Mental Wellness not Mental Illness

Tonight I've got a little angst or edginess to my personality so I gotta express a few opinions on the subject of "mental health" and "mental health practitioners."  I'll start off by saying that I think most counsellors, doctors etc probably mean well.  But thats all the credit they're getting right now.  Also, these are just my opinions so don't get offended.

I think that looking at DSM5? 6? as the holy bible of mental health is stupid. I also think that clinicians that blindly follow its guidelines and prescribe medications for disorders without getting to know a person and their back story are narrow minded.  This is how people end up on a cocktail of 7-10 psych meds without really getting better.  Maybe their doctor should tell them to modify their behaviour and get up in the morning instead of sleeping all day and taking more drugs so they can sleep at night.  Just saying'

So I'll throw this out there…Maybe schizophrenics are un-trained psychics, alcoholics are mis-guided mystics and bipolars are artists that have a wider spectrum of emotions to draw from when creating art.

To me mental illness is when any of the above get out of control, and the person cannot function and take care of themselves, i.e. running naked in the street, sleeping and crying all day etc. etc. Sometimes medicine is vital.  But the shameful labelling is not. 

The problem with labelling is that it is only one side of the coin.  Most people labeled are actually brilliant and spiritually gifted, but some do not see their worth and end up on the streets, stuck in addiction, or overmedicated with low self image.

So I think that I'm going to shed the shameful label of "Bipolar Disorder" and replace it with "Bipolar Condition." All that it means is that I have a wider range of emotions and need to constantly work towards finding balance and not getting stuck in either extreme.   I can do this my asking my "higher power" or "higher self," that part of me that is connected to the universal consciousness and knows my destiny,  for constant guidance so I can stay on my surfboard when riding slightly higher highs and lower lows than the average person.  I can learn self care, learn to regulate my thoughts and emotions, and slowly heal my nervous system by learning to stay calm and collected as much as possible.

So today I ask anyone that is hurt by labels to turn the tables on their diagnosis and focus on the upside.  Learn how to manage their condition, one day at a time, so that they can enjoy all the positive attributes that people with mental health conditions possess.

I believe that each and every one of us was created with a different set of gifts and challenges to deal with in this lifetime and the key is to make the most of what you've been given.  Spending everyday thinking there's something wrong with yourself because of a label is one of the saddest things a person can do to themselves.  Accepting you have a "condition" and choosing to get help and live well inspite of hardship is the highest road you can travel.

http://www.courierpress.com/gleaner/columnists/billy-edwards/god-made-each-us-unique-masterpiecess

Dealing with Stress-Part 2

This video addresses the fact that our thoughts trigger stress responses in our bodies and the importance of learning new coping skills and thought patterns in the face of our depressive thinking because the fight or flight response is hard on our nervous system and can aggregate depression.  Research in neuroplasticity is pointing the way to new frontiers in psychiatry, because our brain is capable of healing itself quite abit from mental illness.  We can retrain our brain and nervous system so that our depression becomes more manageable.  I intend on practicing the principles I'm discussing in the video and I will repost on the changes I'm experiencing….

Dealing with Stress! Part 1

Recovery from depression can feel like a daily battle.  In this video, I identify some of the triggers I have, both internal and external.  I really believe that inspite of the fact depression is a serious illness, we can do a lot to help ourselves, but it takes a ton of hard work and discipline to change our thoughts, attitudes and dispositions.  Our negative thoughts literally stress us out and I'm slowly learning new ways to deal with them, because letting ourselves worry will literally make us sick, emotionally and physically.  I'm not saying this is easy, but the reward is peace of mind and sanity, which for someone who has suffered with depression is a goldmine.

How my amazing cat helps me everyday….

This video is dedicated to all our little furry friends and their role in dealing with the ups and downs of life.  There is definitely research to back up the therapeutic role of pets,
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/the-health-benefits-of-pets.htm
but I'm pretty sure that "God" made pets to show us how to love each other and ourselves unconditionally.  When I was so depressed I needed to stay in bed all day, my last cat Zeus decided he would do the same….very supportive of me I think!

Fish Birds!

Here is a summary of the film March of the Penguins….

March of the Penguins: Mountain Meditation-Mindfulness

March of the Penguins: Mountain Meditation-Mindfulness: So I really like this mindfulness mediation, because the essence of the mountain, like our core self, remains fundamentally unchanged.  It w...

Penguins Love To March! Video Blog on Exercise

Hello!
I was inspired to make this video after enjoying a yoga class and a short run this morning.  In my journey through life and mental illness, I've often found some of the best times for clearing my mind have been while walking, running or swimming.  It seems like movement shakes off some of the negativity or agitation I may be experiencing.

Even at my lowest times, I still find exercise helps me to just keep going, doing the next right thing, even if the depression tells there's no point, or that its meaningless to keep trying.  At least the act of moderate exercise gives me the clarity to say, hey, why don't I do the dishes or do a little work in my studio, even if I don't feel great.

On the flip side, If I'm anxious or a little to elevated, exercise helps me to get calm, and focus my racing thoughts.  I usually find some people and some answers to how to move on with my day.

Penguins are always on the go, whether fishing and playing, making the trek to the sea for food, or the trek to their mate and offspring.  They travel countless miles, in the coldest conditions, without having eaten anything for months.  They also have abundant times where they get to eat to their hearts desire.
The point is, they keep walking, through highs and lows and that's what I want to encourage everyone, (including myself) to do: just keep putting one foot in front of the other, and doing the next right thing for their wellbeing.  I'm off to walk around a frozen lake in Canada, and I'm sure I'll see some fellow Penguins marching around to keep those endorphins going!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KYwWVpdL6w&feature=youtu.be

Mountain Meditation-Mindfulness

So I really like this mindfulness mediation, because the essence of the mountain, like our core self, remains fundamentally unchanged.  It weathers harsh storms, overcast skies, but also experiences wildflowers in the spring.  It doesn't judge all these changes or take them personally.  This is good insight for anyone experiences depression, bipolar, or life in general!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xdagnHcEjU&feature=share

Video #1 Shamanism and depression-Meditation on Water...

I've always felt calmer near water.  It nourishes our bodies and soothes the soul.  Its great to watch rivers and lakes, the ripples and waves, the sun dancing across the surface, the deep reflections of trees and even moonlight on its surface.  It's mysterious and yet an innate part of our experience as human beings.  Water is always going through transformation, and can change states, from ice, to water, to steam and back again.  It can be a gentle force like in a kids wading pool or create great havoc through ocean tsunamis.  But it it always its essential self and can return to stillness.

Meditation Station!

My Spiritual Centering Spaces….

Here I have a picture of My Altar to the things that nurture my spirit. Family Photos, Prayers, Kind Words, Pictures of My Inner Child, Representations of Mary Guadalupe, the Tree of life, candles, crystals etc. etc. This is so important to have a space to reflect on all that is good in life.  And as for the bad?  I put it in the hands of God, and allow the creative spirit of the universe to take from me what I cannot handle….Namaste!

My Living Room

Louise Hay, How to love Yourself

1)   Stop all Criticism: Criticism never changes a thing.  Refuse to criticize yourself.  Accept yourself exactly as you are.  Everybody changes.  When you criticize yourself, your changes are negative.  When you approve of yourself, your changes are positive.

2)   Don't scare yourself-Stop terrorizing yourself with your thoughts.  Find a mental image that gives you pleasure and immediately switch your thoughts to pleasant ones.

3)   Be Gentle, Kind and Patient-treat yourself with patience, gentleness and kindness.  Treat yourself as you would someone whom you loved.

4)   Be kind to your mind-Self-hatred is only hating your own thoughts.  Gently change your thoughts to more positive ones.

5)   Praise Yourself-Criticism breaks down the inner spirit.  Praise builds it.  Tell yourself how well you are doing with everything.

6)   Support Yourself-Reach out to friends and allow them to help you.  It is being strong to ask for help when you need it the most.

7)   Love to your Negatives-Acknowledge that you created them for a need.  Now you are finding new positive ways to fulfill those needs.  Release the old patterns.

8)   Take care of your body-Learn about nutrition.  What does your body need to have the optimum energy and vitality.  Learn about exercise.  Cherish the temple you live in.

9)   Mirror work-Look into your eyes often.  Express the growing sense of love you feel for yourself.  Forgive yourself for all as you look in the mirror.  Once a day, say "I love you" to yourself in the mirror.

10)                  DO it now- Don't wait till you get well, lose weight or get a new job.  Begin now, do the best you can.

Self Care

Self Care….

1)        Personal Care: clean space, clean clothes, time for personal grooming. Enjoy the process and take pride in the results.

2)       Eating Well: Taking time for groceries, meal planning, learning about nutrition.

3)       Exercise: Running is a good foundation, be creative, varied.  3-4 times a week, 30 min.

4)       Expect and look for positive outside help when necessary.

5)       Contact with others.  Love and be loved.

6)       Watch negative thinking , don't identify with it, gently change the thought.  Learn more about maintaining positive mind frames. Become aware of negative thinking styles, ie being judgemental, maximizing, perfectionism…..

7)       Boundries:  stand up for myself and if not possible, debrief situation later.

8)       Honour my own feelings, (and those of others) and talk about them.

Mindful acceptance: A way of approaching life in which you acknowledge and feel your struggles and pain without judging, avoiding or getting lost in them.  Instead you face your fears and sorrows with compassion, patience and curiousity.

Art for Mental Wellness

Welcome to My Blog on Personal Transformation and Healing Depression

Hello World,
Its me Jeanne.  I have a lot to share with you.  I have been on a 10 year journey dealing with depression, and now I have been given the label of mild bipolar.  The blog is called March of the Penguins because a Shaman recently made me aware that my Totem Animal is the Penguin.  At first I thought this was silly.  Fish Bird? Really? That wears a tuxedo?  But its much deeper than that.

Penguins live in the harshest conditions on earth, and yet they make the most of it.  They're joyful and creative when they play in the water and go fishing. They are dedicated to their quest for survival and go on long, perilous journeys for food across the frozen wasteland of the South Pole.  Most importantly though, they all work together in the winter to stay warm, and take turns facing the elements to keep each other alive.

In this blog I will share with you all the helpful personal discoveries that have helped me to get this far.
In turn I hope you can all share which me positive thoughts and support, so that we can all help each other in our journey towards health and positive experiences in the face of the harsh climate that mental illness can create.

Please follow me for videos, music, articles, and writing that will hopefully help keep us all warm in the  south pole!