extreme distress as a result.

The short answer is: going beyond "awareness" and mental wellness campaigns, giving people resources (money, housing, etc), giving people spaces to be and encouraging them to socialize, treatment with focus on social wellness and not only for one to be fit for working, a complete change in the employment issue (utopian and unlikely but I don't really see another way out), safe and accessible mental health spaces in school/college/university/etc all year long, fighting systemic and socio-cultural ableism (people with personality disorders are not evil, many consider themselves ill and need help, not isolation or ostracism).

The long answer hopefully won't be too long, bear with me:

Looking at my own situation, I think it would be great if I didn't have to fight and stress myself out to get (and stay) on government benefits/welfare because I would like to not starve or be homeless - I know, depending on where you are, there's no such thing so I count myself as "lucky".

Most if not all school and/or employment programs are aimed towards neurotypical people (and it's even harder to get specific services if you're queer, immigrant, Black, etc). Employment is a special kind of torment for an avoidant to go through, the job seeking process, the anxiety of waiting for call backs, emails and interviews is unmatched and, at least to me, it's a trigger for suicidal ideation.

I don't really have or see a solution out of this specific issue. Employment is difficult for everyone, it is a competition and there will be a winner and a loser. You can guess who the "loser" will be between someone without X someone with AvPD.

I really wish the focus of treatment wouldn't be so much on "being fit to function in society" because that almost always mean getting a job - I have lost count of how many avoidants I've seen working dead end jobs and being trapped, extremely unhappy, on the top of dealing with a Personality Disorder, because they don't have any other option.

About schools... well, also talking from experience, they served more to try to fit people into boxes to be tame and good workers, and less to learn how to be humans and do things that don't involve... working 9-5, 40+ hours a week.

Depending on which school you're attending to, mental health services will be nonexistent or of really poor quality (that's almost a given considering how bullying is widespread). More than bringing awareness for mental health, depression, anxiety, burnout... there should be programs in place throughout the school year in which students would be able to access, and very importantly, giving them some sort of anonymity (if they so desire) and a safe space for them to come forward and speak without getting their family involved (again, if they so desire).

I guess the same applies for post secondary education too. It would be extremely valuable if students had access to resources and spaces that deal with mental health, with professionals at a low cost or for free.

Socially, I believe for as long as we're living in a world where Personality Disorders are demonized, where things such as "narcissistic abuse" is not only very common (even between mental health professionals) but also a acceptable concept, we won't have much progress regarding the treatment of AvPD and PDs in general.

So many characteristics of people with AvPD are considered social red flags, so much of that "self-fulfilling prophecy" is how about social isolation fosters more social exclusion, and social exclusion fosters more isolation - where one is left to fend for themselves and fix the problem that is social in nature, on their own. It doesn't make any sense.

Mental health treatments are not cheap nor accessible, so there's also that. Definitely something that would need change ASAP. They also focus too much on individual faults, behaviours and cognition, when, yes these can contribute to the problem, they're not the whole picture.

There's need for more specific research, and more professionals to be actually interested in investing time and money into this disorder, to see what lies beyond Social Anxiety, and so on.

There's need for resources, both financial and social, so that people can pick up and try to re-start or re-build (or start and build) their lives at any point. And spaces in which people can co-exist and be encouraged to socialize.

I've heard it so, so many times, and it's so exhausting... yes, getting new hobbies is a good way to cope, even more if they're social hobbies. But I don't think I have enough motivation to pick a social hobby when my solitary ones serve me just as well. I believe that's probably the case for a lot of other avoidants, too. So how can one make social hobbies, and social spaces more welcoming for people with AvPD? That's a very good question.

I cannot stress this enough: AvPD is a disorder of social issues, not only individual. Treating a person without looking what goes beyond the person is bound to be a failure. When you go past anxiety, when you go past the social skills issues, when you go past the self-imposed isolation, supposedly, lies success. But if anything, I'm the living proof that there's need to be more than... me, for things to work and to be maintained.

#ask #anonymous

[moodr1ng]

not to start shit lol but some of you saw people with schizo-spectrum disorders, did, personality disorders, and other very stigmatized/misunderstood/underresearched and undertreated mental illnesses say that the mental health care system and the professionals therein often are only equipped to handle disorders that are more widespread, more recognized, less stigmatized (which doesnt mean NOT stigmatized), such as depression and anxiety (which are the common examples because... theyre very widespread disorders known to affect much more of the general population), and took that as an attack on you personally and as them saying that you dont struggle and youre not really mentally ill and youve never faced ableism and depression and anxiety arent a big deal etc, which is just not what (at least the vast majority of) people were saying at all.

and like. it is simply true that most mental health professionals are taught about treating depression and anxiety as a baseline of mental health care education (which does not mean theyre all good at it or that medical abuse or neglect does not happen) while they are often not taught about more stigmatized disorders considered rarer properly unless they specialized in those fields, often hold prejudices against those disorders which come from that lack of education as well as the general social stigma against them, dont know how to recognize or treat those disorders, or in some cases straight up do not believe that those disorders exist despite being medically recognized and therefore misdiagnose patients and treat them for the wrong illness or treat them as fakers.

and people with those disorders pointing out the inequality in treatment is not an attack on people who "only" suffer from depression or anxiety, and frankly it feels very disingenuous to claim it is, because, like... these very stigmatized and severe mental illnesses are very, very comorbid with depression and anxiety (just one example, personality disorders are evaluated to be comorbid w depression at a rate of 50 to 90%). a lot if not most of the people who are talking about this will also suffer from depression and/or anxiety. they very likely KNOW what it feels like to deal with those and how professionals react to those disorders. their opinions may often be informed by seeing themselves the difference in how theyre treated when professionals are addressing their depression or anxiety vs when theyre addressing stigmatized symptoms. so like. im sure people have been callous in how they talk about this or been dismissive, and that is shitty, but maybe priorities could lie in the systemic issue of mistreatment and neglect of people with particularly stigmatized illnesses and not on how evil they are bc some of them are flippant about addressing their frustration and pain and may say stuff thats hurtful. whatever though

#97 #long post #i say 'some of you' but idk that any of my current followers say this or believe this to be clear LOL #i mean i am aware of those takes from having seen them on my dash but i dont necessarily follow the same people etc anymore #this is phrased as addressing people as if theyre reading this even tho its not rebloggable but im mostly just venting #so. not directed at anyone

[theaceofmanyhearts]

The Inherent Autistic Nature of The Batman

The concept of “The Hero” has existed for millenia in all different cultures and methods of storytelling, but in today’s society, it has superheroes like those in Marvel’s highly successful cinematic universe that have captured the people’s attention in order to see a person prevail over even the most difficult obstacles that life could create. DC, another popular comic company and publisher, has many strong characters that garner favor from their audience with one of the most popular being The Batman, billionaire Bruce Wayne. There have been many iterations of Batman throughout comics, cartoons, Hollywood action films, and more. However, through these different mediums and portrayals of the character, a common theme of many autistic traits are found within Bruce Wayne and his existence as a hero. This stems not only from the trauma he faced as a young child and the resulting mental health issues caused by that event, but in his personality, his struggles with relationships, his interests, and the very creation of his alter ego as The Batman in the first place. The authour, as someone who has not read many of the DC comics, will demonstrate how these different aspects of the comicbook hero combine to create a character that can easily be read as autistic or otherwise neurodivergent by the audience through the movies and cartoons scene and fan written works that include and study this character.

In most stories of Batman, Bruce Wayne creates this vigilante alterego during his twenties to fight crime in the city of Gotham, New Jersey using the funds he has as an old money billionaire in the United States because he witnessed the murder of his parents when he was eight years old during a robbery gone wrong. Trauma, especially that which happens at a young age, leaves a lasting impression on the psyche and so it stands to reason that Bruce Wayne would have experienced mental health issues after he was, in one night, violently turned into an orphan at the loss of his loving parents. Such mental illnesses he likely would have faced are depression, anxiety and other panic disorders, PTSD, as well as others that deal with grief and loss combined with needing control and issues of trust. He also likely would have faced issues creating and maintaining relationships because the most inherent and fundamental connection he had, that of a parent to a child, was ripped away from him unexpectedly. His issues with relationships would have likely come from any possible isolation Wayne created for himself due to the trauma and ensuing mental illnesses he suffered. While these mental health issues do not make Bruce Wayne autistic, there are many links to the symptoms of different mental illnesses to the manners in which autistc people act added to the proclivity of autistic people to suffer mental health problems due to the altered manner in which they experience and process stimulants in the world.

In many fan created pieces, the authors analyze Bruce Wayne and find that he is more true as Batman than he is as himself and so never lets go of the mask. While comicbook heroes are known to wear masks to hide their identities by simply covering their faces, autistic people use the act of masking to try and maintain the appropriate actions and customs of the neurotypical or allistic society. They pretend to not be autistic in situations and so act as a different person. This act can be seen used by Batman in the different masks he creates for himself. Bruce Wayne, the true person underneath, has created at least two personalities or identities for himself. For everyday life, there is “Brucie Wayne” the ditzy billionaire who laughs off everything and anything because that is what is expected from him from both other members of high society and the rest of the population who view rich people in certain ways due to parasocial relationships. “The Batman” is also a manner of masking used by Wayne not only be being a crime-fighting alter ego, but also because Batman is allowed, but also expected, to act very differently from Brucie or Bruce Wayne. Batman is allowed to be sullen, quiet but intelligent, and able to use different fighting abilities in order to pursue his interest of fighting crime, as will be discussed more later. The author does recognize that Batman is less of a masking technique in a way because the hero is not expected to make friends or act polite in company but instead allowed to show more of the natural mannerisms of an autistic person however, The Batman must also be a form of masking because he has a reputation of being the “World’s Best Detective” and a very terrifying vigilante. In character studies by different authors, it seems like Bruce Wayne, the real person, is a very quiet and intelligent man who relies on his interests and the masking he does because he is not comfortable showing his true self to the world when really he is still that grieving child that lost his parents.

Having both a secret identity and the early trauma, Bruce Wayne is often shown to have issues creating or maintaining relationships with other people. While he does raise many children, both in general and in the crime fighting lifestyle, it is seen in many comics and storylines that those father and child relationships are often fraught with issues caused by lack of proper communication or other problems that oft seem to lie with Bruce and his words and actions, or lack thereof. Batman is also a member of the Justice League, a worldwide group of heroes that band together to fight larger threats than everyday crime, but he does not often share his true identity with the team nor does he communicate his plans or thoughts with the other members in many different versions of his character. The reason this is considered an autistic trait of Wayne’s is because autistic people in real life have issues with relationships either due to their own personal needs being considered different to normal society and the differences that exist in allistic versus autistic communication, espectially in those autists who are selectively mute or nonverbal, whether that is all the time or simply during specific episodes. This makes it very difficult to understand the allistic people around them or to be understood by the allistic people because it is unknown the best way to communicate and so it is hard to correctly place a level of closeness with that person or to maintain the correct relationship or closeness with them at all times. Batman is considered to be selectively mute by the author because many times he simply does not speak, like when he does not communicate his plans to other heroes, or simply hums and grunts instead of using full words or sentences. In the 2022 film The Batman, Robert Pattinson, who plays Bruce Wayne, often does not respond directly to remarks made to him both as Wayne in daily life or to officers at crime scenes when he is Batman. The hero also is known to frequently leave Police Commissioner Jim Gordon before the man can finish the debrief because, to Batman, he already has all the needed information and so there is no point in continuing the conversation no matter how rude it is considered by Gordon. It is also likely that Wayne would have different scripts for any interactions he might have as either Batman or Brucie Wayne in order to maintain the identity he currently inhabits which is a common trait amongst autistic people in order to better mask and communicate in everyday society.

When it comes to neurodivergent people, they are often known to have “special interests” or hyperfocuses that take up a majority of their time and attention. Obviously, for Bruce Wayne, vigilantism as Batman is a hyperfocus because it has become almost his true self in many iterations of the character. Some other special interests that could be considered are his specialty in detective work, martial arts, languages, different sciences, and likely many more. While these are linked to his needs for crime fighting, they are also interests that he has cultivated and become very focused on to the point where he is considered the best in many of those fields, at least within the superhero or “caped” community. He, as a billionaire, has very easy access to study these interests as they come up but still it matches with the neurodivergent process of becoming focused on some media, skill, or other stimulus to take up quite a bit of their attention.

In most iterations of Batman, Bruce Wayne dawned his cowl to ensure that no other person would experience the pain he did when he was only eight years old. He decided to take matters into his own hands and become a vigilante because he did not see a way to place faith in the legal system when the legal system did not save him from being orphaned all of those years ago. This is also often the reason given for why he takes in Dick Grayson, the first Robin and often the first child hero in many DC comic runs, after the boy’s parents fall to their deaths during their circus act after a protection racket tampers with their equipment. While this may seem to simply link to Wayne’s personal trauma and his own selflessness to try and protect the people of Gotham, it can also be linked to another autistic trait. Many people with autism have a very rigid sense of justice or right and wrong which leads to a very specific moral code. Batman has an incredibly strict moral code in that he fights crime as a vigilante, which in itself is a crime, but refuses to kill or go any further beyond the legal system than his vigilantism. This often causes issues in his relationships because other vigilantes do not see issue with being “Judge, Jury, and Executioner.” Examples include members of the Justice League, such as Wonder Woman, and Red Hood, Bruce Wayne’s second son and the second robin, who began killing when he returned from the dead after being killed by the Joker, one of Batman’s villains.

In all, while most writers most likely do not attempt to make Batman or Bruce Wayne an autistic or autistic seeming character, many of the traits he is given do match with those of autistic people in real life. It gives a sort of deeper introspection of the character and how exactly the events in human life can affect a person, but it also brings to question how fictional characters are perceived for these characteristics versus the real people who exhibit the same within our communities. People look up to heroes because their stories usually end in victory which is attractive to the public who exist as living beings that often do not succeed or feel failure in their lives. Whether Batman was intended to represent these autistic traits or not, it is impossible to reject the idea that he does embody them and exists as a revered hero at the same time.

#batman #dc comcis #autistic experiences #autsitic #autism #my autism made me write this #I don’t know canon #my opinion

[whitneyasif]

My DP/DR story

I was diagnosed with Depersonalization(DP)/Derealization(DR) disorder a few months ago, although I've experienced it since I was in high school, probably around 2012. At that time, I had no clue what it was. I remember first experiencing it after smoking weed with my friends, and still feeling "weird" and high the next day, and the day after that, all for about a week. Eventually, I guess I just stopped thinking about it so naturally, it was gone. I never really smoked much weed after that, thinking I'd never ever wanna feel that weird again. Flash forward to 2015 when my grandfather (who raised me, and was basically like my dad) suddenly passed from a brain tumor, it sparked up again, but once again went away and laid dormant. I was doing good, I got married and had two sons. Then, one of the worst things that could happen to a woman, happened to me. My husband died. He was robbed and killed in March of 2021, and my whole world crashed...and burned...badly. My anxiety was at an all-time high. I was paranoid, watching out of my window all night and not sleeping because I was so afraid. After months into my healing journey for the next year, I was doing better. I got back to work, and things were seeming to go back to "normal" for me. October of 2022 comes around, and my younger sister had relapsed and called me for help, asking to come to my house to detox and get clean. I agree and pick her up, and she is withdrawing pretty hard. I left home for about an hour to go help my sister-in-law who had a flat tire and needed a ride, and come home to my baby sister who was 23, dead in my bed. Probably the most devastating thing that I have ever gone through other than losing my husband. After that, a bunch of new mental health issues started to arrive and wouldn't you know it, here comes the DP/DR, full force, the worst it has ever been. I suffered for a few months of going in and out of "reality" and dissociative states and finally called a therapist. Almost immediately I was diagnosed to have DP/DR and PTSD. Although I knew I had it, it was still a relief for someone to listen to me and not make me feel crazy when I described my symptoms. Quite frankly, if you have ever experienced DP/DR you know just how crazy it makes you feel. Now at this point, you're probably wondering "Well, what does it do to you? How does it make you feel?". It can quite literally alter your mind. My symptoms are severe and can last for days. How I know I'm going into an "episode" is easy for me now, remember that I said easy to recognize, not that they are pleasant. I will start to see and hear things differently. Hearing things can seem muffled, or like someone is talking to you from another room. Vision change can be hard to describe, but the best way I can describe it is, you start seeing things in a somewhat hyper-real state, or that the world seems "not real". I think this is one of the most common symptoms for people who experience this, which is less than 2% of the population, by the way. Another thing that happens that is related to vision is, you feel like you are viewing things from a third person or out-of-body. Looking at yourself in the mirror, your friends, and even your children can feel unfamiliar. I remember looking in the mirror and even questioning if I was real. It can be alarming, and scary. When I would tell people I felt crazy. But I realized that I am not crazy. I am hurt. I am traumatized. The way my body deals with it is just inconvenient, honestly. I look at it like this... My brain is trying to protect me from all the pain, all the hurt, and make me feel like things are not real so I don't feel the pain. Being self-aware wants me to tell my brain to fucking stop the charade and let me hurt because I would rather be sad than feel like I don't exist. I have been working with my therapist to try to find breathing techniques that work or grounding exercises. I was even prescribed Lexapro, which I will be starting tonight. It's been a long journey, and I am even in an episode as I type this, but I know one day I will get better.

#trauma #ptsd #lexapro #drug overdose #depersonalization #derealization #dpdr #mental health #therapy

[dekusleftsock]

Hey, I have ah... thoughts(?), and to preface I'm sorry if this comes across as rude! That's will not be my intention.

It's just been stuck on my mind that in your BKDK meta's (and just generally), you've brought up nihilism quite a bit. I myself am I nihilist - well, more specifically I'm absurdist (relating to or supporting the belief that human beings exist in a purposeless, chaotic universe) - but for all intents and purposes, I live in a predominantly nihilistic way of thinking.

And back to it being in your meta's, you often paint nihilism as being an inherently pessimistic; such as:

"Nihilism and cringe culture is stupid and causes actual issues for ya brain. ESPECIALLY a young brain, and I’ll argue till the day I die that it’s part of the reason gen y and gen z’s mental health is so terrible."

"It definitely is! Nihilism doesn’t take all the emotional heavy lifting optimism does; But I also think that nihilism being so common nowadays is because of propaganda and, I can’t talk about this enough apparently on my account, the alt right; Nihilism is great in authoritative societies because it creates stagnation. (or just societies who don’t want change lol) When you feel that there is no way to change, nothing happens."

"THIS SAME MESSAGE, these same BIASES, these same DOG WHISTLES only hold us back from change. They continue the constant nihilistic outlook on the world. It’s a domino affect; so long as people think that there is no hope, that they should always be shameful of who they are and they can’t change that, so long as we continue to be nihilistic, nothing ever happens."

In retrospect, it seems that you believe nihilism IS pessimism.

I don't entirely understand where you got this impression, is all I'm trying to say, haha. I would consider myself quite the optimistic person, even to a fault at times (when I'm uhm... not in a depressive spiral/panic attack - general anxiety disorder is NOT FUN I'll say that much lol).

What I'm trying to say is, contrary to popular belief, Nihilism is not synonymous with cynicism or despair.

Of course, you could argue saying in nihilism, Ethics and Morals become non existent and are merely thought to be invented by humans, therefore it is inherently cynical.

But I don't believe that's quite true. The base structure of nihilism is of course, denying all meaning, but that doesn't mean people will become selfish by default. That's sort of silly in a way, I think. If cynicism is "believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity:" then saying a nihilist will be pessimistic by default seems cynical to me! That by having no meaning or higher place of being that your good morals will lead you to, you will be bad because there's nothing to motivate you, seems... immature? Not immature, more ahm, worrying? If abandoning all meaning makes you do bad things, I'm quite concerned actually- like, that's a socially moral backbone of overcooked spaghetti.

Even if you deny all meaning in the world, that doesn't mean you inherently begin to act selfishly! Nihilists I know still do protests, donate to charities, and actively work to make the world a better place (and absolutely are not right wing.) because even being nihilist, I and many still care about other people. Altruistic deeds often lead to greater well-being for others and yourself, and it’s silly to be selfish if that's true. If there is no meaning, that means the only thing you live for is other people and experiencing life. It’s about how often nihilists learn value the journey, at least as I see it. So, what to do to live life at it’s fullest and help others do the same? Thing that are, quite frankly, resolutely un-right wing and fascist.

"When you feel that there is no way to change, nothing happens.""

Re-quoting that because it stuck out to me most, as that's... by definition, pessimism, not nihilism. Having no hope, is pessimism, seeing no way for change, is pessimism, etc etc.

(Not to mention, being nihilistic doesn't mean you're depressed by default, either. That's also a common misconception.)

If hope means thinking there's some sort of inherent meaning in life or inevitable afterlife, I... guess I don't have hope? But I still have hope for change socially and politically, I still have hope for my future generations, I still have hope for happiness.

(For the record: I agree WHOLEHEARTEDLY at how awful cringe culture is, I despise cringe culture. It makes me sad seeing people make fun of people for enjoying life, shipping things, etc. The hate on furries makes no sense to me, especially, like... why? I digress.)

ANYWAY I think you've conflated perspective with philosophy. If you still hate nihilism, that's fine! Go on about it! I'm not saying philosophy should be free of any criticism (as long as you aren't harassing people, of course).

Just... I don't think you understand what nihilism actually is, currently.

TL;DR:

pes·si·mism:

[ˈpesəˌmizəm]

NOUN

a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen; a lack of hope or confidence in the future:

ni·hil·ism:

[ˈnīəˌlizəm, ˈnēəˌlizəm]

NOUN

the rejection of all religious and moral principles, in the belief that life is meaningless.

Thank you if you've read all that! I love your meta's, you seem like a super cool person :)

Hey no worries dude! I can take criticism, especially when it’s justified! (Edit: if I forgot to reply to anything or missed something lmk, I just didn’t have the time to really read through all of it atm lol)

You’re definitely right with pessimism being what I truly mean. Tbh with you, I’ve used nihilism to a default for years, but I did know the difference and just.. keep forgetting sobdodjdudj

To clarify: there is nothing wrong with having the philosophy of nihilism!

What I do have a problem with is pessimism. Seeing the worst in the world and people, having no hope, etc.

I also followed the nihilistic philosophy for a long time. But, before I say this, again, there is nothing wrong with having this philosophy… however, it still does have a lot of ties to nazism and the alt right. I kinda lumped pessimism and nihilism together in a lot of contexts, but that doesn’t change that it is an aspect of nazism to some degree. And I also feel it’s important to say that because it really is an important aspect WITHIN nazism, and also has some cultural significance due to its connection. (Which, as of now I have not properly talked about other than passively mentioning it and I will most definitely get to that at some point)

Not all nihilists are nazis but all nazis are nihilists, you get what I mean?

And, another thing I tend not to say, I hate the IDEA of pessimism, not the people who believe it. Why? Because I see it in people who are at their worsts points. People who have been knocked down over and over again. It drowns you in a constant cycle.

So, even when I WAS talking about “nihilists”, I did not think any were inherently selfish or bad. (Again, a communication end on my part) Rather the idea itself of pessimism. I hate no one! Other than like, REALLY terrible people who did SA or like femicide or something. I see pessimistic people as a victim of the system, not those who continue it. The IDEA spread on a massive scale is not an individualistic issue, rather an idea we have as a society and a mindset we have on the internet. (Also if I say I hate people and it isn’t in an ultra serious context of genuine issues that hurt people by their very existence, then I don’t actually mean I hate them, I hate the ideas they have but, again, ultimately see them as a victim to a system)

Hell, I know I talk a lot about how annoying dudebros are and how I hate people in the alt right, but god. I’ve seen all of my siblings go down the same pipeline. All of which were mentally ill and traumatized.

There IS a correlation between kids who were bullied/needed help and school shootings in the US. Part of it is this pipeline, part of it is the general mindset the US has on mental health issues.

Also, as just a last tidbit of my thoughts, it definitely IS immature to limit any of our ideas on ethics, morals, and philosophies. Or maybe, the term you were looking for was ignorant. Idk, I’m not you, just trying to help dibdisndidb

ALSO ALSO, WHOEVER YOU ARE, YOU DONT HAVE TO BUT LIKE, COMMENTING AND CORRECTING A NEW POST WHERE I USE THE WRONG TERM WONT MAKE ME MAD! I welcome it even; I promise you I don’t bite, a lot of people don’t take criticism well but I personally do so don’t be afraid! (Nothing wrong with not taking criticism well, again, victim to a system) If anyone has any genuine thoughts/criticisms to my posts be my guest! I may challenge it a bit in some cases, (hell I sound a bit aggressive sometimes but I don’t mean to be, and when I sound aggressive tell me about it and I’ll tone it down lol) so please don’t be afraid to hit me with what you’ve got! In fact I WANT you to! I don’t like spreading misinformation, the entire point of my account is to spread KNOWLEDGE so I don’t want that knowledge to be wrong.

If I find the time I’ll go through all my recent posts and fix/edit some things but I also have life, hw, school, and relaxing time I usually do in the day so it might take a while lol.

Final also: I really did know the difference between these two things which is why this makes the problem even WORSE bc I’m supposed to KNOW THIS and I literally SHOULDVE DONE THIS, but I am also an adhd bastard who has memory issues eobdodndudjudbd

Thanks for the correction! Keep them coming if you have them y’all!

#mha deku #midoriya izuku #bkdk #bkdk brainrot #bakudeku #bakugou katsuki #bnha deku #mha analysis #deku midoriya #mha bakugou #nihilism #pessimism #philosophy #optimism

[ytherapy]

The Ultimate Guide to Finding Affordable Anxiety Therapy in London

Anxiety disorders are pervasive and can significantly impact one's quality of life. However, seeking therapy for anxiety in a bustling city like London can be daunting, especially considering the potential costs involved. The good news is that affordable options do exist, allowing individuals to access the support they need without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various avenues for finding affordable anxiety therapy in London, empowering you to take control of your mental health journey.

Understanding Anxiety Therapy:

Before delving into the practicalities of finding affordable therapy, it's essential to understand what anxiety therapy entails. Therapy for anxiety typically involves techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and relaxation techniques. The aim is to help individuals recognize and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and ultimately reduce anxiety symptoms.

1. NHS Services:

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK provides mental health services, including therapy for anxiety, through primary care providers such as general practitioners (GPs). You can start by scheduling an appointment with your GP to discuss your anxiety symptoms. They can then refer you to appropriate mental health services within the NHS, such as talking therapies (also known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies or IAPT services).

2. IAPT Services:

IAPT services offer evidence-based therapies for common mental health problems, including anxiety disorders. These services are provided by trained therapists and are available free of charge through the NHS. While waiting times may vary, IAPT services aim to provide timely support to those in need.

3. Community Mental Health Centers:

In addition to NHS services, many community-based organizations and charities in London offer low-cost or free therapy options for individuals struggling with anxiety. These centers often rely on funding and donations to provide services to the community. Research local mental health charities and centers in your area to explore affordable therapy options.

4. University Counseling Services:

If you're a student or affiliated with a university in London, you may have access to counseling services provided by the institution. Many universities offer counseling and mental health support to their students, either free of charge or at a reduced cost. These services are often staffed by qualified counselors or therapists who can provide support for anxiety-related issues.

5. Online Therapy Platforms:

In recent years, online therapy platforms have become increasingly popular as a convenient and affordable option for accessing mental health support. Platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and 7 Cups offer access to licensed therapists through text, video, or phone sessions. While some of these services require a subscription fee, they may offer financial assistance or sliding-scale fees based on income.

6. Charitable Organizations:

Numerous charitable organizations in London focus on mental health advocacy and support, offering subsidized or free therapy services to those in need. Examples include Mind, Samaritans, and Anxiety UK. These organizations may provide therapy sessions, support groups, helplines, and other resources to help individuals manage their anxiety effectively.

7. Sliding Scale Therapists:

Some private therapists in London offer sliding-scale fees based on income, making therapy more affordable for individuals with limited financial resources. When searching for a therapist, inquire about their fee structure and whether they offer reduced rates for those in need. Additionally, consider therapists in training who may offer lower fees while completing their training requirements.

8. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs):

If you're employed, check if your workplace offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAPs often provide confidential counseling services to employees and their families, covering a range of issues including anxiety. These services may be available at no cost or at a reduced rate, providing a valuable resource for managing anxiety in the workplace.

9. Group Therapy:

Group therapy can be a cost-effective alternative to individual therapy for managing anxiety. Many therapists and organizations in London offer group therapy sessions focused on anxiety management, providing a supportive environment to share experiences and learn from others. Group therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals who thrive in a communal setting and enjoy connecting with others facing similar challenges.

10. Self-Help Resources:

In addition to professional therapy, there are various self-help resources available for managing anxiety. Books, online resources, mobile apps, and podcasts can provide valuable guidance and techniques for coping with anxiety symptoms. While self-help resources are not a substitute for therapy, they can complement therapy sessions and empower individuals to take an active role in their mental health journey.

Conclusion:

Finding affordable anxiety therapy in London may require some research and exploration, but the resources are available for those in need. Whether through NHS services, community organizations, online platforms, or other avenues, there are numerous options for accessing quality mental health support without breaking the bank. Remember that prioritizing your mental health is essential, and seeking help is a courageous step towards healing and recovery. With the right support and resources, you can effectively manage your anxiety and lead a fulfilling life in the vibrant city of London.

#anxiety therapy in London

[mental-mastery]

The Rise of Digital Mental Wellness: Exploring Online Therapy for Stress Management

Stress is an increasingly unavoidable part of modern life. Over 75% of adults report experiencing moderate to high levels of stress regularly. Juggling work obligations, financial pressures, family responsibilities, and more can make us feel emotionally and physically drained. If left unmanaged, prolonged stress takes a real toll on our mental health and wellbeing.

The good news is that solutions do exist—online therapy presents an accessible and convenient option for managing stress and supporting mental wellness. As technology enables more aspects of healthcare to move online, people are turning to virtual mental health tools in rapidly growing numbers. Online therapy can help provide much-needed support during stressful times. This article explores the rise of digital mental health solutions and how they can play a role in a holistic approach to stress management.

The Far-Reaching Impacts of Stress

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to recognize the prevalence and health impacts of stress. Over 30% of employed Americans report experiencing extreme stress levels regularly. Stress induces real physiological changes like elevated cortisol levels, increased heart rate and blood pressure. This takes a cumulative toll on the body long-term.

Our mental health also suffers greatly from chronic stress and “always-on” culture. Common resulting issues include anxiety disorders, insomnia, depression, panic attacks, and more. Unmanaged stress can seriously impact relationships and overall quality of life as well. Recognizing the impacts of stress is the first step toward solutions.

Online Therapy: An Accessible Option for Support

While awareness around mental health is improving, significant barriers around cost, convenience, and stigma still limit access to in-person therapy. This is where online mental health solutions come in. The rise of teletherapy and other digital tools expand options for conveniently managing stress wherever you are.

Online therapy platforms make finding licensed therapists accessible and discreet. Messaging or video therapy sessions allow engaging with providers on your own schedule—no commuting required. Many specialised services also exist like online group therapy circles or self-guided stress management courses. By meeting people where they are digitally, virtual mental healthcare makes support more accessible.

Constructive Ways to Take Control of Stress

While professional support plays a key role, improving day-to-day habits can work wonders for managing stress too. Simple but constructive lifestyle measures we have control over include:

- Prioritising sleep: Making enough quality sleep each night helps emotional regulation, concentration, decision making and more. Small consistency improvements here drive big results.

- Working in relaxation practices: Yoga, meditation, deep breathing and mindfulness help calm the nervous system. Just 5-10 minutes per day can make a difference. Great apps exist to support relaxation habits.

- Balancing obligations: Periodically assessing energy levels across work, family, health and hobbies helps prevent burnout. Optimise schedules around what energises you.

- Tracking stress triggers: Journaling about stressors and related emotions builds self-awareness around personal triggers. Patterns become visible over time.

With some concerted effort, we can absolutely make tangible improvements around managing daily stress levels—online mental health resources provide extra support.

Looking After Mental Wellness in Stressful Times

Life today invariably brings stress, uncertainty and struggle for us all. The compounding pressures make caring for our mental health and coping skills more vital than ever. If current events have escalated anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues for you or a loved one, please know that hope and support exist.

Online therapy presents a convenient way to confidentially access caring mental health experts. Exploring options like text messaging with licensed counsellors or self-paced treatment courses can provide much-needed relief. Prioritising emotional health through whatever support systems work for your life is an act of courage and self-care.

Times remain undoubtedly challenging, but the stressors in life do not have to define our mental wellbeing unless we let them. Seeking help simply conveys wisdom and strength. With compassion for ourselves and others, we will get through difficult periods together.

Start Your Wellness Journey Today -Click for a Happier You

#mental health #self care #mental wellness #stress #therapy #counseling

[truevishal]

Anxiety Disorder Assessment and Counselling Techniques

Anxiety may look like a catch-all already existing in mental health communication. The challenge is that signs of anxiety (worry, stress) are a normal role of daily existence. Anxiety is like an alarm bell that supports us in paying attention to circumstances that might set us in mental or physical danger.  

If worry and tension are normal human reactions to existence, how do you know if your emotions might be arranged according to some classification system as anxiety?

Emotions of fear, worry, and anxiety can distinguish anxiety. If these emotions are happening to a stretch, we begin to ignore daily life circumstances because we always expect future concerns to be more severe. A generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by an important disturbance to someone’s day-to-day life for an extended point of time—strong emotion most days for at minimum seven months.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Symptoms of an anxiety disorder include common emotions of nervousness, difficulty focusing, and often tiredness. These symptoms are the results of anxiety drama as that “alarm bell”—persons go into a brawl, flight, or freeze manner when they sense a hazard. When we are in a state of discerned danger continually, it wears downward on our energy extent, and we run out of cognitive and physical power to manage. 

Other symptoms of anxiety include:

Immoderate and ongoing stress

Constantly emotional like you are completely unquestionable something will go wrong.

Sleep disturbance 

Chronic muscle tension or other physical outrage (shaking)

Life avoidance or common daily routine disturbance 

Over-preparing and needing continuous reassurance

Assessment

A counsellor commonly begins by asking various questions to recognize present and in-progress signs of anxiety.

They may ask questions about your past, your early years, and recent existence events to decide if your signs are tied to particular traumas. They will see other relationships, such as family mental health past, matter use or abuse, physical injury or medical situations, or other lifestyle habits that may contribute to present days and ongoing emotions of anxiety. 

There are many kinds of anxiety disorders, so these pieces of evidence will support the counsellor in deciding if you are suffering from a generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety, stress, or others. 

Periodically Anxiety is a Common Part of Life

You might feel worried when faced with an issue at work before taking a test or making an essential decision. But anxiety disorders involve more than non-permanent being anxious or fearful. For an individual with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get difficult over time. Emotions can be involved in everyday activities such as job showing, school work, and connections.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

People with generalized anxiety disorder display immoderate anxiety or worry for months and face many anxiety-related signs.

Generalized anxiety disorder signs include:

Restlessness or emotion wound up or on the fringe

Being easily exhaust

Difficulty focusing or having their minds go empty

Irritability

Muscle tightness 

Dissimilar controlling the tension

Sleep issues

Essential things to know about getting therapy for anxiety include:

There are lots of experts to support you with anxiety

There are also many kind of anxiety therapy for anxiety, and you can get breater

You require a thorough check from a health experts before tharepy is advised

Many person who have had anxiety have been able to search for support and live active, satisfied lives.

True Care Counsellig has a multidisciplinary team of skilled anxiety counselling services in Noida and Panchkula. Anxiety disorders are mental health situations treated successfully with psychotherapy in mild structure and treated best with medications and psychotherapy in average to serious structure.

#counselling service in noida #anxiety counselling #counselling services

[drmitalisoni]

From Anxiety to OCD: A Deep Dive into Different Mental Health Disorders

Mental health is an important part of overall well-being, and there are a variety of mental health disorders that can affect people. From anxiety to OCD, understanding the differences between these conditions can help you better manage your own mental health or assist someone else who may be struggling with their own issues. To get started on this journey toward greater understanding, let’s take a deep dive into different mental health disorders and what sets them apart from one another.

Anxiety is characterized by feelings of fear or worry that are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate and sweating. While everyone experiences some level of anxiety in certain situations (such as public speaking), those with an anxiety disorder experience persistent levels for longer periods without any obvious cause or trigger. Treatment options vary but typically involve cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with medication if needed to reduce symptoms like panic attacks and insomnia associated with severe cases of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). A qualified psychiatrist like Mental Doctor in Bhopal could provide additional assistance when dealing specifically with GAD-related issues.

On the other hand, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves intrusive thoughts that neither lead to compulsive behaviors designed to alleviate stress caused by those thoughts— even though they do not actually make sense logically nor offer real relief from distressful emotions experienced due to said intrusive thought patterns. Common compulsions include repetitive counting rituals, excessive cleaning, hoarding items, checking locks multiple times before leaving home, etc., which all serve only to temporarily distract individuals from their obsessions while providing no lasting solutions. For treatment plans involving CBT/medication combinations to work best in treating OCD, many psychiatrists also recommend incorporating mindfulness practices into daily life since it helps patients become more aware and accepting towards their condition instead of trying hard to fight against it.

In conclusion, both Anxiety & OCD have commonalities yet distinct differences exist between them; thus, recognizing signs/symptoms associated with each type allows us to identify appropriate treatments available so we can move forward confidently in our lives regardless of how many challenges might come along the way!

#Mental Doctor in Bhopal

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Comparison is the Thief of Joy: Sentence Structure of Toxic Positive Advise

Picture this scenario: A daughter is raised by two physically present parents, with the father mentally absent. Growing up, she developed an anxious attachment style towards her relationships. Dealing with an insecure attachment style has caused distress towards the daughter by triggering anxiety and trust issues, both of which are uncomfortable to live with. The daughter opens up to a friend who grew up without a father figure. Upon hearing the thoughts of the distressed lady, the friend tells her, “You’re lucky you have both parents. I only grew up with one.” This statement made the daughter feel invalidated.

The daughter’s reaction to her friend’s statement is caused by toxic positivity. Experts define toxic positivity as the idea of only having or imposing positive mindsets on one’s self or someone else while going through pain or adversity. Toxic positivity comes in many forms and is not limited to speech. It could be observed in behaviors like ignoring problems, hiding painful emotions, and feeling bad or guilty for feeling emotions. These behaviors can manifest through speech, having comparison as its theme. Let’s take a look at the examples below.

“You’re lucky you have both parents. I only grew up with one.” This quote compares someone else’s possession over theirs, putting the speaker’s situation on the more negative side. Bringing one’s self down to impose indifference on the other person.

“You’re lucky you have both parents. I only grew up with one.” This quote compares someone else’s possession over theirs, putting the speaker’s situation on the more negative side. Bringing one’s self down to impose indifference on the other person.

“Look on the bright side” is a bit implicit compared to the first example. There is no comparative adjective that explicitly shows comparison. However, the context of the quote implies that a person is not looking at the bright side. To put it in some perspective, the person might be looking at the left instead of the right. Another version of this structure is “Be grateful for what you have,” implicitly saying the person is not grateful for whatever they are complaining about.

A subtle example of toxic positivity, with all due respect to Kelly Clarkson, is “What doesn’t kill makes you stronger.” The comparison is having the supposed negative outcome become the reason for your survival: imposing the negativity as optimistic. The existence of an event, or the what in the quote, signifies something distressing or traumatic, as described by the verb kill. The mishap is directed to a promising route of resilience that “makes you stronger.” This idea is rejected by a study conducted by scientists at Brown University, stating that traumatic experiences do not create resiliency to future trauma, thus making the opposite viewpoint of the quote true. They discovered that trauma leads to higher chances of developing mental health disorders; hence, what doesn’t kill you now can kill you in the future.

Comparison steals a person’s instinctive motivation to figure out the purpose of their emotions. The thief is the voice that suggests disregarding unfavorable thoughts and feelings. The common characteristic these toxic optimistic speeches have is the dismissal of the actual emotion. If the person who advised, in this case, might be you, is in a genuine state of wanting to provide comfort and help, alternate phrases can be said in the form of acknowledgment. Acknowledging that a person’s feelings are valid is the most appropriate way to accomplish the intention. It’s okay not to be okay.

#Toxic Positivity #Mental Health #Language #Linguistics