Lavender

Isla Fisher

Grief is one of the most personal and profound experiences we go through and one of the hardest to put into words. Whether you've lost a loved one, a pet, a relationship, or even a version of your life you thought you'd have, grief can shake your world in ways you didn’t expect. This article offers gentle understanding, validation, and support as you navigate the many layers of loss. What Is Grief? Grief is a natural emotional response to losing someone or something deeply meaningful to you. It can affect your mind, body, and spirit in ways that are surprising and overwhelming. You may feel: Sad, angry, or numb Disconnected from the world Tired but unable to sleep Anxious, guilty, or regretful Like you're on an emotional rollercoaster All of these responses are valid. Grief has no script. There Is No “Right Way” to Grieve One of the biggest myths about grief is that it follows a neat timeline. In reality, it’s messy. You might feel okay one day and broken the next. That’s not weakness it’s being human. Some common stages include: Denial: “This can’t be happening.” Anger: “Why them? Why now?” Bargaining: “If only I had done something differently…” Depression: Deep sadness and withdrawal Acceptance: Learning to live with the loss You don’t have to move through these in order. You may return to some over and over again and that’s normal. Types of Loss People Often Overlook: Grief isn't only about death. It can come from: The end of a relationship or friendship Losing a job, home, or sense of identity Health issues or a sudden life change Pet loss, which can be just as heartbreaking as losing a human loved one All grief deserves compassion, no matter the source. How to Cope With Grief Gently Give Yourself Permission to Feel You don't have to be strong all the time. Let the tears come. Let the silence happen. Your feelings matter. Lean on Others Even a Little Whether it's a friend, therapist, or this community, talking about your grief can help release the weight of it. Create Rituals to Honor the Loss Light a candle, write a letter, share a memory small rituals can help you stay connected in a healing way. Be Patient With Yourself There is no timeline for “moving on.” Focus instead on moving through—day by day, moment by moment. Take Care of Your Body Eat something nourishing. Get some air. Sleep when you can. Grief is exhausting; your body needs support too. You Are Not Alone It might feel like no one understands your pain but someone does. In this space, you're free to grieve openly, without judgment or pressure to “get over it.” Healing doesn’t mean forgetting it means learning to carry the love and the loss together. Want to Share? Have you lost someone recently? What’s helped you cope or what do you wish others understood about your grief? Your words might offer comfort to someone else who's hurting right now. View full article

@ronnie It's a pleasure to meet you.

Think the news is all doom and gloom. I hardly watch the news too. so much evilness with wars etc..

You’re Just a Bit Busy Sometimes, dealing with anxiety or stress can make it harder to fully engage with others emotionally. This is completely normal, and everyone needs time to process difficult feelings. Let your loved ones know that you care deeply about them, even if you need some space right now. Reassure them that you’ll be back to engaging in deeper conversations and connections when you feel more ready. If you’ve been struggling for a while, talking to a therapist can be a great way to get support and learn healthy coping mechanisms. Quiz ExpoQuiz: Are You Emotionally Unavailable? Based on 15 SignsA detached person feels unempathetic towards others. Do you feel the same way? This emotional unavailability quiz will expose the truth.

You Are a Tortoiseshell CatYou’re full of personality, radiating confidence and individuality. Your independent streak makes you stand out, and you’re never afraid to speak your mind. Despite your fiery nature, you’re fiercely loyal and full of heart for those you care about.

Same.

English and Science.

Right. My son and husband are left.

In today's fast-paced world, stress and anxiety can easily become overwhelming. Mindfulness, a practice rooted in ancient traditions, offers a powerful tool for managing stress and cultivating calm. By paying attention to the present moment, we can break free from the cycle of worry and distraction that often dominates our lives. What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of being fully engaged in the current moment, without judgment or distraction. It's about paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without getting caught up in them. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a greater awareness of ourselves and the world around us. Benefits of Mindfulness Reduces stress and anxiety: Mindfulness has been shown to decrease the production of stress hormones like cortisol, leading to a sense of calm and relaxation. Improves focus and concentration: By training our minds to stay present, we can improve our ability to focus and concentrate. Enhances self-awareness: Mindfulness helps us develop a greater understanding of ourselves, including our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Boosts mood: Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing can increase the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which can help improve our mood. Simple Mindfulness Exercises Mindful breathing: Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, noticing the sensation of the air moving in and out of your body. Body scan: Lie down or sit comfortably, bringing your attention to each part of your body, starting at your toes and working your way up to the top of your head. Mindful walking: Take a slow and deliberate walk, paying attention to the sensation of your feet touching the ground and the movement of your body. Getting Started with Mindfulness Start small: Begin with short mindfulness exercises, like taking a few deep breaths or noticing the sensation of your feet on the ground. Make it a habit: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine, such as right after waking up or before bed. Find what works for you: Experiment with different mindfulness practices, such as meditation, yoga, or guided imagery, to find what resonates with you. By incorporating mindfulness into our daily lives, we can cultivate a greater sense of calm, clarity, and well-being. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve your focus, or simply feel more present, mindfulness offers a powerful tool for achieving your goals. View full article

A mental health crisis occurs when someone’s emotional or psychological well being deteriorates to the point that they are unable to cope or function normally. It is an urgent situation that requires immediate attention, support, and sometimes professional intervention. What Does a Mental Health Crisis Look Like?Mental health crises can vary widely between individuals, but some common signs include: Intense feelings of despair, hopelessness, or panic Thoughts of self-harm or suicide Extreme mood swings or agitation Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities Confusion, disorientation, or inability to communicate clearly Dangerous or reckless behavior These symptoms often escalate quickly and can be overwhelming for both the individual and their loved ones. Causes of Mental Health CrisesCrises may stem from various sources, including: Pre-existing mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia Traumatic life events such as loss, abuse, or violence Substance misuse or withdrawal Severe stress or anxiety buildup Sudden changes in medication or treatment Often, a combination of factors contributes to the crisis. What to Do During a Mental Health CrisisIf you or someone you care about is experiencing a crisis: Stay calm and listen. Offer support without judgment and let them know they’re not alone. Ensure safety. Remove any harmful objects and stay with the person if they are at risk of self-harm. Seek professional help immediately. Contact emergency services, a crisis hotline, or a mental health professional. Encourage treatment. Help connect them to ongoing care and support networks. Remember, crises are serious and urgent delaying help can be dangerous. How to Prevent a Mental Health CrisisPrevention focuses on ongoing mental health care: Regular therapy or counselling sessions Medication management and adherence Building strong support networks of friends, family, and community Learning coping skills for stress and emotional regulation Recognising early warning signs and seeking help promptly You Are Not AloneExperiencing a mental health crisis can feel isolating, but help is available. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a healthcare provider, or a crisis helpline, reaching out is the first step toward safety and recovery. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call emergency services or a crisis hotline right away. View full article

Paid electric bill if that counts.

Washed dinner plates

Washed dinner plates

My son telling a joke

Post

Changed my bedding and did some laundry

Stayed home and managed to catch up with some chores

My son

Cloudy now 21°C

I'm not bad. just finished my dinner.

6:05 pm

Many of us have experienced moments of emotional overwhelm days when getting out of bed feels impossible, or when thoughts spiral into dark places. Yet for some, this isn’t just a passing bad day; it’s a daily battle. Despite growing awareness, mental health challenges are still misunderstood, stigmatised, and too often suffered in silence. Let’s talk about what mental health really means, and why struggling with it doesn’t mean you're broken it means you’re human. Mental Health Is Health Mental health is not a luxury or a personality trait it’s a vital part of your overall health. Just like we care for our physical bodies by eating well or seeing a doctor, our minds and emotions need care too. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder these are not weaknesses. They are legitimate medical conditions with real impacts, causes, and treatments. Too often, people feel shame for having mental health struggles. But consider this: would you judge someone for having asthma or diabetes? Mental health conditions are no different. They are not your fault, and you deserve support. The Weight of “Invisible” Pain One of the hardest parts of mental illness is that it often goes unseen. You can be smiling at work and still feel like you're falling apart inside. This invisibility can lead to isolation, especially when others say things like “you don’t look depressed” or “just think positive.” But mental health doesn’t always show up on the outside. You can be high functioning and still hurting. You can be loved and still feel lonely. You can be successful and still feel lost. Pain doesn’t need to be visible to be real. If you’re struggling, you are not weak. In fact, it takes incredible strength to fight silent battles every day. Breaking the Stigma Stigma keeps people silent. It tells us to “tough it out” or “just snap out of it.” It makes us feel like we’re the problem. But the truth is, stigma thrives on misunderstanding. The more we talk about mental health, the more we normalise seeking help. You have every right to speak about your mental health without fear or shame. Whether that’s in therapy, on a forum like this one, or with someone you trust, opening up is not weakness it’s a courageous step toward healing. You Deserve Support No matter what you’re going through, you deserve compassion. You don’t have to be in crisis to ask for help. You don’t have to hit “rock bottom” to be worthy of therapy or medication. Early support can prevent deeper struggles down the road. And support looks different for everyone: a therapist, a support group, journaling, medication, mindfulness, art, rest. There is no one size-fits-all solution, and that’s okay. What matters is finding what works for you. Hope Is Real If you’re in the middle of the storm, it might feel like it will never end. But feelings are not permanent. Healing is possible, even if it’s not linear. Some days you’ll feel okay, other days you won’t and that’s part of the process. Recovery doesn’t mean the pain vanishes. It means learning how to live with it, how to manage it, and how to thrive alongside it. You are more than your diagnosis. You are more than your worst days. There is always hope even when you can’t see it yet. Conclusion You are not broken. You are not alone. You are not weak for feeling this way. Struggling with mental health is part of being human and there is strength in facing it. Whatever you're going through, know this: there is a community out there that sees you, believes in you, and is ready to walk with you through the darkness into the light. View full article

Not even sure if anyone has a signature yet. I know @Enigma did do but she has removed it.