#crises hotline

[crotchety-old-blogger]

My Commentary on Batman Returns

TRIGGER WARNING! (violence, mental illness, death, suicide, and Christmas)

Personally Batman Returns has been, and always will be, the darkest and disturbing of all of the Batman series to date with The Dark Knight in second place. Batman Returns really gets in your head with its haunting musical score by Danny Elfman, and its vivid artistic direction, credit to Tim Burton and Stefan Czapsky.

On the outside the Christmas season is in full swing, while amongst the shadows something dark and sinister is brewing.

Elfman's theme for this film is composed in a darker minor key than previously composed in Batman. It also takes place during winter, when all around everything is frigid, which sets the tone for the whole story.

Batman Returns was only PG-13, but really pushed the envelope. According to IMDB (and my own recollection):

"Because of the criticism from parents regarding the dark, violent, and sexual overtones of the film, there had been speculation that this movie was about to receive an R-rating from the MPAA."

An "R" rating? Understandably so. We witness multiple deaths, murders, attempted murders, child abuse, child abandonment, and a touch of mental illness.

Beginning with the cold-hearted Cobblepots. Their only child is born deformed and a bit aggressive, probably from being hidden away from their social circle. I wouldn't put it past the affluent Cobblepots to not tell their friends about bearing offspring. They have their child locked in a cage with one small opening with bars, which the baby penguin takes advantage of, reaching out and grabs the housecat into the cage with him, and kills it. This could be the writer's (Daniel Waters and Sam Hamm) way of showing visually a juxtaposition how some adults put animals' lives first over human life.

As for the Cobblepots, they were of the same mind when it came to dumping their baby overboard a bridge in Gotham Zoo, where the waters lead the baby carriage into the sewers which could have ultimately resulted in Oswald's death. In real life, it would have. How very sinister!

Next, there are multiple deaths even Batman himself commits. First off the fire-breathing devil who was asking for it. Did Batman kill him? Well after this scene, we never see the fire-breathing devil ever again.

Then there's the strongman who evidently could not have been strong enough to have survived an explosive that was strapped to his body and set off. So did Batman kill him? Again, after this scene we never see the strongman ever again.

There is an attempted murder on Selina Kyle by her misogynistic boss, Max Shreck, the real villain in the story. After Selina accidentally discovers Max's devious and illegal plan, he pushes her through a closed window located on of his skyscraper's top floor.

Quite surprising for at least me when I first saw this, her fall was a bit jarring for me, seeing how surreal it was depicted.

Though Selina does not lose her life, she survives, but has clearly lost her mind.

Regardless, her repulsive boss just tried to murder her! And really, who are we to judge Selina? Deducing from what we had heard earlier on her answering machine, it's evident to us that she had been caught up in a cycle of abuse; her mother, her boyfriend, and God knows how many more. Now Selina is in survival mode fully relying on her animal instincts.

Nowhere do we see Oswald's parents die, but we learn of this at the same time he does. This scene, whether the character was genuine or not about making amends with his parents, this scene is heart-wrenching.

There's the graphic, yet somewhat comical, repartee to a rude comment that is made about Oswald's looks.

After Catwoman leaves the kidnapped Ice Princess on a ledge of a tall building, Penguin--at an attempt to frame Batman--throws an umbrella full of bats at her. With bats flying at her face, the Ice Princess becomes disoriented, loses her balance, and plummets to her demise.

Shortly thereafter, Oswald literally has his own words backfire, causing his supporters to turn against him. The booing crowd starts throwing "eggs and tomatoes" at him. In retaliation, Oswald decides to open fire with his umbrella machine-gun onto his once loyal supporters.

Penguin now hatches a plan where he plans to kidnap children and "send them into a deep, watery grave." Wow, that was a lot to throw at the children in the audience. Even one of Penguin's henchmen objects, "Uh, Penguin? I mean, killing sleeping children. Isn't that a little . . . ?" Penguin, in response, shoots him, saying "No. It's a lot." The only one on Penguin's team wanted nothing to do with this scheme, and now he's dead.

When kidnapping children was foiled, Penguin decides to "punish all God's children."

Armed with missiles, the penguin army is sent to Gotham Square to flatten it. Batman has Alfred send out a signal to Penguin's army having them leave, thereby sparing Gotham Square and return to home base--Gotham Zoo.

After a scuffle, Batman holds a device in plain sight for Penguin to notice, also noticing that his entire army has returned. Penguin again reacts without thinking. He grabs the device, pauses to see Batman's reaction as if Penguin won a game of keep away.

Between the time Penguin grabs the device and presses the button, Batman had enough time—granted a few seconds worth—to warn Penguin the consequences of pressing the button. But Batman remains silent.

So Penguin presses the button on the device, setting off the penguin army's missiles that were meant to flatten Gotham Square, now is used to destroy Gotham Zoo. The signal seems to have also released some bats hidden in Batman's vehicle. In a spectacular display of irony, the bats attack Penguin, causing him to lose his footing, crashes through a window at the arctic exhibit, taking a nose-dive into a shallow pool below, seemingly to his death.

Selina is still alive and wants Max dead for his heinous crimes, but most importantly what he had done to her personally. (I also have a commentary in regards to Catwoman in this story alone).

Max Schreck fires a bullet into Bruce Wayne, as Batman unmasked. That tears it for Selina; Schreck has taken everything from her, and now the one she held dear to her heart. So she goads Max into killing her. Max begins to open fire on Selina, but is very confused why she won't stay dead. Adrenaline, perhaps? Does she really have nine lives? Or perhaps they were blanks. After all, that gun did belong to one of Penguin's clowns that was shot earlier. Maybe he wasn't into killing.

Selina, through her tears, is now willing to use her "one life left" to annihilate Max for good.

Penguin makes another appearance, but in critical condition ironically with his nose gushing blood, as well as coughing up blood. He tries to fire his umbrella gun on Batman who is already recovering from a previous gunshot, and looking for Selina. Unfortunately for Penguin, he accidentally chooses "a cute one" that merely squeaks.

While gagging, Penguin's last words are "The heat is getting me. I'll murder you momentarily. But first I need a cool drink of ice water", which in that moment he falls over dead.

The penguins have their funeral for Oswald, which some might consider silly. I don't find it silly. I find it quite emotional. When I first saw this as a child (which may explain a lot about me), I was confused on how to feel about this situation. Penguin was involved in many crooked, divisive schemes, including murder.

The score to this scene is not just dark, but sad. Why are we sad to see him die in such a manner? Perhaps, in a literary sense, we are supposed to be feeling what the penguins are feeling? Maybe it's an introspection; were Oswald to have chosen a different path, matters might have turned out better for him. This is alluded to earlier in the movie where Max says to Bruce Wayne "Show us what you know mister! To the men who were born with a silver spoon. Maybe if Oswald's parents hadn't 86ed him, you two might have been bunkies at prep school." which has a ring of truth to it. But would have Oswald still chosen a life of unrelentless crime? Perhaps these words echoed in Bruce's head as he witnessed Penguin die.

But alas, he did not choose a good path, which lead to his death. Not to mention the intense camera shot of Penguin sinking into the sewer water, which will forever be branded in my mind.

The story is coming to an end. It's quiet in the car, as Alfred drives Bruce home. Suddenly, Bruce notices a moving silhouette that appears to be Catwoman. Bruce asks Alfred to stop the car, and he get out and searches the alleyway only to find a mere, black kitty. Bruce picks it up and brings it from the cold inside his warm car.

Alfred says "Well, come what may. Merry Christmas, Mr. Wayne." The last words in the movie are uttered by Bruce Wayne, wishing Alfred a Merry Christmas, adding "good will toward men, and women". Nothing was "merry" throughout the movie, after all it is Christmas in Gotham City.

Now I know Batman Returns is a work of fiction. Still, I feel this movie vividly reflects this holiday's true, dark undertone. Similar to real life, Christmas can be a dark time for many people, each with their own, valid reason. How disturbing it is for a holiday—that is supposed to be bright, cheery, and optimistic can spur some to sadly commit suicide.

When you find someone who is depressed, (whether they be a family, friends, or acquaintances), do not be rude or flippant. It takes a lot for a depressed person to muster up enough courage to utter the words, "I'm depressed." Don't follow it up with, "Really? But it's Christmas. You have so much, and so much to live for. Come on, give us a smile." Seriously, that's cold, rude, uncaring and dismissive, leaving the depressed person feeling more invalidated, more alone and more depressed.

I feel when someone says "buck up" to someone going through depression, only says more about the person attempting to help: they personally don't want their fun to be ruined. Now how selfish is that?

On a serious note, if you are feeling overwhelmed or worse than overwhelmed during this time or ANY time, please dial this number below.

Regardless if nobody seems to be paying attention to you, or some don't seem to care, someone does care. Don't allow the sadness and the darkness consume you. You can be triumphant!

And if this isn't applicable to you, then share the number with a friend or family member who might be in state of silent crises. How can you tell if they are depressed? Invite them to chat. If they don't want to chat, just ask politely if you can sit or stand next to them. Is there an awkward silence between the two of you? It's no big deal, just keep silent and give these ones the support they need.*

Thank you for your time. Check out my commentary based solely on Catwoman in this movie which I'm planning to publish soon.

*It should be obvious that I am not a psychiatrist or therapist. If you're in need of help, the aforementioned number will provide the assistance you deserve.

#Batman #Batman Returns #Dark #Gothic #Mental Illness #Christmas #depressing #holiday depression #SAD #Seasonal Affective Disorder #BIpolar #depression #depressed #anxiety #crises hotline #sad

[desultory-suggestions]

A reminder that I do not answer asks that are suicide declarations or notes. If you are struggling with suicidal ideations I feel deeply for you, I want you to be well and be safe. However, I am not a professional and I cannot talk you down from suicide. Please seek help by calling a national suicide hotline or text line, reaching out to a friend or family member local to you, or arranging to see a therapist. No one deserves to die by suicide, and as someone who has survived suicide, I can tell you that it is not worth it. There is always more to live for.

#des posts #asks #anon #suicide mention #suicide #suicidal ideation

[selectivechaos]

thoughts on support and the meaning of coping.

if hotlines don’t have a text service, i can’t access them. if support groups and drop-in centres ask you to email and introduce yourself first, i get anxious.

just because support is available, doesn’t mean it is accessible.

then again, sometimes when you’ve been in an area or institution with no support services, you just assume that, when you move elsewhere, there won’t be any available. don’t assume that; always look for help.

“support is available” and “i’m here if you need to talk” are Not empty phrases made to comfort you; they are true.

if you’re like me, you may get the feeling of “it’s not bad enough; i’m not actually struggling; i can’t articulate it so there must be nothing wrong; making a big deal out of nothing” kind of panicked thoughts right before accessing support. don’t listen! you deserve help, there is no ‘bad enough’. if it hurts you, then you deserve help because you don’t deserve to be in pain.

long post ⚠️

recently someone supporting me told me that i should seek help for a specific problem i have with studying in classroom settings (im a uni student), related to my social anxiety. i never had support in school, so it shocked me because classroom settings are everything and just the accepted organisational status quo in schools; they are seen as the brick and mortar of ‘teaching and learning’. i knew there was more freedom and flexibility in university, and that ‘support is available’. but i had always thought of ‘support’ in an individualised, neoliberal, medical-model way (ie. “we’re gonna fix you to fit with the system, and, if we can’t do that, we’ll just support you through crises as you’re tormented by something not made for you”). but actually the way this person phrased it was in terms of ‘Fairness’ and a ‘Level playing field’. they said “it’s not right for you to be feeling anxious and frozen in those learning spaces because it harms your studies, when everyone else is feeling comfortable and able to learn better”. i always considered it with the gaze of internalised ableism (ie “this is my problem; this is my flaw; i’m too sensitive is why i’m anxious”) and i focused so much on treatments for my anxiety as a prerequisite for fixing the problem of falling behind others in academia. but actually i needed support not only to get better, but to get accommodations in the meantime.

coping isn’t settling for an environment that bulldozes through your illness, ignoring it and (intentionally or unintentionally) triggering you. coping is not an individualised repression of symptoms until you burn out. coping is the act of doing things while having an illness that you could not do without support. bad definition but im tired. 🌹🌹

#madpunk #neuropunk #actually mentally ill #social anxiety disorder #coping strategies #mental health support #coping mechanisms #academic support #tw for mentions of therapy in tags ⚠️⚠️⚠️ #might be getting therapy again. nervous because it was bad last time

[horrorstarz]

Life's hard! Because some days I want to look like Jennifer, yet the other days I want to look like Will.

Gender crises hotline called btw...

#doodle thoughts past 9pm #its probably only me with this crisis but good lordy #hannibal shitpost #will graham #jennifers body #nbc hannibal #hannibal lecter

[trans-axolotl]

do you by chance know of or have posts about hotlines that are safe? I have been having a lot of crises lately and I am not able to really reach my therapist and a lot of the times i just need someone who isnt my parent to help talk me through it but I don't trust any of the hotlines and my parents are aware of this but we have no idea what to do in these situations

Hey anon!

Here's a post with a bunch of different lines listed--there are some national ones, some that you can text, and some regional ones. The ones I listed do not call the cops.

It makes so much sense that you would want to be able to reach someone else just to talk things through, and I hope that you're able to get the support you need.

Sending all the solidarity your way.

#asks #psych abolition #mad liberation

[chattingwiththelightkeeper]

The Unseen Sleigh: Mental Health Struggles This Holiday Season

The holiday season, widely regarded as a time of joy and celebration, is not always the happiest time of the year for everyone. While festive decorations adorn streets and families gather, some silently grapple with inner demons, finding themselves ensnared in the clutches of mental health challenges. Recognizing the signs that a friend, family member, or even oneself may be struggling is crucial in fostering a supportive environment during this supposedly cheerful time.

There are subtle signals that someone close to you may be grappling with their mental well-being. A sudden withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep patterns, or a noticeable decline in personal hygiene can be indicators of internal struggles. Additionally, expressions of hopelessness, constant fatigue, or a marked change in appetite should not be dismissed lightly. Recognizing these signs requires a heightened sensitivity to the nuances of behavior and a willingness to engage in meaningful conversations.

Approaching someone who might be struggling with their mental health requires a delicate touch and genuine concern. Instead of immediately delving into their emotional state, initiate a conversation with casual inquiries about their well-being. Creating a safe and non-judgmental space allows individuals to open up at their own pace. Phrasing questions with empathy, such as "I've noticed some changes, and I'm here for you," can encourage a more open dialogue.

Active listening plays a pivotal role in these conversations. Give your full attention, refrain from interrupting, and express empathy without offering immediate solutions. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings, and reassure them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It's essential to respect their autonomy and decisions while gently encouraging professional assistance.

In times of mental health crises, seeking help is paramount. Fortunately, there are resources available to guide individuals toward support and recovery. Mental health hotlines, community counseling services, and online therapy platforms offer accessible avenues for those in need. Encourage your loved ones to explore these resources, emphasizing that seeking help is a proactive step toward healing.

Let us all be mindful that the holiday season is not universally a time of unbridled joy. It is our collective responsibility to be attuned to the struggles that may be hidden beneath the surface and to extend a compassionate hand to those who need it.

Please endeavor to prioritize mental health in our conversations and interactions. Break the stigma surrounding mental health issues by fostering an environment where openness is valued. Reach out to friends and family, asking not just about their holiday plans, but also about their well-being. A simple, genuine inquiry can make a world of difference.

For those who may be struggling or for those who want to support someone in need, there are resources available:

United States

Chat anonymously with an Active Listener: 7 Cups of Tea

Live Chats: Lifeline Chat (24/7) or imalive.org

National Eating Disorders Association or 1–800–931–2237

S.A.F.E. Alternatives for Stopping Self Abuse or 1–800-DONT-CUT (366–8288)

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or dial 988 or (en Espanol)

The Trevor Project (LGBT crisis intervention) or 1-866-488-7386

Rape Abuse & Incest National Network or 800-656-HOPE (4673)

Australia

Lifeline Australia or 13 11 14

beyondblue or 1300 22 4939

Suicide Call Back Service or 1300 659 467

Brazil

CVV or 141

Chile

Teléfono de la Esperanza or (00 56 42) 22 12 00

France

S.O.S Amitié

Germany

Telefonseelsorge or 0800 111 0 111 (or 222)

Greece

KLIMAKA Center for Suicide Prevention 1018

Japan

TELL Lifeline chat in English/Japanese or 03-5774-0992 (English)

Poland

116 111 - Free crisis helpline for children and young people, available 24/7

116 123 - Toll-free crisis helpline for adults, 2-10pm 7 days per week

800 70 2222 - Free direct support line for people in a state of mental crisis, available 24/7

Portugal

SOS VOZ AMIGA - contacts:

21 354 4545

91 280 2669

96 352 4660

Sexual Abuse Intervention - 808 222 003

Portuguese Victim Support Association 116 006

Spain

Teléfono de la Esperanza or 902500002

UK

The Samaritans or 08457 90 90 90

Other countries

7 Cups of Tea - find your country in the drop-down menu

Befrienders Worldwide - find your country in the drop-down menu on the top right

International Association for Suicide Prevention - find your nearest crisis center

Unsuicide - online suicide help directory

#mental health #getting help #mental heath support

[nofacednerd]

You know what I loved the most about My Adventures With Superman? The fact that it's evidence that every serialized story has to be as dark and gritty as burnt toast.

Yeah, sure, it has it's dark moments.

Like when Lois [CENSORED FOR SPOILERS] Clark because he's Superman.

Or when Jimmy got himself [CENSORED FOR SPOILERS] all alone.

Or when the General and Amanda Waller [CENSORED FOR SPOILERS] together near the end of the season.

But it's still a really lighthearted show most of the time. Meanwhile, most serialized shows get darker and darker to the point where you need f*cking night-vision goggles to actually watch the damn thing.

And despite how many shows go down the tubes because of this style of depressing storytelling--Friendship Is Magic, Star Vs, Steven Universe, Miraculous Ladybug, Voltron: that one Loonatics show that's become nothing but a joke to everyone including Warner Bros themselves--despite ALL THAT, people still insist that making shows dark and gritty through serialization is a good idea. And by "people", I mean:

A. Insecure man-children who want to convince you that watching a kid's show about magical ponies makes them smarter or more mature than average.

Or B. Creative hacks in showbiz who want to pander the aforementioned man-children because that's always easier than actually writing a story.

But if all of those shows are evidence as to why making shows too dark is a bad idea, My Adventures With Superman is evidence that having a balance, or even arguably a majority of lightheartedness, is a winning strategy.

anon I prommy it's okay. I, the OP, can tag this post as spoilers. You don't need to censor yourself here bud

2. not to go all animation major on this post but I think that in terms of 'grittiness' in cartoons within the last decade, it's kind of important to think about how media affects our views of the world and how, in turn, world events affect media.

To put it lightly, the last decade has fucking SUCKED. The 2016 presidential election, the sudden shift on social media to give platforms to racists, misogynists, and homophobes, the rise of neo-nazis. Not to mention a global pandemic and multiple major crises around the world. Children these days are VASTLY different to how children were when I (and maybe even you, anon) were that age. They have social media now where they're exposed to the worst of the world at a near-constant basis. It's traumatizing.

Cartoons have always been about giving kids a reflection of themselves. The world is darker and kids are developing mental illnesses and trauma, so the media they watch reflects that.

I also think that it isn't particularly fair to the shows you have listed here to say that they have 'depressing' storytelling and implying the only people who like those sorts of shows are man-children or hacks. I like those shows and I'm neither of the above. It's also unfair to completely reduce those shows to being gritty when.... they really aren't? Not any more than My Adventures with Superman is, really. My Little Pony is especially mostly lighthearted adventures about love and friendship. Miraculous' more serious moments are, at best, a B-plot as far as I'm aware and are only really discussed majorly in fanon spaces. Star Vs was SO much fucking around randomly that I got bored of the show after a while. The only real outlier here that I can comment on (I haven't and will not watch Voltron) is Steven Universe, but when talking about it's core messaging, it's important to remember Rebecca Sugar's identity as a queer Jewish person, and how that affects it's themes of love and oppression.

MAWSM's 'lightheartedness' also comes from an extremely long-lasting era of gritty superhero stories in general (thanks alan moore and also that one guy who called the dc hotline like 40 times because he fucking hated jason todd). It's intentionally supposed to be majorly lighthearted because darker stories is the only (and in my opinion, incorrect) way that Superman has been allowed to be presented within the last few decades.

I think that, perhaps dear anon, what you really are looking for is more diversity in content. And that's fair! But there are plenty of shows that don't (as far as I'm aware) focus too heavily on heavy themes, but the truth is, mawsm does. There are lots of heavy themes of imperialism, identity, diaspora, and trauma all within the first season of the show.

Not particularly sure where I was going with this. Sorry for replying with a full essay.

#also sometimes dark and gritty is what people need. just bc it isnt for you doesnt mean that its an invalid form of storytelling. #you made the mistake of saying this to an animation major lmao #long post

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

A New York City directive allowing first responders to enforce a state law that allows them to potentially involuntarily commit people experiencing a mental health crisis can proceed after facing legal challenges by mental health advocates, a judge has ruled.

The ruling, issued Monday by U.S. District Judge Paul Crotty in the Southern District of New York, denied a motion brought by individuals and mental health organizations in December. The legal challenge asked a judge to issue a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the city’s implementation of the policy.

The motion was filed on December 8 as part of an existing lawsuit that alleges New York City has consistently failed to provide safe and appropriate care to New Yorkers experiencing mental health crises. The plaintiffs argued the city’s plan is unconstitutional and violates an individual’s “freedom to live without unlawful seizures and excessive force by law enforcement.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams first announced the directive in November as part of an attempt to address concerns about homelessness and crime.

Adams said it was a myth that first responders can only involuntarily commit those who displayed an “overt act” showing they may be suicidal, violent or a danger to others, CNN previously reported. Instead, he said the law allowed first responders to involuntarily commit those who cannot meet their own “basic human needs” – a lower bar.

New York Lawyers for Public Interest, a non-profit civil rights law firm, said in a statement to CNN it was disappointed by the court’s ruling.

“The rights of New Yorkers with mental disabilities, particularly those who are unhoused, remain imperiled by the city’s new involuntary removal policy. Our litigation challenging the city’s use of New York Police Department officers as first responders when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis continues,” reads the statement from the firm, which was one of the plaintiffs in the December lawsuit.

Nicholas Paolucci, the director of public affairs at the New York City Law Department, said in a statement to CNN that the defendants are “pleased the court agreed plaintiffs have no legal standing to halt the Mayor’s sound and compassionate plan.”

NEW YORK CITY’S PLAN DRAWS CRITICISM

As part of the city’s plan, New York Police Department officers and first responders will get additional training to help them make such evaluations and a team of mental health technicians will be available, either via a hotline or video chat, to help them determine whether a person needs to be taken to a hospital for further evaluation, CNN previously reported.

The city also plans to develop specialized intervention teams to work side by side with NYPD officers.

Adams said first responders weren’t consistently enforcing the law because they were unsure of its scope, reserving it only for cases that appeared the most serious.

New York state enacted a law in 2021 to allow first responders to involuntarily commit a person with mental illness who needs immediate care. The directive led to a mixed response from officials, who acknowledged the challenges of properly and humanely treating mentally ill people.

“This is a longstanding and very complex issue,” NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said in a statement. “We will continue to work closely with our many partners to ensure that everyone has access to the services they require. This deserves the full support and attention of our collective efforts.”

Mental health advocates argued in their legal challenge that the city’s policy will authorize officers with “little to no expertise in dealing with individuals with mental disabilities…to determine whether an individual should be forcefully – often violently – detained against their will.”

“If the Involuntary Removal Policy is permitted to continue to be implemented, Plaintiffs and countless other New Yorkers will suffer irreparable harm, including a substantially increased likelihood that they will be subjected to unlawful detention and involuntary hospitalization just for exhibiting behavior perceived by a police officer to be unusual – whether the individual has a mental disability or not,” the advocates’ December motion stated.

#us politics #news #cnn #cnn politics #new york #new york city #new york police department #involuntary holds #involuntary hospitalization #mental health services #Judge Paul Crotty #sdny #Mayor Eric Adams #New York Lawyers for Public Interest #Nicholas Paolucci #New York City Law Department #first responders #Keechant Sewell #Involuntary Removal Policy #unlawful detention #2023

[amingethia]

TO ALL MY FOLLOWERS AND MUTUALS.

My blog is a safe space if you’re experiencing any form of depression or mental health crises. I’m not therapist or psychologist, but my DMs are open if you need a safe space to rant and vent. Anything you send me will be kept between us (unless you’re threatening me or somebody besides yourself).

As always, I encourage you to call any hotline available to you if you need to, and seek professional help as well if you have the means.

I hope all of you can be safe and healthy by the end of the year. I love you all.

Stay safe, my little pangopups.

#Not a shitpost #mental health #mental health help

[rogueterf]

Holocaust Educational Resources and Jewish Charities to Support

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is an excellent resource on the Holocaust as well as modern-day antisemitism. The site is amazing and there is also an in-person museum in Washington, DC that is open almost every day for free. USHMM also accepts donations.

The Kupferberg Holocaust Center is run through Queensborough Community College in New York. Their site has exhibits, recordings, and testimonies and you can also visit them on-site in Queens. Also accepting donations!

The Shoah Foundation has compiled over 55,000 video testimonies in 43 languages. They take donations too!

Yad Vashem has an excellent website full of educational resources. Research, video lectures, lists of names, you name it. Also free of charge to visit and open to the general public. And you guessed it, you can donate!

In addition to donating to the excellent websites above to help fund research, education, and remembrance, 

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee has been around since 1914 responding to global crises and assisting vulnerable Jewish populations as well as working towards a better future. They are currently responding to the crisis in Ukraine by providing vulnerable Jews with necessities to survive the upcoming winter and operating emergency hotlines. Donate to them to help provide portable stoves, durable sleeping bags, and non-perishable food to people in need.

The Chicken Soup Shelter provides hot meals six days a week. They are London’s only kosher soup kitchen and work to ensure that no London Jew has to choose between keeping kosher and eating well. Donate to them to help guarantee warm, nutritious meals to those who are struggling.

The Federation of Jewish Communities was established in 1998 to support the Jewish communities previously part of the Soviet Union. They offer everything from orphanages to refugee crisis aid to counseling for those struggling with mental health. Donate to them to support Jewish communities all across Eastern Europe.

If anyone has recommendations or suggestions, especially Jewish people, please send them to me so I can update the post.

#antisemitism #resources #rogueterf #radical feminism #radfem safe #terf safe #terfs please touch

[magical-girl-coral]

2. Do you read/reread your own fics?

3. What’s your favorite fic that you’ve written?

4. How many WIPs do you have right now?

6. Are there any fics from others you reread all the time?

2. Do you read/reread your own fics?

Does rereading your fics to check where you left off counts? Cause if yes, then yep.

I usually tend to avoid reading my own work just cause of how dissatisfied I am with everything I write. Nothing feels like enough even when logically I know I added everything I could. It just makes spiral into bad place.

3. What’s your favorite fic that you’ve written?

Two girls, chilling on a rooftop, zero feet apart but for some reason not gay

We barely have any fics of Lois and Selina bonding and that's a fucking crime. They've both literally been here since 1940 and yet they've only interacted maybe three times, one of which was written T*m K*ng. GIVE THEM BOTH MORE FEMALE FRIENDS. I AM BEGGING YOU, DC. I ALREADY HAVE EVERYTHING PLANNED, JUST LET ME IN FUCKING IN.

4. How many WIPs do you have right now?

Written down? Two. Stuck in daydream limbo? over a hundred.

6. Are there any fics from others you reread all the time?

fuck the police, do theater - Disco Elysium post game fic series

cat got your tongue (it's nice to meet you) - Catwoman meeting the Justice League

You started a fire - Gin, Orihime and Ichigo beating up old cars in a junk yard with baseball bat.

Cahara and the Girl - one of the few happy Fear and Hunger fics out there where they both make it out and live the good life. I need more dadhara stories.

THE HAUNTING OF PRECINCT 41 - Disco Elysium fic where all 24 skills "escape" Harry and throw everything into chaos.

The Aquarium Costs Extra - Harry goes to an aquarium and Kim suffers fifty different internal crises.

The Soul Society hotline - Bleach fic. with pure crackness.

Two of a Kind - IchiHime first date with the Gotei 13 being weird stalkers about it.

There are definitely more but I cannot for the life of me remember right now. I am sure there are more so now I'm fucking dying.

#Asks

[just-a-queer-fanboy]

Idk if I've actually lost attraction to women or if I'm just coping weird, but just until I figure shit out I'm just gonna call myself vincian and leave it alone

I have enough crises to worry about right now I don't need an identity one

Holy fuck this hotline is so understaffed I've been waiting for 20 minutes

[jewishbarbies]

taking this list of educational resources and charities to donate to from a fucking terf because they don’t belong anywhere near the jewish community

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is an excellent resource on the Holocaust as well as modern-day antisemitism. The site is amazing and there is also an in-person museum in Washington, DC that is open almost every day for free. USHMM also accepts donations.

The Kupferberg Holocaust Center is run through Queensborough Community College in New York. Their site has exhibits, recordings, and testimonies and you can also visit them on-site in Queens. Also accepting donations!

The Shoah Foundation has compiled over 55,000 video testimonies in 43 languages. They take donations too!

Yad Vashem has an excellent website full of educational resources. Research, video lectures, lists of names, you name it. Also free of charge to visit and open to the general public. And you guessed it, you can donate!

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee has been around since 1914 responding to global crises and assisting vulnerable Jewish populations as well as working towards a better future. They are currently responding to the crisis in Ukraine by providing vulnerable Jews with necessities to survive the upcoming winter and operating emergency hotlines. Donate to them to help provide portable stoves, durable sleeping bags, and non-perishable food to people in need.

The Chicken Soup Shelter provides hot meals six days a week. They are London’s only kosher soup kitchen and work to ensure that no London Jew has to choose between keeping kosher and eating well. Donate to them to help guarantee warm, nutritious meals to those who are struggling.

The Federation of Jewish Communities was established in 1998 to support the Jewish communities previously part of the Soviet Union. They offer everything from orphanages to refugee crisis aid to counseling for those struggling with mental health. Donate to them to support Jewish communities all across Eastern Europe.

I don’t have the links bc I’m on mobile but google the names and you’ll easily find their websites!

#g talks #antisemitism #jumblr #anti radfems #anti terfs #mine #/mobile #/okay to reblog

[shyocean]

Tomorrow is giving you the wrong advice for your suicidal friend.

Now look, don't misunderstand me, Joon-Woong is kind, Gu Ryeon is hot and well-meaning, and I want her and Joong-Gil to have every happiness. But it's clear that Jumadeung doesn't have even the most cursory mental health training, so let's do better.

I mentioned being bothered by this before, and I think people were concerned that I was personally triggered by the show. I'm not. I'm concerned that people will use this show as any kind of model for dealing with the people in their lives. I have taken three friends directly to the mental health emergency room, and they are all still alive. I have also survived decades of my own crises, and lots of lower level concerns that didn't require hospitalization.

Do not say, go ahead, do it, no one can stop you. That's fucking terrible. Gu Ryeon gets away with it because she has magic powers to catch them after they jump.

Don't invalidate their feelings, lessen their suffering, guilt them out, threaten then with hell, center your own hurt, or monologue.

Listen. Remind people that you love them, that you want to help them, that they are important to you, and that losing them will hurt you. Find out how serious it is--do they have a plan? Ask them to promise that they won't self harm. Ask if you can be with them now. Make plans for specific things they will enjoy tomorrow and in the next few days.

If someone is actively in a bad place, things like food, water, meds, exercise, and physical grounding are good. Ibuprofen or NSAIDS are good. Carbs are good. Avoid things that lower inhibitions or increase impulsiveness.

Don't think you are going to say something that fixes it forever. You're not. Don't think they are getting it over it because of you. Or because of a good cry. Or because they laughed and you were relieved. Or because of one week in-patient, or a few therapy appointments. On the other hand, recovery is possible.

Help them access professional help. Is the suicide hotline in their phone? Do they have a clinician? Do they need help locating and making an appointment? Do they need a ride to a mental health hospital? Try to get them help within what they consent to.

Are you in the USA? Don't just call 911. Cops will show up. Cops shoot disabled people at a terrifying rate, especially on mental health calls. Unless you are certain that there are specialized, trained, noncops on the other end, don't call emergency services.

And these can connect your friend with people who actually know what they are doing. Suicide Hotlines in The United States

Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline1-800-273-8255

Trans Lifeline1-877-565-8860 (for the transgender community

)TrevorLifeline1-866-488-7386 (for LGBTQ youth)

Veterans Crisis Line1-800-273-8255, Press 1

Okay, that out of the way, let's enjoy the show.

#suicide tw #cw suicide #mbc tomorrow #gu ryeon

[chillaxconsciousness]

ur totally dead!

exploring digital ghosts, tools for grieving and legacies

written by kaylz

Have you ever wondered what happens when you die? Well, sucks, I can’t answer that question.

               What I can talk about is what happens to your social media and online data when you die; an issue not often considered by the masses who are caught up in the present cycles of consumerism and the newest TikTok trends, or the older generation who doesn’t understand the world’s rapidly evolving technology. However, there is a dedicated following of those interested in the topic of thanotechnology, digital technology used post-death for things like memorialization.

               Oliver Misraje writes about thanotechnology, how our legacies outlast us online, ghosts in the digital space and some ways people use technology to process or express their grief in the article “The Internet is a Graveyard”. Misraje explains how after we die our digital remains, the data we leave behind on social media and other technological networks, form a “HTTP ghost” of the user we were. This ghost becomes our digital legacy, offering a snapshot of insight into our curated online personality and life in the 21st century more broadly. We are constantly creating digital archives — that we don’t own — of our day-to-day lives. These can be valuable historical resources for the future if Big Tech companies (like Facebook and Apple) don't delete them, but this means that these companies control the future of our historical narrative just like they control what happens with our current data.

               Often, the issue of digital legacies isn’t relevant until someone is already gone. If you’ve had a loved one pass is recent years then you may have had to go through the process of deleting or memorializing their social media accounts, which usually requires a proof of death; this may include a death certificate, obituary article, or an online will. A popular example is the Instagram account of child star Cameron Boyce, popular from the Disney Channel show Jessie, who died in 2019 from complications with epilepsy. His account still retains 12.1 million followers, but has a distinct “Remembering” banner in the bio.

Considering that 4.48 billion people use social media (that’s more than half the population!!) and there will be a projected 4.9 billion inactive accounts on Facebook by 2100, it’s important to know how to protect your digital legacy. FYI, the best way to ensure your digital accounts are handled when you die is to create an online will or appoint a legacy contact who has access to your passwords when the time comes.

Another way technology can help us come to terms with death is through emerging digital tools that help us grieve. Misraje’s article contains examples of using AI or chatbots to seek closure, trying Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy, and the terrifying prospect of Big Tech monopolizing on our digital ghosts. Underappreciated online resources also include hotlines and messaging services that support people struggling with mental health issues or crises.

Another interesting suggestion from Misraje is poetic therapy. Humans have been writing poems about loss and in memoriam of loved ones since the days of Ancient Greece, and the poetic form of the elegy was popularized during the Renaissance. It led to classics like W.H. Auden’s “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” and the lyric, “Is it romantic how all my elegies / Eulogize me?” by Taylor Swift on the bonus track “the lakes” from her 2020 album folklore.

Eulogies and elegies are similar, with the key difference being that an elegy is typically some kind of prose, but both are writings that express sorrow or melancholy – usually over the loss of a family member, close friend, or lover. Misraje’s article includes an example of how a journalist named Vauhini Vara successfully prompted GPT-3 to write about her sister’s death. With the recent explosion of popularity for AI systems like ChatGPT, why not use the easily accessible digital tools at the tips of your fingers to process overwhelming emotions like grief and explore the human ability to create emotional connection with technology?

Or, if you’re feeling technology-adverse, you can always try it the old-fashioned way and write out your own feelings with a pen and some paper. Grief is one of those nearly intangible emotions, functioning – much like the Internet itself – in an omnipresent and difficult-to-pin-down way, and everyone has to experience and process it in their own time. Yet, regardless of your comfort level with using digital tools to grieve, it’s important to understand how thanotechnology is developing and the impact it can have on your digital legacy.

Ultimately, I’ll never be able to tell you what happens when you die, but I can advise you to protect your digital legacy – and pick a legacy contact who will never show your family your spam Instagram account.

TTYL, kaylz :)

#death mention #grief online #coping art #the internet is a graveyard #thanotechnology #status update

[realmagicmaddie]

A Busy Weekend - Online "PersonaCon" 2023 w/ pigdude & Good4Gaming Supports The Trevor Project!

Hello, Tumblr! It's been some time since I initially kickstarted this blog. Since then, I've been hammering away at the video game reviews/blogs/essays/etc. that'd be exclusive to this site, as well as developing fair treats for prospective Post+ subscribers.

And then I'd be sitting stuck on a part of it.

Then going absolutely wild over my mere keyboard!

Then my brain goes out, just running on pitiful fumes.

I feel I have a ways to go in that department (call it my self-consciousness kicking in for no good reason...and maybe you're half-right, I admit). But until I feel I can deliver something substantial, I won't let this site miss out on what can be found on my Twitch, Twitter, Discord server (co-hosted with my lovely S/O @thepigdude), AO3, or even YouTube. And with this weekend being one of the largest I've had online in a while, it's only fair it's one of the first times I import the announcements from Twitter to Tumblr, and not just slap the Twitter thread's link and call it a day.

Now if it makes it easier, then here you go...

But at least I should give the Tumblr version its few bits of flair.

So with no further ado:

First up is another major charity effort from my friends at Good4Gaming, starting this Thursday (and as of writing this, TOMORROW!) at 2 PM EST.

(Small TW for the mention of self-injury and suicide; while only briefly, and in the context of helping to prevent such, it doesn't hurt for you to be aware. Just know this event is for The Trevor Project, and skip the single next paragraph if it's helpful.)

With Pride Month just around the corner, it was the perfect time to set up our next quarter of the year's major fundraising as a very appropriate cause: The Trevor Project, a renowned organization that emphasizes the care and physical/mental well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. They provide several resources for those demographics of people that couldn't readily find them elsewhere. In addition, not unlike the Crisis Text Line or numerous countries' own mobile hotlines, TP helps those in crises and/or to prevent self-injury and suicide from happening. And frankly, with how turbulent and disappointing some of the national/global news has been for LGBTQ+ groups, the Trevor Project remains as necessary as ever.

And even when this weekend's come and gone, G4G will continue to emphasize Trevor Project in charity fundraising and gaming streams/segments all through June, July, AND August—and even then, we aim to keep the site for donations open for the entirety of the year, merely switching major focus as soon as September hits.

So from Thursday afternoon to late Sunday night (going into the earliest small stretch of Monday), the team at G4G will be streaming games and activities hosted by a variety of our community members. I will be jumping on that Saturday, June 3rd from 2-6 PM EST (the game I'll be playing is still TBA, so stay tuned), but there will be a lot of other personalities to join before and after, so keep an eye out.

And if you're raring to donate or even spread the campaign to others, please check it out HERE - thanks in advance for your support!

—

And now we reach the announcements that relate to the 2023 run for PersonaCon, a completely-online, Discord-based fandom convention that kicked off amidst the start of the pandemic, yet continues to receive its share of support and festivities as the years go by. pigdude and I have been hosting panels at this virtual venue since 2021, and we are thrilled to be back with a trilogy of new panels for people to watch/listen in on, and even directly participate in.

While we encourage folks to join the actual server HERE, you can also interact through my Twitch channel during livestreams of the events; we'll be sure to consistently connect comments from both the Twitch and Discord room chats, keeping your time with us as seamless as relatively possible. Also, unlike with PersonaCon 2022 (regrettably and from my own clumsiness), the Twitch VODs for these panels will be archived to YouTube, which I'll link to around that time.

But without much more digression, here's our newest lineup of panels for this year's PersonaCon:

Saturday (June 3rd) at 11 AM EST (and ending 1.5 hours ahead of my G4G takeover!), pigdude and I'll go through the downs and ups of the P5 anime while reworking it for Royal and/or Strikers.

Sunday (June 4th) at 11 AM EST, the casts (mainline, remastered, and spin-off) of Persona 3, 4, and 5 duke it out in very (real) high-stakes Hunger Games simulators - but who're those OLD people placing bets?!

And to wrap up our time at our third consecutive online con:

Monday (June 5th) at 12 PM EST, pigdude and I'll be pitching our ideas for adapting the Persona games to the gold and/or silver screens (or the streaming equivalents): the ideal, the disaster, and the "realistically stellar."

—

So there we have it! I hope those who have the time this weekend are interested in checking out (more or less unorthodox) content from pigdude and myself. And if you want to watch any of the con's panels you might've missed, stay tuned after for the VODs to be uploaded on my YouTube channel (which is otherwise currently inactive) after the week has wrapped up.

Take care, everyone, and have a good one!

Best,

Maddie

#persona 5 #persona 4 #persona 3 #persona 2 #persona 1 #personacon #twitch streamer #twitch #discord server #online convention #announcement #updates #self promo #fundraising #charity #good4gaming #magicmaddie