Month: August 2022

I’m backkkkk! I hope you all are doing well!

So, what is it like to work for a company or an organization that not only pays you well, but values you as a person???

Many of you may be thinking, ‘I have no clue.’ Don’t worry. You are not alone in that regard.

First of all, no job or career is without its problems or headaches. But when you work in a toxic work environment, it can most certainly wreak havoc on your mental health and wellbeing. Take it from one who has been there more times than I have fingers and toes to count!

In my 37 years of punching a timeclock:

• I have worked under a Christian boss, who was anything but.
• I have worked in the school system in the 90s. Enough said about that.
• I have worked for an entrepreneur who was a scatterbrain and had no clue how to run his own business. He also had a very angry employee that he couldn’t control.
• I have worked for a place that was supposed to be fun, considering it was geared towards children, but it was anything but. The height of toxicity. I mean when you let the nuts run the farm. Just sayin’ …

When I worked for temporary companies, I had no problems. At least not with the companies themselves.

But after 37 years of working and doing all sorts of jobs, I have FINALLY found work that values me. But it isn’t just the job: It is also the people.

At the end of the day, a job is just that – a job. Some jobs are obviously tougher to do than others, just simply by their nature. But it is the people who can make that job either bearable, loads of fun, or a nightmare in pure hell. And I guaran-damn-tee you, that in every scenario I briefly described above, the people on these jobs made my life and the lives of its employees like the Battle of Armageddon!

And you’re stuck with these jive suckers all day and all week long. Every. Damn. Day. 52 weeks out of a year.

That is not the case now. And what is this mystery job of mine? I work as a standardized patient.

And what pray tell is a standardized patient? This is a person who role plays with medical students in a safe environment where they can practice their skills. The standardized patient or SP, is trained to portray all sorts of characters/patients in a wide variety of different medical situations. We are talking about everything from portraying a patient with a simple head cold to someone who is being told a loved one has just died. And yes, it can get intense, but it is all designed to give the medical students an opportunity to not only practice their clinical skills, but to also practice their communication skills, as well. The communication is what the SPs mostly grade the medical students on. In other words, was the medical student empathetic with the SP? Did they establish a rapport? So, it basically boils down to “bedside manner” and how the medical student made you feel as a patient. It is an extremely valuable role, and so much fun!

The staff that I work with is friendly, fun, talented, knowledgeable and very personable.

The director of the program is the person who makes the department run smoothly. Our director is very positive and friendly. She always has a smile, and you can even tell through the mask. 🤣😂

She always wants to know how YOU are doing. As a matter of fact, she recently “called me to her office,” to check in with me. At first, I was like ‘uh oh. I’m in trouble.’ But I really should have known better. You see, she had noticed I had been working a lot over the past six months and was worried that I was getting burned out. You see, this is independent contractor work and, therefore, not a fulltime job.

I was honestly happy that she checked in with me. She started by asking how my aunt was doing. You see, my aunt – the one who helped raise me – has been in the hospital since June! And it was quite kind of her to ask.

She had also sensed that I was a little frustrated, and I jokingly said that I always try and hide that. And that is when she told me that I should NEVER do that! Let her or someone there know if something is bothering me. Wow. Wow! And Wow!!

I have NEVER heard a boss say that to me. Ever! It was always MY FAULT, particularly from the job that was supposed to be “fun.” And since that HORRIBLE experience, I felt that I had to hide my true feelings and fake feelings that I didn’t feel, which I HATE to do. That is NOT good for your mental health!

Speaking of this particular past job, they gaslit a number of us to pretend to be happy when we weren’t. And if we weren’t happy, it was OUR fault, because THEY were perfect and did no wrong. (Gee, sounds like a particular political party.) I was actually even accused of “acting like I didn’t want to be there,” when they were the ones making me feel that way! No, I don’t want to be somewhere where I am not valued as an employee. Imagine that.

To say I worked with a bunch of narcissists in an EXTREMELY toxic environment is an understatement. And all of this wreaked havoc on my mental health BIG TIME! Until I finally had had enough and walked out!

I am rambling to say that when you work for a company or an organization that TOTALLY supports you, stay with it! And it goes without saying to make sure you are paid well. 😉

When you work in a happy work environment, you feel:

• Valued.
• Supported.
• You don’t mind being at work.
• Heck, you even look forward to going to work.
• And when you feel all of the above, you take ownership of what you are doing and do your best!

And again, it’s about the people. When you work with fun, positive people – and not that faux positive crap – but real people with real problems, but who always bring their best to the job, with a great sense of humor and laughter, you want to stay and bring YOUR best to the job!!

It goes without saying that a happy worker is a productive worker.

Oh and check out my blog post from way back about working from home. I think you’ll find some interesting gems there, too.

Returning to Work (after working from home) is a Real BITCH!!!

And if you don’t work for a supportive organization and you feel that you cannot cope or need to speak with a professional, then online therapy may be the way to go. You can do this in the comfort of your own home without having to get in traffic to drive to an office. Check it out by clicking on the link below:

That’s it, my darlings. Until the next time, please be mentally well!

DEREK’S DISCLAIMER:  I am not a medical professional, neither am I giving any medical or legal advice. If you are seeking help from a doctor or an attorney, please consult said professionals.  These are my personal thoughts and feelings on the subjects discussed, and my blog is my own personal experiences and journey with mental imbalance.  Thanking you in advance!

I do not own the copyright to any songs or videos listed here. 

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER:  There are products on this page.  By clicking on the links, you will be redirected to that page at no cost to you.  However, I will receive compensation if you purchase something (which I hope you do 😊).

Greetings, all my friends! I hope you are faring well during these trying times.

I should have blogged on this topic a long time ago: Stress eating!

I can just eat ANY TIME! I LOVE to eat! Unfortunately, a lot of times it is the wrong types of food, you know, the chips and the burgers and the greasy stuff, etc.

And I finally had to realize that over time I am not just a stress eater, but an emotional eater, as well.

I eat when I am:

• Happy.
• Sad.
• Excited.
• Frustrated (definitely this one).
• And, of course, stressed.

You get the picture. I realize that I don’t eat when I’m mad, though. I drink instead 😂🤣

Anyway, I feel that food solves ALL my problems. But of course, it doesn’t. Sure, it is a temporary patch or a Band Aid to what ails me at the moment, but it doesn’t necessarily solve any of my problems. And I would imagine if you’re in the same boat as I, it doesn’t solve your problems either.

And it goes without saying that eating a lot of unhealthy foods can lead to all sorts of health problems down the road, such as obesity, heart and kidney problems, as well as psychological problems!

So, then why do we stress eat?

I think it has to do with control. We cannot necessarily control the triggering event that brought us to the need to stress eat. But we can control our REACTION to it. And we can also control what we place in our mouths. We control what we eat, how much we eat, and when we feel we’ve had enough. It satisfies some need deep down inside of us. And yes, it temporarily makes us feel better. But then after the feeling has passed, we realize the problem is still there.

But what is the problem?

Furthermore, how can we control it or even stop it?

What is the Underlying Problem?

Well, obviously the problem or problems vary from person to person. Maybe it is job related. Or family related. Or the big one – MONEY related – or the lack thereof. Whatever it is, though, is there something deeper? Like fear? Or fear of failure? Loss of control or loss of something? Loss of ourselves? Or simply life in general?

Life can be a real BITCH! This we know. And figuring out how to cope with life has actually been quite a mystery. I am sure people have their ideas.

In my case, my underlying problems are a mixture of things: Being totally transparent, it is because I absolutely LOVE TO EAT! That is the first and foremost thing for me. As far as what I am hiding or avoiding by eating, I think it is because I am not in a relationship and haven’t been for years. And there is the fact I am so damn tired of working. And that I feel like my dreams have not been totally realized. And then there’s the money – or lack thereof. Wahhhh cry me a river, I know. Because the above scenarios are general for just about everybody. And whose life is perfect? No one’s! And the grass is always greener, yada yada yada.

But I am trying to understand my particular whys.

I do honestly think it goes back to the sheer love of eating and the control factor and the emotional part of it. Food offers me comfort. It offers me relief when I am stressed. It offers me something I can control. There’s that word again. It offers me hope, and it is almost like I am in a relationship with it, like you would be in a relationship with an actual person. And as an old friend jokingly told me a long time ago – Food doesn’t lie. It doesn’t abandon you. LOLOL

How do we stop it, control it, or find substitutes?

Trying to stop something like this, I would imagine, is TOUGH as hell! How do you stop something or try to control something that gives you so much dang pleasure???

Please give me your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below!

I am going to go out on a limb here and give my suggestion as don’t stop it. That’s right. But find a way to deal with it or work around it instead.

I have decided not to immediately grab for the food. At least not yet. I ask myself, can I wait to eat? Or do I feel a need to reach for the chips now?? (And of course, keeping certain foods out of your house is helpful!) If I feel I can wait to eat, like until I am actually hungry, then I will do it then. But then to me it is no longer stress eating. I am actually eating because my body needs it. The psychological games I play with myself!

The other thing I ask myself is where am I when the stress hits. Am I at work? Then if I am at work, chances are I am not able to stress eat. Sure, they may have some snacks at work, but where I work, 9 times out of 10, I don’t want that stuff! LOL

If I am at home, then that might be a problem, because I have Ye Olde Refrigerator stocked with all kinds of goodies.

So, then it goes back to can I wait to eat?

But then this is where the substitutes come into play.

Substitutes for Stress Eating

This will obviously vary from person to person. But after a lot of thinking, I realized that one substitute for me is to simply take a nap. That’s right, sleep off the stress!!

I know some people may call this unhealthy, that this is bordering on depression. But I don’t care. I would rather have a nap than stuff my face with unhealthy food choices. So, for me, it’s a win!

I know others work it out, i.e. through exercise or “stressercise!” LOL That is so not me.

Another substitute could be get your mind off of the stressful event by talking to a friend. Or maybe reading or listening to music. These are great options, as well.

More substitutes – healthy food swaps!

So, why not choose healthier foods to stress eat on? Like, here it comes, FRUITS AND VEGGIES! LOLOL But it’s true. Pick a fruit or vegetable you like. Surely, everyone has some type of fruit or vegetable they don’t mind eating or snacking on.

I basically love the typical apples, oranges, DEFINITELY bananas. And during the summer months, it’s all about peaches, plums and nectarines, which were huge staples in my house growing up during the summer months.

My go-to vegetables are broccoli and carrots. I also dig salads! Tomatoes are a huge fave of mine. Yes, I know they are a fruit. 😊👌 I LOVE CAULIFLOWER!! I put mine in the oven and roast them. I do the same with my broccoli. And they are so delicious that way!

And for ice cream, I have chosen yogurt with fruit mixed in it! I generally cut my own fruit up and put it in there.

And speaking of the fruit, I prep it ahead of time not just for stress eating, but as a general snack anyway. So, it is definitely a win/win.

I have covered a rather interesting, yet real issue. But regardless, if you feel that you cannot cope or need to speak with a professional not just on this topic but on anything, then online therapy may be the way to go. You can do this in the comfort of your own home without having to get in traffic to drive to an office. Check it out by clicking on the link below:

In summation, when it comes to stress eating, also know your triggers. What sort of stressful events send you over the edge? Knowing that is half the battle. Then be armed with healthy foods and/or healthier substitutes instead of the fried chicken, potato chips, burger or fries. And as I learned when I was an artist-in-residence for elementary schools here in Atlanta, those foods are SOMETIMES foods not EVERY DAY foods. 😉

Well, that will do it for today. Goodness! I’m hungry LOLOL So, until the next time, please be mentally well!

DEREK’S DISCLAIMER:  I am not a medical professional, neither am I giving any medical or legal advice. If you are seeking help from a doctor or an attorney, please consult said professionals.  These are my personal thoughts and feelings on the subjects discussed, and my blog is my own personal experiences and journey with mental imbalance.  Thanking you in advance!

I do not own the copyright to any songs or videos listed here. 

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER:  There are products on this page.  By clicking on the links, you will be redirected to that page at no cost to you.  However, I will receive compensation if you purchase something (which I hope you do 😊).

Hi, It’s me. Stan. Ha! Kidding! Hope some of you got my Golden Girls reference. 😂

At any rate, welcome back to another mental health journey by yours truly. Today’s topic is labeling people and how toxic that is!!!

It is one thing when I label myself something, i.e. – Sexy. Gorgeous. Hot. Deranged. Stupid. Silly. Talented. And the list could go on and on and on . (And, of course, it goes without saying that labeling YOURSELF in a NEGATIVE way is VERY toxic and not helpful to your mental health.)

But when someone else does it, it is unbelievably horrible and not at all helpful, and can cause serious damage to the person being labelled.

Why I’m Writing this Post

Please allow me to give you an example from my own recent personal experience, and what got me thinking on this subject. And therefore, my decision to put my thoughts into a post:

Earlier this year, I was at a social gathering of about five people, all gay men (trouble right there), myself included. The evening started off “light and airy.” Until stupid me (I just labelled myself!) started going down a rabbit hole of personal stuff and opinions. Part of the subject was music and to be honest, I don’t remember the rest.

However, at the end of the evening, one particular person labelled me as being “bitter” and that “I needed to let it go,” (a phrase I HATE!), whatever it was that I was supposed to let go, which I am not even quite clear on that. And I am not even sure this person was clear on what I needed to “let go.”

I was taken aback, because for one, I was not in any way, shape or form trying to make it about me. But apparently this person, I suppose, took it that way and proceeded to offer me this unsolicited advice.

I know that when I tell a story, I can become VERY passionate and appear to be angry, which is not my intent at all. And I suppose this is how I came across that evening at this little gathering, when I was actually trying to be dramatic and funny. More labels.

Regardless, the damage had already been done.

So, I started thinking about my dear friend Charles, whom I blogged about in a previous post. Please see below:

Me and Charlie B.

And how he drilled into my head over and over and over again to keep things “light and airy.” But I just wouldn’t listen, thinking I could share myself with others. But sadly, you cannot with everyone.

Anyway, on this particular dark night of the soul, I felt unfairly labelled and judged And how it made me feel.

It didn’t make me feel bad about myself, no. It made me feel very, very angry. Angry with this person and yes, angry with myself for not “keeping it light and airy.” Because how dare anyone do that. And I know what some of you may be thinking: LET IT GO! Who cares what this person or others think? Etc.

Well, it does matter to the extent that WE ALL DO IT – we label people unjustly! And it needs to stop!

The Bitter Angry Bitch of Atlanta

So, that night I dubbed myself the Bitter Angry Bitch of Atlanta (as a joke), much like how Reva Shayne from Guiding Light stripped down next to nothing, stepped in that pool, and dubbed herself the “Slut of Springfield!” LOLOL

My childhood labels

From a LinkedIn article by Leigh Aguirre.

“Labels from childhood might affect future potential and how we see ourselves. Negative labels can stem from trauma at any point in your life. After leaving an abusive relationship, you might carry the names you were called and believe you are unworthy or damaged.”

Please see the full article at the end of this post.

• Sissy. Faggot. Punk. (my labels from childhood from other children).
• Smart.
• Gifted.
• Hard headed. (from childhood and mostly from my grandmother and aunt.)
• Lazy. (from my grandfather when I was a child. His exact words were “you’re going to grow up to be sorry.”)

These negative labels cut me to the core and caused severe damage to my self-esteem and self worth. I definitely felt unloved and unworthy and that I did something wrong. And that I was bad.

My adult labels

• Mean.
• A bitch.
• A mean bitch LOLOL
• Angry.
• Bitter.
• Dramatic.
• Emotional.

So according to these people, that is all there is to me: Being angry, bitter, dramatic, emotional, etc. Apparently, these things are at my heart and soul and core and center of me as a person, according to them.

And I don’t know what was worse, the childhood ones or the ones above.

And I am here to tell you these labels hurt, with the exception of the smart and gifted thingy LOLOL

Even the “positive” labels can backfire

But even being labelled something good can backfire when you always believe that you are that positive label – i.e., the smartest or the prettiest or the best at something, and then someone comes along who is SMARTER or PRETTIER, etc.

For example, with me being labelled smart, I thought that I could just coast through college. But it definitely didn’t work out that way. Or thinking of yourself as being the best because people always told you that. For me, it was the trumpet. Well, as you find in life, there are a WHOLE LOT OF PEOPLE who are just as good, if not so much better, at things than you are!!!

We All Place Labels on Things and People!

I suppose we cannot help but place labels on things and people. We have all done it and since the beginning of time. So and so is:

• Beautiful.
• A hard worker.
• Mentally challenged.
• Ugly.
• Smart.
• Kind.
• Fat.
• Too thin.
• Mean.

But are these labels fair or even necessary? Or even true?

And how many times have you and I judged a book by its cover?:

• We see a person with a lot of tattoos or piercings, and we assume that they are heavily into drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. Or that they are the members of a gang. Or just flat out mean.
• We see obese people and assume that they eat a lot or that they are very lazy.
• We see an effeminate male and we assume that they are gay. But what if they are gay? Then we assume they are weak. Or that they love fashion. Interior decorating. Or musicals. I am not into any of those things, and I am definitely gay.
• We see a goth person, you know, someone dressed in all black, and we assume that they are depressed or mean or evil or worship the Devil.
• Or a woman who wears tight, revealing clothing with plenty of cleavage – she must be easy, a tramp, a whore.

I think you get the point.

It is rather unhealthy to label people when you do NOT know their story or their history or their reasons why. Or who they really are. As human beings (earth things), we are not ALWAYS one thing or another or one way or another.

The same with feelings and emotions. We don’t always feel the same emotionally. We all can change like a fart in the wind. But according to society, you mustn’t be angry. You mustn’t show weakness or vulnerability. You mustn’t show any emotions whatsoever. OMG you are so “emotional” or “dramatic!” Again, this is soooooooooo unhealthy to label people in such an unfair fashion!! Toxicity at its highest!

Wouldn’t it be better to say, “you are ACTING – insert label here”? In my opinion, you are labeling the BEHAVIOUR not the PERSON.

But I also realize that labeling people makes other people feel better. About themselves. Because they don’t have to take responsibility for their OWN behaviour. And understandably, we wish to be around people who make us feel comfortable. In other words, I don’t wish to be around someone who appears to be gay, because that makes me feel uncomfortable. I mean, what if they come on to me? Or embarrass ME somehow? You get the picture.

Oh and to show that I am not even bitter or angry writing this post, I am currently jamming to this as I type:

Because things WILL get better. I always have hope of that.

Okay. Enough of the musical interlude. 😂

Anyway, as I like to end every post, if you feel that you cannot cope with your mental health issues, there is hope. Please click on the link below. Help is on the way in the form of online therapy, which means you don’t even have to leave your house. 👌😊

In closing, do yourself a favor and before you judge a book by its cover or label someone unjustly, think they are human just like you and me, and that we don’t know the whole story. And perhaps you should ask before you judge.

Also, to those of you who have been unjustly labelled and judged just because, continue to be the fabulous you, that you are. Everyone else can and WILL adjust. Or simply – as I am told – they can get over it. Ha!

That will do it for now. Until the next time, please be mentally well!

DEREK’S DISCLAIMER:  I am not a medical professional, neither am I giving any medical or legal advice. If you are seeking help from a doctor or an attorney, please consult said professionals.  These are my personal thoughts and feelings on the subjects discussed, and my blog is my own personal experiences and journey with mental imbalance.  Thanking you in advance!

I do not own the copyright to any songs or videos listed here. 

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER:  There are products on this page.  By clicking on the links, you will be redirected to that page at no cost to you.  However, I will receive compensation if you purchase something (which I hope you do 😊).

My friends, hello and greetings and salutations! Thank you for joining me on my 5th and final part of my series on religion and its effects on mental health and wellbeing.

Thus far, in case you missed it, I have given you, basically, the good , the bad, and the ugly about organized religion. Please see below what you have missed, thus far, in previous posts on the subject:

Religion: Helpful? Or Harmful and Toxic? Part 1

Religion: Helpful? Or Harmful and Toxic? Part 2

Religion: Helpful? Or Harmful and Toxic? Part 3

Religion: Helpful? Or Harmful and Toxic? Part 4

I shall endeavor to make this final part short and sweet! Actually, I could go on and on AND ON for days on this topic.

I do not have a particular subject for this one. This is more of a summation. I hope I have shown you, if nothing else, the effects that organized religion can have on mental health and wellness overall.

I think one thing I forgot to say, and make VERY abundantly clear, is that if a particular religion makes you feel bad or messes with your head in a very negative way, then I would absolutely question that religion. Others may disagree. In my case, it WORSENED my already existing OCD, which I didn’t know at the time.

Also, when organized religion is in the hands of the wrong people who use that religion to hurt people, then that is very toxic and potentially even dangerous. Religion should make you feel GOOD and uplifted. And it should never, ever be used as a weapon to belittle or hurt others.

For example, judging people for their looks or what they wear or their hairstyle or how they choose to live their life, especially when they are not hurting anyone.

Reminds me of the song Prince wrote for Patti Labelle entitled “Love 89,” that adequately covers what I am trying to convey. Check it out:

I also do not think religion should be used to run a town, city, government, or a country. No matter what anyone’s religious beliefs are, religion should stay out of government and politics. However, we are seeing the rise of right-wing Christian extremism in this country, for example. Funny, how we are not seeing a rise in Hindu, Jewish or Buddhist extremist ideology in the U.S.

Everyone does not believe the same, obviously, and to say that a nation should allow the government or governing bodies to be run based only on any religious doctrine is insane. You cannot and should not force someone to believe what you believe.

To me, that is a mental illness when you believe you have the right to do so.

Organized religion in the hands of the uneducated and the powerful can be an extremely toxic and even deadly thing. But don’t take my word for it. Just research history.

This series was in no way designed to get ANYONE to drop their religious beliefs. However, one should, again, think that if there is ever a moment when you feel your religious beliefs are harmful to you or to anyone else, perhaps you should rethink them.

I would offer this to any religious and/or devout person:

• First of all, you don’t need a religion to make you a good person. Read that again and take all the time you need.
• Secondly, just because you consider yourself a religious and/or devout person does NOT make you a good person. By all means read that again, and take all the time you need.
• In MY opinion, if you as a religious person are not trying to help make this world a better place for someone, and you are just proselytizing and breathing fire and brimstone, and you are just seeking heaven’s gate, no pun intended, then I do not believe your beliefs are worth much. We need your SERVICE not your LIP SERVICE!
• And for goodness’ sakes, please do not use your religion to hurt, belittle or denigrate anyone! The lasting effects on someone’s mind and psyche can be quite harmful, destructive, and devastating!
• And abortion and the LGBTQ community is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS! Yes, I went there! And speaking of homosexuality –

Another “rant” on homosexuality and religion. It is unconscionable the negative effects on mental health and the psyche that religion and PEOPLE professing certain organized religions have to say on the subject. I am talking words, tenets and beliefs that have hurt the LGBTQ community and quite honestly have caused MANY of my LGBTQ and nonbinary brothers and sisters to self harm and even to commit suicide. Once again, WORDS MATTER! And this kind of destructive hate towards the LGBTQ in the name of religion and/or God, etc., is EXTREMELY HARMFUL AND TOXIC AND ABHORRENT!

After all, homosexuality is certainly nothing new. Just do a little research and history, and you will see that it was the “Christians” who came along and ruined an otherwise natural – YES, NATURAL – comingling of men with other men, and women with other women.

And if there are any of you who are struggling with your homosexuality or bisexuality, etc., AND your religious beliefs, I want you to know and understand that your feelings are VALID. And you should NEVER feel ashamed for who and what you are, regardless of how you were raised or any religious doctrine. I am not your Higher Power or God or any of that, but believe me, I’ve been through all of this when I was in my own cult of hell. And do not suffer the way I did, mentally and emotionally, over the “taboo” subject of homosexuality and the Church. You are how your Higher Power made you. And in my opinion, NO RELIGION IS WORTH YOUR SANITY! Enough said.

Okay. NOW I’m done with my rant. 😊

I do realize this could be a multi-part series in and of itself – homosexuality and religion or homosexuality VERSUS religion or however you wish to look at it. Perhaps down the road.

As I close out this series, remember if you feel that you cannot cope or need to speak with a professional, then online therapy may be the way to go. You can do this in the comfort of your own home without having to get in traffic to drive to an office. Check it out by clicking on the link below:

So, to answer the original question of is religion helpful or harmful and toxic – I think it can be both, if not handled properly.

And that wraps up my series on religion and mental health. Please feel free to leave me a comment below. So, come back next week as I discuss what happens when you unjustly label someone. Until then, and as always, be mentally well!

DEREK’S DISCLAIMER:  I am not a medical professional, neither am I giving any medical or legal advice. If you are seeking help from a doctor or an attorney, please consult said professionals.  These are my personal thoughts and feelings on the subjects discussed, and my blog is my own personal experiences and journey with mental imbalance.  Thanking you in advance!

I do not own the copyright to any songs or videos listed here. 

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER:  There are products on this page.  By clicking on the links, you will be redirected to that page at no cost to you.  However, I will receive compensation if you purchase something (which I hope you do 😊).