This article has been labeled as triggering, particularly on the subject of rape and abuse. The contents of this article might therefore not be suitable for certain sensitive users. Please take this into consideration before continuing to read. An inside look at PTSD By Anonymous Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD has several types of symptoms that include reliving,...

What is consent? By Cassie (Calico.) and Nicole (eumoirous) Consent is the voluntary agreement of all involved parties to engage in sexual activity. It should be assumed that one has not given consent unless there is a clear agreement prior to engaging in any sexual activity. It is preferred for consent to be a verbal agreement; however, it can be written as well. Consent should be clear at each stage of the activity, and the ability to say "no" should be respected by both ...

Being an alcoholic By Jessie (Palmolive) My Story Nothing could have prepared me for the world I was about to enter when I picked up my first bottle of vodka. I was about 17 and had suffered with mental health problems since I was 11. I struggled with depression and anxiety which turned into BPD, PTSD, depressive episodes, psychotic episodes, and eating disorders. They all added to my stress levels and I didn’t think I was going to become addicted to alcohol too. I had never drunk much...

Debunking the myths of alcoholism By Jenny (coolkid98) The myths and misconceptions about alcoholism can make it hard for those affected to reach out and get help due to fear of being judged. Some of these myths can also lead to alcoholics being in denial about their problem because they don't fit a stereotyped appearance of an alcoholic. Alcoholism, also know as alcohol dependency, describes an addiction to alcohol in order to cope with everyday life. Myth: Those who often get drunk are...

Worry stones By Cassie (Calico.) Worry stones are smooth stones that vary in size, shape, and color. Some have thumb indentations and are engraved with a single inspirational word, or a phrase. These stones are supposed to alleviate worry when held between your thumb and index fingers. Most worldwide cultures have something similar to alleviate worry, but it is thought that worry stones originated from Native American or Greek cultures. Native Americans had sacred stones that...

Creating a safe place By Sammi (Elixir.) What is a safe place? In a nutshell, a safe place is something you create to escape from the world for a time. While it may sound like a physical space, there are no limits to what your safe place can be. It's entirely possible to create a safe place that doesn't exist (or can't be visited) anywhere besides your mind. Your safe place is a place for you to relax, recenter, and rejuvenate. It allows for "me" time whenever you need it, whether it be to...

The common misconceptions of PTSD By Cassie (Calico.) Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD is a serious mental health condition that develops from experiencing or witnessing a horrific or life threatening event. PTSD develops from trauma, whereas other mental illnesses do not and that is what separates PTSD from other illnesses. It can affect anyone of any sex, race, age, or background. Like other illnesses, PTSD has a negative stigma that often prevents sufferers from getting...

Tips for a successful time in university By Dez ( *~Sparkly Queer~* ) When people go to university, they want to be successful. However, sometimes things such as procrastination, difficult class material, or making friends can be a problem for students. There are ways to combat these problems before they grow too large, and to aid a student in being successful in university. In this article, the term 'professor' will be used to refer to the person teaching the class, but other terms such...

Am I pregnant? By Nicole (eumoirous) Fearing that you may become pregnant is very common, especially when you first become sexually active. Most barriers or hormones to prevent pregnancy are up to 99% effective, which means that although the chances of becoming pregnant are extremely low, it is still possible. If you suspect that you might be having symptoms of pregnancy, the first thing you should do is to remain calm. Symptoms and signs Among the most common signs, the one that...

The benefits of group therapy By Dez ( *~Skittlify~* ) In group therapy, people with similar problems meet with a therapist in order to discuss and solve problems in an intimate setting. People are able to give and receive support from one another and share ideas in a safe space. At first, group therapy may seem frightening because it can seem scary to share your feelings with others. However, once you become more comfortable with group therapy it can be a beneficial experience. Group...

About ADHD By Cassie (Cassiopeia.) and Nicole (eumoirous) ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is an increasingly popular and controversial topic. It is a developmental disorder that affects the behavior of approximately 11% of children according to the CDC. Awareness for this medical condition has sparked a debate regarding the extent of the severity of the symptoms. Healthcare professionals are continuously assessing the treatment options to help improve the lives of...

Bras and how they support By Cassie (Cassiopeia.) Did you know that women spend approximately sixteen billion US Dollars worldwide on bras each year? source] Those who wear bras own up to nine bras on average source]. A bra is a garment worn by people to support their breasts. Each bra is designed to meet the individual requirements of people of all shapes and sizes around the world. The average age that people begin to wear a bra is age eleven, but breast development normally starts...

How to make a calming jar by Cassie (Cassiopeia.) Calming jars are a do-it-yourself craft that is sparkly and fun for people of all ages. The colorful glittery solution can serve as a calming substitute for people struggling with the use of unhealthy coping mechanisms such as self-harm. With the help of a few materials, people can create a calming jar of their own in just a few minutes. Materials needed Old clothing (optional) A mason jar

Coping with triggers By Robin (PSY) In order to cope with triggers, it's important to understand what a "trigger" is. A "trigger" is a cue or signal for anything that 1) reminds a person of an upsetting event, and 2) leads a person to have a strong, negative, physical and/or emotional reaction in response to being reminded of that upsetting event. Everyone has different triggers, because everyone experiences different kinds of upsetting events. Triggers can come in the form of people,...

The basics of creative writing By Chess ( *~Skittles Martinski~* ) and Dez ( *~Skittlify~* ) Creative writing is an excellent way for you to express thoughts, ideas, and opinions in an interesting and imaginative way. There are many forms of creative writing that you can do depending on your interests, and inspiration can be found in a variety of areas. It is a good way to escape from the formal writing you do at work or in school and instead share your talent! Due to the number of...