I am defined by my human spirit; the color came with the package, Unique!

© 2012 B.Garcia

It is important to remember something regarding mental illnesses when talking about them.  There are many conditions with a diversity of symptoms; they also differ in ranges and levels of complication.  If I consciously understand my condition(s) and I have moments of clarity, certainly I can be able to cope and prepare better for those moments that are not the good ones.  The explanation of mental conditions are everywhere.  For some years already, I started seeing myself as who I am with an illness that gets me at times, and for those times I have prepared certain strategies to do my best…Sometimes they will work, sometimes they won't, but to tell you the truth, it is better than nothing.  Some examples: I have at least three mentors or friends I can at least call in bad times, but these friends already know a positive realistic way to deal with me; I have ice or frozen oranges for anxieties (yes, even have a little cooler to carry cold water, oranges, etc); Have special and happy notes, cards, drawings here and there from love ones (I have two that are framed and on my desk); Have index cards with positive thoughts or breathing processes for those times you are alone.  Anyway, just some techniques to share.

No more Stigma; time to learn

It is imperative for those who have a mental illness, like me (OCD, PTSD) to educate themselves.  I have learned to cope with stigma and advocate for those without a voice.  The professionals in the Mental Health Areas should create groups regarding how to deal with stigma, their rights, and coping with difficult situations with those who do not understand our illnesses.  Also, we need to take responsibility of our conditions and empower ourselves.  The results are great.  If you have any questions regarding stigma, let me know.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Awareness and Support

© 2012 PeaceLove Studios

Some time ago, as many other days, I was searching on the Internet for information regarding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), associations, symptoms, therapies, and any other related topic.  Although I have been facing depression and anxieties, the diagnoses I have been given were: Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression.  A psychological test administered two years ago, introduced me to PTSD and OCD, but the results of the test were never discussed in detail with me.  My symptoms do meet the criteria for those two illnesses, but there was something else that was not clearly pointed out by the psychiatrists I was seen until September of 2012, when I had my last hospitalization.  The Psychiatrist in charge of me at the hospital took her time to observe and detect those symptoms that were misunderstood for so long by other professionals.  Finally, I was diagnosed with OCD and some PTSD which bring up the depression and the anxieties.  Not only she recognized my illness, but she discussed a treatment plan that was going to start while at the hospital.  Those two weeks opened my mind to a new way to understand and cope with my mental illness.  Dialectical Behavior Therapy has been my path for the last three months.  Mindful awareness of, emotion regulation.  DBT has been more effective for me than Cognitive Therapy alone.

My desire and need to know about my mental Illness and the best available tools to cope day by day have motivated me to search for other projects, groups and other people's stories to create awareness, acceptance, as well as, assist those with mental illnesses to belong somewhere in society without fear of a stigma.

One of these new programs is PeaceLove Studio, founded by Jeff Sparr:

I invite you to take a look at this program and its mission and impact:

© 2012 PeaceLove Studios

If you want more information about peacelove visit: PeaceLove Studios