Vivacious

Please say hello to first-time contributor Tip Crawford, a 56-year-old from Northern West Virginia who was recently diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder and Generalized Anxiety. While her diagnoses are relatively new, Tip has been dealing with these challenges throughout her entire adult life, and they have been especially strong over the past 20 years. Tip is in therapy with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and takes an antidepressant. She also helps manage her mental illness by regularly exercises (weight lifting, cardio, toning and yoga), keeping a diary, taking pictures, reading, meditating, practicing deep breathing, listening to lectures, talking to a very few trusted people, and walking with her beloved dog, Samwise…. Though some days it is hard to do anything except walk with Samwise. Those times, she thinks of as ‘dark curtain days’.

About this photo: “This photograph, taken in my yard, is of a flower called Lunairia. Also known as Money Plant and Honesty. This picture is named for the times I feel vibrant and full of life, exuberant and happy! It is also named for the times that I remember feeling those things.”

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19 replies to “Vivacious

  1. This is a wonderful study of honesty, in all senses. Well done, Tip. I think it is brilliant that you do remember the exuberant moments when you are not feeling so great. And also that you are doing so many positive and enriching physical activities.
    More power to your brave intentions.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Tish. Remembering those times and activities are like little tricks I pull out of my pockets. I didn’t feel so great yesterday. Today was much better.

      Like

  2. Tip, it’s lovely to see that your garden gives you such pleasure. Finding joy through nature is a life enhancing experience and something that is free for us all to enjoy. Beautiful flower. This one self-seeds freely in my own garden also.

    Like

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