Business, Community and Environment in the Yarra Ranges and surrounding suburbs
Finally the cold winter is starting to disappear with some warmer spring weather in the hills, flowers starting to bloom and all those new little animals being born. Along with this abundance of growth comes the life giving pollinating minuture communitys of a variety of crawling […]
As most people who live in the hills know the Dandenong Ranges are made up of a great deal of natural eucalyptus forest, Mountain Ash, temperate rain forest and Stringybark. Part of the life cycle of this type of forest includes fire. When burnt seed […]
“Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain
Mental Heath is a topic that is close to my heart. Few people these days are not subjected to the darkness, either directly or though a family member or friend. It is an ongoing epidemic that effects us all. People who live in the Hills have the privilege of being close to nature, and can improve their health by getting out and about in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. It is not a cure but can make each day just a little better.
I am sad most days, and I think you can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness. It becomes a way of life, a construct that controls and envelops lives, rich or poor, old or young, no one is immune. The modern world is a veritable petri dish for the pitfalls of the brain. It is becoming more and more prevalent in this world of isolated social media and the lost art of human communication. It is important to find ways to connect with your neighbor or friend or stranger on the street, to be kind to each other every chance you get. Don’t just ask if someone is OK, but taking the time to actually make sure they are is one of the most brave and noble things you can do.
It is hard to be friends or to love someone who suffers from chronic non quantifiable and often invisible pain. They put walls up, their behavior is often antisocial and even aggressive, but to try and understand and see beyond this is the best things you can do for your loved ones, the world and your immediate community. We are blessed in this country with excellent health care, but when it comes to mental health this often falls short. That black dog does not want you to get help, the dark pit feels impossible to climb, and most psychologists seem to have no idea. Medication is the go to for all Doctors, but this is often misused and can makes things worse.
Connection kindness and love, all help the continuing cycle of blah. We must start to work towards helping each other and the greater community, through time patience and tenacious encouragement. Never underestimate the power of kindness, it is always under valued and sometimes hard to see. Be open to giving it and especially recognising it. Kindness is the key.
http://www.mentalhealthcompass.com.au/directory/dandenong-ranges-emergency-relief-services-inc