Depression-A Silent Epidemic That Knows No Boundaries

Just over a week ago, sadly, comedian and actor Robin Williams killed himself. The man had everything any person could want and more: family, friends, and a financially rewarding career. He also had something no one wants: a history of depression, an addiction to cocaine and alcohol, and the early signs of Parkinson’s disease. Rest in Peace, Mister Williams. You will be sorely missed by many. Hopefully, your death will raise awareness for those that will not seek out help.

     Depression strikes many. In the early days, doctors often thought of it as a “woman’s disease”. That is until men started showing signs of it. An estimated 19 million American adults are living with major depression. Robin Williams was just one of them. Sadly, because of his sudden suicide, light is being shed on depression. Depression can happen to men, women, teenagers, the elderly and even in young children.

     When you have depression, it's more than just feeling sad. Intense feelings of sadness and other symptoms, like losing interest in things you normally enjoy may last for a long time. Depression is a medical illness, not a sign of weakness. And it's treatable, but the trick is to seek out treatment. Are you suffering with depression? Do you know someone that is? How can you tell?

     Are you depressed? If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from clinical depression. 

    You can’t sleep or you sleep too much.

    You can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult.

    You feel hopeless and helpless.

    You can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try.

    You have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating.

    You are much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than usual.

    You’re consuming more alcohol than normal or engaging in other reckless behavior.

    You have thoughts that life is not worth living (seek help immediately if this is the case).

    Things that you enjoyed before no longer interest you.

    You suddenly act reckless and throw caution to the wind without thinking twice about it.

    Any sudden change in normal behavior may be a sign of depression. 

If you or someone you know maybe depressed, there is no reason to go it alone. Treatment is available in the form of medication, counseling, etc. If you or someone you know maybe depressed, I urge you to seek out help, from your family doctor for a referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist or a counselor. Sometimes, just talking to someone is enough to make you feel yourself again. Sometimes stronger avenues are needed such as medication, which can only be subscribed by a physician. Whatever you do, do not delay. There is no reason for you or someone you care about to isolate oneself. Seek out help! Do It now before you forget.  

Until next post....stay safe. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to others and pass it forward.

Regards,

S. J. Francis

 In Shattered Lies: "It's All About Family."  Coming in 2015 from Black Opal Books.

My Black Opal Books Author Page:

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Hello and Happy Monday!

Hello and Happy Monday!

I just started another blog also here on blogger and it is entitled A Book Review 4 U.

My goal with it is to read and write a book review for all followers to enjoy at least one book per month. Stay tuned....

So if you're a reader, you may want to visit.

If you're an author, you may want to visit here too, as I may just include your book.

Authors, if you're interested in having me read and review your book, please contact me in one of the following ways:

DM me at twitter:  https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419   

Post to Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006313201444






My linked in Page:

             http://www.linkedin.com/pub/s-j-francis/76/67b/377

 

Until my first Book Review or until I hear from you, have a great week ahead of you!

 

Regards,

S.J. Francis

Hello & Welcome to a Blog Blast for Author Megan Cyrulewski!!!

Hello and Happy, Happy Friday!

Welcome again to my blog! Please take a moment and read about an exciting new author. Enjoy!
Regards, S.J. Francis.

This weekend I'm pleased to share in a Book Blast for fellow Black Opal Books Author:
      
             Megan Cyrulewski
             Author of Who Am I?

Who Am I?, a memoir is her first book and to be released tomorrow, Saturday August 2, 2014.  Here in her own words from her blog:

 "...  I am extremely excited to announce that my first book, a memoir, will be published by Black Opal Books in 2014.   What makes my story so special?  One word:  Unbelievable.  So much has happened in the last three years of my life, that people told me I needed to write a book.

My book, Who Am I?  How My Daughter Taught Me to Let Go and Live Again, is about my journey into post-partum depression, anxiety disorder, panic attacks, stays in the psych ward, divorce, domestic violence, law school, how I managed to graduate from law school and a beautiful little girl who emerged from all of this chaos.

While I work with the wonderful people at Black Opal Books to polish and ready my book for its release on August 2, I have started a blog for those who want to follow my journey.  I am also hard at work on my first work of fiction, a legal thriller.

Thank you to everyone for your support!

Who Am I?  How My Daughter Taught Me to Let Go and Live Again, by Megan Cyrulewski
Megan’s book, Who Am I?  How My Daughter Taught Me to Let Go and Live Again, is about her journey into post-partum depression, anxiety disorder, panic attacks, stays in the psych ward, divorce, emotional abuse, domestic violence, law school, how she managed to graduate from law school and a beautiful little girl who emerged from all of this chaos.

Author Bio

Megan Cyrulewski has been writing short stories ever since she was ten-years-old. After attending Grand Valley State University, Megan eventually settled into a career in the non-profit sector for eight years. She decided to change careers and went back to school to get her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. While in school, she documented her divorce, child custody battle and postpartum depression struggles in her memoir. Megan lives in Michigan with her 3-year-old daughter who loves to dance, run, read, and snuggle time with Mommy. Megan also enjoys her volunteer work with various organizations in and around metro-Detroit.

Contact

• Website and blog: www.megancyrulewski.com.
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorMeganC.
• Twitter: @MeganCyrulewski.

Buy links

Who Am I?  How My Daughter Taught Me to Let Go and Live Again is available in paperback from all good booksellers. eBook versions will follow.

• Amazon.com
• Amazon.co.uk
• Barnes & Noble

Excerpt

On January 18, 2012, we all convened in the courthouse for the Motion for Parenting Time hearing. My dad and I arrived with my attorney, but Tyler loved an audience so he brought his dad, step-mom, and his new on-again off-again girlfriend, Heather. Tyler walked in with his posse in tow, cocky as hell. It took all of two minutes for the judge to knock him off his feet.
The Judge addressed our respective attorneys. “Why are we here?”
“Your honor,” Tyler’s attorney began, “my client has clearly been denied his parenti—”
The Judge didn’t even let him finish. “How?” She turned to my attorney. “Don?”
“Your honor, as you can see in the divorce decree, there was supposed to be a review when the minor child turned twelve-months-old. The Defendant has ignored that review.”
“I–if I may, your honor,” Tyler’s attorney sputtered.
“I see the review in the decree. It’s here in black and white,” she told Tyler’s attorney. “What is the problem? Why didn’t you understand the review? Your client signed the divorce decree.”
Tyler’s attorney tried again. “But your honor—”
The judge cut him off. “There is to be a review conducted by the Friend of the Court referee assigned to the parties. Until then, the Defendant will continue his parenting time schedule as agreed upon in the divorce decree. Dismissed.”
And that was it. After eight police reports and numerous harassing text messages, phone calls, and e-mails, we won. As Don and Tyler’s attorney went to speak with the clerk to file the necessary paperwork, Don told us to wait for him outside the courtroom.
As we exited the courtroom, the hallway was so packed with people that my dad and I were only able to find enough space to lean against the wall. We were talking about the court proceedings when we looked up at saw Tyler and his new girlfriend standing right across from us.
“Why do you lie about everything?” Tyler screamed.
Heather walked up to me and stood about an inch from my face. “As a mother myself, you should be happy that Tyler is the father of your child.”
My jaw dropped. “I’m sorry but I don’t know you.”
She smirked. “Well you’re going to get to know me, bitch.”
Tyler made a big show of pulling her from me like I was going to punch her or something. By this time, everyone in the hallway was watching us. We were pure entertainment.
Heather continued her rant. “Two times in the psych ward, Megan? What a great mother you are.”
“Where is your mom, the real mother of our child?” Tyler screamed. “She’s the one who takes care of Madelyne.”
My dad and I tried to move away from Tyler and Heather but they followed us.
“Do you have to take a Xanax because of your anxiety?”
“Go take your Xanax and sleeping pills, you drug addict,” Tyler shouted.
Finally, Don emerged from the courtroom and pulled us into a quiet corridor. He explained that I needed to call our referee to set-up a meeting to discuss a visitation schedule. I told Don about the verbal assault by Tyler and Heather. Don said he would call Tyler’s attorney to let him know that Heather would not be allowed in my house.
Upon leaving the courthouse, Heather screamed, “See you on Sunday, Megan.”
I turned toward her and said calmly, “I don’t know you, but you are not welcome in my home.”
That night, Tyler sent me multiple texts attacking my mothering skills, my supposed drug addictions, how he was going to fight for joint custody of Madelyne, how Heather would be accompanying him for his visitations, and a barrage of other insults:

• “Get a life already.”
• “Don’t you have something better to do than wasting your parents’ money?”
• “Go take your pills and relax, oh yeah, then your parents would have to watch our daughter. Oh yeah, they already do.”
• “Go talk to your friends. Oh yeah, you don’t have any because of how crazy you are.”
• “Interesting to know you’ve been to the hospital a couple of times. You really need to get it together.”
• “Better go call your lawyer and make up some more stuff about me.”
• “Don’t be mad at your sorry life.”
• “I am sure living with Mom and Dad the rest of your life will be fun.”
• “When you get a job, then you can pay me child support. Fun.”

I finally had to turn my phone off at midnight.

I signed to contract to publish my first novel....

Happy Wednesday all! It's hump-day with Friday around the corner. Yay! Aren't you excited? Tickled Pink? glowing with enthusiasm? I am. I love weekends, especially long ones.

I have some exciting news to share. Here it goes, ready for it?

      I just signed a contract to publish my novel....

      I just signed a contract with Black Opal Books to publish my novel Shattered Lies.

Shattered Lies is a women's fiction/family saga. A story set in the deep south where old values clash with modern values; where secrets that surface can destroy the very soul of everyone involved.

      Kate Thayer has a good life as a veterinarian running the family horse farm until she uncovers an act of unimaginable treachery by those she trusted most and discovers that everything she knew about herself was a lie. Her paternal grandmother, the woman that raised her is behind a series of escalating secrets she is compelled to uncover and the more she questions the more she learns.


Here's the link for you to check out, if you want to check it out:

                                 http://shoutout.wix.com/lp/33767994-cec8-4e8e-8901-702955e8d952#/main

 

Which is better? Children or Pets? The answer is in the eye of the beholder.

        I’ve been reading a lot lately in different forms of media about couples and their choice to go childless and I say good for them.  Unfortunately, some are ridiculing those couples and their choices, the latest accusation is by the Catholic Pope Francis. All I can say is what exactly is the big deal about it? Why does it concern others that some people have children and some do not? You don’t hear anyone making a big stink about couples that choose to have children, so why point fingers at those that chose not to have them. For reasons of my own, I chose not to have children. I made that conscious decision a long time ago, just after getting married. Oh-I thought about it once or twice, but in the end, the way the world is and such, I couldn’t do it. I didn’t want to do it. I chose not to do it. It saddened my mother and mother-in-law at first. As time went by, they didn’t ask me when I was going to have children. Either they finally accepted it, or they figured that as time went by, I would change my mind. I didn’t. Now, family asking this question was one thing, as with friends. However, when strangers asked it used to irk me whenever someone would ask the inevitable question, “When are you two going to have children?” And to that I replied, “Never. I don’t want any.” I usually followed it with, “I don’t need children to feel whole.” Because usually the asker was a woman that went on to tell me how a woman wasn’t a whole woman until she had a child. B—sh-t! That is oh so not true. Believe me, I know. Again, I ask, what is the big deal about couples deciding to go childless? Perhaps, the way of the world scares them about bringing children into the world and it should. Perhaps, they have hereditary illnesses in their family tree that they’d rather not subject a child too, which is a smart and selfless move.

There are a great many children in the world and not everyone has a home to live in and a loving family to take care of them. You’d be surprised how many children live in foster care in the U.S.A. and how many should but don’t. Parenting isn’t an easy task and not everyone is cut out for it. Not everyone wants to parent or finds the need to.  So, why bother couples that chose not to have children? I say, don’t. As a childless person, I’m proud to say that I don’t have any children. I chose not to have them. As a result, my time is my own. I’m never at loss for quiet, private time, or piece of mind. I can spend my money as I please without worrying about buying clothes and saving for college tuition. I don’t have to endure chaos every morning and every afternoon with children in it. I don’t have to play chauffer or wet nurse. I don’t have to deal with dirty, stinking diapers. And, I don’t mean any insult to those that chose to have children. Be kind enough to accept my decision not to. I love animals. I prefer to have animals in my home over children. There’s nothing wrong with me for that and it’s my choice. I love children, just not enough to have my own. I love my nieces and nephews and being able to say goodbye and go home and live my life when I grow tired of their whining and begging and chaos. I’ve been around enough children to be extremely grateful I chose not to have any. Perhaps, in the olden days when Moses and Abraham walked the earth, we mere humans were here to reproduce, but not anymore. There are too many of us as there is. Many live in squalor and have nothing to eat on a daily basis. Many live in shanties and can’t read or write. Many live in poverty. And this is just in the U.S.A. 

So, what’s wrong with being childless by choice and having pets instead? Absolutely nothing. I applaud those that said I could but didn’t. I applaud those that said maybe, but in the end said no thanks. I further applaud those that said, I might, but I shouldn’t. Time and time again, research data has shown that childless couples have happier marriages. I’m not surprised. I see that among neighbors, friends and family, even acquaintances.   Think about it. A relationship with a pet, whether it is a dog, cat, lizard, horse, and snake-whatever is not to be taken lightly. Pets are loving and loyal. They’ll never cheat on you. They’ll never whine about you not understanding them and lock you out of their rooms.  They’ll never yell at you for not expecting their privacy. They’ll never ask to drive the car, forget to put gasoline in it or crash it into a tree. They’ll never do drugs or commit a heinous crime. They’ll never take you for granted and they’re a great deal easier to housebreak. Why the sudden need to criticize? Frankly, there is no need, except for no other reason is that it goes against the norm and that fact scares the heck out of a great many people.  Or maybe, perhaps, those with children are a bit jealous of those without. Whatever the reason, let each other be. Accept each other and don’t criticize. Which is better? Children or Pets? Only you can answer that: The answer is in the heart and eye of the beholder.

Sweet Tea Month!

Hey, out there. June is the first official month of the beginning of summer. It is also Adopt a Shelter Cat month. But-did you also know that June is also National Iced Tea Month? Frankly, I had no idea, which is why this post is so late. How could I? Though, come to think of it, I have been regularly making sun tea down here for two months now, the thought never crossed my mind. What’s the big deal about iced tea, you may ask? Please, allow me to enlighten you, as I have been enlightened. Born and raised in New York City, iced tea and tea never much meant anything to me. It was something to be enjoyed when thirsty or feeling a bit under the weather. The same is not to be said about other parts of the country. Namely, down South. The English may enjoy Afternoon Tea, but in the South, tea is revered even more so, savored, in fact.

In the south, every month is Sweet Tea Month. How could I forget? Shame; shame on me for forgetting, but hey I am new at this. I am a Yankee, after all, though with a rebel heart and I’m still learning the nuances of living in the beautiful South. I obviously have a great deal to learn. Up until now, my knowledge of tea was limited to having some in a cup when I was ill or having it cold with ice up North. I had no idea that down in the South that iced tea, more so, sweet tea is such a revered drink. Down here, sweet tea is served with everything. Some say it is known as the white wine of the south. I don’t know about that; I prefer white wine to be white wine. Some say that sweet tea is better than sex. Well maybe not, but it sure is a lot less complicated. One thing is for sure, down in the South, sweet tea is served with every meal or no meal no matter what season we are in no matter where you go. Fast food and full dining restaurants serve it and sell it by the gallon. Drug stores and supermarkets sell it too. I doubt there is hardly a place you can go where you can’t find sweet tea. When you go dining and ask for iced tea, the automatic response is unsweetened or sweet tea, not unsweetened or sweetened, which is what I am used to hearing everywhere else. Personally, I don’t get the fascination with sweet tea. After all, it is just a cold drink. I can tell you this: Chilled sweet tea on a steamy, hot day is delicious. With ice in the glass, it’s the next best thing to air conditioning and a dip in the pool. All right; not quite, but almost. Sit anywhere outside down South, walk around, or do some work and when you are offered a glass of sweet tea, you are sure you are in heaven. Not quite, but close.

I know my dogs’ sure love sweet tea. Born and bred up North in the Plains, they’ve never been down South until now. One hot day on a trip to Florida we made a stop at McDonald’s for a quick snack of fries and large cups of sweet tea. As I said, on a hot, balmy day down South, there is nothing quite like it. Cold soda and water just doesn’t cut it; doesn’t quite quench the thirst. Anyway, the top of one cup came off and before I could replace it, our boy dog went to drinking away. The dog knew instantly what was good on a hot day. If I didn’t stop him, he would have drunk the entire cup full. Who knew dogs would enjoy sweet tea? Is it something magical in their souls? Anyway, whenever we travel with them now and we stop for a meal, guess who gets their own cup of sweet tea with their kid’s meal? You got it: The dogs. Yes, it’s happened: Sweet tea has gone to the dogs and they couldn’t be happier. Yup, down South when the sun is shining down on you and the heat is enveloping your best efforts, nothing beats a tall glass of sweet tea over ice, except for the shelter of an air conditioned house. Try a glass of sweet tea on your next trip down South and you’ll see what I mean, and I mean down South. Just pouring sugar into a cup of tea isn’t the way it’s done, but if that is all you can get, go for it and see what you think. Down South, there is a trick to making sweet tea, but that could be another article for another blog down the line. 

Until next posting, I wish you all a happy, fruitful day. Remember, life is too short to be angry or hold grudges. Be grateful for every day in every way for what you have. It sure beats the alternative.

Cheers! My best to you and yours.

Regards,

S. J. Francis

 

"In the End, It's All About Family."

 

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Today is the day to Live your Life!

Question: Women, this question is mainly for you, but not just for you....

Why don’t they put pockets on pants for women? Ever look at a pair of pants that you love and wonder why there are no pockets? Why is that? Do manufacturers actually think women don’t use pockets; don’t need them? I don’t know about you, but I use pockets for some small cash, keys and just my hands. I don’t get it. Why in this day and age are women’s pants still made without pockets? Is it some kind of male conspiracy or double standard? Men’s pants have pockets. Men's shorts have pockets. Heck, even men’s swimming trunks have pockets. Just a thought. I put on a pair of brand new pants today that I ordered online some time ago. Yes, I have a great deal of clothes that I forget to wear. Who doesn’t? It still had the tags on it and when I donned them, guess what? No pockets. I guess I missed that small detail when I purchased them since another pair that I purchased a few years back had pockets and I loved them. Go figure. I wonder what manufacturers and designers are thinking when they put pockets on men’s wear and not women’s. Again, just a thought and my ramble for today.

Live your life. Take a breath. Slow and deep. Count to three and slowly let it out. Do this three times. Feel  relaxed? Good? If not, try again. Let your mind go blank. The deal is to relax and savor the scents and sights and sounds around you. Close your eyes if it helps.  Before you know it, it'll be Friday; your Friday. Enjoy it while you can. Life is short so savor the small and the big equally.

Until next time.....Cheers! :)