Almost April

I added this picture to this post because I have been studying the heart and EKGs lately, so it caught my eye and seemed appropriate. . . And it makes a good point. Every week, every year, even every day, there are ups and downs. It's life, it's the journey.

Holy cow!! It's almost April. It has been over a month since my last blog entry. I have no idea where the time went. Crazy! This year has just been flying by. I'm still trying to figure out what happened to January!?! I really don't have anything interesting to say (do I ever?), but I thought I should at least wright something down so my blog doesn't think I abandoned it. I'm here. Spring break is over, mid-semester is over, the semester is almost over. That is so crazy to me!! Then summer semester is psych, labor & delivery, peds, and mom/baby. I am so excited. Crazies and babies, two of my favorite things. I'm hitting my wall this semester. 4:00 am, twelve hour clinicals are really starting to get to me. I'm learning a  lot but I'm definitely itching for a new semester. 

Not much new with me. . . I'm reallllly ready for warm weather. Oh, and P!NK is coming to Utah!!!! I am so ecstatic about that! She wasn't going to, but added a few dates to her tour and Utah is one of them. It made my whole week. I was bummed I couldn't go see her in Vegas so to find out she is coming to Utah, makes me so happy. It's not until October though. . . oh well, something to look forward to! Hmmm, what else is new with me. . . Oh yes, my new beverage of choice is rootbeer with lemon. Yep, you heard me. It's delicious!

So, now you've wasted at least 2 minutes of your life reading this pointless blog entry. Sorry!

Daily Basis

I have to tell this to myself on a daily basis. It's going to be okay. Right? Yes. Right?

I'm really not joking. . . everyday this phrase enters my mind. Right now in my life there isn't a minute that goes by where I am "stress-free". Things are just crazy. So many crazy changes are happening in my academic life and my personal life. It's good though. My life is evolving and changing. . . and that's life isn't it? There is something beautiful about striving and struggling at the same time. Life is difficult right now, but it's a good kind of difficult. I am making changes and working towards the life I want, and while it is no doubt the hardest thing I have ever done, it is a wonderful journey.

Cray, Cray

Suppity sup blogger world? Things are so cray, cray right now. Cray, cray means crazy for all of you that weren't aware. I don't know. . . it's just what the cool kids say, so I've incorporated into my vocabulary. ;)

I am tired. Getting up at 3 in the mornin' for clinicals is killing me. 12 hour shifts plus 4 hours of sleep is just beating the crap outta me. On the bright side, I am learning SO MUCH cool stuff. Seriously. 

The above picture is of the floor in the back seat of my car. Disgusting!! I used to be a little o.c.d. about my car. Not anymore. As you can tell, I live on caffeine and granola bars. Such is the life of a nursing student, I suppose. I think I should probably stop being gross and quit hoarding trash in my car though.

Life outside of school is work. If I'm not at school or doing school assignments, then I'm working. Except, my weekends have been nicely scheduled lately. I have had them off, so I have been doing fun things with friends. Thank heavens, it's the only thing maintaining what little bit of sanity I have left. Although, because Friday is clinical day. . . I'm usually delirious because of sleep deprivation, but that makes it all the more fun, right!?!

Really though. . . Life is good. Things are soooo crazy right now, crazier than they have ever been. Crazy in school life, crazy in my personal life, just a bunch of crazy! But it's a learning experience and I know that it will all benefit me in the end. 

If anyone even reads this blog, my apologies. It's really for me-so I can look back and hopefully remember these memories and forget the sleep loss. It's also a good way for me to get on my soap box and rant about random things. But I hope all of you are doing well. Can you believe February is half over? That is nuts. Enjoy the rest of February before it's over! :)

Public Education-Mental Illness

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

I just have to go all "nursing student" on you for a second. . . I love, love public health and psychiatric nursing.

With that being said, I feel like we as a community, aren't as educated as we should be in mental illness. I'm very passionate about this matter and frankly, I think we all need to wake up and take action.
We all know someone who is has experienced a crisis in life. Whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, etc, etc. I'm sure we've all been there personally and we definitely all know someone going through such difficulties. In my community there have been 2 successful suicides in the past 2 weeks that I know of. . . It shouldn't take a death for people to be educated on this matter. Yet, all too often  it takes something on the news for us to be concerned.
 Suicide shouldn't happen, and is totally preventable. Those who think that people who commit suicide are "selfish" are TOTALLY WRONG, and I would like to smack them in the face with a chair, but that's wrong too. It is an illness, just like cancer or diabetes.
I work with suicidal people for a living and I can tell you that these people don't think about how it will impact their families and loved ones left behind, they are in such a dark place and in so much pain, they see no other way out. They need help. They aren't "broken". They are humans who are sick and need help. Just as important, those who aren't suicidal, but are experiencing a difficult time in life (what we call a "crisis") and struggling with depression/anxiety need just as much help. It shouldn't take someone to end their life for us to pick up on the hurt someone is experiencing. Granted, not all of those struggling want help and most hide their struggles well, but I'm sure we could all be more aware of those around us. 

My point is- everyone struggles, no one is above or below getting help. If you or someone you know would like to change their life, get help. It doesn't matter if it's a small problem or a big problem. All are legitimate.
My hope is that we can all be more aware of those around us, especially those struggling. My heart hurts for all of the many people who experience such sadness that they feel they need to take their own life. My heart aches for those who experience slight depression/anxiety, and also for those who experience severe depression/anxiety. People are experiencing these things everyday. I only see the ones in the E.R., and there's a lot. That doesn't include those who are at home needing help. Don't let it take another suicide that you see on the news to bring this to your attention. It happens every single day.
May I say, not only is suicide a problem but as I have previously mentioned; depression, anxiety, drug addiction, alcohol addiction, eating disorders, etc. All of these problems need addressing. Not just the severe cases either, in fact I think the mild cases are just as dangerous, if not more. Also just as important, if you are supporting someone through a crisis, you may need help too. Supporting someone you love through a difficult time takes a big toll on you, too.
I think sometimes people want help, but don't know how to find the resources they need. Luckily, with my job, I am made aware of many resources that are out there to help people, so I'm going to share them with you.
If you or someone you know need help, here are a few resources open to the community.
Rape Crisis Center/Women & Children in Crisis 801-377-5500
LDS Family Services (Provo) 801-422-7759
24hr Crisis Line 801-373-7393
Suicide Prevention 801-226-4433
Alcoholics Anonymous 801-375-8620
Of course, if you or someone you know is actively a danger to themselves in any way and their safety is at risk, go to the nearest Emergency Room. They will be evaluated by a doctor, nurse, and a crisis worker (therapist). Together, you and the healthcare team will decide the best route of help for you to get.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.