Two Headed Monkey on Your Shoulder

This post is dedicated to those who have struggled with the monsters known as addiction, substance abuse, alcoholism, and depression, as well as those who have lost loved ones to the various diseases. Mental health issues do not discriminate.

        Times like this I reconsider my annoyance at the fact that I feel like I am pursuing a degree to be licensed to do a job that I don’t really want to do, which makes my education feel like a waste. However, when I hear about someone who had struggled with addiction and mental health disorders throughout their lives, only to ultimately succumb to their demons, it makes me want to help those in need.

        I am currently almost done with my coursework to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and often feel underwhelmed at the prospect of becoming a counselor, as I enjoy academic research and writing, to the point that I am considering to go for my PhD in psychology so I can pursue research. However, when I hear of a death of someone who battled either mental health or substance abuse/addiction, it strikes a chord.

        I have experienced what it is like to be active in an addiction (or two) as well as what it is like to have bouts of depression and emotional disorders. I know that I would much rather work with a counselor who has been there, experienced it, rather than trying to apply textbook learning to a real life situation. I’d rather sit across from someone with tattoos, turquoise hair, and experience, than someone in a stuffy suit, that’s for sure. Sure, I know that there are plenty of good counselors who may have not experienced first-hand what it’s like to be in the grips of a coke binge, alcoholic stupor, or sitting on the floor in the kitchen while crying. However, bringing personal experience to the counseling session is a valuable tool. So, while I may still cringe at some of my courses, such as child and adolescent or marriage counseling, I know that it will help me to get to where I want to be, wherever that is…

Robin Williams will be missed. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, there is help.

PiYo Week 2

Today marked the beginning of the second week of my PiYo program. For those of you who are not familiar with the program, it is basically a mix of pilates and yoga, or in other terms, yoga for people who don't like yoga. So far, I have felt a little less discomfort in my lower back, but I am still modifying all of the moves. I am waiting to receive a new disc, as the one I have for the first few workouts of the program is skipping. I will try a new DVD player though, as it is frustrating. Today's "Sweat" workout was cut short by about 6 minutes, skipping the reps on my left leg during the "Power" sequence. I'll keep going though, while I wait to hear back from the VA regarding my back pain, which may be related to a surgery I had a few years ago for two herniated discs. Until then, it's Icy Hot, heat packs, Epsom salt baths, and natural remedies, along with some Bayer Back and Body. I think PiYo is helping to reduce some of the pain though.

What is PiYo?

PiYo Fun

Well, this week I started the BeachBody PiYo workout program, as I just HAD to do something since my body has changed (for the worse) and the programs I usually do, I am currently unable to complete. Long story short, I had back surgery a few (okay, closer to 10) years ago. I tried to “walk off” two herniated discs. Can you say “STUBBORN?” Yeah. So, a few months ago, it started to act up again, to the point where if I lie down, it is an ordeal to get back up again. We even purchased a new mattress topper (with gel on one side, which is nice in the Texas heat), but that is like putting a band-aid on an amputated limb.

I have completed three of the PiYo workouts so far, and while there is still some discomfort (Ok, more like screaming out loud, sharp pains that almost buckle my knees), it is getting better. I still have to take some Back and Body caplets, use a heat pack in the morning and occasionally throughout the day, as well as Icy Hot or Tiger Balm, but I am determined to get better...or die trying.

I am not affiliated with BeachBody, but I have completed a number of programs. If you have a question, feel free to ask. If I don’t have the answer, I may know where to find it.