LeisaSmith.com

Couldn't wait to share this with you, dear readers!

Notice anyone familiar here?

What a blessing it was to be in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama this past December. Thu-chi-che!

"Fears about losing status at work and about confidentiality are among the main reasons that many American workers are more hesitant to seek treatment for mental health issues than for physical health problems, according to a national survey released this week by the American Psychiatric Association." (http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/635409.html)

Two days ago this fact crossed my desk, and I shook my head in disbelief that in our so called 'enlightened' society you must provide a visible illness, such as diabetes mandating a daily injection or a broken tibia encased in thick creamy plaster to feel 'safe' enough to let your workplace know that something is amiss. What if, like me, you have a so-called invisible disease, a mood disorder like depression? Would you hide in the shadows, for fear of being branded with a scarlet D for depression if you approach your employer, and say, 'Hey, I need some help. I want to work, and with treatment I can. Right now, though, its tough going.'

What should we do? Well, for starters we need to clarify that there is no health without mental health. Physical, spiritual, and mental health go hand in hand. It is all bound together. And if dis-ease or illness is present, it is prudent to seek treatment, seek solace with likeminded souls and work that recovery.

Fight the stigma and silence of mental illness. One in five of us have it. They are sitting next to you, in the checkout line, they are you. Don't go along to get along. Get strong, healthy and out there promoting change! Confidentiality is to be respected and so is the right to seek medical care.

Would you stay silent?

With support,

Leisa

For the New Year, in addition to working out a routine for the health of your body, it's as equally important to work out a routine for the health of your mind. Identify the stressors in your life that you can get rid of, or at least minimize. Make humor an important part of your daily living. Practice deep breathing as a stress-buster. Meditate for at least five minutes a day. Focus on solutions, not problems. One of the secrets of people who live the longest and healthiest is the mantra: "If you can't change it, don't worry about it."


People who live the longest and healthiest have deep social connections. Giving love and feeling loved is therapeutic. Take time and effort to strengthen the love relationships in your life. Make new relationships. Heal troubled relationships with family members. Remember, in healing others, you heal yourself. Serve! Enjoy the helper's high. The best way to relieve your stress is to help others relieve theirs.

Small steps make big changes. See for yourself......

Love, Lis

Another Christmas has come and gone here in the Southern Hemisphere, spending a sunny afternoon at the beach, blotchy red tans decorating arms and noses after sunscreens have worn off, presents unwrapped and glossy papers of gold and red tossed away like yesterday's feelings into the recycling bin.

I find practicing recovery behaviours hardest this time of year. Supposedly a glorious time of love, hope and friendship, it can also be a time of loneliness, aching sadness and fits and starts of family squabbles.

How has it been for you this year? Amidst it all, where are you? Are you taking any time out for yourself, letting the chatter in your head settle down with some 3-in, 3-out breathing, a feet on the floor, bum on the seat mediation, knowing that all you have to really concentrate on is right now?

Feelings and thoughts can be popped into a box, and wrapped up like a shiny package hidden under the tree, saved for just the right occasion, to take out and review, to process. But will you do this? Is it healthy?

Sometimes, life intervenes and we sometimes have to postpone processing that bubbling anger triggered by that constant nagging Auntie Jin does every year, "Are you married yet? God, no wonder, a scrawny thing like you....," but we do not have to continue to practice self-care, practice assertive behaviour (tact & self-care are a match made in heaven) and do what we need to do even if it involves gracefully excusing ourself from the table, heading to a room upstairs and listening to the Kinks at probably too high a volume with the Ipod tightly clutched in our hand, and Breathe..........

Then the next day comes and we ask ourselves after a good night's rest, why did Auntie's comments trigger us so? Take a few minutes and explore what happened for you at the dinner table yesterday. Call a friend or therapist if you need to. Deal with it, learn from it and move on. Don't pack those feelings and thoughts away or you might get a very unwelcome package under your tree next year.

I'm living proof that you can live with the black dog dog.   Just don't let Fido drive the bus. You have the map.

Work that recovery, guys. Reach out, get some hugs, some help, and offer some in return.

Don't go it alone.  2010 can be a better year.

With love, and have a safe and sane 2010 :)

Leisa

You, dear readers, are one of the best presents I receive all year long. Your comments, suggestions and just general tides of support keep me buoyed and ever so grateful.

Now, regarding presents of the solid, pick-upabble kind, before long you will be racing out the door to buy your aunt, your sister-in-law, your best friend .... a gift. Why not make things simple and buy a copy of I'm So Together, I'm Falling Apart? So, check off a few items on your Christmas list—all the while helping a self-published author (we need all the help we can get!).

I appreciate your support! Happy Holidays!

Love, Leisa