Effective Goal-Setting By Jess (i_like_black) Goals are a good thing to have in life. Having something to work towards can help develop a sense of achievement and can also combat symptoms of mental illness. Being aware of a direction builds a sense of purpose, and it is well recognised that having a sense of purpose contributes to a person's longevity. Something that commonly trips people up with goals is that they know what they want to achieve but not how to achieve it. Having a vague...

How to perform a self breast exam By Cassie (Calico.) A breast self exam, or BSE, is an exam that people do regularly to look for any possible changes in their breasts. Mammograms are able to see tumors before they can be felt, but a self exam will allow you to understand the normal appearance and feeling of your breasts. This understanding will help you to determine whether or not there are any abnormalities in your breasts. According to John Hopkins Medical Center, 40% percent of women...

Feminism Basics By Oliver ( *~Shimmery Queer~* ) Feminism has become a trending topic, but many people still do not fully understand what the movement's aims and ideals are. Feminism began in Western culture in the late 19th century. While it has gained women more rights than they initially had, feminists still believe there is more work to be done in order to achieve equal rights. What is feminism? Feminism is defined as the movement for social, political, and economic equality of...

This article has been labeled as triggering, particularly on the subject of rape and abuse. The contents of this article might therefore not be suitable for certain sensitive users. Please take this into consideration before continuing to read. An inside look at PTSD By Anonymous Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD has several types of symptoms that include reliving,...

What is consent? By Cassie (Calico.) and Nicole (eumoirous) Consent is the voluntary agreement of all involved parties to engage in sexual activity. It should be assumed that one has not given consent unless there is a clear agreement prior to engaging in any sexual activity. It is preferred for consent to be a verbal agreement; however, it can be written as well. Consent should be clear at each stage of the activity, and the ability to say "no" should be respected by both ...

Being an alcoholic By Jessie (Palmolive) My Story Nothing could have prepared me for the world I was about to enter when I picked up my first bottle of vodka. I was about 17 and had suffered with mental health problems since I was 11. I struggled with depression and anxiety which turned into BPD, PTSD, depressive episodes, psychotic episodes, and eating disorders. They all added to my stress levels and I didn’t think I was going to become addicted to alcohol too. I had never drunk much...

Debunking the myths of alcoholism By Jenny (coolkid98) The myths and misconceptions about alcoholism can make it hard for those affected to reach out and get help due to fear of being judged. Some of these myths can also lead to alcoholics being in denial about their problem because they don't fit a stereotyped appearance of an alcoholic. Alcoholism, also know as alcohol dependency, describes an addiction to alcohol in order to cope with everyday life. Myth: Those who often get drunk are...

Worry stones By Cassie (Calico.) Worry stones are smooth stones that vary in size, shape, and color. Some have thumb indentations and are engraved with a single inspirational word, or a phrase. These stones are supposed to alleviate worry when held between your thumb and index fingers. Most worldwide cultures have something similar to alleviate worry, but it is thought that worry stones originated from Native American or Greek cultures. Native Americans had sacred stones that...

Creating a safe place By Sammi (Elixir.) What is a safe place? In a nutshell, a safe place is something you create to escape from the world for a time. While it may sound like a physical space, there are no limits to what your safe place can be. It's entirely possible to create a safe place that doesn't exist (or can't be visited) anywhere besides your mind. Your safe place is a place for you to relax, recenter, and rejuvenate. It allows for "me" time whenever you need it, whether it be to...

The common misconceptions of PTSD By Cassie (Calico.) Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD is a serious mental health condition that develops from experiencing or witnessing a horrific or life threatening event. PTSD develops from trauma, whereas other mental illnesses do not and that is what separates PTSD from other illnesses. It can affect anyone of any sex, race, age, or background. Like other illnesses, PTSD has a negative stigma that often prevents sufferers from getting...

Tips for a successful time in university By Dez ( *~Sparkly Queer~* ) When people go to university, they want to be successful. However, sometimes things such as procrastination, difficult class material, or making friends can be a problem for students. There are ways to combat these problems before they grow too large, and to aid a student in being successful in university. In this article, the term 'professor' will be used to refer to the person teaching the class, but other terms such...

Am I pregnant? By Nicole (eumoirous) Fearing that you may become pregnant is very common, especially when you first become sexually active. Most barriers or hormones to prevent pregnancy are up to 99% effective, which means that although the chances of becoming pregnant are extremely low, it is still possible. If you suspect that you might be having symptoms of pregnancy, the first thing you should do is to remain calm. Symptoms and signs Among the most common signs, the one that...

The benefits of group therapy By Dez ( *~Skittlify~* ) In group therapy, people with similar problems meet with a therapist in order to discuss and solve problems in an intimate setting. People are able to give and receive support from one another and share ideas in a safe space. At first, group therapy may seem frightening because it can seem scary to share your feelings with others. However, once you become more comfortable with group therapy it can be a beneficial experience. Group...

About ADHD By Cassie (Cassiopeia.) and Nicole (eumoirous) ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is an increasingly popular and controversial topic. It is a developmental disorder that affects the behavior of approximately 11% of children according to the CDC. Awareness for this medical condition has sparked a debate regarding the extent of the severity of the symptoms. Healthcare professionals are continuously assessing the treatment options to help improve the lives of...

Bras and how they support By Cassie (Cassiopeia.) Did you know that women spend approximately sixteen billion US Dollars worldwide on bras each year? source] Those who wear bras own up to nine bras on average source]. A bra is a garment worn by people to support their breasts. Each bra is designed to meet the individual requirements of people of all shapes and sizes around the world. The average age that people begin to wear a bra is age eleven, but breast development normally starts...