Updates from Greg and Sheri

Hey there, mental health warriors! Have you ever found yourself sinking deeper into your depression or anxiety, and without even knowing it, you start pushing the people closest to you away? You're not alone. It's a common thing to do when we don't mean to - it's simply a manifestation of some of the symptoms of mental illness. In this blog post, we will explore what happens when you try to survive your mental health on your own, and what you can do instead. So, let’s dive into the art of pushing people away when you have a mental illness and don’t mean to.

First of all, let’s explore the reasons why we push people away. When things get challenging and our mental health is taking a toll on our lives, it's common to feel like you're alone. We don't want to burden our loved ones with our problems, so we try and resolve things on our own. That's where the problem starts. Depression and anxiety feed on isolation. Without realizing it, we can shut ourselves off from the world without even realizing it and that’s when we start pushing people away.

Every one of us has our own unique experience when it comes to mental illness, but we all experience some sort of patterns. Once we recognize the pattern of how we push people away when things start to spiral, we can start to mitigate the harm done by taking action. We can be honest with our loved ones about our experience, we can share our feelings, communicate our needs, and ask for help if necessary.

One of the best things about seeking support is that it allows us to connect with people who understand. Mental health support groups, online forums, or even social media can be a great place to find people who get it. You can gain valuable insights into how others push people away when they don’t mean to. It's helpful to be able to relate to people, especially when it comes to mental health, so finding a community can be so beneficial.

Now that we know why we do it, how to recognize the pattern, and how to connect with others, the next step is to take action. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Take it easy on yourself if you find yourself pushing people away. It's tough to deal with mental health, and it's even more challenging to communicate that experience effectively. But it's worth remembering that you don't have to go through it alone. If you can give yourself space to feel and connect with others who understand, you take the first step towards healing. So, keep going and don't forget to be kind to yourself. In this blog post, we discussed why we push people away when we have mental illness, how to recognize the pattern, and the importance of connecting with others. Remember, we all deserve support and love, and it’s okay to ask for help when we need it. We hope this post helped you understand how you can navigate the art of pushing people away when you have a mental illness and don’t mean to. You’ve got this!

 I have been living with my partner who has Borderline Personality Disorder for the last six years. It has been a challenging experience for me but also an enlightening one. I want to share my story and provide some insights and tips for people who live with someone with mental illness.

Educate yourself - the first thing I did when my sister was diagnosed was to read and learn about the disorder. This helped me understand her symptoms and how to live with them. There are fantastic resources online, books, and support groups that can help.

Communication is key - open and honest communication is vital when living with someone with mental illness. You need to talk about their symptoms and how to handle them in case of a crisis. I have found that talking to my sister when she is calm and in a good mood has been helpful in avoiding emotional breakdowns.

Be supportive - people with mental illness require support both physically and emotionally. Medication, therapy, and regular checkups are necessary for people with bipolar disorder. Accompanying your loved one to these appointments and being there during their low moments can make a difference.

Take care of yourself - living with someone with mental illness can take a toll on your mental and emotional health. It is essential to take care of yourself and seek support if needed. Meeting with friends, going to therapy, and practicing self-care can prevent burnout.

Celebrate little victories - mental illness can be overwhelming and sometimes, it can be easy to focus only on the negative aspects. Celebrating small victories like going to therapy regularly, taking medication as prescribed, and being able to manage their symptoms can go a long way in improving the person's self-esteem and mental health.

Living with someone with mental illness can be a trying and rewarding experience. It is essential to educate yourself, communicate openly, be supportive, take care of yourself, and celebrate small victories. The most important thing you can do is to be there for your loved one, to support them, and to remind them that they are not alone in their journey.

John 3:16 is perhaps one of the most famous verses in the Bible. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." It's a message of love, hope, and promise that has inspired believers for centuries. But did you know that it could also be paired with grounding essential oils? Yes, you read that right- John 3:16 and grounding oils. Let's explore why these two seemingly different things might just be a match made in heaven.

First, let's talk about what grounding oils are. Grounding oils are essential oils that are used to promote a sense of stability, calmness, and balance. These oils come from roots, trees, and resins and are known for their earthy, grounding scents. Some common grounding oils include patchouli, vetiver, and frankincense. So what do grounding oils have to do with John 3:16? Well, let's look at the verse again: "For God so loved the world". God's love is all-encompassing and grounding oils can help us feel more rooted in that love, allowing us to experience a deeper sense of peace and security.

Secondly, let's consider the second half of the verse: "that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life". Believing in something can be hard, especially when we can't physically see it or touch it. This is where grounding oils can come in handy. When we inhale the earthy scents of grounding oils, our mind and body can be reminded of the physical presence of the earth beneath our feet. This can help us feel more connected to the world around us and remind us that there is something larger than ourselves at play.

Thirdly, let's talk about how we can use grounding oils in conjunction with John 3:16. One way to do this is to create a grounding oil blend and use it during prayer or meditation. Combine 3-4 grounding oils together (i.e. patchouli, frankincense, and vetiver) in a roller bottle with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil. Roll the blend onto your wrists or the bottoms of your feet before beginning your meditation or prayer practice. As you inhale the scent, recite John 3:16 to yourself. This can help you feel more grounded in your faith and more connected to the world around you.

Fourthly, let's consider the power of scent. Scent is incredibly powerful and can be used to anchor memories, emotions, and experiences. When we pair grounding oils with John 3:16, we're creating a powerful sensory experience that can help us tap into the spiritual significance of the verse. This can be especially helpful during times of stress or uncertainty when we need a reminder of God's love and presence in our lives.

John 3:16 and grounding oils might seem like an unusual pairing, but they both share a common goal- to ground us in love and faith. Whether you're a believer looking to deepen your spirituality or someone looking for ways to create a more grounded and calm existence, incorporating grounding oils into your daily practice can be a game-changer. So next time you recite John 3:16, consider pairing it with your favorite grounding oil blend and see how your experience shifts. Who knows, it might just be a match made in heaven.

Preparing for bariatric surgery can be a daunting experience. You might be feeling anxious or overwhelmed about the upcoming procedure and its potential impact on your life. One thing you can do to ease your concerns is to make sure you are fully prepared for your hospital stay. In this blog post, we will discuss all the essentials you need to pack for the hospital so that you can focus on your recovery after surgery.

1. Comfortable Clothing - You want to make sure you pack loose, comfortable clothing that will not irritate your incisions.  I suggest a sundress You might have to wear compression socks, so pack clothes that are easy to put on and take off. It's also worth investing in some looser clothing for after you leave the hospital, as your stomach will be swollen.  I wore nightgowns only.  I bought new pjs for the hospital but my drain was making a mess everywhere, ask for a second gown to act like a robe when you walk around your room or hallway. 

2. Personal Hygiene Kit - You will likely be in the hospital for a few days after your bariatric surgery, so don't forget to pack personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hand lotion, brush or comb, shampoo, and conditioner. You might also want to pack your own soap, as the hospital soap can be harsh on your skin.

3. Electronic Devices - You will be spending a lot of time resting, so bring along any electronic devices that you enjoy using, such as a tablet or e-reader. Make sure you also pack chargers for all your devices.

4. Medications - If you are currently taking any medications, make sure you pack them in their original bottles, along with any prescriptions from your doctor. In case of confusion.  Don't take additional meds other than what they give you so no chance of overdose.

5. Supportive Items - Finally, make sure you pack any supportive items that will help ease your recovery after bariatric surgery. For example, a body pillow can help you find a comfortable position to sleep in after surgery. You might also want to bring a heating pad to help soothe any soreness or discomfort. a small pillow for between you and the seat belt. 

In conclusion, preparing for bariatric surgery can be an emotional and stressful process, but packing the right essentials for your hospital stay can help ease your anxiety and help you feel more comfortable. Remember to pack comfortable clothing, personal hygiene items, electronic devices, medications, and supportive items, so that you can focus on your recovery and healing. By being fully prepared, you can start your bariatric surgery journey on the right foot and feel confident in your ability to heal.  Ask for a dose of pain reliever before you leave the hospital.  we hit ever single bump all the way home I am sure of it.