Taken on 11.14.15: Why I'm rarely around/ on social media these days. This semester, I attended two mental health advocacy conferences, taught three certification classes on suicide prevention to 60+ students, & created new workshops/ activities on Forming Healthy Relationships/ Positive Body Image Affirmations, all while working through my own chronic condition. I sat out on a lot of the social media debates in the last month because everything hit so close to home. A fellow CSULB student was a victim in the Paris attacks & our department had to provide extra support for our students; my parents were vacationing in Paris just days before. I've been really overwhelmed, but it's unsettling to remain silent. Because advocating for gun control and for mental health reform are NOT mutually exclusive. It is infuriating that those of us who already struggle living & coping with mental illness are subject to being scapegoats for mass shootings & pawns for ulterior political agendas. Furthermore, every time prejudice causes you to fear / hate all people from a specific race, ethnicity, or religion, terrorism unfortunately accomplishes what it intended. I don't have all the answers for why terrible things happen around the world & in our daily lives, but as for me, I see it as a calling to step up & do something instead of wallowing in defeat. Most days, it's difficult, sometimes to simply get out of bed, but my heart continues to propel me forward even when my body & mind are not well. This holiday break, the Christmas carol that sings, "Pray for peace (of mind for) people everywhere" will be on repeat in my soul, with hope that humanity will heal in 2016. As we all journey toward healing & justice, please know you are not alone; I'm here to share the many tips & resources I learned along the way for living well & doing good. I'll continue to share my story in 2016 & encourage you all to bless others with yours too; #FutureDrTiffany #stigmafighters #breakyostigma #projectsemicolon #mystoryisntover
