Mental Health

Mental Health Disorders Info

Stigma is not something to push aside or ignore. Ignorance is the biggest problem. Don't let ignorance stand between you and helping others. Mental illness is a real thing, and it affects nearly a fourth of all Americans. That means, more than likely, someone you know has a mental illness. Does that make them dangerous? Does that make them incapable of functioning 'normally'? No. In fact, not only are those cases fairly rare, but they are usually treatable. If the person will seek help. Stigma often prevents that.

From the site linked above (emphases added):

• 20 percent of the ailments for which Americans seek a doctor's care are related to anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks, that interfere with their ability to live normal lives.
• Some 8 million to 14 million Americans suffer from depression each year. As many as one in five Americans will suffer at least one episode of major depression during their lifetimes.
• About 12 million children under 18 suffer from mental disorders such as autism, depression and hyperactivity.
• Two million Americans suffer from schizophrenic disorders and 300,000 new cases occur each year.
• 15.4 million American adults and 4.6 million adolescents experience serious alcohol-related problems, and another 12.5 million suffer from drug abuse or dependence.
• Nearly one-fourth of the elderly who are labeled as senile actually suffer some form of mental illness that can be effectively treated.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24.

Learn some more regarding mental illness. Share what you know. Help make the stigma just a little bit less, and make it easier for people to feel ok getting help.

"[A]s many as eight in ten people suffering from mental illnesses can effectively return to normal, productive lives if they receive appropriate treatment..."

We wouldn't blame someone for going to a doctor for trouble breathing, or a racing heart, or intense headaches, right? Why should it be any different when the cause is more psychologically based?

Mental Health Disorders Info

The Wheel of School

It's comin' round again. That's right, I'm heading back to VA this week! Crazy how fast the summer can go.

My job at the Cafe went great, and I might be able to come back and work some more during Christmas break, depending on how long I have. The past two years we've only had two weeks off for Christmas. However, I have seen on the school's calender that we should be getting three weeks off for Christmas this year! I'm hoping so. It'll be a nicer rest time, and I think it'll cut down on the amount of sickness at school in the spring. :p (again, hoping)

Another good thing: I've been writing a lot this summer! Well, I have more been using Dragon for dictation, which is helping my arms, so I guess 'technically' I've been dictating a lot this summer. (that sounds funny... XD) BUT either way, I've gotten at least 5 chapters written this summer for my Nightmare Before Christmas fanfiction!! I am now working on chapter 30. The entirety of those previous 29 chapters is around 110,000 words, which I am super happy about. I want to try and finish up the story before I hit 35 chapters, and see if I can finish it up right quick, too. I was hoping to do it before getting back to school, but despite not doing that, I'm rather happy with what I have done.
(Note: if you are interested in reading it, I post it on fanfiction.net - http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3800184/1/Broken-Doorway . I will say the first chapters are rough, but it gets better as you go, really.)

Anyway, at school this coming semester, I'll be taking Intermediate Creative Writing again (it's a weird set-up; gotta take it twice to get into Advanced), Approaches to Literature, Intermediate Ballet, Abnormal Psychology (technically "Topics in Family and Child Development" ), and Epistemology (the study of knowledge). That last one's a philosophy course, if you couldn't guess~

I am excited for all the things I'll be learning! I've been keeping up with ballet on my own over the summer, doing the exercises I remember from class two days a week, generally for an hour or so. I've been doing yoga stretches the other three days of the normal week, so I think I'll be at least semi-prepared for ballet this semester. I bought a book for the psychology class last semester really cheap, and have been reading it most of the summer. I'm a little over half-way through, and while I've discovered we're using a newer edition in class, I'm hoping that I'll be able to use this one because the books are super-expensive... And honestly, I don't think a great deal is going to change between the editions besides some pictures and categories. The latter mostly because of the release of the DSM-V earlier this year. In case you didn't know, the DSMs are a series of manuals that help present symptoms of different disorders in categories. They aren't a guarantee for diagnosis, nor are they exactly correct all the time - most professionals simply use it for referencing. Most insurance and similar companies won't offer support unless something is 'officially' diagnosed from the manuals, though, and even then I'm pretty sure most plans don't cover mental health, which is stupid. Anyway. Informative rant over.

Other than classes, though, I'll be involved in extracurriculars again. Aaaaall over the place. Just seems to be something I can't keep away from. XD' I've been doing a bit of prepping for those in addition to packing lately, because I'm usually one helping to getting ads and public information together. I hope it all works out alright. :p

So! I probably ought to get back to packing now. Even though I've got a lot of that covered, actually. But I'm still organizing notes and stuff. Always organizing. (because I keep forgetting to keep up with it...)

Off to another school year!

Heeeeeyyyyy....

I'm back in Texas!
...for those who didn't already know. <w<'

It has been a while since my last post, but I am in fact still alive. I'm now working part-time at the Observatory Cafe, pretty much just doing Star Parties. The nights can be late, but honestly, it's not too different than when I was at school. My body gets on a different schedule at home than at school, though, so it's a bit tiring at times - but I'm happy with it. I get time during the day to work on my own projects, which are finally making progress!! Not just small steps, either, but good bites! Like I found out that I can write a bit over 10,000 words in a week if I've got the determination, even with distractions. ^.^

Speaking of projects, I'm finally nearing the end of transferring my notebooks over to computer text. That way I can index all my notes, and compile them according to topic instead of just being here-and-there-and-everywhere. I have three more notebooks to complete, including the one I'm on currently because I'm already almost finished with it... XD'
Thankfully, my Dragon (software) has been cooperating with me as well, and it's been helping me get my notebook stuff transferred. Typing by hand works too, as I'm doing right now (because it's faster), but when I've already got something written down, Dragon helps speed things up. Unless, of course, I've got a whole bunch of non-existing words, or it's in Spanish. Then typing is still better. But Dragon is behaving for me again, pretty well thus far; let's hope it continues.

Another wonderful thing: we've finally been getting rain!! <3 For at least the past week we've been getting thunderstorms here and there. It's been glorious~

I'll try to remember to upload some pictures of clouds that I got the other day. Thunderstorms can create the most beautiful sunsets.

Until then, back to projects!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone!
I took a doodle I did during sacrament today and scanned it, then painted it in Photoshop~ :3
I was originally planning on using the tempura paints I have to actually paint it, but I realized that 1) getting the right colors with the awfully-translucent paints I have would be super frustrating, and b) that it would take forever to do, and I knew there were other things to get done. Plus, 3) my arms would not like me very well afterwards, since I'd probably do it all in one sitting... <w<'
This only took about an hour or so~ :)
I'm so happy with that tree~!! I usually make them look super-awkward and stuff! While it's not amazing, it's my best one yet! <3

...Moving on.

Yesterday I got the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. for a class trip, and we went to the National Gallery of Art! I went once last semester for a different class, and there are still a number of things I haven't seen! Here's me in front of the main rotunda fountain of Hermes. All the fountains were all decked out for Easter. Or maybe it was for the Cherry Blossom Festival...? Or the National Kite Day? I don't really know. There was a lot going on, but I'm assuming they were celebrating Easter.

And there are so many things I love to just sit and look at! Like Degas. He was so talented - there's a whole room dedicated to his statues of ballerinas/dancers and horses, pretty much. I love looking at the crazy poses he was able to get! Not only that, but he did some wonderful paintings, too. They were scattered around on the upper floor.

*sigh* Alas, we had a packet to fill out, which did allow us a nice semi-overview of a good portion of the building. However, there was just so much to do... but I loved the time I had there. I was with my roommate, and we did the packet (same class), and looked around a bit.

Then, we went over to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History! Goodness; smaller building, sort-of, but packed full of amazingness!! We spent the most time in the mammals area~

 The top one actually was a lead into the gift shop, but a good portion of the rest of the animals were similarly action-posed! And the second picture is an interesting little area talking about how the dingo (front) is still around, and has outlived the thylacine (in the back), believed now to be extinct. I couldn't help but think of Tazza!! <3


I also oogled over the bones section for a while~ <3 Next time, I'll plan on just spending a day in this museum or something so I will be able to actually assimilate more information.

 We briefly saw the Hope Diamond - it's really quite pretty, but the mob surrounding it was ridiculous!! I mean, look at that!

After that, quick jaunts to the gift stores to get magnets, and then it was time to head out! We were in D.C. for about 5-6 hours. There was a lot to see and do, and we only did a fraction. I am perfectly fine with that, though.
And Allan now has evidence he travels with me!

Then, after we got back from that, my roomie and I hoofed it to a cafe in town to get to our RA's concert! She's really quite good - writes and sings her own music for keyboard. She doesn't have anything for sale yet, but she's working on it~ ^.^
So... since my car is getting fixed right now, we walked there and back up the hills to our dorm, after walking all over in D.C.. My legs are kind-of letting me know, but not nearly as bad as I was anticipating. (Of course, talk to me tomorrow, and we'll see. XD)


That was yesterday, the 30th. On Tuesday the 26th, I had an experience I will remember for the rest of my life with happiness and joy. I got to go see a Broadway production of Les Miserables~!!!!!!!! *scream of joy*

Same theater in Richmond in which I saw Wicked and The Lion King. I love that place so barking much.
I know the story of Les Mis by heart; have read the book (unabridged), listened to and seen the 10th anniversary I don't know how many times, listened to the 25th anniversary as well (doesn't stick in my mind as much, though)... I'll be seeing the new movie once I get home. I wasn't sure if I'd ever get to see the musical performed though.
AND then this opportunity came up. I got medium-priced seating from the school, and ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. <3 I really should have known that I'd need tissues though. Really. I noticed later that my hands were rather salty because of all the tears I wiped away. >w< Usually, I don't cry so much, but Les Mis is a crazy spot for me. I cried at the end of the book. I cried when I first saw the anniversary performance. I expected to cry here, but got so excited I forgot tissues. XD AH well - I survived. And loved it. So barking much. <3 <3

I noticed a lot of things, some new, at least to me, and some not so new but wonderful reminders. So, I wanted to catch you all up with my craziness, and also wish you a happy Easter. I love the gospel, and I love the people in my life. Thank you for helping me look again at some of the things I've done.

School will be done next month... *sigh* I will do as best I can for the rest of this semester!

Wheel Keeps Rolling

So... I'm good at keeping track of things. I just don't share them very quickly. :3'

Spring break has come and gone for me here at school. I spent most of it happily engrossed in books (got through 9 mangas!), and keeping my foot up, for my left large toe had somehow gotten infected and I had to get the toenail removed. It's still recovering from that currently, but I'm not hobbling really anymore, and I can usually keep my foot down for the entire day, with only occasional elevation time periods, instead of visa-verse.

Schoolwork-wise, I am in another Art class this semester: 2D Design. It's really quite fun, although challenging for sure. Mostly because of the time it requires. My arms don't always like it when I spend hours at a time painting or sketching. The class is great though - there are so may talented people in there! I love seeing what they all can do~
I'm also in Ethics this semester, which is rather interesting. I read a book about lying for it, and I am consequently thinking of buying the book for myself... It's called "Lying: Moral Choice in Public and Private Life" by Sisela Bok. I recorded so many notes/quotes from it.... X3
Other classes of mine this semester include Beginning Ballet, Arts in Western Civilization part two, and Intermediate Creative Writing~ And, of course, Institute, but that's been a constant during all my semesters. And will continue to be.

I've decided to step down from my position as Photos Editor for The Paladin, our school newspaper. While it paid and is a good job, it just... I am doing a lot. I'm getting paid better for being a Spanish tutor this semester. And while I cannot cease being a part of The Paladin because I've been with it since my first semester, I will no longer be officially part of staff. Nor will I endeavor to take those responsibilities again, at least this semester. Too much else to do.
Speaking of such - I'm now one of the leaders of the creative writing club on campus, The Underground. I'm really hoping it goes well. A lot of people are going to be graduating and moving on - I will endeavor to keep things alive whilst changes occur.
I know it sounds like I'm simply replacing a nice paid position with a non-paid more intensive position, but really I don't think I am. The Underground won't require me to be aware of every single activity going on on campus. And while I will probably invest some more time into it than my other position, it will be more of what I want; writing is really something that I want to get more invested in. I love photography, but I'm not huge on the public-relations portion of it. I can do it, and I know it's necessary, but it's not the avenue of photography I'd want to pursue for myself. Writing is. Writing always will be. Being a part of The Underground like this will be most... intriguing~ And exciting, I believe.

The Doctor Who Club is going to be needing a leader for the next semester, but I'm not going to be doing that. I really love the club, and what we do do is tons of fun. We got together just this past Friday and watched "The Fires of Pompeii". We had discussions regarding the role of responsibility, and how it can and/or should be used. We also talked about time, and fixed point possibilities, and it really reminded me of Metaphysics quite a bit~ Our sponsorial professor Dr. Jones was able to be there for a while, and he's always so good at these kind of discussions~! (He's the Metaphysics teacher too. XD) We also found out that we have collected about 1133 boxtops this year thus far!! We put TARDISes around the school to collect for the local schools. The campaign has been getting better each year~

Hm... Not sure what else to say. Attempting to write, getting more notes transcribed to the computer...

That's all for now, I suppose~

Happy New Year!

It is now 2013. That will throw me off for a while. But, it does every year, so I shouldn't be surprised. XD

So! I am at my home in TX right now, but in the midst of packing to head out. I will be leaving on a plane early in the morning tomorrow (Thursday) for VA again, and I'll have a few days until school starts again on Monday.
Currently, I am eating some wonderfully delicious Russian salad from my friend's New Year's party up at the Observatory, and our kitty Kali is sprawling in my lap. Tasha is in my room, sitting in the sunlight and staring down my suitcase. I think they know I'm going again

Christmas-wise, I first flew to Arizona and met my parents at the airport - then we stayed a while with my grandma Biel and uncle Roger. We played games and had fun talking together~

One of our last days, we also went and saw The Hobbit in 3D! <3 I heard some people complaining about it before I went to the movies, but I seriously didn't even notice that 3 hours had passed by the end of the movie. It was quite wonderful~! [I am hoping that when I return to VA Le Miserables will still be playing - didn't get a chance to see it, and I am so barking excited for it!]

After that, we returned to TX and I have been seeing a multiplicity of friends, and spending time at home with my parents. One of my friends who moved to Utah just before I left for school this past semester was given a Christmas gift of coming back for a while! I was so excited to see her~ <3

I got quite a few wonderful presents, and I don't think I can name off everything. But I can try~
- A new hat~! It's fedora-esque, but soft and grey.
- A new leather purse! Maybe it'll help me cut down on carrying so much... XD'
- Cards and some money
- Music and food
- "Steampunk Bible", "a fully illustrated compendium" of all things steampunk, including it's origins
- Beautifully embroidered soft zipper bags to carry things
- A clay-crafted steampunk dragon pen! (technically a birthday present, but I count it as both. I've named him Allan~)
- "Manga Females Clip Art" book and CD
- Necklace and earrings of gears (fake, but they're lighter that way, and still look fantastic) (picture on Facebook)
- A portable jewelry organizer! It's got tons of zipper pockets on a hanger. Now maybe I can keep my 40+ necklaces untangled when I travel! 8D (yes, I really do have that many)



School-wise, things have been rather crazy. My academics have been going well, though, and while it was a lot of work, I managed to pull all As this past semester~! WOO!! My finals went exeedingly well too: while I did study, I didn't feel overly-stressed, even during the tests. I hope that this next year will be similar in results, but lower on the during-semester stress. A number of outside-academic factors played into that, such as finances and clubs. I plan on budgeting better this year, though, and being firm.
I may possibly be doing tutoring as well. I haven't yet, but I could get paid by the school for it, and I know I have the knowledge to help. Just gotta figure out when...

Speaking of searching, I've been doing research regarding careers and looking into the future, somewhat. I have decided that I want to go into Psychology. I'm really interested in biopsychology, or cognitive neuroscience, or something to that effect, but that will require a lot of schooling, so I'm thinking of going for something a little less intensive to get a job first, like assisting as a clinical psychologist, before I can get the education for research. Of course, the other one will still require graduate school, but I believe I will be able to do it. Now to just locate schools to do such...
I don't have plans set in stone - heck, I just figured this portion out this past week! But I am getting more definitive, for sure.

In the meantime, I'll do my best at what I have going right now and hope I get enough funds to continue with my current schooling. Oh scholarships, why must you be so difficult to acquire?! You would think having a high GPA ought to help... XP

Well, I need to return to packing. I shall endeavor to write more frequently, but we shall see!

Oh, and yesterday, I had this strong urge to create a cat plush of sorts - meant to be Mogget from Sabirel (book). I wanted to make him before school started, but that failed, so I thought during school I'd do it, but that didn't happen... So I spent a good portion of the day yesterday sewing him together while watching shows with my parents and friends~
No, not stunning or anything, but it actually sort-of looks like a cat, so I'm happy! XD Tis my first attempt at a plush of any kind~ My mom helped me finish the last portion, as my hands were about dead, and stuffed him quite nicely.
Maybe I'll draw eyes on him later. :p For now, packing!