The Ladybug

Tag: Mental Health Support

  • BIG Announcement…I Wrote a Book!

    BIG Announcement…I Wrote a Book!

    It’s a memoir! Welcome, readers, to the 50th post of The Ladybug Blog! I am excited and humbled to have made it to the 50th blog post, and I wanted to make this entry special. Here is the memoir elevator pitch…The working title of my book is:

    The Diary of a “Crazy” Person

    A Journey of Faith Through My 20’s and 30’s Living with Mental Illness

    I wrote this book at two very different times in my life, ages 26 and 27, and ages 38 and 39. It has been a passion project for me for a long time. Each chapter is a journal entry covering my experiences as a young woman living with chronic mental and physical illnesses. This book focuses mainly on my mental health journey, although I do address my medical challenges as well to a smaller extent. I believe that it is impossible to separate the mind and body. The title of the book is meant to be a bit tongue-in-cheek, as the word crazy is used in a negative way far too often when people with mental health struggles are described or stigmatized in society. My hope with this memoir is to take the reader past all of the labels and stigma, and bring you into the thoughts and emotions of what my life has been like these last two decades. My faith in God, as well as the love of my family and friends, and the work of some wonderful professionals, has provided me with incredible support throughout my journey. I hope that you will step into my world and both laugh and cry as you travel through reading The Diary of a “Crazy” Person.

    What makes my book unique? I feel that the timeline of the book, which describes both my 20’s and 30’s, provides readers with insight into how one can stabilize when dealing with chronic illnesses over time. My book is full of my darkest moments, and I do not hold back in my descriptions of mental and physical suffering. However, the overall message of the book is not bleak like so many mental health memoirs. My story is one of hope and light, as I find healing while my faith and support increases over time. I will let you in on a sneak peek of the ending message, which is that I have evened out and built strength mentally throughout the years. This message is important to me, because God is Good, and through Him, all things are possible. Too many mental health memoirs only focus on the pain, and I want my readers to see both my struggles and my triumphs. I endeavor in this book to paint a picture that is not just black and white, but full of the grey tones which more accurately describes the process of recovery.

    As I type this book description, I am close to my 40th birthday. I can honestly say that I feel the most mentally stable now than at any other point in my life. The positivity and gratitude in my heart at this stage in my life is amazing considering the rough experiences I have lived through due to my chronic illnesses. And that is the take-away I desperately want to share. Never give up, because there is always a new dawn. The sun rises, and you’re blessed with another day and a new chance. No matter the difficulties you face, God is there with you. He has always been there with me, even when I turned away.

    Now comes the part where I need your help! I finished the original rough draft of my book manuscript in May 2026. Since then, I have edited it once fully myself, and then had a kind friend edit it in June 2026. I am now doing a 3rd edit of my manuscript myself, and I would love your assistance! I welcome any offers to edit my book further. Please let me know if you would like to read through the rough draft of my manuscript. I am also looking for referrals to professional editors. In addition, I have a goal of seeing my book published. I am currently reviewing my options for self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or landing a professional publishing contract. My time has been busy researching all three possibilities. Please let me know if you can share advice on this process, or if you can provide contacts to book agents or publishers.

    I ask you, Ladybug readers, to consider supporting my efforts as an author with the memoir I have written. My prayer is to reach your emotions and minds in a new way and change your perspective on mental illness. This is my invitation: will you join me on my new challenge of being a blog entry writer AND book author? Thank you!

    In Love and Gratitude, G.

    PS If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness, please visit The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at the following link: https://afsp.org/

    PSS To read more of my writing please visit my archive of blog posts at the following link: https://www.theladybug86.com

    More updates to come!

  • Perfectionism Part 2: My Truth and 10 Coping Skills for Depression

    I like to ask myself the question: How is it with my soul?  This is not a phrase unique to me, but one that I have heard from many religious leaders throughout my life.  Unfortunately, the truth of the answer to that question in my life is often messy.  Life is tough, and I find that there seems to always be a struggle.  However, there is another question I frequently ask myself that goes along with the first one: How do I want to appear on social media?  I VERY rarely tell the truth of the answer to question 1 when I consider the answer to question 2.  Social media seems to be too often a place for me to hide and deceive, rather than to be honest and raw.  No one sees the scars.  No one sees anything wrong.  I am perfect. 

                Well, today I want to pull the curtain back slightly and discuss a topic close to my heart which is mental health.  Yesterday, October 10th, was #Worldmentalhealthday and while I posted a nice photo and cute caption to my Instagram and Facebook accounts, I really was not sharing much.  Mental health has been a struggle for me since I was quite young, but the stigma surrounding it has often stopped me from dialoging openly about my experiences.  As I have shared on The Ladybug, my blog, I have been ill with a physical disease from a tick bite since mid-April 2025, and the journey to recovery has been a rough one.  What I have not said is the way this disease has changed my mental abilities.  Let’s talk about it.

                I have become extremely anxious and much more depressed since I got sick in April.  In addition, I have horrible bouts of brain fog and cognitive confusion that make it difficult for me to do my college schoolwork and do it well.  For the sake of this blog, I want to focus on talking about my depression.  I am extremely sensitive to medications for depression, and so, unfortunately, that line of treatment is unavailable to me.  I must rely mainly on lifestyle changes and coping skills learned in therapy to treat the symptoms.  This is very difficult.  I wish so much that there was a magic cure for the darkness that creeps into my mind.  I must thank my parents who have been Super supportive throughout my struggle, and my friends who have prayed for me.  God is Good, and I am not alone.

                While acknowledging the deep pain of difficult to treat depression, I also want to focus on all the many ways to attack this mental illness.  Here are some of the ways that I have been coping:

    1. Talking to a professional therapist and psychiatrist.  It is helpful for me to have an objective professional hear me discuss what is happening and support me with cognitive behavioral therapy sessions.  In addition, I see a Nurse Practitioner for extra support.
    2. Taking time to study the Bible and connect with God while journaling and listening to music.  This is my “Spirit Time,” and it sustains my soul with the light I need.
    3. Walks with the family dog outside in the sunlight, preferably through the woods.  Nature combined with gentle exercise can be quite healing.
    4. Looking at a relaxing magazine or loosing myself in a funny light-hearted book.  This changes my mental scenery.
    5. Not going on social media too much, and only remaining on sites that support my soul.  For example, I love ballet posts on Instagram, as well as inspirational Christian posts.
    6. Trying to keep eating and hydrating.  I tend to stop eating when I am depressed, and good nutrition is crucial.  In addition, staying sober, and only drinking favorite things like black coffee and matcha lattes is important!
    7. Talking!  I must not loose contact with those who love me!  I know I am not alone, and friendship and family, including church family, is a lovely tonic. 
    8. Writing.  You, readers, are a support for me as well, even if you did not know it.  I find a great deal of purpose through my writing, and typing away my crazy thoughts on The Ladybug, or the book I am currently writing, is quite meaningful.
    9. NEVER GIVE UP!!!  Putting that on repeat. NEVER GIVE UP!!!  Amen!
    10. Take it 5 minutes at a time when things get bad; every 24 hours is a victory!

    It was helpful for me to review these skills as I typed, and my hope is to help others. 

    My social media platforms show smiles non-stop, but I want those who struggle to know that it is okay not to be perfect, because I certainly am not!!  I have deeper thoughts and deeper pain that is a real and sometimes everyday burden.  You are not alone.  God is an ever-present help, just ask! 

    I also want to share that if someone is reading this and feels in crisis, please call 988, the national hotline.  Or visit www.afsp.org  

    The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a great resource for support!!

    Blessings my friends! Thank you for sharing the truth with me. G.