A recent movie hit the theaters this year about Fred Rogers, American television personality, puppeteer, writer, musician, producer, and Presbyterian pastor who also helped to secure millions dollars in federal funding for a new concept: Public Television. Fred Rogers passed in 2003, survived by his wife, two sons, and three grandsons. And, apparently, was survived by a distant relative named Tom Hanks also!
Inspirational Quotes can be helpful in times of stress. ‘Just do it’, for example, and ‘This too shall pass.’ Here are some quotes and words of wisdom from Fred Rogers.
“At many times throughout their lives, children will feel like the world has turned topsy-turvy. It’s not the ever-present smile that will help them feel secure. It’s knowing that love can hold many feelings, including sadness, and that they can count on the people they love to be with them until the world turns right side up again.”
-Fred Rogers
What wonderful words of inspiration from Mr. Rogers on love.
I so appreciate people like Kay Redfield Jameson and Elen Saks for having the courage and the leverage in their life and position in order to share about their success, mental illness, and stigma they have overcome. I think that society’s attitude has changed even in the last 5 years. I have read case law on a slander law suit even for calling someone ‘bipolar’ when this was their diagnosis by a doctor, because it was used to refer to them as though that is all of who they were. Many people who have mental illness are also very skilled and successful in professional jobs but even if they were not, the assumptions and defamation that people incur with labels may be slanderous and incriminating.
Though I love Brene Brown and what she has shared many people’s ‘vulnerabilities’ publicly pale in comparison to these two women- Dr. Jameson and Dr. Saks. We may feel extreme shame regarding issues that may not incur nearly the consequences of stigma and shame, or rather ‘discrimination’, that mental illnesses have across centuries. Some issues are more taboo. Brene says, “They have to earn the right to hear our story.” Conversely, these women paid out for skeptics and critics to benefit from hearing their stories backed up with their credentials. I am certain there were some worthy friends who earned the right to hear their stories and saw them through. When statistics show nearly one in five people suffer with mental illness we must know we all have family members and friends also suffering in silence. Clearly society is not ready for many people to share about the mental illness they have suffered and even overcome, publicly. I love what Dr. Brown has to say about shame and vulnerability being the birth place of innovation and the man in the arena.
What can you do about this in Gainesville, FL this month?
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Gainesville, FL Annual Mental Illness Awareness Walk to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. NAMI Gainesville (National Allinance on Mental Illness) provides education, advocacy and support for family members and individuals dealing with a mental illness. All services offered are free. Help NAMI by showing support and donating funds if you can. T-Shirts to anyone donating at least $10
Men and women make jokes about our sensitivity regarding body image. Do I look fat in this? However, body image is a serious issue. On the far end of this continuum this issue may lead to eating disorders and depression. Eating Disorders affect millions of people, are the most common of mental disorders among women and girls, are often chronic, associated with limited functioning in everyday life, suicidal thoughts, may result in severe medical problems, and even death (Seligman, 333).
Unfortunately, less than one third of people who live with an eating disorder ever enter into treatment (Seligman, 341).
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is better than no treatment, medication alone, and other forms of therapy for Eating Disorders (Seligman, 341). Changes in thinking, identifying triggers, and working with a therapist who cares and can listen works not just to manage symptoms but to get to the root of the problems underlying the cycle. Body image is often a huge component. Often a nutritionist can be a helpful member of the team and consulting with a doctor for medical examination and treatment is a must. Although, some people do not ever live completely free of the symptoms, many do. They learn to function and enjoy their lives more fully. A therapist can help to deal with the stress of living with the disorder as well as to tackle the underlying issues and changes in thinking and behavior that need to occur to live free of the disorder.
The first step is to come out of the denial. A friend or family member can have a huge impact on a person taking that first step. A healthy community encourages one another and the relationships among our friends, family, and neighbors are essential to the healing that takes place (Crabb, xii). Be a friend. Be a listener. Be understanding. Show respect. Hold up and bear the weight of others weaknesses where you can and you will experience so much joy in being a part of the process of connecting and healing!
Someone also made a spoof of how men all think they are good looking. Now though it is funny, men also struggle with body image and it is no joke. The female to male difference in prevalence is about three to one. Body image concerns have increased dramatically over the last three decades for men also.
Crabb, Larry. (1997). Connecting. Nashville, TN: Word Publishing.
Seligman, Linda & Reichenberg, Lourie W. (2007). Selecting Effective Treatments, Third Edition. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
I am also certified in group exercise instruction and Yoga. Somatic therapies that use the mind-body connection are powerful.
I keep bringing up this TED talk with students and clients. The research she did shows that power poses increase Testosterone and reduce Cortisol levels (high Cortisol correlates with stress). Warrior pose from yoga in the bathroom stall before your next interview! NOT IN THE INTERVIEW! I wonder how poses that are more serene affect our hormones such as the mountain pose, the tree, or some stretches. . .
After using power poses on a regular basis (along with deep breathing, butterfly hugs, positive affirmation, mindfulness, guided meditation, exercise, and poses) 2-3 times a week for a few months you can feel so different. Anxiety, stress, and that feeling of going going going can be GONE. It can work like a drug.
*The form of yoga I teach does not include religious practices or Hindu theology. There are different forms of meditation which I do not practice in these classes because of my spiritual convictions and yoga may not be appropriate for everyone. Yoga is a term that has different definitions so please be mindful. Phil. 4:8, 2 Cor. 10:5
In my masters program I sat next to this woman for a whole semester and worked on a project with her. We created the Orlando Dream Center for Girls to help teen girls with the many many issues and disorders that relate to self esteem. I knew she was gorgeously beautiful but I had no idea she was a super model with an amazing story to tell!
Jennifer Strickland is another model with a great story of her journey with her self-esteem.
For more info from Rachel Hofer check www.lovingtherapy.com
Loving Therapy 