Tag: Mental Health

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Controlling The Turbulent Waters of Impulsivity After a Stroke

Written 6/16/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

From a young age, I’ve battled with an impulsive streak. Ideas would hardly settle in my mind before I found myself acting on them. This trait often landed me in hot water, especially during my school days. I recall sitting in class, deeming the lecture both dull and incorrect, and voicing my disagreement without a moment’s hesitation. Over time, I learned to curb these impulses, training myself to pause and make conscious choices before reacting. Although perfection eluded me, I gradually gained a semblance of control over my actions, a victory in its own right.

However, this hard-earned self-control was one of the casualties of my stroke. Suddenly, I found myself grappling anew with my old impulsivity, which made itself known in ways both frustrating and perilous, particularly during my initial stay at a care center. A typical example was my frequent, middle-of-the-night awakenings with an urgent need for bathroom use. Under normal circumstances, this would be a straightforward, albeit annoying, situation. However, in my post-stroke weakened state, these moments became fraught with danger.

I vividly remember one such instance when, on the immediate impulse to get out of bed, I sprawled on the floor. The loud buzzing of an alarm followed, signaling a nurse to my unintended distress call. After triggering the bed’s alarm system, I faced a stern reprimand. I was instructed to press a call button and wait for assistance instead of attempting to rise. Despite this clear directive, the impulse to get up before remembering to press the button happened repeatedly, each incident a stark reminder of my diminished control.

As the frequency of these accidents increased, my wife and mother alternated nights by my side, vigilantly ensuring that I didn’t fall out of bed. This period of intense vulnerability was humbling and highlighted the extent to which my stroke had stripped away the coping mechanisms I had painstakingly developed over the years. Alongside the resurgence of impulsivity, I discovered a heightened distractibility that made concentration a formidable challenge.

Reflecting on these experiences, I recognize that the journey of recovery and adaptation is as much about relearning and restructuring old strategies as it is about physical rehabilitation. The process is slow and often discouraging, but it is also filled with moments of profound learning and personal insight. Regaining control over my impulsivity hasn’t just been about preventing physical falls; it’s been crucial in reestablishing a sense of agency and self-assurance shaken by my stroke.

In sharing my story, I hope to offer solace and understanding to those navigating similar challenges. Whether it’s due to a stroke or another life-altering event, the path to reclaiming bits of oneself can be arduous and steep. Yet, with perseverance and support, gradual progress is possible. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and adaptability to unforeseen changes.

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Reflecting on “Thirteen Reasons Why”: A Novel’s Impact on Teen Issues

In the United States, a number of books have been challenged or banned in schools and libraries. Among these, “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher caught my attention when I saw it on a list of 100 banned books. I chose this book not for any specific reason but because it was readily available.

The story begins with a high school student, Clay Jensen, receiving a mysterious package. Inside, he finds several tapes recorded by his deceased classmate, Hanna Baker. The tapes reveal thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life, and each tape is dedicated to a different person who contributed to her decision. Clay follows a map Hanna left behind as he listens to the tapes, uncovering his peers’ often painful actions and choices.

Throughout the book, issues such as betrayal, bullying, underage drinking, and sexual assault are explored. These topics start with a rumor about Hanna that spirals out of control, impacting her profoundly. Despite her attempts to seek help, the lack of adequate support reaches a breaking point for her.

Clay’s tape does not accuse him of harming her. Instead, Hanna wanted to share her feelings with him because he genuinely cared for her. This part of the book made me ponder whether I could have been as supportive as Clay tried to be, especially if I faced rejection. In the end, Clay hesitated to help her after the rejection – which I could not really blame him.

“Thirteen Reasons Why” was one of the top ten most challenged books in 2012, primarily because of its raw depiction of sensitive issues like teen suicide and bullying, which some thought inappropriate for young readers (Gomez, 2018). These concerns led to its removal from some school libraries and even bans in certain districts.

Despite having yet to experience high school in the U.S., the book paints a realistic picture of teens’ pressures and challenges. It might resonate with many young readers who see aspects of their own lives reflected in Hanna’s story.

As I read, things might have been different for Hanna if the adults around her had offered better guidance. Her parents’ constant arguing and the ineffective advice from her school counselor added to her sense of isolation. Those thoughts made me question why more supportive measures, like counseling helplines and better communication, were not available to her.

The book is undeniably provocative and presents an opportunity to address the real issues it raises. Research indicates these problems are widespread, with studies showing that bullying, drug addiction, and alcohol issues are major concerns among teens. Additionally, over 20% of teens have considered suicide (Pappas, 2023), highlighting our lack of infrastructure and emphasizing a critical need for better mental health support in our schools (Stamm & Assefa, 2023).

Banning the book doesn’t solve these underlying issues. Instead, we should focus on improving our social support structures for distressed young people. The story “Thirteen Reasons Why” is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding, particularly when addressing sensitive issues among teenagers.

In conclusion, Jay Asher’s novel is a powerful tool that encourages deep reflection on how to better support our youth. Rather than shying away from complex topics, we should use stories like these to spark meaningful conversations and push for changes that genuinely help those in need. Despite its controversies, I hope that this book will be read by many, whether they are parents, educators, or simply individuals who care about the well-being of young people.

 

References

Gomez, B. (2018, September 17). Banned Spotlight: Thirteen Reasons Why | Banned Books Week. Banned Books Week. https://bannedbooksweek.org/banned-spotlight-thirteen-reasons-why/

Graf, J. M. H. and N. (2019, February 20). Most U.S. Teens See Anxiety and Depression as a Major Problem Among Their Peers. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2019/02/20/most-u-s-teens-see-anxiety-and-depression-as-a-major-problem-among-their-peers/

Pappas, S. (2023, July 1). More than 20% of teens have seriously considered suicide. Psychologists and communities can help tackle the problem. Https://Www.Apa.Org. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/07/psychologists-preventing-teen-suicide

Stamm, K., & Assefa, M. (2023, June 1). There aren’t enough psychologists trained to treat kids in need. Here’s why. Https://Www.Apa.Org. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/06/psychologists-needed-to-treat-teens

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The Silver Lining: Finding Positivity After a Stroke

Written on January 9, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

I would never have willingly chosen to experience a stroke. Yet, it’s undeniable that not all outcomes from this ordeal were adverse. My journey through stroke recovery has led to several unexpected improvements in my life.

Before the stroke, I was battling clinical depression, a heavy and constant companion. However, post-recovery, this burden has significantly lifted. While I can’t attribute this change solely to the stroke, it certainly acted as a catalyst for many other transformations that have helped alleviate my depression.

Dealing with hypertension or kidney issues necessitates a careful consideration of diet. In my case, meat consumption is minimal, and dining out has become a rarity. Fast food is almost entirely off the menu. My wife, believing in the power of physical activity to aid brain health, encouraged me to start running—a practice I had never engaged seriously in before my stroke.

This health scare has revolutionized my approach to exercise, diet, and sleep—critical components of a lifestyle that combats depression. Although these changes were initially made to address my stroke and kidney disease, they have had the added benefit of improving my mental health. The irony is not lost on me. At the same time, I had struggled to implement these lifestyle changes to combat depression directly; the stroke forced my hand, leading to a healthier way of living that inadvertently addressed my mental health issues.

Admittedly, adopting an optimistic outlook does not come naturally to me. Yet, I find myself grateful for having overcome depression, despite wishing that it hadn’t required enduring a stroke and kidney failure to achieve this victory. Since I can’t alter the past, I’ve chosen to focus on appreciating what I have now instead of mourning what was lost.

This journey has taught me that within the heart of adversity lies potential for growth and healing. While the path to recovery was neither chosen nor easy, the resultant shift in my lifestyle and perspective has significantly improved my overall well-being. It’s a poignant reminder that the most profound changes sometimes come from unexpected places.

 

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Cultivating the Mind: The Art of Mental Pruning for Self-Improvement

From the recesses of my earliest memories, I’ve battled the demons of intrusive thoughts and impulses. While I have successfully tamed the majority, a few still slip through the cracks, especially in moments of distraction or heightened stress, leading to undesirable actions. To mitigate such occurrences, I practice what I’ve come to call ‘mental pruning.’

Mental pruning is a conscious, deliberate effort to suppress and eventually erase impulsive, negative thoughts. The process demands envisioning the person I aspire to be; this mental portrait serves as a benchmark against which I assess the nature of my impulsive thoughts. It acts as a guiding light, illuminating the counter-thoughts that help me weed out the undesirable ones.

For instance, there have been occasions when I’ve snapped at my wife unreasonably. Recognizing this as contrary to the person I strive to be, I visualize the action, recoil at the thought, and reestablish a mental image of my ideal self. Through repetition, I notice such impulses diminishing as if I’ve pruned that branch of thought to the extent that it no longer overshadows my desired thinking.

This strategy of self-training may resonate with you. While it’s no easy feat and demands constant vigilance and mental effort, I can vouch for its efficacy in my journey. It may well be adaptable to your pursuit of self-improvement, helping you become the person you aspire to be.

By becoming conscious of an intrusive thought, I focus my willpower on suppressing it, aiming to expunge it from the recesses of my mind. This task necessitates the formation of a mental image of my ideal self. I employ this image as a comparative tool to assess impulsive thoughts and as a wellspring for the counter-thoughts that cleanse my mind of negativity.

Such a mental pruning exercise is not merely an act of suppression; it’s a cultivation of the mind, nurturing the positive and curbing the negative. The analogy of pruning is apt, as it embodies the essence of selective elimination and regrowth, creating room for the blossoming of desirable thoughts and behaviors.

The journey of mental pruning is far from a stroll in the park. It demands resilience, patience, and a relentless pursuit of self-betterment. The fruits of this labor, however, are profoundly rewarding. The diminishing of undesirable impulses and the flourishing of positive thoughts are testaments to the transformative power of this practice.

I hope that sharing my experience with mental pruning may inspire others to embark on their journeys of self-discovery and improvement. The road may be arduous, and the pruning shears may sometimes feel heavy. Still, the prospect of cultivating a mind enriched with positive thoughts and actions is a compelling motivator.

 

I encourage you to explore the potential of mental pruning. Adapt it, make it your own, and witness its transformative power on your journey toward becoming the person you wish to be. After all, the mind is a garden. It can flourish into a sanctuary of peace and positivity with careful tending.

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The Struggle of Practicing My Own Advice: Coping with Loss and Self-Care

Hello to my cherished readers,

Today, I grapple with the tricky endeavor of heeding my counsel from just a day ago. As some may know, my long-time furry companion, Gambi, passed away yesterday at 16. Acknowledging the weight of this loss, I allowed myself to step back from my routine. Sure, I managed to pull off a single exercise set and even went for a run, but sitting down to write eluded me. Yet even as I mourn Gambi, who meant the world to me, I must acknowledge the importance of sticking to my other commitments. While I did fall short in some areas yesterday, I feel a sense of pride for pushing myself to do what I did manage to accomplish.

Yesterday was tough, no doubt about it. However, a surprising solace came in the form of exercise. It wasn’t a magic cure; emotionally, I was still shattered. Still, something about the physical activity provided me a slight reprieve. Reflecting on that experience has made it easier to muster the energy to exercise today. Slowly but surely, I intend to get back in the saddle. I’m not naïve enough to think that I’ll swiftly move on from the absence of Gambi in my life. Still, through sheer will and effort, I anticipate that, eventually, I’ll come close to being the person I was before.

Arguably, the most challenging part of this transition has been grappling with how ingrained Gambi was in my nightly ritual. For years, my bedtime routine commenced with calling Gambi into the bedroom. As I nestled into bed, I’d tell her I was ready for our usual evening snuggles. She’d promptly saunter over, perch on my right shoulder, and start purring, a comforting sound that had become as essential to me as a lullaby. The gaping void left by her absence makes me wonder how I’ll adapt my routine to compensate for this loss. Although uncertain about what will fill that emotional space, I am optimistic that something will eventually.

For now, the most I can do is heed the advice I’ve been doling out all along. It’s challenging, but if I expect to encourage others, it’s vital that I also live by those principles myself. Self-care and maintaining routine might feel like climbing a steep hill. Still, they’re crucial steps toward navigating through this emotional labyrinth.