Category: mental illness

Posted in mental illness

Mental illness: Learn. Listen. Link.

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

My Lovely friend, Audrey, at Minnesota Prairie Roots did a wonderful post on mental illness and the struggles in finding help. Audrey shares my desire to advocate for those that suffer. Please take a moment to read her post and be sure to spend some time on her blog as her writing and photography as worth it! Thank you, Audrey for this post and for your Very Kind words about me and my blog. ❤

Minnesota Prairie Roots

Slowly we are beginning to unmask mental illness. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2018)

HER VOICE RISES. Strong. Compassionate. Without hesitation.

She is Penny Wilson, published poet, blogger, fiction writer, advocate. Penny, who blogs at Penny Wilson Writes, advocates for those diagnosed with mental illnesses. She is open about her struggles with depression. And it is that honesty which impresses upon me how much, how deeply, Penny cares.

From her fixer-up home in a small Texas town, Penny pens pieces that inform, educate, advocate about mental health. Recently she spent hours researching and compiling a list of resources in a post titled “Affordable Mental Health Counseling.” A friend’s need for affordable therapy (when her benefits were running out) prompted the piece. What Penny found was nothing. No low cost or no cost counseling services for mental health issues. I’m not surprised.

Yet, Penny published that list of 14…

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Posted in Life, mental illness

Affordable Mental Health Counseling

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

My initial dive into the subject of affordable mental health counseling came from the awareness of a friend in need.  Little did I know the rabbit hole it would take me down.  

I’ve found sites for suicide prevention, sites directed at veterans, children, domestic abuse, Christians and many, many more.  This is good, great, in fact.  BUT, what I did NOT find was low cost or no cost counseling services for mental health issues.  

I will not go into the rant that initially came to me after this realization.  I know you have better things to do, and this IS a post to help people, after all.  

Below is a list of sites that I found that may be of help to you or those that you know.  There is a lot of information here.  Each site is in BOLD and the color BLUE below.  The link will take you to a site with much more information.  

I did a post several days ago asking for help/information on this very subject.  If you would like to read that post, you can find it HERE.

Better Help.com This site seems to be the closest 
thing that I've found for low cost counseling 
services. They go by your income.

Depression Alliance This site offers a lot of 
online options.

HUB OF HOPE is a large database for Mental Health 
Services for the UK. Their homepage will let you 
enter info about your area to see if their services 
are available. If you click on the Menu on the 
upper right of the screen, it will give you other 
options. 

NAMI-National Alliance of Mental Illness has a 
helpline 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) In the Search box, 
search "International",if you do not live in the US. 
They have a text line, a chat option and other 
information. 

7cups.com  They have a self help program, 
volunteer listeners and a Free 24/7 chat option. 
  
DBSA - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance 
There is a lot of support and information for 
Adults and Children on this site. 

MHA Mental Health America 
They have searches for Support Groups. They Have 
"Warm Lines", which is a call you can make even 
if you're not in crisis.This is a free service. 
 
Top10.Com This page has a list of OnLine therapy 
options. 

Medicare.gov This is a page that explains possible 
coverage and options. 

Another Medicare list. This one is a site for Health and 
Substance Use Disorders

988LifeLine.org  Suicide prevention site 
 
NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health - 
There's a lot of good information on this site. 
Click on the Mental Health Information tab. 

Texas Health and Human Resources- I live in Texas, 
so search for the Health and Human Resources for 
your state.  

Catholic Charities - The Catholic Charities are 
global. If you do not live in the US, I would try 
searching for them and using your country's
name. Click on the Get Help tab.

*If you have information that would help those 
in need of low cost counseling services, please 
feel free to reach out to me with the information. 
Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Copyright (C) 2022 Penny Wilson
Posted in Life, mental illness

Help Needed – Therapy Information, Please

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

I Need Your Help.

I recently had a conversation with a friend who is in need of therapy, as her benefits will soon be expiring.  Where can she turn?  

I’ve been in this situation.  Through my previous employer, I had 3 sessions with a therapist available to me covered by insurance.  3 sessions, didn’t even begin to scratch the surface.  After that, I was on my own to figure out how to pay for it.  

So I started digging into Affordable mental health therapy.  After a few Click Bait websites, I basically found nothing.  I did find one site that would offer me online sessions based on my income.  But even that was too expensive.  

I have a Mental Health Help Page where I have listed contacts for those in crisis, and other resources and articles for those struggling.  BUT… I have NO information for options of Free or Affordable Therapy.  

So I am asking for your help with this.  If you have information on this Much Needed Subject, would you please do what you can to get that information to me?  I’m in the US, but I need info for those not living in the US as well.  Anything information that you can come up with would be appreciated.  

Please, either leave the information in the comments below, use my Contact Page, or simply email me at psnw123@gmail.com

Thank you!!

Posted in depression, Life, mental illness

The Noise of This World

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

At the end of 2021, I was in a deep spiral of depression and anxiety.  Inflation, gas prices, the Pandemic, interest rates, drought, war, politics, global warming, mass shootings, etc., etc., etc.  There is certainly enough to be concerned about if you simply look beyond your own front door.   With the insurmountable number of issues the world has, how do we deal with it all?

Being an introvert, the noise of this world can become overwhelming for me.  In the last year, I moved to a small, quiet town and have a home in the country.  For me, this life is the most peaceful it has been in decades.

Even with my current quiet lifestyle, one can’t simply ignore the issues going on around us.  At least I can’t.  All you have to do is turn on the TV and you’ll be bombarded with images and stories that are disturbing.  That’s a LOT of negativity to absorb.  I want to be informed.  I’m not a “head in the sand” type of person.  So how do I deal with it?

Negativity breeds negativity.  Have you heard the phrase “misery loves company”?  It’s true.  You must distance yourself from it in some way.  Below are some ways of coping with the negativity.

*Take the negativity in small doses.  If you MUST watch the news, limit yourself.  Set a limit of exposure.  I do not expose myself to image upon image of war, or weather disasters, or the back-biting of politics, or a number of other things.  I know they exist, but I am not overloading myself with the details.

*Tend your own garden. Even though my life is a quiet one, there are responsibilities and activities that I must tend to.  I own a fixer-upper house that I am always working on.  I am taking my writing interest more seriously.  I spend time with family and stay in touch with friends.  I try to stay active and healthy.  These are not only important in my life, they also distance me from the constant flow of negativity.

*Do your part (within your means).  Want to help?  Seeing all the awful things that go on in the world, it’s hard not to want to help, to be involved.  So, do What You Can Within Your Means.  Recycle, save water, donate to the food bank and/or local charities, Vote!  You can also volunteer locally.  Libraries, animal shelters and retirement communities always need help.  Shop small and shop locally.  Small independent business owners need your help.  They feel the crunch too.

*Be prepared.  Keep your gas tank full.  Stay stocked up on the basics/essentials in your pantry.  Have emergency water and first aid items on hand.  THIS is an excellent website that can help. They have information on everything from building an Emergency Preparedness Kit to Cyber Security.  

A few things to keep in mind:

*It’s not all about you.  There are some things that just do not concern you and there’s nothing that you can do about them. 

*We’re all in the same boat.  You are not alone in feeling the enormity of the problems of this world. 

*See the reality of the situation.  In the Big Scheme of things, Worldwide, there is only So Much you can do.  Keep in mind that YOU alone, are limited by your means, your location, etc.

*Do What You Can.  If you want to help, then help.  Do what’s within your power to help.  A lot of little things add up to bigger things that can help overall. 

*Seek help.  If things get to be overwhelming, seek help.  TALK to someone.  Let those around you know that you are struggling.  THIS is my page on Mental Health Help.  There are a number or resources and articles that may be helpful.

No one knows how much time we have on this planet.  Be happy when you can, enjoy and be grateful for what you have, live today, for today.  Spend time with your loved ones.  Appreciate the little things that make you smile. 

“Mind your own biscuits and everything will be gravy.” 

Copyright (C) 2022 Penny Wilson All Rights Reserved

Posted in mental illness

World Mental Health Day

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

Please be kind to yourself.  

Today is World Mental Health Day.  If you or someone you know needs help, please don’t hesitate to seek out that help.  I have a page where I have compiled some great sources and articles on the subject.  You can find that page HERE.  

When you are kind to yourself, you are also being kind to the loved ones around you.  Please speak up, say something! 

Posted in mental illness

*REBLOG-Doing my part to raise awareness about mental health — Minnesota Prairie Roots

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

This is a Reblog from Audrey’s blog: Minnesota Prairie Roots.  Please be sure to visit Audrey’s lovely blog! 

A hand reaches skyward in a mental health themed sculpture that once graced a street corner outside the Northfield, Minnesota, Public Library. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2019) WHEN HE HEARD ME rant for the umpteenth time about “people just don’t get it, they don’t understand,” he advised, “Then you need to educate them.” […]

Doing my part to raise awareness about mental health — Minnesota Prairie Roots
Posted in depression, mental illness

New Suicide Prevention Hotline – 988 – Is Finally a Reality!

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

Finally, in the US, we have a 3 digit number for the Suicide Prevention Hotline.  It’s 988.  This has been slow coming.  Why, I don’t know.  But thank God that it’s finally here!  

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, you can now use the 3 digit number to reach a professional that will assist you in getting the help you need.  The old # 1 (800)-273-8255, is still available.  But the new number will be so much easier to remember!  

In the UK, if you’re struggling with negative thoughts or suicidal feelings, you can call the Samaritans at 116 123; and in Australia, call Lifeline at 13 11 14. 

THIS is a wonderful article about several crisis hotlines and texting that is available to a number of different people.  

If you would like more information on Suicide Prevention or Depression, please be sure to visit my Mental Health Help Page HERE.  

Thank you for joining me on this journey.  Penny ❤ Copyright (C) 2022

Posted in depression, Life, mental illness

Depression’s Frequent Companion

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

A diagnosis of Depression is enough to handle, but in many cases depression can be accompanied by the unwelcome companion, Anxiety.

Anxiety can be just as debilitating as depression. 

Most people think of depression on the lower end of things.  Things like the feeling of sadness, hopelessness, finding no joy in things that you once took pleasure in, not wanting to get out of bed, etc.   

On the higher end of depression is anxiety.  The symptoms of anxiety can include: excessive worry, restlessness, problems focusing, feelings of fear, and dread or avoiding everyday activities. 

Anxiety can also show itself in physical symptoms, such as: frequent sleep problems, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and shortness of breath.  

If anxiety is left unchecked, it can interfere with job performance, schoolwork and relationships.  Anxiety can also lead to Panic Attacks and Phobias if untreated.  

If you recognize yourself in the symptoms I’ve listed above, I strongly urge you to seek help. 

HERE is an article I found on ways to reduce your anxiety. 

HERE you will find my Mental Health Help Page that will list several helpful links to seek help. 

*An added note: What I write here is based on personal experience and research that I have done on my own. I make no claim to be an expert on this subject or have any type of medical degree. My writing is simply a way for me to put a voice to my own experiences and perhaps help others along the way.  

Copyright 2021 Penny Wilson

 

Posted in depression, Life, mental illness

It Takes Courage to Seek Help

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

Finding the courage it takes to speak up despite the stigma surrounding mental illness can be a momentous challenge.

“Will they believe me?  Do I really need help?  What will my friends/family/co-workers think?  How can I talk to a stranger about this?”

These are some of the questions that will rise when you are trying to find the courage to seek help.  Below are  a couple of suggestions that may help. 

Start Small-Do you have a friend you can confide in?  Perhaps a teacher or someone at your church?  A family doctor is often a good place to start.

Use Technology-There are a few options you can use if you can’t bring yourself to talk to someone.    1.There is a Crisis Text Line.  Text 741741 and you can text with a counselor.   2.Want to do an online chat?  There’s a site for that too.  Find it HERE.        3. You can even TWEET with a crisis counselor at @800273TALK on Twitter.

Remember-You are not alone and it is ok to ask for help.  YOU are worth it!

For more suggestions, articles and information, please visit my Mental Health Help page HERE. 

As always, thank you for joining me on this journey.  Penny ❤ 

 

Posted in depression, Life, mental illness

Isolation and Depression-For the Most At Risk

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

The onslaught of COVID 19 did more to our society than infect and kill.  On the peripheral of this is another epidemic, one of Isolation and Depression. 

Humans are social creatures.  We need each other to survive.  Because of COVID some of us are now judging our social interactions by what’s deemed ‘safe’ and what is not.  This especially true of those with compromised immune systems or other high risk factors 

The elderly are especially vulnerable to this isolation. Because many are self-isolating to stay safe, the instances of social anxiety are increasing.  Some now see social situations as a threat.  

There are many hazards of living an isolated life, especially for an extended period of time.  Anxiety, depression, PTSD are a few things that can result.  It can also effect sleep patterns and physical well-being.    

Continue reading “Isolation and Depression-For the Most At Risk” →