Special Blog Post #60
So here’s a Round Up of Great posts around the world and in ours. This is our 60th post by the way!
Lets take a look at what has been happening…
#1 Guardian and Observer Charity Appeal for Mental Illness this Christmas
It is kudos to the Brit newspapers, the Guardian and the Observer as they launch their charity appeal for mental illness this Christmas. They are raising money for ‘nine superb UK based charities’, (to quote their words!). Each of these organisations challenge the stigma and taboo of mental illness and create positivity in attitudes among people and society at large.
Defying Mental Illness will be sponsoring their worthy cause. As the British supermarket, Tesco says, ‘Every little helps’. You can’t give too little or too big for any worthwhile cause. Check what the Guardian and Observer are doing here.
#2 Santa is NOT coming to get you
While trolling round the internet, we came across this post from 2007. Although very old news now, we can still learn lessons from past, insensitive mistakes. Here is what happened to a wonderful magazine that got a bit carried away:
“ It was meant to be a lighthearted seasonal reflection on a serious subject. But not everyone got the joke. The top ten of festive songs poking fun at psychiatric problems was published in a magazine for patients using mental health facilities. The list – entitled Christmas Carols for the Mentally Disturbed – describes psychiatric conditions and suggests songs to suit the illness. For multiple personality disorder there is We Three Kings Disorientated Are; paranoia is coupled with Santa Claus Is Coming To Town To Get Me; narcissism – Hark The Herald Angels Sing About Me”
Read more here
Don’t’ be carried away by too much festivities that you unwittingly or not cause more distress to those who are finding Christmas a bit of a challenge this season. Even if no offense is meant, offense will be taken. Remember what happened to the high street shop Joy, not too long ago. They ended up being coined with the phrase #joycott. So avoid the embarrassment and sing wisely! Here is a recap on the saga with Joy and also what not to say to those challenged with mental illness this season or ever!
#3 Ebola on our minds
Zoe went to town in this column, calling on everyone to be accountable in the war against Ebola. Whilst commending the efforts of volunteers and those in high risk jobs, Zoe appealed for common sense to prevail, for those on the front line to give no excuse for irresponsible behavior that puts lives at risk. Just a few weeks the burial workers in Sierra Leone went on a rampage over unpaid allowances taking bodies that had died from Ebola from a morgue and dumping on the streets and in front of Ebola clinic!. Zoe has not minced her words in this passionate and heartfelt column; See for yourself here.
On Defying Mental Illness, we have had some amazing posts. Lets take a look at some from some of our columnists in the last couple of weeks:
#4 Mental Effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
This butchery and barbaric act often brings shivers to my spine. No surprise, Anne tells us the traumatic effect it has on those who have endured this cruel act that is often done in mindless culture. Can ignorance still be an excuse this day and age? I don’t think so and Anne certainly does not. The long term effects of FGM can cause mental issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, hallucinations, nightmares, psychosis.
One positive thing that has come out of the devastation of Ebola in West Africa, is that FGM has been brought to a near halt among girls in Sierra Leone due to fear of contracting the disease.
Halleluiah! Thank God some girls have been spared the trauma. Please let us educate ourselves on these things so we can give our voice to put an end. I will leave you to read Anne’s column.
#5 Dealing with Bullying
Dealing with Bullying by Samson shows us how to face up to this aggressive, unwanted behavior. Someone once said bullies are themselves cowards. How true?
I personally believe bullies have deep rooted issues. And when they bully others, they transfer their anger and issues to their ‘victims’ making the cycle a perpetual, never ending one. I believe the whole act of bullying should be zapped at the source. And Samson gives us good meat to chew on just how to do this here.
#6 Tanning the Safe Way
And to round up our round ups (!) on a lighter note, Beautifully Bronzed has some amazing beautilicous tips for us. No one likes looking orange in an attempt to get that golden tan. Besides, no one wants to get the tan look at whatever costs we may have to pay later in life with sun damaged skin.
Have you ever considered a spray tan? With Christmas coming up, it might just be what you need for the much longed for bronze look. It is quick and easy. This is beauty without the pain!
Please let others know of the great posts you read here at Defying Mental Illness (Share, email, comment, etc) . We have been there before with challenges with mental illness and want others to be defy this disease like we do. So the more who hear of us, the more winners we have! Have a blessed Christmas.
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