Writers & Poets

Writers & Poets

BLOG SESSION

January 5th, 2018

Good Morning to all Writers & Poets following along here on the Blog.  As an Overview, if you've been following along here with us, then you will be familiar with the last few Blog Sessions we had wherein we discussed the benefits to Writers of using "AFFIRMATIONS".

Also shared here on the Blog in two previous Sessions were two poems that I had previously written years ago:  The 1st poem, "SHADOWS of DEPRESSION"; and the 2nd poem, "Violin Dreams".  The first poem was in follow up to our discussion about the question many Writers ask when they feel sad or depressed ~ "How do I write when I  may feel sad or depressed?"  The poem expressed certain feelings that Writers/Poets may have or thoughts that may go through their mind during depressive or grieving episodes.

You may also remember that we discussed keeping a Poetry Journal to write your poetics in.  This was a suggestion for all Writers, as well as Poets.  Poetry Writing is relaxing.  Writing poetry also helps you to keep in touch with what is going on inside of you.  Poetry Writing is also extremely helpful for those following along who are Empaths.  (Empathic Discussion coming up in another Blog Session).

We'll be pointing out other areas to focus on in terms of writing as it relates to Poets in our upcoming Blog Sessions.  Writing is not always about the Author/Poet so much as it may be about the people or a person around the Author or Poet.  Unconsciously, we take in the feelings and emotions of those around us -- some of us so this more than others.

Depression affects many people, but there is always help available.  Writing ~ for those of us who are Writers, Authors, Poets, Journalists, Novelists, and other style/genre writers, we've come to find that writing can be very therapeutic for us.  We are people who have emotions, and unless you are a person who is as cold as ice, you should be able to feel the emotions of those around you to a certain degree and on a certain level.

On those days when you do not feel like working on your book or writing another chapter of your Novel, it is suggested that you at least take the time to write in your Diary...

Spend moments writing in your Diary

on a daily basis

The main reason we stress writing in your Diary on a daily basis is because it benefits you in so many ways.  Writing in your Diary helps you to loosen up and let your writing flow; helps you to get in touch with your feelings and emotions; helps you to find out if you have the wrong thought patterns going on in your head; helps you to express yourself and evaluate if you may have the wrong concept of what you are experiencing in life; helps you to stay on task; helps you to keep your goals in the forefront of your mind; helps you to find out if you are harboring anything negative in your heart; and most of all, helps you to understand the direction your writing style should take.

We'll be back for much MORE!  See you in the next Blog Session Writers & Poets ~

OUR NEXT BLOG SESSION:

About Poetry Books

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2018 - All Rights Reserved

Are you Paranoid?

Are you Paranoid?

BLOG SESSION

October 8th, 2017

Good Afternoon Blog Readers, Followers & Visitors.

It is a new day here on the Blog.  Today's Blog Session is going to involve a serious issue that we have covered here on the Blog in Sessions' past.  That serious issue is mental health.  Yes, mental health needs a spotlight shined on it.

If you would, please grab your Journal for today's Notes . . .

Journal Notes

Here is an overview about Mental Health . . .

Millions of Americans live with various types of mental illness and mental health problems, such as social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, drug addiction, and personality disorders.  Treatment options include medication and psychotherapy.

There is one particular mental health condition that I'd like to bring forth today, and that is "paranoia".

P A R A N O I A

...is a mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance, typically elaborated into an organized system.  It may be an aspect of chronic personality disorder, of drug abuse, or of a serious condition such as schizophrenia in which the person loses touch with reality.

For this Blog Session, let us pay particular attention to the following aspects of "Paranoia" . . .

1)  Exaggerated self-importance;

2)  Chronic Personality Disorder; and

3)  Schizophrenia ~ in which the person loses touch with reality.

We all know people who have an exaggerated sense of self-importance.  Some are worse than others.  An exaggerated sense of self-importance involves a person who has an exaggerated sense of their own self worth, value, or importance.  The question is, do they know that they have the problem?

People like the type just described are usually arrogant, have self-conceit (are conceited), and display pompous behavior like a peacock, but not pretty.

Many people who have this problem have a narcissistic personality disorder.  They will have a need for constant attention.  They will exploit others for personal gain.  They will not care if the attention is negative attention or not, they will just continually seek attention so that they may be in the spotlight at all times.  The narcissistic person cares about no one but theirself and their own interests.  If fact, in times of trouble, the spotlight will always be turned back to them, because they can not stand for anyone else to have any attention.  Any problems that you encounter that the narcissist is responsible for will always be your fault -- not theirs.  [This kinda reminds me of the case of Hurricane Maria and the Puerto Rico encounter with the paper towel thrower ~ Seriously speaking, is aid there yet?]

MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL NOTES:  People who are paranoid have a suspicion and mistrust of people or their actions without evidence or justification.

EXAMPLE:  The global paranoia about hackers and viruses ~ [Question for you:  Is the threat real or fake news?]

Paranoia is a mental disorder characterized by systematized delusions and the projection of personal conflicts, which are ascribed to the supposed hostility of others, sometimes progressing to disturbances of consciousness and aggressive acts believed to be performed in self-defense or as a mission.  Paranoia also includes baseless or excessive suspicion of the motives of others.  It is a serious issue, and can be helped with therapy.

Paranoia is an instinct or thought process believed to be heavily influenced by anxiety or fear, often to the point of delusion and irrationality.  Paranoid thinking typically includes persecutory, or beliefs of conspiracy concerning a perceived threat towards oneself.  Paranoia is distinct from phobias, which also involve irrational fear, but usually no blame.  Making false accusations and the general distrust of others also frequently accompany paranoia.  For example, an incident most people would view as an accident or coincidence, a paranoid person might believe was intentional.  Paranoia is a central symptom of psychosis.

If you know anyone who believes that objects or animals are out to get them, you may need to help them to get mental help as soon as possible.  We will talk about "psychosis" in an up-coming Blog Session.

F R I E N D S

Until Our Next Wonderful Blog Session ~

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2017 - All Rights Reserved

BLOG SESSION

JUNE 2017

Welcome back Blog Readers, Followers & Visitors ~

We're back from our Coffee Break, and before we go into our next topics of interest, we are going to take a brief moment here now to focus on our Journals.

When we were last here, our Blog Session centered around the topic of "Empathy".  If you have been following along with us for our Blog Sessions, then you will already have a wonderful Journal that suits you perfectly to take notes during our Blog Sessions.  You'll also have a separate personal Journal to keep track of your daily activity, notes, research projects, and daily items of interest that you'd like to make a note of so that you do not forget.

A personal Journal is the one thing that you will find to be really helpful for you.  Your personal Journal will help you to keep track of subject matters that concern you or those you care about.  Personal Journals are a view into your life from your interior point of view.  You may not realize it, but when you write, you normally write from a place that you rarely tap into.  Test this theory out by writing something and leaving it in a drawer somewhere, then come back to it a year or so later and see if you recognize the personal voice of the Writer on the pages.  What you will find is that the person who wrote the words on the page is someone that you know (like a friend), but not necessarily will you view that person as yourself.  Because what Journal Writing makes you do is write from the heart.  Heart~felt writing can be felt deeply by both the Reader and the Writer; and is very different from Research Papers.

Journaling is like therapy for your soul.  If you label each of your Journals with a subject line that reminds you of what made you start your new Journal, you'll quickly be able to go back to your Library of Journals at ease and put your hands on the Journal you're looking for.  For instance, if you are a person who is looking into matters about "health" -- be it physical health, mental health, psychological health, emotional health,  etc.  Labeling your particular Journal about the exact topic you are concerned about helps to keep your thoughts in order, and makes your personal Journal more useful.

Since we are discussing the topic of empathy and Empaths in our Blog Sessions, I'm recommending that you use doses of "empathy" as fuel for your Journal writing . . .

How can empathy help you learn more about yourself?

Remember, empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.  If you'll remember from our last Blog Session, we talked about how empathy is seeing with the eyes of another; listening with the ears of another; and feeling with the heart of another.

Also remember, if we understand "empathy" to be the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner, can we not also do the same for our "self"?

Knowing that our understanding, awareness, feelings, thoughts, and connection with the experience of another person is important in connection with empathy.  It would also make sense that an Empath would be able to do all that is described in connection with "empathy" just by the very nature of who an Empath is.

So here is the question for you for today:  Are you an Empath?

Your mission for this evening

Empath Journal Assignment:  Write with empathy about your "self".

Tips:  Be aware of your feelings;

Use understanding as you explore your feelings;

Capture your thoughts as they appear while you write;

Be sensitive to both your thoughts and emotions;

Finally, Empathize with your "self"

We have much more information to cover.  We'll be back here on the Blog discussing how people with Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) have the capacity to experience great emotional depth because of their hypersensitivity.  And we will also discuss the difference between Empaths and Highly Sensitive People.  You won't want to miss our next Blog Session!

Peace, Love & Light,

 René

©Copyright - René Allen - JUNE 2017 - All Rights Reserved

Psychosis: A Misunderstood Illness

Mental Health Awareness Month

MAY 2017

Welcome back to the Blog all Readers, Followers & Visitors!

We are in the midst of a heavy duty discussion about mental health.  We've been using our Journals as a way to take notes about what we have been learning here on the Blog, as well as take notes about what is actually going on with each of us personally.

Mental Health is a very important area of our lives.  It is vital that our well being physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally be in top shape.  The very reason that we get up each day should be so that we may live our lives to the best of our ability with as little stress and strain as possible.  That sounds really nice right?  Yes, it does!  Is it possible?  Yes, it is!

Let's use our Journals as therapy

Right at this moment, while you are here on the Blog, just take a moment to breathe.  Breathe in then breathe out... inhale, then exhale.  Feel your breath, and notice whether you are tense or not.  If you feel tension anywhere in your body, please take a moment now to notice where the tension is and write it down in your Journal.  Then repeat the breathing process and notice whether the tension in your body is decreasing or not.  If it is not decreasing, stretch both your arms out to your sides, then pull your arms in.  Repeat this process and make a note of how your body feels.  Stretch your arms to your back, and then pull your arms back to your sides -- straight out.  Then do the same with your arms moving them from your sides to the front of your body.  Notice how the muscles in your back respond.  Move your head from left to right, then from front to back.  Repeat two more times.  Now back to breathing ~ Breathe in then breathe out... inhale, then exhale.  Feel your breath, and notice whether you are tense or not.  Make notes in your journal of the areas in your body where you feel tension.  Work on those areas of your body to loosen them up.

Do Arm Stretches

to loosen up

We can work on the arm stretches and leg stretches to loosen up our bodies so that we minimize the stress build up that happens with each of us every day without us being aware of it.  Remember to roll your head around to the left then to the right to loosen up.  Stretch your back by bending your upper body to the right, then to the left...then backwards, then forwards.  Make notes in your Journal daily of how you feel after your breathing exercises and stretches.

Our Journal will open up areas of discovery about ourselves that we had not thought about.  The main thing that we each want to do now is get ready to write about our topic for today.

Take Notes about today's area of mental health . . . 

Psychosis

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is a condition defined by a group of illnesses that disrupt the functioning of the brain to the point where normal functioning in everyday life becomes almost impossible.  Someone experiencing an episode of psychosis is called psychotic.  A psychotic person will lose contact with reality.

Question for you:  Do you know anyone who has lost contact with reality?

What are the symptoms of psychosis?

Delusions:  An idea or belief that someone believes is real but is contrary to reality.  For example; a person experiencing delusions may think that they are an important figure like Jesus Christ – these are called delusions of grandeur.

Hallucinations:  A false sensory perception.  A person experiencing hallucinations may hear, feel, see, taste or smell something that is not there.  Commonly, they will hear an external voice(s) that no one else can hear.

Confused thinking:  Everyday thoughts become confused and sentences may be unclear or hard to understand. Thought can speed up or slow down making following a conversation and remembering things difficult.

Changed feelings:  How you feel can change for no particular reason.  You may feel odd and cut off from the rest of the world.  Mood swings are also common and you may go from massive highs to massive lows.  You may seem to feel less emotion, or show less emotion to those around you.

Changed behaviour:  You may be extremely active or have difficulty getting the energy to do things, laugh when things don’t seem funny, or become angry or upset without any cause.

What are the types of psychotic illnesses?

Schizophrenia:  A complex mental illness with those diagnosed with it experiencing an array of psychotic symptoms.  Contrary to popular belief, a schizophrenic person does not have a ‘split personality’.

Bipolar disorder:  A mental illness categorised by extreme moods being either very high or very low known as mania. These episodes of extreme moods can lead to psychosis.

Drug induced psychosis:  Caused by drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, magic mushrooms, LSD and ecstasy etc. The psychotic episode lasts until the effects of the drugs wear off (hours or days).

Brief reactive psychosis: Psychotic symptoms lasting less than a month and due to a stressful life event.

Psychotic depression: Sometimes depression can become so intense and severe that it results in psychotic symptoms.

What are the causes of psychosis?

Although the exact causes are not yet fully understood, it is likely that psychosis is hereditary.  Environmental factors like drugs and stress, among others, may also play a role in one developing a psychotic illness.

How is it diagnosed?

There’s no specific test for psychosis.  A healthcare professional will determine whether a person is psychotic depending on the symptoms they exude.  Generally, a doctor will perform other tests to rule out another condition.

What treatments are available?

With a psychotic episode early intervention is key and may reduce the length of the psychotic episode.  Treatments usually involve medication, education about the illness, counselling, support from family, friends and community, avoiding drugs and reducing levels of stress.

Key points to remember:

• There is a stigma surrounding mental illness but 1 in 5 people will experience mental illness during their lifetime.

• Psychotic people are often misconstrued as being unpredictable and dangerous but they often only pose a threat to themselves.

• If you know someone that is experiencing a psychotic episode it is important that you offer them as much help as you can so they can get better.

• A psychotic episode can happen to anyone, regardless of age, sex, culture or location.

• A psychotic episode can be very scary and confusing and should be treated with understanding and not criticised or laughed at.

I sure hope you have enjoyed this educational Blog Session about Psychosis.  We'll see you back here for our next exciting Blog Session about mental health, and don't forget to bring your Journal along!

Peace, Love & Light,

 René

©Copyright - René Allen - MAY 2017 - All Rights Reserved

 

Mental Health Awareness Month

May 2017

Good Evening Blog Followers, Readers & Visitors ~

We are discussing Mental Health this month, and we are back here to provide you with tips and suggestions for keeping your own personal Mental Health Journal.

If you are familiar with keeping a Journal or a Diary, then this will just be an overview for you, and in some cases, will give you something a little extra to consider.

Many of the Readers and Followers of this Blog are Authors, aspiring authors, Emerging Authors, Writers, Poets, and those who love to read literary works.  Journals are the Writer's best friend!

When you're thinking about what to write . . .

During this month, we are going to be making great use of our Journals.  For those of you who do not keep a daily Journal or Diary, you may be thinking about what to write.  Well, for the sake of your mental health, why not try something new ~ think about any of the following topics that resonate with you . . .

1)    Stress

2)    Depression

3)    Narcissism

4)    Anger

5)    Mood Swings

6)    Eating Habits ~ Binge Eating ~ Diet

7)    Addictions

8)    Psychology

9)    Psychopathic behavior

10)  Forgetfulness

11)   Procrastination

12)   Sleep Disorder

13)   Insomnia

14)   Heart Issues

15)   Sociopath

16)   Psychosis

17)   Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

18)   Bipolar Disorder

19)   Antisocial Personality Disorder

20)  Drug Abuse ~ Alcoholism

21)   Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

22)   Schizophrenia

23)   Emotional Stability or Instability

24)   Anxiety

25)   Nervousness or Restlessness

26)   Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

27)   Crying

28)   Mental Breakdown

29)   Paranoia

30)   Psychopathic Personality

31)    Rage

32)   Delusional Disorder

33)   Alzheimer's Disease

34)   Forgetfulness

35)   Parkinson's Disease

36)   Multiple Sclerosis

37)   Dementia ~ Dementia with Lewy Bodies

38)   Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease

39)   Alertness

40)   Callous and unemotional traits (CU) ~ Lack of Empathy

41)   Despondency ~ Loss of Hope or Courage

42)   Grief & Bereavement

43)   ADHD ~ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

44)   OCD ~ Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

If none of the above 44 items resonate with you, then write about something else that concerns you at this time.  It could be your marriage or divorce, or your children -- their health or education, your parents and their care, financial matters, loss of a job or home, or any number of issues that could be affecting you mentally or emotionally.

Another great tool for you to use is a personalized Mental Health Journal such as the following . . .

Online Mental Health Tracker Journal

Create your own using One Note

(Microsoft Account)

One of the ways to deal with any overwhelming emotion is to find a healthy outlet in which to express yourself, which makes a journal a helpful tool in managing your mental health.  Journaling can help:

• Manage anxiety
• Reduce stress
• Cope with depression

Journaling helps control your symptoms and improve your mood by:

• Helping you prioritize problems, fears, and concerns
• Tracking any symptoms day-to-day so that you can recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them
• Providing an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviors

When you have a problem and you're stressed, keeping a journal can help you identify what’s causing that stress or anxiety.  Then, once you’ve identified your stressors, you can work on a plan to resolve the problems and, in turn, reduce stress.

Keep in mind that journaling is just one aspect of a healthy lifestyle for better managing stress, anxiety, and mental health conditions.  To get the most benefits, be sure you also:

• Relax and meditate each day.
• Eat a nutritious, balanced diet.
• Exercise regularly—get in some activity every day.
• Treat yourself to plenty of sleep each night.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs.

Use your journal to make sure you follow these guidelines daily.

How to journal

Try these tips to help you get started with journaling:

• Try to write every day. To encourage yourself to write in your journal regularly, set aside a few minutes every day.
• Make it easy. Keep a pen and paper handy at all times so that when you want to jot down your thoughts, you can. You can also keep a journal in a computer file.
• Write whatever feels right. Your journal doesn't need to follow any particular structure.  It's your own private arena to discuss whatever you want.  Let the words flow freely without worrying about spelling mistakes or what other people might think.
• Use your journal as you see fit. You don't have to share your journal with anyone.  If you do want to share some of your thoughts with trusted friends and loved ones but don't want to talk about them out loud, you could show them parts of your journal.

Keeping a journal helps you establish order when your world feels like it’s in chaos.  It helps you get to know yourself by revealing your innermost fears, thoughts, and feelings.  Look at your writing time as personal relaxation time, a time when you de-stress and wind down.  Write in a place that's relaxing and soothing—maybe with a cup of tea.  Look forward to your journaling time, and know that you're doing something good for your mind and body.

Also remember that if you purchase a decorated Journal, or decorate a blank cover Journal to suit your personality and your tastes, you will more than likely be more than happy to run to use it!

Decorated Journal

You should be running to Journal now!

We'll see you back here for our next exciting Blog Session, and don't forget to bring your Journal along ~

Peace, Love & Light,

 René

©Copyright - René Allen - MAY 2017 - All Rights Reserved