Under Construction - MHWA Challenge

Blog Writing Prompts: Please see "Written Prompt Examples" for qualified vs. unqualified written entries.

1. Prompt 1: Charles Bukowski wrote, “Sometimes you climb out of bed in the morning and you think, I’m not going to make it, but you laugh inside — remembering all the times you’ve felt that way.” How do you find humor even in your bad days? What things do you do to remind yourself that you'll get through this time just like you got through last time?
For me, it is hard to find humor in bad days. Several things help me to get back on track is to laugh with my husband on ordinary things that occur during the day or watch something funny online or on TV. Sometimes singing something funny like “Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It’s off to work we go,” also helps. And, I sometimes tell myself, “Look, you’ve gone through this before. No big deal. Just, buck up and get going!”

2. Prompt 2: Stephen Chbosky wrote, "Even if we don't have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there." Do you agree with this quote? Do people have the power to change the course of their lives regardless of where they come from or what they've been through? Tell us about how you've defied your past to chart a new course.
Yes, I think there is truth in this quote. I do think that people have the power to change the course of their lives; however, higher education gives you an edge, as well as being close to a higher power—God. You have to also have a strong opinion of who you are and of the talents you have—and not allow anyone to detour you from your goals in life.

3. Prompt 3: In Sylvia Plath's, The Bell Jar, her main character (Esther) is told by her mother, "I knew you'd decide to be all right again" when Esther says she doesn't want to see her psychiatrist anymore. Has anyone in your life ever implied that mental illness is a choice? Has anyone in your support system ever discouraged you from seeking treatment? If so, what was that like for you and what happened? If not, what advice do you have for someone in that situation?

Yes, my mother implied that my mental illness—way back then—was my choice and it hurt that she felt that way. My husband, for awhile discouraged me from seeking treatment because I think he thought that my mental state was not that bad. It hurt me and I think delayed the healing process.

My advice for anyone in this situation is to do what he or she thinks best so that the healing can begin. You know your body and mind like no one else; so if you think you need help, seek help as soon as possible. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you will be feeling better.

Miscellaneous:
1. Respond to the Topic of the Week and reply to at least 1 other member's response. " August Week 3: Mental Health Quotes"