posted April 24, 2016 05:09 PM            

My sister became bipolar/schizophrenic when our mom was dying. There was the normal persona who just carried on with her normal life, and then the "other" who acted out all the pain and suffering.

posted April 25, 2016 12:48 AM            

I think what happened, after you made the connection, is that your friend was trying to reveal that he has a condition called multiple personality disorder. (Like movie Sybil.)

Ask him if he's in treatment. He probably is.

I don't know how strong of a person you are? He sounds like he is in the beginning stages of this disorder. Emotionally, this may become very draining on you, as maybe some of his 'alters' (alter personalities), will latch on to you for support he hasn't been able to give to himself. Without you understanding this, you can get caught up in some (conscious or unconscious) manipulative behaviors.

If he is in therapy with a GOOD therapist, and IF you were interested in helping him, then you might seek some advice of the therapist on how to approach and handle a relationship with him.

Sometimes if they're just in the beginning phases of recovery, and you are about to be intimate with this person, a child-age (younger) personality(entity) could suddenly be 'forward' in consciousness, and it could cause much much confusion (to you, and him).

If you wanted to really really get into a relationship like this, it could take perhaps four to six years for you and he to work together and help him get his life in order. Very very hard work.

Depending on who you are, and what your goals are in life, pay attention to what your instincts and feelings are directing you to do. Ask God for help. You might bring this up to a pastor/counselor trusted mature friend. Don't keep this as a 'secret' between you two. Keep other (real-body) people involved (not just LL). (And hold down gossiping about this person, too. Help him keep his privacy. DO involve others--- on a 'need to know' basis. He may already belong to a network of support-persons. Find out who they are, if you wish to be involved in this persons life.)

Like I said, he NEEDS to be in treatment with an exceptional highly specialized trained experienced/supervised professional psychotherapist.

At first, meeting someone with this disorder can be very enthralling. Easy to get caught up in it. (This is not 'paranormal'... like ghosts and spirit-possession is.) And too, since you are a compassionate person anyways, you may feel yourself being drawn-into this relationship in a way stronger than other folks would (Voice of experience, here).

It takes INCREDIBLE compassion, wisdom, patience, and an ability for you to care for your OWN self's needs. You need to be able to self-care, and have good self-boundaries. In a way, this person could be a friend now (and in the future), but they need to "learn" and be modeled 'how' to care for their own selves through you modeling an ability to care for you, and your relationship with him.

They are exceptional people. They need a lot of healing. Most of us need healing from situations in our pasts. People who have gone through trauma and child abuse need deep care and compassion.

This condition your friend has, though, is quite serious. If he is 'breaking down' right now with his alters taking control, it's TIME for him to seek help NOW. "They" (alters) are ready to Heal..... and it's a Good thing for them that they have come to this point in their life, where it is possible to start to deal with themselves to become a wholly-integrated and WHOLE person. They have the rest of their lives ahead of them. They can be restored.

Blessings on you for being someone he could 'let down' his guards with. It's hard for these people to trust others. If you've won his trust, it's saying A LOT about YOU too.

But DO NOT do this alone. This is not for an inexperienced person to handle by themselves.... no matter "how needed" you feel. Gently, that is potentially an (innocent and unconscious) ego-trap.

posted April 25, 2016 02:31 AM              

However, I'm also not beyond believing that entities may attach to people as a result of such trauma.

I will dismiss neither idea.

I will add that due to his fragile mental state, it may be best to avoid the topic of entities attaching to him. But perhaps not best to entirely negate his perception of his experience, either. It's rather a fine line to walk with people.

And none of us can say that we know with any certainty that there's no validity to that experience.

At any rate, I'm glad that you're able to be a good friend to him, and offer emotional support and some healing, to whatever degree that manifests.

Mirage does have a very valid point about friendship. I've known a number of people who have dissociative disorder (they've been traumatized so severely that their psyche, or personality, is basically fractured, and splits into different pieces who deal with different emotions/situations).

They can indeed be very sadly draining to be around...like a step beyond Borderline Personality Disorder, which is saying quite a bit.

Try to be there for your friend, but be aware that putting up boundaries may not go over well. I hope it goes okay, and I hope you can continue to be present for him and help him along his path.

I also hope that he is in therapy. It truly is important, and he needs the right trained professional to really help him work through this. And, of course, caring friends.

posted April 25, 2016 12:22 PM            

I'm SOOO happy to see tides changing now, where a Kinder World is being encouraged. And 'bullying' is being put in its more proper focus of attention.

Back in 2005 or 2006, I discovered the work of Dorothea Dix. She founded the mental health system that we used in early 1900s. She had a LOT of influence and cooperation inside the world dominated by men. Began treatment modalities for those in asylums and prison populations (H12-material). She provided 'alternatives' and Hope.

She brought 'Change' through her ability to have Compassion and encourage having a Kind Heart towards follow Human Beings in bad circumstances. Her work brought "discernment" towards the difference between (in my words) chemically-based driven illness, and the NORMAL breakdowns that can occur because of circumstances and emotions. She started 'rest sanitariums', encouraged fresh air and sunshine, and things to occupy self. She brought climate control (in those days, people thought that the insane did not need heat during those New England winters. They thought these 'can't feel'.) She had them separate the ones who were truly chemically-ill, from the ones having mainly only 'nervous breakdowns' and exhaustion states.

Multiple personality is different from pathologically-based Borderline.

Dissociation is a normal defense mechanism (off-switch) that EVERYONE with mundane consciousness uses to push away too much stimulation coming at them. (e.g. Tick-tock of a loud clock in the room; conversations around you in a restaurant). Dissociation (focusing attention) is used to laser-in our ability to Study.

When you meditate, you "learn" to manipulate your dissociation muscles consciously.

This society is becoming "trained" by clever marketers to become very dissociative (training your "attentions"-- what you will subliminally subconsciously pay attention to--- in order to exploit creating lack, so they can take economical advantages.) Not cool, for those without ethical values.

We have people metaphorically living IN their cell phones now, and ON the etheric internet. This is a dissociative-type of experience being propagated in our society. There are advantages to isolating people, and increasing that feeling. Drives the market?

There are many people who walk around with multiple personalities and don't realize they have them. It's like 'masks' that everyone wears-- bringing 'forward' the parts of their own personality that they like and want to present to the world, and pushing 'down' the information and facts they want to deny or repress about the darker side of their self. We're dealing with Shadow-material there.

Wherever there is 'separation' -- you kinda automatically have 'multiplied' (separated, compartmentalized) yourself? *wink*

I've known multiples, AND actual malignant-Borderline people. The word borderline is interesting. Same alphabetical words, different understandings, in contexts. Shared-vocabulary pitfall.

If you look at the 'masks' we present to people, we ALL Creatively live on cusps and borderlines. Blendings, shades.

That's not what a professional "pathological" diagnosis is about. To take responsibility and accurately diagnose, takes us beyond the self-help and self-education entertainment books, and falls on the shoulders of a Qualified educated highly trained Professional who has been educated formally for years, and passed certifications and have credentials to make that call.

There's a difference between using "jargon" and our own colloquial junk-labeling. Unfortunately people throw around labels around these days. (ha!, look at Politics, right?) (Although HUMOROUSLY, I would say Congress would have benefited from some group therapy techniques they use to 'cure' multiple personalities? It's about 'integrating' compromises and getting along together in as harmonious working HEALTHY whole. LOL)

I've seen threads over at Astro2.0 where this was discussed... I couldn't hang-out and participate, but I was VERY happy to see some people trying to help make a 'distinction'. ... As long as people acknowledge that they are just employing non-serious colloquial labels, I guess they can have engage in emotionally gratifying parlor discussions.

I MISSED the Conversations at The Carter Center online presentation this year on language-issues and Mental Health (Stigma problems) last Thursday. (I had to be away from the computer.) I usually don't miss any of their programs.

I had two best friends who had multiplicity (trauma-based) in my life. One was a psychiatric-nurse who had run a hospital unit, then was diagnosed and became disabled and early-retired. I came close to a degree in psychology, had some graduate training (that didn't count because I didn't graduate with my degree). I have taken several continuing-education graduate-level courses and training on Dissociation, and the Dissociative disorders. AND, I've met the ACTUAL pathological Borderliners. There IS a distinct difference to people with the ability to discern it.

Many folk whose dissociation don't serve them adequately (which can happen to anyone during traumatic events, for whatever reasons), can go for help to a System that is not well-prepared and educated. Many folk wind up in a system that just throws chemical solutions at them, then after a while attribute a cure TO the drug-- (when it was ACTUALLY 'a transit' that the person was experiencing... I have very adamant feelings about that.)

Those chemicals (drugs, meds) CAUSE more problems than they solve. And I'm concerned about our military wounded being GIVEN these kinds of chemicals, which can CAUSE suicidal actions and behaviors (NOT-their own).

So many side-effects can "mimic" pathological chemically-based mental-illnesses.

Hence, the co-morbidity problems are CAUSED BY the system-itself. This NEEDS to be examined, and remedied. We are barbarians when it comes to emotional-care of people who are having bad-luck.

This system is the only thing we have in place to rely on for help in the society today, where families are soooo dysfunctional.

This is a global problem-- not just the USA. That's why I've been a supporter of The Carter Center.
... It's not just about the 'guinea worm'..., or prejudice against religions, islamic women's education, or the problem with women/individuals being used in sex-slavery. The Carter Center recognize that there are Mental and psychological emotional health-needs NOT being met adequately in today's world. They are bringing a focus of awareness to the problem of Stigma.

If you are a human being?, then you DO have psychological problems, from time to time. (haha, check your natal chirons!!, and your whole darn natal chart. --- LOL it's 'there' if you look for it.) NO ONE is exempt.

The more they deny it?? and 'act' like they have their shittogether, Well, could be that that's maybe "one" of the signs??? that there is something-hidden going on in their life! LOL ....

The transit wheel?, progressions?--- keeps on probing and rolling and tripping the wire of every vulnerability we have.... We ALL have shadows, things that happened to us. We ALL are vulnerable. We all are guaranteed to have our 'moment' or 'events' that kick away all our supports, feelings of security, and clear the very-foundations you stand on. (Can you imagine the Houses there.)

WHEN (not if) WHEN that happens, you are blessed and most-fortunate if you are surrounded by a relatively healthy family-unit, or are IN a committed Marriage with an understanding spouse. Many 'illnesses' (temporary) can happen and be cared for within that nurture-environment.

Oh! BTW, the label "Borderline" is known among educated trained professionals as a "trashcan" diagnosis-code for 'I don't like this patient, and you won't either.' It has been used ignorantly and irresponsibly to repress and abuse the more independent and powerful female energies in our society. Non-integration of male-female in individuals will suss-out the less-healthy expression in an other, --- (ESPECIALLY, triggers health care people with unknown 'Authoritarian Personality Disorders'. .... Maybe some are drawn into such professions unconsciously, because of their drive to act-out upon individuals their own confusions.)

Families who are dysfunctional utilize one of their members to become a Black Sheep so they can 'blame' and focus ALL OF the family's collective-sin upon someone OUTSIDE of themselves. The member is called 'ill' (made to BEcome the ill-member, whether true or not, through their dysfunction). That member takes on the shame and blame of the family, then many are sent out into a society to wander, unhealed.

I've had a very wide and colorful variety of experiences on my soul journey--

I've actually personally interacted with some of these deliberately-mislabeled (especially) females, who didn't understand 'what' was happening to them at the time. Nor did the professionals, obviously, who TRY to do the best job they can with the little we understand. (We operate in the dark-ages, still, surrounding these issues.--- It's an argument FOR teaching astrology in medical and therapy schools?)

A few of these Mighty Women who went through harrowing times, have been some of the most powerful and creative Change Agents I've ever had the "privilege" of shaking-hands with, or have had internet-and email interactions with. Patriarchal Society (of females and males) can't hold them in a Box.

Some are Poets, and deep Shamanic 'Healers'.

I admired their Presence-- energetically. If people understood charts at the deepest levels, and knew how to position themselves for such a change-making shifts, we could have Healthier-Outcomes, better support-systems for when it becomes "YOUR turn".... (But that is a sociologically-bent astrologer's pipe-dream?)

I want to attest that there IS true pathological-Borderlines.

I had one attach herself to me around 2001 or 2002... She was also very truly a chemically-based ManicDepressive (People "throw" that label around too-- this is dangerous, as some people feel the 'permission' to ACT-OUT and get away with it!... just my flawed-feelings there, sorry.)

I still shudder when I think "how close" and pathologically this girl was able to quickly worm her way into my life (within days). She was a very nice girl, but deeply Dangerous person. *more-shudders* I thank God I am a nice person, AND that I have extra-Angels protecting me. (Have had some close kinds of other calls too. ... Thank God for Benefic Forces that have guarded over my life.)

.... I guess I'm in a talky mood! Don't usually go into detail on these kinds of issues.

Schizophrenia, is NOT split-personalities. That is a misnomer, and a colloquial use of a label.

Everyone uses Dissociation every day. We would have a "Lucy" experience, otherwise?

When you watch a movie, you are using Dissociation, too.

Interesting topic! ... but I've got errands to run!

Faith, I hope your sister (and you) find the Healing from Trauma you need. You've been through a terrible terrible set of tragedies in your life. ....

posted April 25, 2016 12:59 PM              

I've had friends who were diagnosed with Dissociative Disorder, due to extreme trauma. They had multiple personalities that they became aware of later in their lives, as they remembered the traumas that had been buried.

I worked in mental health facilities with people who had Borderline Personality Disorder diagnoses, and from what I could gather it was also trauma related. I primarily cared for individuals who were schizophrenic, bipolar, and schizoaffective, and I agree that they are most certainly all quite different, and have nothing to do with what I have come to call Dissociative Disorder (but perhaps is better left at Multiple Personality Disorder).

But they were diagnosed by professional psychiatrists. I'll not be trying to diagnose anyone, but I've certainly been around it in my life.

I was under the impression that Multiple Personality Disorder is not a term that is often used anymore, that it had been replaced with Dissociative Disorder. But perhaps that varies, depending on the hospital and the area?

I agree that terms get thrown around rather haphazardly, which is exasperating to me as well. My mom was diagnosed as being bipolar, which she most certainly is not. She has PTSD, I can guarantee that much.

I've been under the impression as well that Borderline Personality Disorder is a spectrum disorder, and is related to PTSD, but I think that may be relatively new speculation that they're doing research on?

I'll read through your post again in a bit, it usually takes me some time to digest the information you have to offer!

posted April 25, 2016 01:29 PM              

quote:

---

Oh! BTW, the label "Borderline" is known among educated trained professionals as a "trashcan" diagnosis-code for 'I don't like this patient, and you won't either.'

---

I've seen this, yes. I don't, however, doubt that the diagnosis is accurate (at least in the people I've encountered), or that the behavior attributed to the disorder is not understood within reason.

But I suspect that you're probably onto something, although I have not personally noticed as much (as far as "trashcan" diagnosis goes). I've mostly noticed that it's a code of sorts for "okay, this person will be quite a handful, be very mindful of boundaries, and be on the lookout for potentially dangerous behavior". Needless to say, that's a very simplified and shortened explanation, for my convenience.

posted April 25, 2016 03:27 PM              

Mirage, do you believe it's possible for entities to attach themselves to people who are experiencing these disorders, or as a result of trauma?

I do believe as much, but in the interest of not exacerbating someone's mental health issues, I obviously would not bring that up to people going through it.

I wouldn't be so bold as to claim that I know anything about most people's spiritual states along those lines, so I generally keep my thoughts to myself on these matters. My general thoughts are that I don't know, but I don't dismiss the possibility.

posted April 25, 2016 06:46 PM            

He and I talked yesterday and explained to me how the alters were his emotions. They were all vessels through which he could express whatever his feeling without being him at the same time. It's kind of confusing if you think about it. But it does kinda make sense.

I still would not disregard the possibility of entities taking control over people with the disorder, however, I will not dig deeper into that until further research has been made by professionals.

I guess he does trust me, but I do not really know why. We've only really gotten to know each other last week. I met him two years ago at a party before I moved to a new city and that was the last time I saw him, up until now. Our paths have crossed again.

For some reason, I believe I have some healing work to do with him--not just for him, but also for me. He kept saying yesterday how he wanted to break down my walls and see me for who I really am. It's kinda interesting because I have been kind of closed off about myself since my life changed two years ago. He also said he wanted to help me express my emotions because it's not healthy to keep ignoring them. Kinda ironic actually. But I have read about twin flame separation stages, and twins have experienced meeting a soulmate that helped them get rid of energy blocks so that they can reunite in the future. I guess Joe is that soulmate? I don't know for sure. I'm very young and I have still a lot to learn about the world and my spirituality.

I do think he's already seeing a therapist. He is on medication, after all. It's amazing how someone like him dreams of becoming a life coach. Maybe when our healing work is done, he can fully live out his dream. He can finally practice what he preaches. He kinda already is a life coach, but he feels unfulfilled because he doesn't live out what he teaches to others. I hope that changes in the near future.

posted April 26, 2016 09:09 AM            

Thank you, and thank you Violets, for your sympathy regarding my sister. She is far gone, honestly.

Solar_Leo_Queen, please listen to mirage ~ I second what she says...it's beautiful that you are the kind of person that people can open up to, but beware of the dangers.

Once you become enmeshed at all with a sick person, it may not be easy to disengage, and that can suck out your energy like you never expected.

posted April 26, 2016 02:59 PM            

But, after several years, I couldn't get those who could have profited from it (materially) to respond to me (through tangible direct communication).

According to my chart, I belong-to and am supposed to work for truly committed spiritual-people, real Leaders, with a Heart for helping Others.

//edited// (I was upset by something else I had read 'just-before' doing my post here.) 748pm

So, IN that energy, .... That's why I keep cautioning you, Faith, to make sure to save writings and your research work... Put copies of it into folders (electronic or hardcopies). This will have Value when you go to get Certified, Educated, Degreed. Invest in yourself, further. (Which I'm glad you DID~~ when you got that astrology program added to your computer now!!! ~~woMaynnnnn??!! The research and study possibility you can DO with that?????--- LOL, Wishing you all-the-Best!) You're younger, and have many many years in front of you.
Some day you could be a profit-making astrologer. Keep working that talent you have, no matter if your husband ~approves or not (which obviously, you are ABLE to still study via internet without his realizing it-- Good for you!).
.... And I hate to mention the 'reality' of it?, but, he'll be 'gone' some day from this earth, based on biology. Your kids will be grown. Everything you're doing now with astrology (should you decide to use your talents that way) will Count.
(Just do me the favor of sending me free-readings some day?! because, I TOTALLY ~Deserve it,*ROFLMAO*, *blushing*. I promoted you, and encouraged your Gifts. ... please remember me.)

This morning, I saw a video about Oregon (Violets, your 'area'?), and their attempts at extending Medicaid programs for the Mentally-ill....

***CORRECTION***... (ty Violets) .... *Some insurance practices* force some agencies by attaching "labels/diagnoses", WITH the giving out of medications that can and do CREATE more and more unhealthy symptoms, thus 'trapping' these people who will be 'farmed and stripped' for all the profits that big pharma, and the government, and unethical mental health professional organizations can "take" them for. Reminds me of the tampon-scandals of the 1980s/90s(?), where 'the company' put a chemical at the tip of the tampon that encouraged MORE bleeding, thus, the need to use another day (or more) of Product. .... It's a SCAM. I hope SOCIETY "wakes up" and realizes that this is NOT the way to 'free' people.

As far as spirit-possession goes?

Absolutely. These people are even MORE vulnerable to be used as "prey" for the darker-forces in this world. Who MORE to be victimized (not just by ethically unscrupulous MH workers), than someone who was TRAINED that they HAD to submit to sex-abuse, emotional abuses, physical abuses, economic-abuses. Abuse of TRUST. TERRIBLE TERRIBLE Betrayals??? by clergy, and even by those who abuse their authority because of position and that person's particular Vulnerability.

The darker forces USE people who ABUSE people. Why not send their mignons straight INTO the Wounds that other people's ego and Willpower created in the first place? The human-person "fed" off the innocent person, and left them with a gaping wound and a piece of their perpetrating self-sucking devil there in that place. WHICH, attracts other devilish forces to keep re-using the victim as a living parasite-host.

A few weeks ago, I had been walking around my neighborhood, when I noticed a tree that seemed really green and flourishing. I thought it was amazing, as I thought the tree was near-dead. I looked closer, and there was mistletoe growing (a parasite!), and other parasitical plants that SMOOTHERED that Hosting-tree. They were "feeding" off the wood of the spent tree (that the wind sent there), then they "killed" the tree, and feed off its structures, its bones and skeleton branches-- to live and PROFIT for themselves-- only 'taking' and not giving back.

With the sexabuse scandals now, I'm glad to see victims being compensated.

Youth who need to flee (as I've read other LL'er stories too), DESERVE that their bodies, their sexuality, their psychology, their economic abilities and rights to survive and thrive, are Protected and absolutely ensured them, as a Right for being a Human Being BORN on this rich earth. NO MORE should they be taken advantage of, by people trying to USE them for their ECONOMIC as well as SelfPleasure reasons.

That, has to END. Make things right. And FAIR.

Solar_Leo_Queen.... BECAUSE you are 'younger'... is the reason that I would say to you to get AWAY from this man.

I have NO doubts that he can achieve his goals, of being a Friend and LifeCoach to people who have been through this ordeal. There have been others who achieved this, in their own ways. Even people in the astrological world (if you've encountered them and got deeper than just a few of their videos).

BUT!!!, based on HIS behaviors with you??... I say, NO WAY, sweetheart. He's not "ready" yet. I want YOU Protected.

Please 'consider' our worldly older-person's and motherly-sense practical wisdoms here.

Yes, you CAN Be A Healer..... But, not with this person. I know you feel an attachment and a bond with him? But, it's not the HEALTHIEST practical-relationship vibe for YOU {{hug}}. ... Start to extricate yourself from that relationship, carefully. VERY carefully.

ADDING>> Stay away from alcoholics, harddrug users, and felons too. While you are still young, Guard your Heart. Learn to Protect it. YOU are Valuable! {{ }}

posted April 26, 2016 03:38 PM            

You're "allowed" to make your share of mistakes....

posted April 26, 2016 05:04 PM              

I live in Washington, and worked for really awesome non-profits in the Seattle area, before I decided to stay at home with my son.

They had issues occasionally with money (or lack thereof), but everyone who worked there cared tremendously for the residents. We were a dedicated group.

I will say this with humility...
I was invited to write a piece for one of the residents' memorial services, by his family. I worked unpaid from home often, printing out pictures for the residents to make collages with, or finishing progress notes. I loved the residents, and my job.
That was a very special place for me.

That's neat about your chart.

posted April 26, 2016 05:48 PM              

I understand the gross negatives and negligence of the pharmaceutical industry, believe me.

However, for the time being these medications are what work for serious mental illnesses, and I'm all for giving people a better quality of life in that sense. More research would be ideal, of course.

I'll never advocate putting children on psychiatric meds, or ignoring the issues within our society that create a lot of the symptoms we exhibit via anxiety and depression.

But I will also not deny people the right and the ability to access whatever helps them to live more independently, with fewer symptoms. And I've seen some of the more prevalent antipsychotic medications accomplish this more than no medication at all.

posted April 26, 2016 07:38 PM            

I completely agree with you about meds and some people. There are people who are living incredibly successful lives (schizophrenics I have known), BECAUSE they have the antipsychotic medications available to them.

Part of my reaction, was about your Mom and the two 'trendy' diagnoses she was given. I strenuously object to them putting her 'into' those drawers and categories, if ONLY to be able to pin a label (inaccurately) 'in order to' treat. Sometimes labels have a way of sticking, EVEN when they are later ruled-out. So I apologize if I came off maybe too strongly... Just letting you know where my feelings went, with that. REALLY, they need to figure out a different way to code in order to get people helped.

In the days when Dorothea Dix was alive, her sanitariums (the state mental institutions), began to take in immigrants to house and feed, that were basically here 'homeless' and without sponsorship available (usually through relatives already in the country). Her Heart was sooo Big. They kept folding-in those populations INTO the institutions, putting a strain on their abilities to do their work with the mentally ill, and giving needed funds to unsponsored-people.

I see something very similar operating right now, in our country. They are trying to give SMI diagnoses to people just to help them get services-- Sometimes 'regular citizens' need those kinds of helps. But they are denied, UNLESS, you label them. AND, (unnecessarily sometimes) drug them because "that" would "look" more legitimate on-record for THEM to receiving government funds.

I wasn't trying to put down the system that is already burdened with legitimate good care that many give. I KNOW there are clusters of really well-operating, full of good will, places. .... Maybe I've become too jaded now, having seen some of the worst of the worse.

Do you think I carry a Reformer's Spirit???? Oh mygosh you bet! YES I do! And YES I have, throughout my lifetime. I would have LOVED to have rolled up my sleeves there. AND, I did try my best for a while, in the community here. It's really good when other-people get on the bandwagon and try to do the Good Deeds!

I had set up a support group that was registered, up north, almost 20 years ago. I had remarkable attendance. After a year, the State sent congratulations and thanks, as they had 'needed' this, and needed it role-modeled in the state.

When I got here, I tried to do the same, but politically was blocked. (I'll spare the detail with that.) ... I called some places in other states. "Happened" to talk to someone who had just-moved-away from here, and she TOO had done and run into what I had, politically. She was much more successful with her setting up one in her new state.

This may be of interest to you, then.
http://www.cartercenter.org/news/features/h/mental_health/journalists-gain-insight-into-mental-health.html

One of these people had direct-involvement with some of the Oregonians. Maybe your paths of Blessings crossed at some point.

Anyways.... Big Hug for you (~hey, when you're pregnant, you have FULL LICENSE to be irritable, and loving, and frustrated, and emotional--- It's part of the mom-to-be category).

For me? ... Maybe I'm having some added-frustrations of things I had wanted to do, WHICH I tried, but ~you-know-Politics!

Some day.... Some day....

The stone which the builder's rejected, has become the Cornerstone.

Just gotta Increase the Love, Increase the amount of Care and Attention to the places that hurt, and THANK and BE GRATEFUL to those who are in the backgrounds, DOing the work for us all.