Wading into the tall grass of our overgrown prairie field on a crisp autumn morning at Edelen Acres, I was after milkweed pods—those delicate, silky parachutes catching the low golden sunlight. Dressed in my favorite jade green sweater, I was so absorbed in capturing the light through my phone that I didn’t notice the quiet … Continue reading Traveling Seeds
Tag: Mental Illness Coping Skills
Our Toughest Battle of the Day
My psychiatrist once said to me, "The most important issue for anyone with a mental health condition is sleep."
What Courage Really Looks Like
"Thank you for sharing your story; you are so courageous," a woman said to me at one of my “In Our Own Voice” presentations. As usual, I smiled and thanked her. It always surprises me when people thank me for speaking out—that the “speaking out” aspect is what they believe is most courageous. Yes, speaking … Continue reading What Courage Really Looks Like
Letter to My Colleagues
I still remember driving to work for my first day at the first job after my psychotic break. I was so scared. The night before I had laid out all my clothes and taken my shower to be as ready as possible. I got up extra early to have time to "just be ready". My … Continue reading Letter to My Colleagues
Why self-care is not selfish
Do you have COVID fatigue? You matter. Please know that you are not alone. We are all currently grappling with our mental health.
Why a mental health warrior needs a creed
Since having a psychotic break in 2008, I have built a website that brought in over $300,000 in sales, founded a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) affiliate in the fastest time ever in NAMI Ohio history, and won the 2020 Ohio News Media Association Hooper award in the original columns division. When people hear … Continue reading Why a mental health warrior needs a creed
Following in My Father’s Footsteps
“You definitely got your Dad's eye for detail and texture,” one relative said after I posted one of my pictures online. “ ... I give you art as a means of empathy and support for everyone suffering during these complex times... Perhaps then we will all begin to think creatively and bring about innovation and change.
Psychosis Diary: My Gift of Empathy and Support
I believe that psychologically, we are in shock as a nation. But, what can I do? Once again, I give you crude drawings as a means of connection of showing empathy and support for all those suffering.
Using Creativity to Express Empathy and Support
My name is Danei Edelen and I am President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Brown County affiliate. I am also a person living with a mental illness. As many of you know, I have been drawing daily as a coping skill for COVID-19 and as a part of my recovery for three … Continue reading Using Creativity to Express Empathy and Support
Catching the Sun
“To create is to make something that has never existed before. There’s nothing more vulnerable than that,” Brene’ Brown said. I felt it today. “What am I doing? What is an adult woman doing spending so much time coloring!!” I drew another sunflower today. Today’s challenge was the subtlety of the petals. In fact, I … Continue reading Catching the Sun