Here is a link to my author's page so you can check out all my books. www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie
Here is a direct link to How to Survive Depression.
https://www.amazon.com/How-Survive-Depression-Book-ebook/dp/B079LZ87MZ/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Friday, February 9, 2018
HOW TO SURVIVE SERIES
EXCITING BOOK RELEASE INFORMATION! HOW TO SURVIVE DEPRESSION is the first book in the How to Survive Series. It was published just a few days ago. I wrote it to provide education, hope, inspiration, and tips on how to cope effectively with depression. Please get your copy today. If you haven't already done so, My Mental Madness Memoir is also available.
Here is a link to my author's page so you can check out all my books. www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie
Here is a direct link to How to Survive Depression.
https://www.amazon.com/How-Survive-Depression-Book-ebook/dp/B079LZ87MZ/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Here is a link to my author's page so you can check out all my books. www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie
Here is a direct link to How to Survive Depression.
https://www.amazon.com/How-Survive-Depression-Book-ebook/dp/B079LZ87MZ/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Today's Topic: "Anxiety and Appropriate Coping Skills"
Hello to all my blog readers! The first post for Today's Topic will be "Anxiety and Appropriate Coping Skills", as requested by several of my fans.
What is anxiety?
According to Merriam-Webster, the general definition for anxiety is an "apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness over an impending or anticipated ill."
Most people experience this sort of anxiety, whether it is over a job, a relationship, an illness, etc. They may worry unnecessarily. But worry does no good, so they learn to turn that anxiety into positive action.
What is Anxiety Disorder?
Again, according to Merriam-Webster, the medical definition of anxiety is "an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate), by doubt concerning the reality and nature about one's capacity to cope with it.
Signs:
What is anxiety?
According to Merriam-Webster, the general definition for anxiety is an "apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness over an impending or anticipated ill."
Most people experience this sort of anxiety, whether it is over a job, a relationship, an illness, etc. They may worry unnecessarily. But worry does no good, so they learn to turn that anxiety into positive action.
What is Anxiety Disorder?
Again, according to Merriam-Webster, the medical definition of anxiety is "an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate), by doubt concerning the reality and nature about one's capacity to cope with it.
Signs:
- Worrying too much, including over "unnecessary" things
- Sleeping too much or too little, trouble staying asleep, trouble falling asleep
- Feeling like you are going to throw up and/or actually throwing up
- Constantly tense muscles
- Flashbacks
- Panic Attacks
- May appear as social anxiety or stage fright
How do I cope with anxiety?
- Breathe, be mindful of your breaths, use deep breathing techniques
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthly
- Have a regular sleep schedule
- Avoid illegal drugs, alcohol, caffeine
- Relax, take time for you, pamper yourself
- Maintain a good attitude
- Be grateful for everything in life, even the little things
- Try to avoid things that "trigger" you by being insightful about your illness
- Give back to others, get involved in a support group, network with others who have anxiety
- Seek professional guidance (therapy and medication)
This is on a more personal note!
I experienced great anxiety while I was psychotic. During this time, I feared that I was going to be raped and killed. I thought everyone was against me. Fearing for your life for 12 years straight definitely causes extreme anxiety. I continually had the flight vs. fight response. I was jumping out of my own skin. I could never relax. And I tried to run away and I tried to strike back. But since this anxiety was unfounded, I was not able to change things. I was worrying about unnecessary things.
With medication to control the psychosis, I emerged a stronger person. I turned adversity into a positive thing, because it strengthened my character.
I am hoping that you too will overcome your anxiety and emerge as a changed person. Seek professional help if needed. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Anxiety Disorder may be a mental illness but it does not make you a bad person. Things will change and I want to offer you that hope.
Blurb on Anxiety from My Mental Madness Memoir:
"I believed that the medical researchers were going to give me a heart attack through their electrical shocks, and I felt actual chest pains. The pain was probably just a hallucination. Or it could have been caused by my increased blood pressure, which was extremely high because of my constant fear of being killed."
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Introducing "TODAY'S TOPIC"
Dear Blog Readers,
I will be posting weekly about different mental health topics. Every Sunday I will post a blog on whatever mental health topics that my audience desires. This could include any mental illness diagnosis, symptoms associated with your mental illness, treatment (therapy, meds, ECT) , recovery, skills for dealing with mental illness (exercise, stress reduction, diet, meditation), etc. If you would like me to post about a certain topic, please comment here, or if you feel more comfortable you may send me a message through messenger (m.me/AuthorStephanieAllen1979).
I am dedicated to helping spread mental health awareness and ending all the stigma associated with it. Please reach out to someone for help. If you feel you can't trust anyone, I will be more than happy to lend a listening ear.
Hope everyone has a great weekend ahead!
Much Love to you all!
-Stephanie Anne Allen
Author of My Mental Madness Memoir
www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie
www.facebook.com/AuthorStephanieAllen1979
I will be posting weekly about different mental health topics. Every Sunday I will post a blog on whatever mental health topics that my audience desires. This could include any mental illness diagnosis, symptoms associated with your mental illness, treatment (therapy, meds, ECT) , recovery, skills for dealing with mental illness (exercise, stress reduction, diet, meditation), etc. If you would like me to post about a certain topic, please comment here, or if you feel more comfortable you may send me a message through messenger (m.me/AuthorStephanieAllen1979).
I am dedicated to helping spread mental health awareness and ending all the stigma associated with it. Please reach out to someone for help. If you feel you can't trust anyone, I will be more than happy to lend a listening ear.
Hope everyone has a great weekend ahead!
Much Love to you all!
-Stephanie Anne Allen
Author of My Mental Madness Memoir
www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie
www.facebook.com/AuthorStephanieAllen1979
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
PERSEVERANCE
Hello to All My Blog Readers,
As you know I am the author of the amazing new book titled MY MENTAL MADNESS MEMOIR! Which takes an intimate look into several mental illnesses, and describes what it's like to suffer from them. But it is also a book that offers hope. It proves that a person can persevere even in the very worst of times! You may ask how is that possible. So, here is an article I wrote on the topic of perseverance. I'd like to share it with you here.
PERSERVERING DESPITE A MENTAL ILLNESS DIAGNOSIS
By: Stephanie Anne Allen
Do you or someone you know suffer from mental illness? Do you feel “doomed” and hopeless? Are you looking for a way to carry on and live a meaningful life?
The answer is perseverance. You must persevere in all situations, even the worst ones! Persevering is a sign of courage and inner strength.
You may ask yourself, “can I really persevere?” And this is my answer to you, “Yes, you can!”
· Believe- “You can do it.” “It will work out.”
· Faith- “I am going through this for a reason.” “God does care about me.”
· Hope- “I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
· Love- “I am worth it.” “I am special.”
· Will-power- “I will never give up!” “I will do whatever it takes to succeed.”
Please share this with everyone you know. Let's spread the love to others! And, with sincerity, I hope that you do persevere always.
Much love,💓
Stephanie😊
As you know I am the author of the amazing new book titled MY MENTAL MADNESS MEMOIR! Which takes an intimate look into several mental illnesses, and describes what it's like to suffer from them. But it is also a book that offers hope. It proves that a person can persevere even in the very worst of times! You may ask how is that possible. So, here is an article I wrote on the topic of perseverance. I'd like to share it with you here.
PERSERVERING DESPITE A MENTAL ILLNESS DIAGNOSIS
By: Stephanie Anne Allen
Do you or someone you know suffer from mental illness? Do you feel “doomed” and hopeless? Are you looking for a way to carry on and live a meaningful life?
The answer is perseverance. You must persevere in all situations, even the worst ones! Persevering is a sign of courage and inner strength.
You may ask yourself, “can I really persevere?” And this is my answer to you, “Yes, you can!”
What exactly is perseverance?
According to Merriam-Webster the
definition of perseverance is “continued effort to do or achieve something
despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.”
Another word for it, that you may be familiar with is “steadfastness".
What does that mean to me?
Well, it means that no matter what
life throws at you, you can get through it.
And not just survive it, but thrive from it.
How do I use it?
Steps of
persevering:· Believe- “You can do it.” “It will work out.”
· Faith- “I am going through this for a reason.” “God does care about me.”
· Hope- “I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
· Love- “I am worth it.” “I am special.”
· Will-power- “I will never give up!” “I will do whatever it takes to succeed.”
What are the benefits?
Persevering has many benefits. It leads to increased self-esteem and self-worth. It also helps you live a very happy and
successful life!
Conclusion
You are worth it! You can do it! You have purpose! Your life has meaning! Never will you let yourself give up!Please share this with everyone you know. Let's spread the love to others! And, with sincerity, I hope that you do persevere always.
Much love,💓
Stephanie😊
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Please Share Your Story With Us!
Hello to All My Fans,
For a chance to win a FREE audiobook copy of My Mental Madness Memoir on April 1, 2018, please share your story with me here, as a comment. Tell me why you think you should be chosen to win a free audiobook copy of my memoir. How do you think it will benefit you? What are you looking to get from it? I believe in total honesty so please share from your heart!
I am hoping to spread awareness and stop the stigma associated with mental illness, so please share my blog address with everyone you think could benefit from it.
Please pass this link forward to spread the love! www.stephanieanneallen.blogspot.com
Also, if you haven't done so, please join my mailing list for a chance to win a free signed paperback copy on March 5, 2018! Here is the link for that. Join mailing list
If you are really anxious to read/listen to this amazing story and can afford it, please go to this website now! www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie
Don't forget to leave your email, so I may contact you if you are chosen to win.
Thank you my friends. Please do have a wonderful week ahead. Receive and give much love!
Kind Regards,
Stephanie Anne Allen
Monday, January 15, 2018
Seize the Opportunity!
The perfect day to start over is today!! Begin by reading My Mental Madness Memoir!
Click here now!
Click here now!
Friday, January 12, 2018
Interview with ME, Stephanie Anne Allen
Hello to all my blog readers! It's time to get real with me!!! I would like to share an intimate interview I did that was previously posted on SeriousReading.com.
Who is the author?
My pen name is Stephanie Anne Allen. I was born, raised, and still reside in Michigan USA. I am 38 years old. I have a BA in clinical psychology from Siena Heights University. I have extensive experience with mental illness on both professional and personal levels.
What is the title of your newest book?
It is called My Mental Madness Memoir. However, that is the new title. The original title was The Beggar They Hung to a Cross, but too many readers questioned the title and thought it to be a religious book. So, in my opinion, I believed it would be best to retitle it to get the right reader audience.
What is My Mental Madness Memoir about?
The simple answer is that this book is the true story of my life. To go more into depth, it focuses on my struggles with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
Could you tell us more about your struggles with depression?
Sure. My clinical depression was diagnosed at about age 16. I suffered from all the classic symptoms, including suicide attempts. It was a very dark and painful time. I just didn't want to live.
What can you tell us about your battle with bipolar disorder?
I wasn't diagnosed with bipolar depression until about age 18, but the first symptoms appeared at about age 15. No one was able to identify the symptoms at that time. It was so sad. I would battle with depression one day and the next I would be so high emotionally. I had rapid-cycling bipolar.
Could you please tell us about your schizophrenia and what symptoms you experienced?
Well, I had extreme and multiple delusions and hallucinations. I don't want to give away the story, so that is all I will say.
Did you experience any psychosis?
Yes absolutely. It was a scary and fearful time. I have never met or heard of anyone that had such severe psychosis as I did.
Will you tell us about your delusions?
Well, I had delusions about almost everything. I believed my delusions to be real, and I had very distorted thinking.
Could you tell us about your hallucinations?
Again, I don/t want to give it away, but I will say that I had hallucinations of all five senses.
What percentage of your memoir is true?
100%. I believe in total honesty, and I reflect that in my book.
Why did you write this book?
I wrote this book to help others with mental illness, their families and friends, and anyone looking to understand what a mentally ill person goes through.
What is your definition of success?
Success to me is helping someone each and every day by helping them obtain happiness and satisfaction within their own life.
What are your future goals and hopes?
I want to see this book make the best seller's list... Also I am working on turning this book into a screenplay to be made into a movie. Then I will complete my second book...
What is your definition of recovery, and do you honestly believe that recovery from mental illness is possible?
Recovery is when a mentally ill person achieves and maintains stability for a certain period of time. And yes, I do believe that recovery is possible with the proper treatment. I am a prime example and a role model!
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
The hardest part was having to revisit and re-experience all that pain from my past. But it was also very therapeutic.
What are some positive things readers have told you about your book?
Readers have told me how helpful the book was to them, and how they didn't feel so alone anymore. I have heard how I have lots of "strength and courage" to be able to share my story, and that I am "very well-spoken".
What are some things that readers have given you as criticism on your book?
Criticism? Umm. Well, a few readers commented on the title, and that is why I changed it. Also, I received criticism for one reader about the psychosis part of my book being "hard to follow". That might be true, but it is an exact conceptualization of what it is actually like to be psychotic, as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are thought disorders. I will NOT edit or change this part or any part of my book based on one readers opinion. I will accept the criticism and move forward. I feel that editing the book would change the entire tone and meaning behind the book.
What was your most rewarding experience as a mental health professional?
When I worked as a case manager I made a difference in my client's lives. I loved helping people and grew to a greater understanding of what it is truly like to suffer from mental illness. It was just a very rewarding job. I loved it!
What was the lowest, most devastating time of your life?
Well, I am not going to answer that, as my story will tell all. But I've had so many low times... Just read my memoir and you can judge for yourself what was my worst time in life was.
What was the best point in your life?
The best part of my life was when I was working as a case manager and was in a long-term relationship. I was 24 and I felt like I had it all.
Tell us what you believe to be the purpose behind your life?
My purpose in life is to help, encourage, motivate, and inspire as many people as possible!
Do you believe that everyone in life has a purpose?
Yes, everyone has purpose. I believe that God has a reason for putting each ad every person on this Earth. You just have to accept God's will.
How important was faith in your recovery?
Faith in myself and God was a major part in my recovery.
What types of treatment did you receive as a result of having mental illness?
I have had therapy, been on multiple meds, been to support groups, had both inpatient and partial hospitalizations. I have never had ECT though.
Would you say that mental health professionals act appropriately?
I have experienced much unprofessional experience from people who are unable to understand what a psychotic person is going through. Due to their inability to understand, they make it much worse for the mentally ill patient. I am hoping that many professionals read this story so they can gain a better understanding of what's really going on in a mentally ill patient's mind.
What is the biggest myth regarding mental illness?
The biggest myth I have come across is that mentally ill people are "stupid". This is by far not true. Some studies have actually shown that mentally ill people have higher IQs than the general population.
What are you most grateful for in your life?
I am most grateful just to be alive each day and get to experience each new day filled with much opportunity.
What is your biggest regret?
My biggest regret? Well... Read my book and see if you can pick one out!
What makes you happy?
Happiness is a beautiful thing. I love helping others feel joy withing their lives. That is so rewarding. I always say, "Spread the love!"
Do you believe having a mental illness makes a person bad?
Absolutely not. Having an illness of any kind, is not the person's fault! And a mentally ill person is no different. There are bad mentally ill people but not in any greater degree than the others in society.
What is something you want readers to know?
I would just like to say that I hope you take the time to read My Mental Madness Memoir, as I know you will find it helpful to you and that you may be able to use it to help others in your life. It will give you a knowledge base and a chance to really understand what a mentally ill person is experiencing within their minds. Much love to everyone!
Who is the author?
My pen name is Stephanie Anne Allen. I was born, raised, and still reside in Michigan USA. I am 38 years old. I have a BA in clinical psychology from Siena Heights University. I have extensive experience with mental illness on both professional and personal levels.
What is the title of your newest book?
It is called My Mental Madness Memoir. However, that is the new title. The original title was The Beggar They Hung to a Cross, but too many readers questioned the title and thought it to be a religious book. So, in my opinion, I believed it would be best to retitle it to get the right reader audience.
What is My Mental Madness Memoir about?
The simple answer is that this book is the true story of my life. To go more into depth, it focuses on my struggles with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
Could you tell us more about your struggles with depression?
Sure. My clinical depression was diagnosed at about age 16. I suffered from all the classic symptoms, including suicide attempts. It was a very dark and painful time. I just didn't want to live.
What can you tell us about your battle with bipolar disorder?
I wasn't diagnosed with bipolar depression until about age 18, but the first symptoms appeared at about age 15. No one was able to identify the symptoms at that time. It was so sad. I would battle with depression one day and the next I would be so high emotionally. I had rapid-cycling bipolar.
Could you please tell us about your schizophrenia and what symptoms you experienced?
Well, I had extreme and multiple delusions and hallucinations. I don't want to give away the story, so that is all I will say.
Did you experience any psychosis?
Yes absolutely. It was a scary and fearful time. I have never met or heard of anyone that had such severe psychosis as I did.
Will you tell us about your delusions?
Well, I had delusions about almost everything. I believed my delusions to be real, and I had very distorted thinking.
Could you tell us about your hallucinations?
Again, I don/t want to give it away, but I will say that I had hallucinations of all five senses.
What percentage of your memoir is true?
100%. I believe in total honesty, and I reflect that in my book.
Why did you write this book?
I wrote this book to help others with mental illness, their families and friends, and anyone looking to understand what a mentally ill person goes through.
What is your definition of success?
Success to me is helping someone each and every day by helping them obtain happiness and satisfaction within their own life.
What are your future goals and hopes?
I want to see this book make the best seller's list... Also I am working on turning this book into a screenplay to be made into a movie. Then I will complete my second book...
What is your definition of recovery, and do you honestly believe that recovery from mental illness is possible?
Recovery is when a mentally ill person achieves and maintains stability for a certain period of time. And yes, I do believe that recovery is possible with the proper treatment. I am a prime example and a role model!
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
The hardest part was having to revisit and re-experience all that pain from my past. But it was also very therapeutic.
What are some positive things readers have told you about your book?
Readers have told me how helpful the book was to them, and how they didn't feel so alone anymore. I have heard how I have lots of "strength and courage" to be able to share my story, and that I am "very well-spoken".
What are some things that readers have given you as criticism on your book?
Criticism? Umm. Well, a few readers commented on the title, and that is why I changed it. Also, I received criticism for one reader about the psychosis part of my book being "hard to follow". That might be true, but it is an exact conceptualization of what it is actually like to be psychotic, as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are thought disorders. I will NOT edit or change this part or any part of my book based on one readers opinion. I will accept the criticism and move forward. I feel that editing the book would change the entire tone and meaning behind the book.
What was your most rewarding experience as a mental health professional?
When I worked as a case manager I made a difference in my client's lives. I loved helping people and grew to a greater understanding of what it is truly like to suffer from mental illness. It was just a very rewarding job. I loved it!
What was the lowest, most devastating time of your life?
Well, I am not going to answer that, as my story will tell all. But I've had so many low times... Just read my memoir and you can judge for yourself what was my worst time in life was.
What was the best point in your life?
The best part of my life was when I was working as a case manager and was in a long-term relationship. I was 24 and I felt like I had it all.
Tell us what you believe to be the purpose behind your life?
My purpose in life is to help, encourage, motivate, and inspire as many people as possible!
Do you believe that everyone in life has a purpose?
Yes, everyone has purpose. I believe that God has a reason for putting each ad every person on this Earth. You just have to accept God's will.
How important was faith in your recovery?
Faith in myself and God was a major part in my recovery.
What types of treatment did you receive as a result of having mental illness?
I have had therapy, been on multiple meds, been to support groups, had both inpatient and partial hospitalizations. I have never had ECT though.
Would you say that mental health professionals act appropriately?
I have experienced much unprofessional experience from people who are unable to understand what a psychotic person is going through. Due to their inability to understand, they make it much worse for the mentally ill patient. I am hoping that many professionals read this story so they can gain a better understanding of what's really going on in a mentally ill patient's mind.
What is the biggest myth regarding mental illness?
The biggest myth I have come across is that mentally ill people are "stupid". This is by far not true. Some studies have actually shown that mentally ill people have higher IQs than the general population.
What are you most grateful for in your life?
I am most grateful just to be alive each day and get to experience each new day filled with much opportunity.
What is your biggest regret?
My biggest regret? Well... Read my book and see if you can pick one out!
What makes you happy?
Happiness is a beautiful thing. I love helping others feel joy withing their lives. That is so rewarding. I always say, "Spread the love!"
Do you believe having a mental illness makes a person bad?
Absolutely not. Having an illness of any kind, is not the person's fault! And a mentally ill person is no different. There are bad mentally ill people but not in any greater degree than the others in society.
What is something you want readers to know?
I would just like to say that I hope you take the time to read My Mental Madness Memoir, as I know you will find it helpful to you and that you may be able to use it to help others in your life. It will give you a knowledge base and a chance to really understand what a mentally ill person is experiencing within their minds. Much love to everyone!
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