The famous astronaut who defied odds – and gravity – by landing on the moon alongside Neil Armstrong in 1969struggled with depression and alcoholism after his inspiring feat. “I can’t recall ever sharing my pain with another male friend or confiding in anyone that I was struggling to hold life together,”he wrote in his bookMagnificent Desolation.“At first the alcohol soothed the depression, making it at least somewhat bearable. But the situation progressed into depressive-alcoholic binges in which I would withdraw like a hermit into my apartment.”

After treating his depression and alcoholism, Aldrin went on to serve as thechairman of the National Association of Mental Health.

Read More… These 12 Incredibly Successful People Will Change The Way You Think About Depression

NAN envisions a world where every mother with cancer receives the care she needs for her children – so she has the time to take care of herself. By volunteering their time, Nanny Angels help mothers feel assured that their children are in safe, caring hands while they go to treatment sessions, doctor’s appointments, or simply get some much needed rest. 

Providing free nanny care to young mothers with cancer – so far they are only around the Toronto area. But sill a very cool idea, and greatly appreciated I’m sure. 

Tips to be your child’s health advocate

Being engaged and informed in your child’s health is one of the most important roles that a parent can fill, but dealing with a health issue can be anxiety-inducing for most parents. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate health concerns for your child.

BE INFORMED: If you have been referred to a specialist, make a list of questions prior to the visit. Keep a journal with dates and notes of each episode that your child has had and any medications the child has taken. For instance, if your child is seeing an allergist, bring a list of all known allergies, foods that triggered a reaction, severity and type of reaction, time to reaction, and any medications taken.

FIND SUPPORT: Join a support group with parents who have children coping with similar health issues. You can connect with parents in a local support group or online – and these connections can help you with everything from finding the right doctor to dealing with the emotional stress of a new diagnosis. Kinsights.com hosts online support communities to connect parents who are dealing with similar conditions and concerns. The site is also a secure resource to store your child’s medical history so you can keep track of your child’s health.

ASK QUESTIONS: Knowledge is power. Spend time doing research and get familiar with the medical terminology associated with your child’s condition. You’ll be a more informed parent, and you’ll be empowered to ask better questions during your child’s appointments.

BE PROACTIVE: Keep a copy of your child’s medical records with you when seeing a new specialist. Keep accurate records of dates and treatments for each doctor you’ve seen so that you aren’t piecing together your child’s medical history each time you see a new physician.

Whether you are managing an ongoing health issue or are in the process of finding a diagnosis, connecting with parents who have been in your shoes before can provide a crucial support network. And access to health information is better than ever before – just make sure you’re looking at reliable sources for research, medical information and insights on your child’s condition.

Tips to be your child’s health advocate

Question: Can you tell us more about Angrboda and Sigyn?

grumpylokeanelder:

Can you tell us more about Angrboda and Sigyn?
Dear Anon,

That’s a rather broad question. Since you don’t have a specific focus, I’m just going to ramble some general information. This is your blanket UPG warning, as there’s just not a lot of concrete lore information on either of them.

Read More

That we go numb along the way is to be expected. Even the bravest among us, who give their lives to care for others, go numb with fatigue, when the heart can take in no more…. Perhaps the noblest private act is the unheralded effort to return: to open our hearts once they’ve closed.’

Mark Nepo

“Hearing the Cries of the World”

 Parabola Magazine

(via abiding-in-peace)