Dating a person with a mental illness By Nicole (Pug Princess) Dating a person with a mental illness can be challenging for various reasons, however it can still be a very rewarding experience. You’ll need patience, empathy, and a positive attitude to make it work. There’s a balance between helping take care of them, and treating them like they can’t help themselves. Finding this balance and knowing how to cope can help ensure that your relationship is still healthy even if their mental...

How to make a calming jar by Cassie (Cassiopeia.) Calming jars are a do-it-yourself craft that is sparkly and fun for people of all ages. The colorful glittery solution can serve as a calming substitute for people struggling with the use of unhealthy coping mechanisms such as self-harm. With the help of a few materials, people can create a calming jar of their own in just a few minutes. Materials needed Old clothing (optional) A mason jar

Coping with triggers By Robin (PSY) In order to cope with triggers, it's important to understand what a "trigger" is. A "trigger" is a cue or signal for anything that 1) reminds a person of an upsetting event, and 2) leads a person to have a strong, negative, physical and/or emotional reaction in response to being reminded of that upsetting event. Everyone has different triggers, because everyone experiences different kinds of upsetting events. Triggers can come in the form of people,...

The basics of creative writing By Chess ( *~Skittles Martinski~* ) and Dez ( *~Skittlify~* ) Creative writing is an excellent way for you to express thoughts, ideas, and opinions in an interesting and imaginative way. There are many forms of creative writing that you can do depending on your interests, and inspiration can be found in a variety of areas. It is a good way to escape from the formal writing you do at work or in school and instead share your talent! Due to the number of...

Debunking the myths of eating disorders By Jenny (coolkid98) There are a variety of misconceptions about eating disorders which can make it difficult for those with eating disorders to reach out and get help. This article will debunk some of the common myths about eating disorders. In clarifying common misconceptions, it hopes to promote greater understanding of what eating disorders are, and categorically are not. Myth: Eating disorders aren't serious; they're a lifestyle choice. Fact:...

A quick review of Five Nights at Freddy’s By Chess ( *~Skittles Martinski~* ) In August 2014, a new point-and-click horror survival game was released via Desura and Steam, becoming a hit with critics and gamers alike. The aim of the game is simple: survive five nights at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, a family-owned business with questionable security practices and maintenance schedules. The player’s persona is a security guard on the night shift at the pizzeria, from midnight until six in the...

Being prepared for university By Dez ( *~Skittlify~* ) Going to university for the first time can be a scary experience. Many people fear that they will not be able to afford university, or that they won’t be well-prepared once they arrive. Those who live on campus may also worry that they will not get along with their roommate or other people within their residential area. However, university does not necessarily have to be a scary or difficult experience and there are many things that...

Understanding self esteem By Jenny (coolkid98) Self esteem can affect an individual in many ways. If one has a low self esteem, it can affect their home, school or work life, and their relationships with peers and family members. Many people struggle with a low self esteem in some way, and it is especially common among teenagers. There are many factors which can impact a person's self esteem; these can include the media, families, school and puberty. What is self esteem? Self esteem is...

A guide to adult tonsillectomies By Nicole (Pug Princess) Tonsillectomies used to be quite common among children to prevent complications down the road. Today, doctors typically don't suggest tonsillectomies unless the tonsils are degrading one's quality of life. Adult tonsillectomies are even less common; these are conducted on adults as the name implies, and they typically have a longer and more painful recovery time than a tonsillectomy performed on a child. Reasons to get the...

The Scottish independence referendum By Adam (Adam the Fish) On 18th September 2014, Scotland’s citizens voted decisively to reject a split from the three-hundred-year-old union it shared with England in the United Kingdom. With a record turnout and passionate campaigns prior to the referendum on independence from both the “Yes” and “No” (“Better Together”) sides of the argument, the decision was a historic one. Circumstances leading to the referendum Whilst independence is something...