Why Scott Stapp's situation needs to be taken seriously.

photo credit: gossip cop

As some of you know, Creed frontman Scott Stapp is broke and living in a Holiday Inn (according to a video he uploaded to Facebook last month).
In the video, he stated that people were stealing his money, he is flat broke, and he is living in a hotel. He also stated that he was relying on God until justice is served. He claims that the CIA froze all of his accounts.

Here are the videos that he has put out:

He talks a lot about God, and also makes some unsettling threats against his wife and children. He was placed on a 72-hour psychiatric hold. 

Now, he is back in the news because he threatened to assassinate President Barack Obama. He said that he was ordered to by the CIA (he claimed to be a part of the CIA). His estranged wife tried to have him put on psychiatric hold for that, but it did not happen.

Many people have taken to social media to express their opinion about Stapp's mental state. Many people are making jokes about it. While these videos are a bit 'left of center,' there is a cause for concern for Stapp's mental health.

One thing that I want to reiterate to you all is that mental illness is not a joke. Mental illness should not be mocked or laughed at. It is blatantly obvious that he is troubled. Whether he has a substance abuse problem or not (people have commented that he is probably on drugs), he needs to get some sort of help. 

I'm not a fan of Creed, but when I see someone who is obviously troubled and being mocked, I have this urge to say something, since I have mental illness. Most of you know about my struggles with Bipolar, depression, and panic disorder. The thing that makes me different from Scott Stapp is that I'm medicated, and can recognize when I am spiraling out of control. I can redirect myself to write, paint, listen to music, or clean the house. Keeping myself busy can help me focus on something else, and work through my emotions.

Mr. Stapp needs to admit that he is troubled before going into treatment. In order for treatment to work, you have to be open to receiving help. If you're not open to treatment, you will not get better.

I sincerely hope that he becomes receptive to help. I know things stink for him right now, but it does not last. Things can get better.

Everyone who is mocking him and talking negatively about him, you are not helping the situation. He needs help, not your ignorance. People have been known to take their own lives because of incessant bullying, including cyber-bullying. Please think before you speak.

Can Fish Oil increase brain function in those with Dementia?

photo credit: lostfit

Well, according to a new study published in a journal called Alzheimer's and Dementia, it might!
The study, which took place in Rhode Island, tested 819 people who had MRIs and psychological tests done every six months. Out of the 819 participants, 229 had no cognitive impairment, 397 participants had some cognitive impairment, and 193 participants where diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.

After participants were given the Fish Oil and studied for some time, researchers found that the 229 participants that had no cognitive impairment had "increased brain preservation." The participants with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's Disease showed some reduced brain atrophy. The Fish Oil also showed to maintain brain activity in individuals with cognitive impairment.

So, is it worth adding Fish Oil supplements to our dementia loved one's vitamin and medication pill boxes? It wouldn't hurt! Of course, clear it with their doctor first.

Why you should never "feed the trolls."

 photo credit: smosh

Trolling: a person who sows discord on the Internet by starting arguments or upsetting people, by posting inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog) with the deliberate intent of provoking readers into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion. --- Via Wikipedia

Most of us have probably encountered a "troll" at least once in our lives. I've encountered many.
Now, I'm not talking about the furry little toy trolls that were popular in the 1990s. I'm talking about human shaped "trolls." Ones who have nothing better to do than to troll someone's social media account(s) and leave scathing remarks for your friends, work colleagues, and family to see.
When you fuel the "troll's fire," they increase their smear campaign against you by commenting on everything you send out. That is the normal "troll" way.
Super-trolls are the ones you need to look out for. These are individuals who message you incessantly, run a smear campaign on your professional social media accounts, and even talk about you on their private accounts. These are folks who do not know you, nor care about your story. If you are acquainted with someone they do not care much for, you are public enemy number one. They devote their time to "trolling" your social media pages. While the initial comments are relatively entertaining, they can get old real fast.

So, how does one rid themselves of "trolls?"

1. Do not engage in a smear campaign against them. Remember that saying, "two wrongs don't make a right?" Be the bigger person and do not engage with the "troll."

2. Block the person. If the troll uses a second account in order to cyber-bully you, report both accounts to the web master.

3. If the cyber-bullying becomes severe, report the account(s) of the "troll," print out their correspondence with you, and contact the authorities. Cyber-bullying is a major issue now, and the authorities do take cyber-bullying very seriously.

Most of the time, "trolling" is easy to combat. It can be as simple as deleting the comment. However, there are those who are relentless. They will not rest until they break you. Remember folks, "trolling" IS a form of cyber-bullying, which is AGAINST THE LAW. Be the bigger person. Remember your rights. Do not give your cyber-bullies power over you.

Now, the reason why I wrote this is because I have a history of dealing with cyber-bullies. If I encounter a "troll" who takes their bullying to a new level, I will not hesitate to contact the authorities.

Today is National Bipolar Awareness Day!

photo credit: suhanijian

An estimated 5.7 million people in the United States live with Bipolar Disorder.

A person with Bipolar Disorder experiences extreme mood swings from mania to depression. The mania is associated with abnormal levels of happiness and irritability. Occasionally, the Bipolar individual will experience psychosis with mania. During mania, the individual makes poor decisions and also faces a lack of sleep.
During the depressive mood swing, the individual has a poor outlook on life. The individual may be having thoughts of suicide or self-injury.

photo credit: suhanijain

Bipolar Disorder is genetic and environmental factors can trigger the Bipolar mood swings.
Bipolar is a life-long disorder and is stabilized by medication and therapy. If the Bipolar individual is a danger to themselves and/or others, they are hospitalized and evaluated.

Many individuals who have Bipolar Disorders also have anxiety disorder.

There is a stigma associated with Bipolar Disorder. Society sees Bipolar individuals as psychotic, dangerous, and criminal. While there are Bipolar individuals who fall under the category of dangerous, not all of us are. Those of us who are in treatment (and take meds regularly) are able to function well in society. Those who do not accept treatment are the ones who are at risk for becoming dangerous to themselves and others.

Bipolar Disorder is serious and treatment is extremely important.

My story:
I am the product of two parents who suffer from mental illness. My dad suffers from depression, and my mom suffers from Bipolar Disorder. I have suffered from depression for most of my life. My first experience with depression happened when I was very very young.
In 2009, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. I will never forget that year. I was in college, working a double load, and holding down a full-time job. Around exam time, I noticed my behavior had changed. I became impulsive, irritable, stressed, abnormally happy, and incredibly depressed. I would be super manic, and then I would crash. I couldn't focus and I ended up failing my finals miserably. I was self-injuring and during a manic episode I dropped out of college. I remember walking around campus crying and freaking out.
I went to my doctor and she diagnosed me. I was almost hospitalized because she saw the cuts on my arms.
Luckily, I was able to find a good mix of medication that has stabilized me. I still have manic and depressive mood swings, but they do not last as long. I've spent time learning about what triggers my moods, and I'm able to identify which moods are the Bipolar Disorder, and which moods are my "normal" self. Knowing this, and using healthy coping techniques, has saved my life. If I weren't taking my medication regularly and not using healthy coping techniques, I wouldn't be here today.
Sometimes I DO forget to take my meds, and it really messes me up. I make sure I take my meds at the next dosage.

My Bipolar mood swings do scare me. I think about how frazzled my mind gets and I think about the extremes of my mood. My stress is always high, sometimes I am crying for no reason, and, at times, I experience psychosis. I think that people talk about me behind my back, and I think that people believe I am a worthless human being. I have it in my mind that these people don't think I'm good enough.
I don't talk about it with anyone, which IS a problem. I pretty much internalize it. Deep down, I know that those thoughts aren't true, it's just my Bipolar trying to trick me.
These issues (and more) are the reason why I make darn sure I take my medication. The last thing I need, and others need, is a meltdown. My meltdowns are NOT pretty.

It is important for Bipolar individuals to take meds regularly. Not doing so, even for a day, can trigger mood swings.

I was called every name in the book in grade school, and I was even stigmatized at a job for having Bipolar Disorder. Educating society about mental illness can help lower the rate of bullying and suicide.

The reason why I talk about my story is because I want others to know that they are NOT alone! I used to think that I was alone. I want to be the person I wish I had back in the day. We have to empower each other. We are the only ones who understand what we are going through.

Like I mentioned before, Us Bipolars are not dangerous. Most of us are receptive to treatment, and are able to function beautifully everyday. We are able to have stable relationships and raise children with no problem.
We don't deserve to be stigmatized. I will continue to fight for people who have mental illness(es). These are my people, and none of us deserve ill treatment from society. We are fighting a battle that you will never understand, and those of us in treatment fight the battle with a smile on our face.

Youtube star Bethany Mota delivers one of the best dances of all time on 'Dancing With The Stars."

photocredit: justjaredjr and DWTS

Youtube sensation Bethany Mota has been blowing up the stage with her dancing on DWTS. Last night, however, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

Last night, the contestants picked a dance to describe their most memorable year, and 18 year old Bethany Mota told the world about her most memorable year: 2009. In 2009, she started her Youtube channel. She started it to help her with the bullying she faced from people she thought were her friends. Mota became very emotional during her interview, and it really allowed the viewers to get to know her as a young lady.
Alongside her 'dancing' partner, Derek Hough, Bethany danced to a live performance by Colbie Caillat. The song was entitled "Try." In the background, were the names that Mota was called while she was bullied by her "friends."

Toward the end of the dance routine, the words changed to "brave," "inspirational," and other positive words. It definitely showed Mota's journey beautifully.

Bethany is such a lovely young lady who is mature beyond her years. Derek and Bethany definitely delivered an important message about bullying.
I was bullied relentlessly during my childhood and adolescence (even most of my 20s). To hear a person of this current generation combat bullying in such a beautiful way is so encouraging. I didn't have that kind of message when I was young, but to know that young people have that message is just amazing to me.

I didn't even know who Bethany Mota was until watching DWTS. Reading her Wiki profile and watching a few of her videos, she sounds like an amazing young lady that children and teens can look up to.

Bethany and Derek scored a 33 out of 40 (which shocked me because they deserved a perfect score).

Bethany, you are an amazing young lady. Don't let anyone bring you down. Your dance was beautiful and your story is simply amazing.
Young people (and those my age and older), check out her Youtube Channel here!

If you want to see Bethany and Derek's beautiful dance, just hit play! Make sure you have a box of tissues next to you!

In other 'Dancing' news:
Lea Thompson and Artem also delivered a beautiful dance, which Thompson dedicated to the memory of her father. Lea and Artem scored a near perfect score of 39 out of 40. That dance was another tearjerker.

Why it is imperative that you speak to debt collectors about settling your debt..

photo credit: bloggcoast (wordpress)

Receiving phone calls from a debt collector can make you sick to your stomach. It's an incessant reminder of how deep you are into debt. These debt collectors call multiple times per day, leave messages, and are sometimes rude to you. It is enough to make you want to put that debt collector's number on a call block app and just be done with it.

Problem is, you will not be done with it, and you will be making the problem exponentially worse. Sweeping your debt under the rug does not help you. It puts you, and your future, at risk. Nowadays, when you go to look for certain jobs, employers look at your credit rating. If you have a poor credit rating, you will not get hired. If you go to lease an apartment or a car, if you have poor credit, you will not be approved. If you are severely defaulting on your student loans, and are desperately wanting to go back to school, you will not be able to. Federal Student Loans are not given out to folks who are severely defaulted on their previous loans. So, if you are looking to finish that degree, you are out of luck.
One other thing I would like to add, if you are defaulting on your student loans, your interest rate goes up, and they are able to garnish your wages. You don't have to owe money to the IRS to have your wages taken away from you. Student loans can do that to you too!

My Story:
I made A TON of financial mistakes when I was in my 20s. I was extremely careless with credit cards. In my late 20s, I was doing pretty well with paying back that debt. When I hurt my back and could not work anymore, I defaulted on my credit card payments and student loans. I was in a pretty bad spot. I was getting hounded by several debt collectors, and I ended up getting a call block app so I didn't have to deal with the incessant calls and abuse from the "blood-sucking" debt collectors.
I hit rock bottom when I received a phone call from a debt collector working with my student loans. They told me that I am in a position where I cannot qualify for student loans. I was thinking about going back to school and finishing my degree. I figured, while I was recuperating from surgery, I could finish my psychology degree online and then go to grad school. Those plans quickly went out the window.
I decided that I needed to face the mess that I was in. I called this debt collector back and the gentleman was very nice and he was more than willing to work with me. I enrolled into a program where I can make minimum payments. As long as I make 9 consecutive payments, my student loans will get back into good standing and the student loan blemish on my credit rating will disappear. Not only that, I will be able to enroll in school and finish my degree. I just have to wait 9 months and pay small minimum payments first.
As far as my other debts are concerned, I am paying minimum payments to them as well. I worked out deals with half of them and am currently working out deals with the other half. I cannot tell you what a relief it is to know that these debt collectors are willing to work with me. I did half the work by answering the phone call and telling them that I want to work with them.

Moral of the story:
Folks, I know that some of you are in debt. These are scary times and many of us are in holes that are too big to dig out of. I know that these debt collectors are relentless. They are not the enemy. They don't want to spend their day calling the same number, only to be cursed out and hung up on. Also, they know what you're going through. They want you to make a change that will save your financial future.

While it may take me many years to be debt free, I know that I am on the right path. If you are in debt, work it out with your debt collector. If they are rude to you, speak to their supervisor. Explain to these people your situation, and they will be happy to work something out with you. I will never apply for a credit card again, even after I am debt free. Credit cards are trouble. You should never spend more than you have, which is why I love debit cards. They keep you in check.

If you're young, do not do what I did. Make good choices about money. My advice to you is, DO NOT GET CREDIT CARDS! If you do get a credit card, get one with a small credit line, like $300. Save it for emergencies (a death in the family, a family member becomes ill or injured and you need to book a last-minute flight, etc). Also, if you're going to school, make sure you pay your loans when you graduate. You will be saving yourself so much grief in the long run.

Quote of the day for 9/23/2014

photo credit: jayadevmwordpress

“You always pass failure on the way to success.”
-Mickey Rooney

We all want to be successful, but when it comes to the "road to success," not all of us reach the end. Whenever one reaches a 'bump in the road,' doubt tends to take over and you question whether or not you should finish the journey. We complain that it's too hard. We wonder if it is even worth it to continue on the road to success.

Let me tell you something: enduring failure and hardships is a part of the journey. It's the 'bump in the road' that builds the character needed in order to be ready for success. If we aren't ready to experience a little failure along the way, then we aren't ready for the end result. Nothing in life is ever easy. I know that better than anyone. I've been fighting and and surviving one thing or another since the day I was born. It's all I know. I haven't reached success yet. I'm still on my journey.
Success to me means finding inner peace and happiness. It is being truly content with who you are and never doubting that you are loved. It is putting others' first and taking care of yourself so you CAN take care of your loved ones when they need you.
People tell me that I'm a success. I disagree with them. I'm becoming a success. I'm not there yet. I still have to work through life's failures in order to reach my destination. The one thing that keeps me going is the faith that I will make it there someday.

Failure and success go hand-in-hand. While they are polar opposites, failure is what builds character and strength in order to achieve and appreciate success. Keep that in mind when you see yourself at a little 'bump in the road.'