Category Archives

Journal Journeys

Is Dad Drinking Again?

By Kristance Harlow | October 2, 2018 |
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“Are you drinking again?” I said it. It was out. The question was with me only as long as I said it. I was trying to be casually supportive.

Will I Pass My Mental Illness to My Children?

By Kristance Harlow | October 1, 2018 |
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I want children of my own, but for the past few years I have been afraid that I would pass this on to my offspring. I feared how will my body and mind handle it?

woman sitting inside looking at a fire outside

Yes, Things Get Worse Before Things Get Better

By Kristance Harlow | September 26, 2018 |
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One thing about trauma in PTSD is that it starts to show itself when you’re safe(r) than before. Our brains are working on overdrive trying to protect us and to handle all the threats and to keep us alive after the earth shattering trauma(s) we lived through. We feel scared because we know how bad…

Ocean view with adobe hut

Meditating With the Ocean in Cozumel

By Kristance Harlow | September 25, 2018 |
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I’m in Cozumel. It’s my first time here. I’m lying on a towel in my black and white retro high waisted bikini–lathered in sunscreen, of course–already dry from a long swim in the ocean.

Hands and a glass

I Just Want To Drink

By Kristance Harlow | August 23, 2018 |
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Now that I’m here, I really want a drink, but Alejandro won’t let me. I’m so nervous and anxious. Lost. My thoughts are circling, and I can’t stop the spiraling repetitiveness of my obsessions. I’m afraid.

choices

Trying To Understand Anxiety

By Kristance Harlow | August 20, 2018 |
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I second guess everything that I choose to do. No matter what it is. Why can’t I chill out and just do something? I’m just trying to understand anxiety.

crying woman

Feeling Depressed Is Different Than Being Depressed

By Kristance Harlow | May 24, 2018 |
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What I’m here to say is that “feeling depressed” is a different beast than “having depression.” Depression is a diagnosable medical condition and a disorder in the DSM-V. It affects many more aspects of life than just emotional. Some symptoms can severely impact the quality of life for people with it.

I Hate Having Depression

By Kristance Harlow | March 5, 2018 |
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My depression is really bad lately. I find everything meaningless. I don’t even feel happy in a quiet bit of nature. I hate having depression.

Getting Back On Track

By Kristance Harlow | March 2, 2018 |
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It was the longest period of time I have gone without a psychologist appointment since I first began treatment three and a half years ago. And I was getting weird, real weird.

Depression Isn’t Weakness, But I Don’t Feel Strong

By Kristance Harlow | January 23, 2018 |
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Depression isn’t weakness, but I don’t feel strong. Depression is clawing her way back into my consciousness. Usually she dwells in a spot hidden away, and when I put her back she stays there for a while. This time, it’s like the lock is broken and she is not staying put.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. The numbers listed here are the commonly used numbers for the stated region, the numbers can vary greatly depending on where you live. If you don't know your country's equivalent to 911, this wiki page and The Lifeline Foundation have comprehensive listings.

Americas

911

The Americas

Europe

112

Europe

Africa

112 & 999

Africa

Asia

112, 999, 110

Asia

Oceania

112, 911, 999, 111, & 000

Oceania

Find help for a crisis by texting, calling, or chatting online with these free crisis organizations. Looking for one outside of the USA? Check out our support listings.

Crisis Text Line
Text: “HOME” to 741741

Suicide Lifeline
Text: “ANSWER” to 839863
Call: 1-800-273-8255

Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-422-4453

The Trevor Project
Text “START” to 678678
1-866-488-7386

These online and international resources may help you anywhere you are located. Looking for local support outside of the USA? Check out our support listings.

DV Support Abroad
Call toll-free worldwide
1-833-723-3833

I'm Alive Virtual Crisis Center
Live chat with trained volunteers

Crisis Connections
24/7 crisis support with interpretation in 155+ languages