Blogs - Wounded Birds Ministry

Stigma, in All Its Damaging Glory

There are few topics that hit as hard within the mental health community as stigma. The natural question is: How do we end the stigma around mental illness?

I Just Wish I Was Normal

Encouragement, Medium, Most Popular, Publications, Ranking, Themes

It’s fascinating how often we think about our disorder as something that we caused. The idea of “normal” is probably one of the most toxic stigmas out there.When we stop and think about it, we know it doesn’t exist. In reality, we all deal with something, whether it’s a mental illness or a serious health issue.

Healthy Relationships Are Possible

Relationships, Skills

Our illnesses often contribute to issues around trust, intimacy, problem resolution, and how we communicate. Even so, we can have healthy relationships.

Control Issues Aren’t About Control

Diagnosis Status, Medium, Previously Diagnosed, Publications, Relationships, Skills

Controlling situations takes away a level of worry and anxiety I’ve often experienced. Then I learned something: Control issues aren’t about control.

Community Helps Us Heal Faster

Christian, Relationships, Skills

Belonging and participating in community is so important to our mental health. When we are in community, we have a sense oCommunity gives us a sense of belonging and also teaches us how to give and receive love and care. Locating and joining one is important for our recovery.f belonging and importance. Our very presence and participation grants the same to others. In the giving, sharing, and receiving, we create something larger than ourselves.

Triggers: Understanding and Management

Diagnosis Status, Medical, Newly Diagnosed, Previously Diagnosed, Therapy

Triggers are events (usually small) that sends us back in time to relive a traumatic event. They apply to all types of trauma and vary in their intensity.

When a Cycle Causes a Mood Change

Diagnosis Status, Medical, Newly Diagnosed, Relationships, Self-Care, Skills, Therapy, Thinking Patterns

Many of our mood changes are cyclical. By tracking our moods, we can learn the identifying factors of a cycle change and take steps to manage them.

Cycles and Triggers: An Overview

Diagnosis Status, Medical, Previously Diagnosed, Self-Care, Skills, Therapy

We can learn to manage our cycles and triggers and influence their impact upon our mental health. Doing so helps us get to a place of peace.

Giving Means Letting People In

Diagnosis Status, Medium, Newly Diagnosed, Personal Stories, Previously Diagnosed, Publications, Publishous, Relationships, Self-Care, Skills, Themes, Thinking Patterns

One piece of standard advice from mental health professionals to those on the road to recovery is to start giving. Sure, I’ve had a few moments when I’ve been glad I volunteered, but I’ve also felt resentful of the imposition on my time. Resentment and a giving heart do not go hand-in-hand. This time was different.