Mental Health in the Central Valley

Here to spark conversation and advocate mental health awareness in the 559.

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https://weheartit.com/entry/336678558    @sanriosugar   

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How I am by Jason Shinder

When I talk to my friends I pretend I am standing on the wings of a flying plane. I cannot be trusted to tell them how I am. Or if I am falling to earth weighing less than a dozen roses. Sometimes I dream they have broken up with their lovers and are carrying food to my house. When I open the mailbox I hear their voices like the long upward-winding curve of a train whistle passing through the tall grasses and ferns after the train has passed. I never get ahead of their shadows. I embrace them in front of moving cars. I keep them away from my miseries because to say I am miserable is to say I am like them.

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I have had the luxury of trying out a HeartMath device which helped guide my meditations to reach deep coherence.  The device tracks your heart beat patterns while helping control your breathing with a relaxing contracting visual.  Learning to control our hearts can help us regulate our moods.  The universe can invite us to be frustrated, and it is on us if we accept it.  Stop thinking about what the world is doing to you, and think what the world is doing for you.

“HeartMath Institute research has demonstrated that different patterns of heart has demonstrated that different patterns of heart activity (which accompany different emotional states) have distinct effects on cognitive and emotional function. During stress and negative emotions, when the heart rhythm pattern is erratic and disordered, the corresponding pattern of neural signals traveling from the heart to the brain inhibits higher cognitive functions. This limits our ability to think clearly, remember, learn, reason, and make effective decisions.”

Learn more on, https://www.heartmath.com/

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https://iamandco.com/blogs/articles/100-self-care-quotes

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Sometimes I feel that even though social media makes people feel less lonely, because of the ability to be somewhat virtually connected to others with mental health concerns, it can also make somebody feel worse about their situation.  

Studies from JAMA Psychiatry show that, “ Adolescents who spend more than 3 hours per day using social media may be at heightened risk for mental health problems, particularly internalizing problems. Future research should determine whether setting limits on daily social media use, increasing media literacy, and redesigning social media platforms are effective means of reducing the burden of mental health problems in this population.” (2019)      https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2749480

With social interaction being limited, due to COVID19, teens are turning to the internet more than before to stay in touch with communities they identify with.  While maintaining friendships is rewarding in that it gives people a sense of belonging and confidence, stepping away from social media every know and then can help reduce stress and anxiety caused by internet platforms.

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When Sadness Finds You by Erin Hanson

They say happiness will find you, But I think sadness will find you too, It sneaks up on you in darkness, Just when you think you've made it through, It opens holes in what was solid ground, The kind you never know are there, Until you go to take another step, And find you're standing over the air, The world around you passes by, In blurs of color and sound, Nothing around you making sense, As you continue you plummet down, You can't remember how it started, And you don't know when it will end, But you know that you'd give anything, To stand up on your feet again, Sadness is that feeling, When the falling doesn't stop, And it saps your life of meaning, And of the good things that you've got, So when you finally hit rock bottom, And you look back up at the sky, What you once had seems so far away, The only thing left to do is cry, People all yell out "save yourself", Calling things about "happiness" and "hope" But they're too busy with their lives to realize, It'd be a lot quicker if they let down a rope.

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Most people understand that mental illness can stem from biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry, life experiences, such as trauma or abuse, and family history of mental health problems.  One I want to talk a little more about are life experiences.  I think environment plays a bigger role on mental health than people like to admit.  For example, living in poverty is not only stressful, but the lack of sufficient resources effect diet, which is directly correlated to impacting an individual’s mental wellbeing.  

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All photos are mine; spots I’ve been to here in the Central Valley with friends.  I’ve made it more of priority the last few years to be outside even more, because I feel like it really does help me relax.  I also enjoy music for its therapeutic remedies, as well as drawing.  If you’re reading this right now, what things do you do to get your mind off of stress?  

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Did you know, “ 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience sexual violence, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime with ‘IPV-related impact’ such as being concerned for their safety, PTSD symptoms, injury, or needing victim services... Intimate partner victimization is correlated with a higher rate of depression and suicidal behavior.  Only 34% of people who are injured by intimate partners receive medical care for their injuries..”

https://ccfamilycrisis.org/domestic-violence-statistics/

If you are a survivor experiencing mental health issues caused by sexual assault, or domestic violence, and live in Fresno, here are some resources available. 

National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-SAFE (7233)

Rape Counseling Service & Hotline (559) 222-RAPE (7273)

Elder Abuse Hotline/Adult Protective Services [phone] or [phone]

Marjaree Mason 24-hour Hotline [phone] Help Line or [phone] Business Center

Carmen Meza Center in Kerman [phone] Hotline: [phone]

Babies First - Mom & Kids Hotline Fresno County [phone]

https://www.co.fresno.ca.us/departments/district-attorney/criminal-divisions/violent-crimes/domestic-violence

If you are not in immediate danger, have thoughts of suicide and need someone to talk to about your feelings, do not hesitate to call either

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

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Yoga and meditation are scientifically proven to reduce anxiety.  Yoga works by utilizing breathing techniques while stretching the body, making your focus redirect from stress to rest.  Meditation helps by slowing the heart rate and getting the mind to relax.  Just as the brain is responsible for the kinds of thoughts and emotions that trigger a stress response, it is the heart that regulates our moods and overall well being the most.  

If you haven’t tried yoga or meditating, WHAT’S STOPPING YOU?  There are tons of guided meditations on YouTube for free!  As well as many different levels of yoga to participate in!