Marisa Feathers

At 25 years old, I could say that I lived a long life. It was not complete in any way. In truth, I suffered more than people twice my age and even dealt with poverty for the most part. But I’m here to tell you my success story.

The Backstory

I grew up in Jaipur, India. It was considered as one of the most affluent cities in the country, considering that’s where you could see some of the grandest palaces that many tourists loved. More importantly, UNESCO hailed it as one of the world heritage sites, which increased its attractive qualities.

Coming from Jaipur, people used to think that I belonged to a wealthy clan in India. I would laugh curtly as I shook my head no. The reality was that there were 11 of us in the family – excluding my mother and father, who worked as a grade-school teacher and a soldier, respectively. Their combined income would have been enough for an upper-middle-class family with one or two kids. But with almost a dozen of us depending on them, it undoubtedly placed us on the poverty line.

I could remember those days when my father would come home from work with three packets of instant noodles. Mother would cook that with a lot of water and add more salt not to be too bland. Then, we would eat that with rice for dinner. This was our situation more often than not.

Since I was the 11th child, all my clothes were hand-me-downs while growing up. My mother would give me the clothes that no longer fitted my sisters. Sometimes, she would alter the ones that my brothers outgrew and made me wear them, too.

Because of poverty, many of my sisters got married as soon as they reached 18. Our parents could no longer send them to a university, and they did not know how to do any job, so they got married off to men who at least came from middle-class families. Seeing how some of them were unhappy about the arrangement, though, I dreaded the day when my mother and father would tell me that I should marry someone instead of dreaming of a professional career.

The Problem

I felt my parents gearing up to look for a potential husband for me when I had my 17th birthday. They would often converse in hushed tones, but I would hear my name now and then, which strengthened my suspicion about their plans. When they finally spoke openly, I said, “I know what you want me to do. I am not getting married at 18, though.”

“You will, and you should. We cannot afford to pay for any university, so it would be better if you tie the knot soon,” my mother replied.

The more my parents mentioned my wedding to someone they still had not found, the more I said no. They were cool about it at first, but when I refused to meet their candidate, my father gave me another option: leave the house.

Despite my heavy heart, I chose the latter option. My mother and siblings tried to persuade me to apologize and agree with everything, but I could never do that. I wanted to live before settling down and searching for a man that I should marry.

For weeks, I learned the meaning of couch surfing. I slept at any friend’s house that knew my issue and supported me. I also applied for a job at a fast-food restaurant to support myself. That was unheard of for a woman back then, but I did it because I had a bigger dream than becoming a housewife.

The Deliverance

My pastor at church had a daughter in the United States. When she came home for the holidays, I got to tell her what happened to me. Before she returned, she told me that her company gave scholarships to people from abroad who would be willing to write for their publishing house.

Of course, I grabbed the opportunity in a heartbeat. When my visa got approved and released after a few months of waiting and praying, I let out a loud sigh of relief. I could finally start fulfilling my dreams.

Fast Forward To 2021

I have been living in the United States for 15 years now. I still work at the same publishing company that has paid for my tuition at the university and brought me to the country. I have published several books, which are all about my life experiences. I initially feared that I would not be able to do that, but I understood that it was doable and fulfilling if the words were from the heart.

I am married now, too. The marriage happened out of love, not out of necessity. I eventually repaired my relationship with my parents and even got them to visit me once annually. I did not do it to boast or anything – I just wanted them to see that it was possible. After all, if I did not have those experiences, I would not get paid to write about them.

I am not a fan of expressing my thoughts and feelings, especially because most people will not care. I don’t find it comforting that others would tell me, “you will be okay soon,” and “everything is going to fine,” and stuff like that because I know they are not aware of what is happening with me. I don’t believe in surrounding myself with the presence of people because it feels like they are just hanging around to watch me fall.

Do I sound so negative? Of course, I am. Because part of human nature is cruel, they think it is necessary to always look down on others during their most devastating time. Perhaps they find it reassuring. Maybe they like it because it makes them think that their lives are much better than those who are seriously dragging their ass off mental and emotional health problems. But I don’t know for sure. I can’t just judge people only because they know nothing about my mental illness.

With that kind of negative mentality I possess, I know things can get a little tough for my overall well-being. But it is not like I did not intend to reach out and give people a break. Of course, I did ask for help from friends and family that I dearly love. Unfortunately, with their unconcern reactions and not many helpful opinions, my depression only got worse. That is where I tried outsourcing some help from people I don’t know, and I found most of them online through my blog.

Source: pixabay.com

Why I Write About My Mental Health

There is nothing special, and there is no particular reason why I write about mental health stuff. I just happened to love blogging because it takes my mind off of some things. Honestly, I never thought about using it to talk much about my mental health struggles because I do not see the point of expressing those things. I once thought that if I write about depression, people will only get drawn to the negativity and blame my writing for their inconclusive condition. However, I was wrong.

When I started writing about how I feel, it did not entirely take off on quite the first few attempts. A lot of people are ignoring it, maybe because they find it boring and uninformative. I don’t know. Perhaps I just didn’t let go of my emotions back then that I still had these restrictions as to what I should and shouldn’t include in my blog. But after a while of consistently opening up about my emotional and mental health issues, I find that people became more engaged with my writing.

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When I was involved in some of the details of my depression and shared even the darkest side of my struggle, I noticed that people were getting hooked on my blogs. That is where I received many comments and suggestions as to how to cope with depressive symptoms. Some experts even took a moment and posted some resources that they think would be helpful for my situation, and that was a huge bonus. Some highlighted the important assets that blogging could provide, such as the following:

• Noticing my negative thoughts and accepting them as is
• Replacing negative emotions with more positive ones
• Understanding what cognitive distortions are to address them properly
• Learning the key to starting a positive point of view in everything about life

I was in awe and entirely grateful with the whole blogging thing that I forgot about being depressed. That is so amazing. I found myself constantly chatting with some of the few people who once commented on my blog but now share the same experience as mine. I gained friends and a positive online environment through my writing, and that makes me so happy. Blogging became my fortress and best source of community support. It introduces me to a different world where I can be myself without being afraid of rejection and humiliation.

Source: pixabay.com

Final Thoughts

Of course, there are instances that some comments are not helpful at all. Some are mean and even triggering for severe depressive symptoms. But fortunately, those comments do not create an impact compared to the people who continue to provide positive feedback. I found that blogging made me realize that there are so many things I should be thankful for. It helped me focus on accomplishing better and stable emotional and mental health. Blogging made me appreciate my life even more.

So to answer the question of whether you should write about your whole experience with depression, the answer is an absolute yes! Blogging about mental health struggles is an unselfish act because it encourages people to also open more about their underlying psychological issues. After all, you might never know when you could hit the right audience and influence their lives positively through your own mental health journey.

 

You may think that because you know someone that has been a little off with their emotions, you know exactly what they are going through. But unfortunately, not unless you deal with the same shit they are experiencing every day, you will never understand their struggle. People with mental health issues are not just sad and lonely. There is more to their overall health than just having an emotional crisis.

Blogging

People with mental and emotional health often have a hard time discussing their day-to-day challenges. But that is not because they do not want to talk about it, but because they often do not understand what they are dealing with. Thus, the word you might utter, such as “I understand your pain” or “I know what you are going through,” may not seem helpful for a wider perspective.

Some mentally ill people you know can be expressive, while others may find it difficult to say anything about their mental health status. Given that both need attention, you might want to consider prioritizing those who can openly discuss their mental health conditions. That way, you can provide resources helpful for exchanging coping strategies as these individuals may be facing similar challenges. Use these people’s ability to express and take advantage of blogging to gather enough help.

Blogging And Counseling

There are tons of worth-reading studies that provide information about the impact of the expressive language of writing and journaling. There are claims that writing extremely helps with the better maintenance of people’s mental and emotional wellness. It supports the idea of expressing thoughts and emotions through well-drafted notes on experiences from traumatic or stressful life events.

It is like self-counseling, where people list all their worries, fears, and life stressors and convince themselves to get better afterward. There is a positive goal right there that writing brings to the table. Writing represents a toolbox for expression needed to improve self-esteem, reduce social anxiety, and eliminate emotional distress.

Blogging Is Sharing

Blogging promotes distinctive expressions where people talk about their mental and emotional health issues negatively. However, it does not matter because writing makes them feel they are not alone with the struggle, regardless of their situation, not being mentally and emotionally friendly. The important thing is that they can share information about what they are going through, and along with that are the signs and symptoms that others should watch out for.

Anonymity In Blogging

While some individuals find blogging time-consuming and draining, others love it due to its anonymity. It makes people express themselves without needing to give personal information that is unnecessary for the public. It supports more freedom of expression without being concerned about what friends and family would think. It somehow stops people from invalidating their feelings as other readers can relate to the blog despite not knowing who the writer is. As long as the message is well-delivered, it provides a therapeutic effect on both the writer and readers’ overall health.

Blogging Is Beneficial

Though blogging may not hold a typical cure to mental health conditions, it is beneficial in spreading awareness about some little-known disorders that people deal with silently. When bloggers write about something they experienced emotionally and mentally, it does not always have to have specific information about what it is since they somehow find the whole situation very confusing. But regardless of that, the benefits of anonymity in blogging promote endless support from people who survived or experienced the same mental and emotional health problems.

Blogging Inspires

Alongside the anonymity of the whole psychological situation, the best thing about blogging is getting enough information to help and inspire people to get better. Though it often starts with negative experiences, usually ends up with tons of encouragement. Individuals who are more than willing to write and share their everyday struggles show readers the reality of life damaged by mental illness. And readers respond to it by relating to the struggle and sharing opinions and coping mechanisms that they hoped would help.

Blogging Encourages

Blogging encourages a wide connection of people regardless of their gender, status, age, and psychological conditions. It promotes interaction from different types of people with the help of the comment section. It is where readers share and post their comments and opinions about what the writer is going through.

But people should be mindful that not all comments are friendly and helpful. Others promote harmful behaviors and often find the blog a perfect target for bullying, imposing negative comments, and provoking bad words. Individuals must learn to know whether some comments are supportive or destructive to not get into their heads and lose interest in sharing. It is vital to note that there are many advantages in writing and sharing positive and negative experiences. Hence, people need to understand how blogging can be used in the best way.

 

I have gone through my fair share of jobs, but I could honestly say that being a blogger was the role I was always meant to have. I enjoyed every minute of building my website and filling it with stories from my childhood, travels, or unique experiences. I also loved the fact that people would take the time out of their busy lives to send me messages about how my blogs inspired them or how much they could relate to them. Of course, the income I began to generate through my website was so good that I knew I wanted to do it forever.

What many people could not see was that writing was the only thing I felt confident at. I had been told all my life that I was not pretty enough due to my issues, you. I had also been told that I was not smart enough or nothing extraordinary about me. For years, I could do nothing but accept those words, especially when they came from my parents. Parents were supposed to know what’s best for their kids. Once I turned into an adult, though, I understood how twisted my Mom and Dad were for demolishing my self-confidence before I could even build it up.

But then, I discovered feature writing in high school. It meant that I could write an article, and I could add some feelings to connect to my readers. The more I opened my laptop or picked up a pen and paper to write a piece, the easier it became to pour my thoughts and emotions into every word. Then, I received validation when my classmate’s girlfriend from another school asked to meet me because she read all my write-ups and loved them. It made me feel invincible and important – like I could say everything.

The truth was, I could not do that. I even had to accept that my parents did not approve of my blogging career. They called it a phase – something that could go away any time. They told me to find a desk job and stick with it because that’s a stable income source. Nevertheless, the final stroke for me was when I overheard them belittling my bread and butter and calling it a hobby in front of their friends.

Mental Turmoil

I wanted to die that day. I seriously felt that I could become the President of the United States or the new Queen of the United Kingdom, and my parents would still think less of me. It was as if I could never do anything good in their eyes. I took out my laptop to write and ease my pain, but my fingers stopped above the keys as I remembered that I could not write anything dark in my blog.

People loved the silly or jolly me. They had never seen the depressed me. I feared that showing the latter side of me would make my subscribers go away, but my mixed emotions got the better of me that day and pushed me to create a new topic on my website: Road To Getting Mental Help.

Although many people would undoubtedly find it bizarre, I needed to do it for me. I had to peel away my covers if I wanted to live past my 20s. It didn’t seem like I could if I kept hiding that aspect of my life.

Some of the questions that I chronicled in my blog were:

Do I need to see a psychiatrist or psychologist? 

The answer depends on what kind of mental assistance you need. In truth, most people tend to see a psychologist for diagnosis. They have been trained to do that and counsel their clients on how to reverse or reduce their symptoms. Some psychologists even obtain a license to conduct therapy so that they can help others more efficiently.

When it comes to mental illnesses requiring antidepressants, sedatives, and other drugs, people need to see a psychiatrist. The reason is that a psychiatrist is technically a medical doctor and the only mental health professional who can prescribe medication to their clients. Hence, even if you go to a psychologist first, they may refer you to a psychiatrist in this case.

Why would I see a psychologist? 

• You suspect yourself of having a mental disorder.
• You cannot deal with or accept the death of a loved one.
• Your stress level has gone overboard.
• Your anxiety has been keeping you from communicating with friends and family.
• You feel helpless and worthless for an excessive period.
• Your fears have become irrational. E.g., you are afraid of eating, colors, or fear itself.
• There is a wrinkle in your family relationship that cannot be smoothed out easily.
• You do not know how to detach from unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, etc.
• It would help if you conditioned your mind before going to a big event.

What is the difference between a therapist and a psychologist? 

When trying to figure out the difference between a therapist and a psychologist, there are a couple of critical factors to look at:

• Education: Psychologists spend ten years in the university, taking up bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in psychology. These are the requirements before they can apply for a license and practice as such. Meanwhile, therapists do not specifically need to get a psychology degree, although their training and education should be related to social work, addiction, coaching, etc.
• Focus: The primary focus of psychologists is on helping their clients determine if they have a mental disorder or what it can be. Therapists, on the other hand, aim to rehabilitate people through psychotherapy and other treatments.

What are the three types of therapy? 

The three types of therapy include:

• Psychodynamic therapy helps people dive back into their most hidden memories and resolve their past issues.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy: It teaches people how to alter their thinking patterns to improve their behavior and mood.
• Humanistic therapy: It encourages people to realize that they can pull themselves out of any distressful situation.

Where do psychologists usually work? 

Psychologists are typically self-employed individuals. Meaning, after receiving a license to practice in or out of the state, they tend to set up their own clinic. The location is up to them, but it can be at home, in a hospital, or their own building.

Some psychologists work for schools, guiding students and teachers alike through their mental ordeals. Others join rehabilitation facilities or teach at universities.

Where do psychologists make the most money? 

Psychologists make the most money in the state of California. The estimated annual salary of psychologists there goes up to $120,000. This number may still increase, depending on the psychologist’s years of experience, credibility, and the kind of clients they cater to (e.g., celebrities, athletes, politicians, etc.)

Is Psychology a promising career? 

Yes, of course, psychology promises an excellent career. It may not have been the truth ages ago when people were still in denial about mental disorders, but that is no longer the case. As years go by, people seek psychologists’ help to understand why they experience specific symptoms and how they can get over them. Although most – if not all – psychological conditions are incurable, psychologists can guide their clients in reducing the impact of the disorders in their lives.

How do psychologists help you? 

Psychologists can do the following:

• Talk to clients regarding long-standing symptoms that get in the way of their lives.
• Help clients figure out how to cope with stressful situations.
• Conduct psychological assessments that will allow them to understand what’s happening in the client’s head.
• Offer a mental health diagnosis to clients and recommend possible treatments for them.

What are the five signs of mental illness? 

• Your anxiety and worries often go out of hand.
• When you feel sad or angry, you stay that way for hours.
• You feel like avoiding your loved ones or colleagues.
• Sometimes, you sleep and eat a lot. Other times, you don’t sleep or eat at all.
• Your mood swings severely.

How often should I see a psychologist? 

The most valid answer is that it depends on the severity of your condition. Many people need to see their psychologists once a week, especially if they are still in the observation phase and the mental health professionals are yet to make a diagnosis. Once it becomes clear what the clients are dealing with, it may turn into twice a week, once a month, or once every few months.

What do psychologists make annually? 

Based on studies, psychologists make an average of $60,000 annually. This salary may go down if: a) you have minimum experience or b) you work as a social worker or school counselor. Consequently, it may increase by a half or become doubled if a) you practice at an expensive city or b) you focus on in-demand fields.

Is a psychology degree worthless? 

No, a psychology degree is not worthless. In reality, it steadily grows in popularity. Some experts even project that there will be a 14% increase in psychology-related jobs up to 2026. Not to mention, holding a psychology degree entails that you can help as many people as possible understand mental health.

Where are psychologists most needed? 

Psychologists are highly in demand in Scandinavian countries like Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. The reason is not necessarily because of the poor mental health status of the citizens in those countries. Instead, it is because the Scandinavians are more open about their mental health than most people. They try to avoid the development of mental disorders with the help of psychologists.

What are the three branches of psychology?

• Basic Science of Psychology: It focuses on how animals behave mentally.
• Human Psychology states that cultures and other aspects make humans’ psychological functioning different from other animals.
• Professional Psychology: It centers on how humans can improve cognitive function and behavior.

Final Thoughts

I uploaded three articles under the new category on a Sunday. I clicked that Publish button with my eyes closed as I still wasn’t sure if it would make or break my blogging career. However, I soon realized that there was nothing to fear – those three got more views than my most popular blogs within 24 hours!

Because of that, I decided to take my readers along for the ride as I looked for a psychologist near my house, explored different therapies, and started my healing process. I was surprised when my parents visited me in my apartment one day and hugged me as soon as I opened the door. As it turned out, they read about my mental health journey and were so guilty for making me feel small for years. With therapy, writing, and the new bond I was developing with my parents, I soon overcame my mental health issues.

There are a lot of things we assume we understand about anxiety. Sometimes, we feel like we know what is happening to us and that we are too confident that we can manage. Honestly, that is okay. A positive mindset can greatly help us with our struggle with mental health conditions. However, not all are fortunate enough to get a hold of their mental health issue. Not all of us understand it, and some struggle with the right coping mechanisms because some do not fit their needs. Sadly, it becomes impossible to deal with anxiety even if we exert all our efforts.

Source: pixabay.com

With that, it is vital that we learn more things about mental health conditions, particularly anxiety, for it has been one of the most common psychological problems that most of us have to deal with every day. In line with that, here are some of the frequently asked questions about anxiety, along with additional information on its relationship to psychology and treatments.

What is anxiety disorder psychology?

Psychology explains anxiety disorders as a group of mental disorders characterized by distraught feelings of fear. There is often an unexplained worry about future events. In some unfortunate cases, these feelings cause physical symptoms, such as shakiness increased and heart rate.

 

 How does a psychologist help with anxiety?

Psychologists help patients with anxiety through CBT. It helps them learn to identify and manage the triggering factors that contribute to mental disorders. Also, patients learn to understand how their current thoughts and feelings contribute to their daily mental health symptoms through CBT. A psychologist also provides high-quality psychological treatments.

But you have to remember that spending time with a psychologist will not automatically guarantee the best results in anxiety recovery. Individuals should have a working relationship with the professional expert so that the therapy can work. It is crucial to entrust feelings and thoughts with a stranger, so people should try their best to look for a psychologist that they can trust and feel comfortable with.

 What are the six common types of anxiety disorders?

The most common major types of anxiety disorder are, without particular order, the following: Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia), specific Phobia, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, and generalized Anxiety Disorder.

 

 What is an excellent way to deal with anxiety?

Some of the most recommended ways to deal with anxiety include getting enough sleep, proper nourishment, hydration, and exercise. It is also vital to connect with people and spend quality time with friends and family. Always remember to clear thoughts and feelings by paying attention to the good things in life.

Yes, some life changes will not be easy, and it may take you a while to finally get through with your mental health issues. But be mindful not to give up trying. Dealing with anxiety is always a struggle. So if you constantly find yourself emotionally and mentally exhausted, focus on your goal of becoming better. Stick to the main reason why you wanted to get better in the first place.

 How can I kill anxiety naturally?

You can always reduce anxiety naturally by focusing on what is best for your mind and body. These include positive lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, and practicing mindfulness. It is important to note that removing negative habits such as alcohol drinking and smoking can help.

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 What is the first sign of anxiety?

It is entirely essential to watch out for the common anxiety signs and symptoms that can affect your daily life. Some of the things you can acknowledge are constant nervousness, restlessness, and fatigue. Having an increased heart rate and having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom are signs of anxiety.

 

 Does anxiety go away if you tend to ignore it?

Unfortunately, ignoring your anxiety does not help. You can never stop the relentless thoughts in an instant. You will need clinical assistance and proper treatment for the severe ones too.

While, in some instances, you may ignore your anxiety, it is not recommended at all times. Yes, you can try and divert your attention instead of thinking too much about your mental health. But it is important to address your anxiety before you end up dealing with severe symptoms of the condition.

 What are the main causes of anxiety?

Here are a few of the causes of anxiety. It could start from work stress or any sudden job expectations. A sudden change in living arrangements, pregnancy and giving birth, and family and relationship problems can add. It can also come from extreme emotional trauma following a traumatic event, usually from emotional, emotional, sexual, or physical abuse. And the most intense cause can come from the death or loss of a loved one.

 

 How are you diagnosed with anxiety?

A doctor or mental health expert performs a physical exam to analyze an anxiety disorder. Usually, it starts with asking questions about the symptoms you experience in a day to day endeavor. Some and recommends a blood test to help determine if another condition gets associated with the anxiety symptoms. The doctor will also need information regarding the medications you are taking.

 

 What will the doctor do for anxiety?

Aside from therapy, some cases of anxiety disorders will require medication. With that, experts may prescribe certain antidepressants. Usually, an anti-anxiety medication called buspirone is the common one on the list. Your doctor may prescribe sedatives in limited circumstances, known as benzodiazepines or beta-blockers, to ease anxiety symptoms.

But be mindful that despite proper medication, you should not rely on those exclusively. You need to try your best to change your lifestyle as well. You don’t just get better with popping pills because there is a tendency that it might damage your health instead of helping it. Be conscious about what you can do so that you won’t have to rely on medication alone.

 Is anxiety a mental illness?

Anxiety is considered a mental illness when it drastically interferes with daily activities. Anxiety disorders are serious medical conditions that you should not ignore. Anxiety disorders are the most common and persistent mental health disorders in the United States alone.

 

 Is anxiety considered a disability?

The Disability Discrimination Act may cover anxiety disorders, provided that there is medical evidence to prove its diagnosis. There should be a medical record of the anxiety affecting daily performance. That way, The Act makes it against the law to discriminate against a person because of their mental disability.

 

 What is the best job for people with anxiety?

Some of the best-recommended jobs for people with anxiety include Pet Care Professional, Graphic Designer, Computer Programmer, Accountant, House Painter, Librarian, Writer, and Grounds Maintenance Worker. These can vary depending on the person’s level of anxiety, though.

 

 Can I take time off work due to stress?

Different laws regarding stress leave may vary from one country to another. However, there is a law specifically implemented in the United States. It is called FMLA or “family medical leave act,” which can “guarantee specific employees unpaid leave each year up to 12 workweeks. That is with the assurance of not losing their jobs.

Source: pixabay.com

Takeaway

You probably will have to deal with anxiety whether you like it or not. But before you lose all the confidence and indulge in self-loathing, understand your mental health situation first. That way, you can process treatments and medications much better.

 

Have you met anyone who has taken the proverbial road that’s been less traveled by many?

If not, hello, I’m Jason. I used to be a very obedient boy who did everything his parents ordered without any question. I was always on the clock; I was never allowed to go out with my friends. All my parents wanted me to do was study so that I could become a doctor someday, just like them.

In reality, however, I questioned my folks every time in my mind. They merely did not know about it because I feared getting sent to a boarding school if they caught me acting up. So, I studied hard and eventually earned my pre-med degree and got into med school to please them.

Now, whenever I told people about my dilemma, only a few could understand me. Many of them said, “Your parents want to pay for your med school. Boo-hoo!” They assumed that I was a bratty kid who could not appreciate all the privileges that were within an arm’s length, but they were wrong.

I was—and forever will be—grateful for everything that my family has given to me. Despite that, my passion is not into curing or diagnosing various diseases, no matter how noble the profession may be. I wanted to be a blogger and a thumping good one at that.

My Journey To The Blogging World

I got a shot towards my dream job when I saw an ad for a guest writer at an online magazine. I dug up a few old articles I wrote way back in high school and updated and sent them to the editor with my resume. Two weeks passed by, and I was losing hope about receiving a reply. But one afternoon, I got an email from the said online magazine editor, saying that my articles impressed me. They wanted me to do a piece regarding the challenges that teenagers with strict parents were facing these days.

Well, the editor couldn’t have given me a better topic than that. And when my friends read the final copy, they all said that I had the potential to have a writing career. Of course, hearing that meant the world for me. It was something that my mom and dad never supported, claiming that there was no money in any writing job.

Without my parents’ knowledge, therefore, I created a blog. It was about the three things I was interested in: traveling, gadgets, and DIY hacks. The first few weeks were idle; only my pals visited the website. However, for some reason, I woke up one day with tens of thousands of online visitors. Companies were asking how much I wanted to get paid to write about their products, too.

Despite my parents’ protests, I moved out of the house, dropped out of med school, and started blogging full-time.

Problems With Blogging

Blogging gave me peace of mind for years. Everything I couldn’t say for years, I managed to let out through my writing. Readers held on to every word I wrote; they loved getting tips and advice from me. Luckily, my family didn’t write me off entirely, but I also knew I didn’t want to hear a single I-told-you-so later, so I made sure that my blogging career would thrive for a long time.

The problem is, after the fifth year of being a blogger, my craft started feeling more like a job than a hobby. I wrote and published blogs on specific days; my social life was hanging by a thread because I focused on the website too much. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, my blog was giving me mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

What To Do

It took a few more months before I decided to do a self-intervention. Below are the countermeasures I had taken to feel better about blogging again:

Go On A Long Holiday

My first action was looking for a European cruise that would let me stay away from home for at least a month. When I found one that would go around almost every European country for six weeks, I grabbed the opportunity immediately.

I used this time to reconnect with my adventurous side and get to know other cultures. Every time we docked in one city for two days, I walked around, met some locals, and practically learned how to enjoy life without worrying about my website.

Stop Writing On Schedule

Being too organized did not do me any good over time. I thought it was the best thing to do back then, but it backfired on me as I kept pushing myself to write when my brain didn’t want to cooperate.

During the cruise, I still wrote blogs, but I only did it whenever I felt inspired to do so. Mind you; there was a stark difference with my writing experience here. The words flowed from my brain to my pen more smoothly; I almost didn’t need to think about what I wanted to say.

Bottom Line

The trip renewed my love for blogging and allowed my mental health issues to go away. I didn’t know it was possible, but it happened. If your career gives you depression or anxiety, too, try to be spontaneous and approach things differently. Good luck!

 

 

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This is such a great time to be alive – living in an era of supreme technology, information, and great opportunities. It does make one overwhelmed sometimes, but it is absolutely exciting. It provides a lot of benefits for families from all kinds of angles. With the rise of digital phones, computers, and tablets even getting more modern and upgraded, more families depend on the World Wide Web for various data, entertainment, and of course a way through which they can share their lives with their other loved ones and the rest of the people across the world. Maintaining a family blog site is a progressing trend that is projected to exist for a long time. Many websites are presenting their platforms for free or for very affordable one-time fees so that practically anyone can create his or her own blog in the design and template that suits is customized to their lifestyle.

So why is it that more and more people, including families, are trying to learn and run a family blog? Here are some of the most common reasons that some members of the household gave us during a survey.

To Keep In Touch

Some studies have revealed that approximately 40% of people stay in their hometown, the place where they were born. This means that a massive 60% of the rest of the Americans had gathered their roots and brought them along when they left their hometowns to find greener pastures in other cities or states – or countries. Some families go where jobs are plenty and accessible; others want to escape a sad past or just can’t wait to experience the sounds and sights of the city.

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Whatever reason they may have, this carries a sense of solace for a lot of families that are striving to keep in touch with people that they had left before they wanted a new life. Running a family blog site is a wonderful means of keeping their significant others informed and updated about their whereabouts and whatnot – everything that the family is going through with each of their lives – especially those relatives who live far from them. Popular social media platforms that are being used today are Instagram and Facebook. But more than just a space for a family vacation and candid photos, blogs can help record the big or small details that make up their journey as a family.

Documenting Events And Experiences

You may not realize it first when you’re just doing the laundry and tidying the house, but these simple moments will pass you by quicker than you expected. Creating a family blog is a great and cost-effective way of keeping records of the various challenges of each family member. Soon, when the kids are off to college, they’re going to look back and have a read at the blog and thank their parents for teaching them to clean up and always spend time together in the living room on weekends. They’ll sit down and talk with their friends about how they miss their family and perhaps share with them parts of their blog about their exciting family outings. You can also treat your blog as a journal of your family’s highs and lows and how you were able to survive by helping each other. It will feel nostalgic just scanning through the pages and reading about your first Christmas in the city or the first big baseball game that you watched together.

Free Digital Album

Almost everyone loves to take family pictures – and what better way to capture and save these photos but through a blog site that you can visit anytime. You won’t have to purchase a photo album and see what goes in or what doesn’t. If you want to revisit your trip to the Niagara Falls, then you can always do so any time and any place where there’s an Internet connection. You don’t need to carry a bulky photo album with you just to keep your family close to you while you’re away. Plus, you get to share these photos online for your relatives and close friends to see. If you wish to have a more organized digital album, you can assign tabs for each family member and place corresponding photos there. This is a wonderful habit that should be passed on to generations.

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Filter What You Share

Of course, not all family members remember the time John got a contusion during summer camp with the same affection – John most probably doesn’t want to recall this as often as you do. Make sure that all family members approve the posts – posts that are will not put them in an insecure, dangerous, or uncomfortable position. A family blog site is also not the best space to vent about a family quarrel or secret. Give your posts a long thought of whether or not they are inspiring or harmful. Family blogs may not be all good and colorful, but they shouldn’t be degrading or too revealing either. What’s private must remain private for the family.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, maintaining a family blog provides more good than harm and offers a lot of benefits for very few risks. Families just need to agree on their own rules and, of course, follow simple and easy guidelines. You can’t stop time from running fast, but you can keep a record of memories that families can cherish for a lifetime.

 

 

 

There are a lot of things you can use to ease up the anxiety you feel during this pandemic time. Perhaps you tried reading a lot of books, or maybe you tried learning how to cook. Or you managed to binge-watch your favorite series or entertain yourself through your mobile device. Well, all of those are beneficial in keeping you sane in this time of crisis. But for me, I entirely like one thing in particular, and that is writing.

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When Did I Start Writing?

At first, I thought it was too late to grab a pen and a notebook and write something, particularly about this whole pandemic situation. I was having difficulty putting my thoughts and emotions in a piece of paper because I thought it would be useless. That writing will not take the negativities in my head, so I was entirely hesitant to work on it. But for the past couple of weeks, I felt so distracted, and I can’t explain why. I was always annoyed and irritated by all the things around me. I distanced myself from everyone because I often experienced a meltdown where all I do is cry and complain about my situation.

I was too focused on my hardships that I don’t care about what others are struggling with. I felt I deserve all the attention because I was vulnerable, and I can’t deal with my mental and emotional issues alone. I was too selfish even to care to think of other people’s needs because I felt like it would be a waste of time. That’s where it hits me. I need to straighten my thoughts, and that is where I started writing all those negativities down.

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What Did I Write?

I was confused as to how I should write everything in my head. Luckily, I managed to collect my thoughts and list all the things I hated about my life. Here are some of those:

I hated that people look down on me because of my inability to create and sustain a conversation. I hated how people judged the way I chose to dress. I hated living all alone, but I don’t want other people to enter my life. I hated how I wished everyone dead because but I believe they deserve it. I hated other people when they make excuses, but I like it when I excused myself. I hated how things around me are always changing because I don’t want the new normal. I hated that I struggled with anxiety and depression, which is because of the uncertainties of this pandemic.

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After I wrote down some of these negative thoughts, I was shocked to realize that I have been struggling emotionally and mentally over the past few years. I was unaware of my life situations, and I thought I was okay. That is where I became thankful for this pandemic state because it showed me that I was in bad shape. And after writing all those things, I began to think of the inevitable. I aimed to be better. So after listing all of that stuff, I immediately looked for solutions to the problems I have one-by-one. Now, I can say that I handled some of the worst thoughts I have, and I felt better now that I recognized what life my issues are.

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Honestly, writing doesn’t have to be anything fancy, nor it needs to cost a fortune. All you got to have is a notebook and a pen where you can get your thoughts down. From there, you write, read and internalize the things you wrote about yourself and learn from it.

 

It has been almost entirely a month since the world came across the COVID-19 virus. Admittedly, it is not a comfortable situation. There are lots of affected people on each side of the world. The sad part, a lot of them are dying. No one knows how to stop this. Also, no one knows the exact time when this pandemic would end. It seems like everything about it is hanging in the air. The mass testing, the lockdown, and the loss of economic strength, everything is exhausting.

 

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The Fear Of Losing A Life

One thing that causes too much anxiety in this situation is the fear of losing someone due to the virus. People hear the news every day that a family member or a friend gets contacted with the disease. There is this daily hope that makes individuals wish not to see a familiar face on the television because they already know what the news would bring them. Though I understand the emotional relief of knowing that the particular person they saw on the story is not someone they know. Still, everyone is scared of their loved ones.

But the hardship never ends there. The fact that if someone these people know got infected, the person needs to isolate himself from the rest of his family. Imagine him living inside the same house having limited access to the people he only wishes to see. It is devastating. And to think that it is safe and all, no, it is not. The level of anxiety increases because that individual could have infected this entire family in seconds if not careful enough to follow strict protocols.

 

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The Worries Of Not Living Life

Currently, people understand the situation. Somehow the majority of them are still inclined to listen and follow specific safety protocols. But though they feel a little less stress staying at their homes, the anxiety they feel for not enjoying life is lurking inside. Of course, people do want to have themselves infected with the virus. But they do not want to get stuck in their homes for the rest of their lives either. They need the outside world because there is more life there than in the four-cornered wall.

Perhaps everyone can understand that the fear of not losing a life is more significant than the eagerness of exploring the outside world when there is a virus present. Honestly, staying at home is very challenging. People need to stop doing what they used to do and just stay at home. Well, it is not that the whole process is unworthy because the lockdown brings the family together, though. But for some, the situation increases anxiety as well as boredom.

At some point, this pandemic takes everyone’s emotional and mental strength down to the pit. The fear of losing a life and not living life to fullest collide. But what choice do people have?

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Takeaway

You see, this virus is not something people can’t shrug off. It kills thousands of people across the globe in a limited amount of days. And if you think about it, no one is entirely safe. Every person’s lives are in danger. People may not like what is happening in the world right now, but all they can do is hope and pray that things will soon come back to normal.

There is nothing more worrisome than recognizing that the world is not safe anymore. But even though people already experienced the worst, a lot of them still look on the bright side. That this situation is temporary, and sooner or later, it will end. Yes, no one knows when and how, but it will get there.