PinnedMember-onlySuicide ChroniclesA partial answer to the why of it. — The science is unclear about the tipping point that leads some people to decide to end their lives. The act of suicide is neither one of courage nor cowardice, but it could be considered, for some, the ultimate maladaptive coping mechanism. Suicidal ideation can be passive or active; the gesture…Mental Health9 min readMental Health9 min read
PinnedMember-onlyThe Three C’s of Medium: Clap, Curate, and CommiserateThe Three C’s of Medium: Clap, Curate, and Commiserate ❤👍😊 People of a certain age, ilk, or (unfortunately) experience are familiar with the clap. And if you’ve been around since 1996, probably have heard of the clapper — a device for the lazy, arthritic, or not-quite-legally blind to turn on…Self3 min readSelf3 min read
PinnedMember-onlyThe Space Between Her EarsThe Space Between Her Ears “I renamed the planets,” she said. And I started to jot down notes. Over the years as therapist, nurse, and provider, I literally have heard thousands of stories. Bits and pieces of others have stuck in my consciousness but the entirety of this intrigued and…Mwc Space4 min readMwc Space4 min read
PinnedMember-onlyHeigh-Ho and Other Core BeliefsHeigh-Ho and Other Core Beliefs Like all core beliefs, our definition of work is born out of our childhood memories, experiences and perceptions. We develop knee jerk reactions, sometimes irrational thoughts, and inexplicable emotional responses to often unconscious stimuli. I’ve often told the story of how, growing up in the…Mwc Work5 min readMwc Work5 min read
PinnedMember-onlyIdentity deathIt happened in a matter of weeks. Widow. Jobless. Old. One Sunday night in June 2016, my husband of 40 years died from respiratory failure. The following Thursday, the clinic where I work closed and I was out of work. TheMWC Deathnext Tuesday, I turned 65 and became a senior…Mwc Death3 min readMwc Death3 min read
Published in The Memoirist·2 days agoMember-onlyEau de Essence of Cats & DogsLove stinks, and it’s not the farts, bad breath, or b-o — I remember, new in the relationship, my boyfriend said he knew the exact moment love arrived. It occurred when he felt comfortable enough to fart in my presence. Romantic, right? Can you believe I married the guy? But human vagaries of love aside, that's not the particular smell I’m talking…Love Stinks3 min readLove Stinks3 min read
Published in Crow’s Feet·3 days agoMember-onlyI Started Doing These Four Things and Nothing (Much) ChangedIs my senior science wrong? Let me start by saying these were not New Year resolutions. I started somewhere in October. Nor were they some social media anti-aging recommendations guaranteed to make me look, feel or act younger. I constantly read but rarely implement changes put forth in various publications…Lifestyle Change4 min readLifestyle Change4 min read
Published in Black Bear·Jan 28Member-onlyThat Was My Week That Was in Mental HealthAs an advanced practice psychiatric provider — I treat the seriously mentally ill, generally with limited resources, in the fourth largest city in the United States. I came to this career through curiosity, stayed for the stories, and continued to help as many people as possible. I also mentor students. …Black Bear4 min readBlack Bear4 min read
Published in Crow’s Feet·Jan 23Member-onlyFour Things Recently That Made Me Think About My Advanced AgeFour Things Recently That Made Me Think About My Advanced Age And they weren’t senior moments. Last week a voicemail message popped up on cell phone. A former colleague called and asked that I telephone him back. Not having spoken to him in several years, curiosity more than anything else guided me to punch in his number. Seems he needed professional…Aging4 min readAging4 min read
Published in Crow’s Feet·Jan 14Member-onlyTidings of Comfort & Oh Boy-Mac N’ CheeseFoods and things that soothe the soul — CF Prompt #23 Mac n’ cheese is a common comfort food for kids and adults alike. I think it shows up on every children’s menu in restaurants. What parent hasn’t bought a box of Kraft brand for a quick and easy dinner…Crows Feet Writing Prompt4 min readCrows Feet Writing Prompt4 min read
