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Mamamel
117,001
L Guru 2
5 star rating
Rating
Number of ratings55 Number of reviews47 Listens toOver 18 LanguagesEnglish Listener sinceFeb 24, 2019 Last activeover 6 months ago GenderFemale PathStep 150 People helped270 Chats2,285 Group support chats48 Listener group chats44 Forum posts260 Forum upvotes395
Bio
 My name is Mel and I am a verified intermediate listener that suffers from Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Anxiety, Somatic Symptom Disorder, and a survivor of sexual abuse. I have dealt with years of severe depression cycles where I laid in bed for months at a time in pain and feeling lonely and hopeless and felt like a huge burden to my family. I have had many years of treatment and therapy and group therapy,  thank goodness for some great peer support and my own therapist, I have worked through my issues, and I am finally in a great spot in my life, I want to give back to my community (mental health) in hopes of maybe helping someone by listening and offering my unconditional support.  I have 3 handsome grown sons. I have been married for 25 years to a VERY patient and understanding man and I have a listener twin here at 7 cups, her name is Paula02.  I decided to go back to college since my children are grown to pursue my Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree. I want to become a Therapist or an Addiction Counselor. I am here to listen and support you judgement free through several issues; loneliness, depression, anxiety, self-harm, sexual assault, and bipolar disorder. My preferences are to talk to those suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, Sexual Assault victims and Domestic Violence Victims. I am sorry but I am not accepting long term members at this time. I DO NOT accepting chats on fetishes, sex, or sex fetishes and I DO NOT talk about sex.  I am only taking new chats Mon-Thurs 9am to 12pm EST Please leave me a message and I will return ASAP when I have free time.   Have a wonderful day <3<3  

"Alot of people say that you can't just smile away depression. They are right, but some of it is actually wanting to get better and DOING something to get better. Take your meds, talk to someone or anyone, self-care like eating something delicious and brushing your teeth afterwards"-Anonymous


My accomplishments and duties at 7 cups:
*verified listener
*intermediate listener
*7 cup intern graduate
*bipolar support team
*safety team
*welcome team
*bipolar room supporter

*forum supporter
*Peer support


*I am NOT a trained medical professional and it is not within my limits and capabilities to provide advice, including medical advice. I am here to be a judgement free and friendly voice and to support you in all that you do. Please seek professional advice and opinion if you feel you are struggling with physical or mental health difficulties. If you are suicidal please call the crisis hotline at (877) 749-3664, the crisis text line, text  HOME to 741741, or dial 911 from your phone for help. This is beyond 7 cups capabilities. *





 
Recent forum posts
Self Care
Bipolar, Schizophrenia & Psychosis Support / by Mamamel
Last post
April 16th, 2020
...See more Self-Care The concept of self-care is one that we hear a lot about these days, but most people have no clue as to what it actually is. Exactly what is self-care? What are some self-care activities that can be put to use to ensure that you are taking car of your mind, body, and soul? Think about the safety speech that you hear every time youre on a plane. The flight attendants tell you to be sure to secure your own oxygen mask BEFORE tending to those in your care. Why? Because if you try to help others without ensuring your own safety first, you might pass out. The same logic can be applied to your everyday lives. Are you invested with taking care of yourself? Most people assume that self-care is founded on ideas of selfishness or a lack of caring about others so they tend to shy away from it. When you are able to properly care for yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally, only then do you become better able to pursue your goals and to enrich the lives of the people around you. What Is Self-Care? Self-care is a generalized term that has recently grown in popularity that is used to describe things that you do for yourself to make yourself feel better about yourself. They can be small self-care tips like picking up your favorite coffee on the way to work, or something on a larger scale. Like booking an exotic cruise vacation. Self-Care activities are critical to our mental health and emotional state of well-being. When you put yourself first, you not only ensure that you are the best you a possible, but you can reinvigorate yourself. You tend to have more energy and happiness to give in other areas of your life. Here are some self-care ideas if you are looking for ways to bolster your well-being. Get Physical Most people overlook their physical health when they are discussing mental and emotional health, but the -body connection cant be denied. When your body feels healthy and strong, your mood heightens, and when youre in a great emotional state, it shows in how you move your body. Make it a point to engage in physical activities that you love often. Whether its going for a quick swim in the pool, a run around the block, or taking a spin class. You can also change up your physical state from sedentary to active, it is a simple way to take care of yourself. It can even be something as simple as going for a walk with a coworker during your lunch hour. Whatever self-care idea that you decide to try, make sure they bring you at least some level of happiness. Forcing yourself to jog every morning if youre miserable the entire time should not be on your list of self-care activities. Change Your Mindset When youre constantly focusing on the negatives in life its hard to feel fulfilled. Why? Because your energy flows where your focus goes. Learn to adapt an abundance mindset, instead of focusing on what is wrong. This is perhaps one of the most important self-care tips you can add in your life. Reframing your thoughts and shifting your focus is a deliberate practice that will take some time to do. However if you are able to actually do it, you will receive much greater joy and fulfillment in everything that you do and in all areas of your life. Say No Knowing when the right time to say no is one of the self-care activities that everyone has the most trouble with. It feels like youre always saying yes to everyone when asked for something in your personal life and at work. It can be rewarding to have a gull calendar but its also important to say no. If you;re feeling run down or spread too think, allow yourself the ultimate luxury: downtime. By taking the time needed to recharge your batteries, youll bolster your energy level and be able to return to your regular schedule with increased energy and gusto. Carefully choose when to say yes and make sure youre only agreeing to do things that align with your values or things that bring you happiness. You seamlessly create a business and life you love when following your passion is one of your self-care activities.f Practice Focus and Gratitude Self-care tips dont all have to involve making major changes to your lifestyle-they can also be as simple as finding a few minutes to reflect. Try a priming routine instead of reaching for your phone or hitting the snooze button when you wake up. This 10-min exercise requires you to become conscious of your breathing, practice gratitude, visualize what you are wanting, and focus on your newfound positive energy on being able to accomplish goals that are very important to you. Create a morning routine that can help you stay on track and centered during the day. It can also help you handle challenges as you learn that even the biggest roadblocks can be reframed into an advantageous opportunity. Reward Yourself Afford yourself a personal reward from time to time, especially after doing a great job on something that was tough to do. It is also nice to reward yourself if you are having a tough time with dealing with everything, just put everything to the backburner and give yourself something spectacular that you have been wanting. A fresher, happier you will reap significant rewards. Speak With a Therapist In the often stressful and fast-paced nature of life, you have to learn to forgive yourself for the days where you dont have the drive to do anything. Productivity comes and goes, and that is all right. So for bad days, take some time off to take care of yourself. Therapy is something that is recommended to everyone. It can really help a lot when you are stuck in a rut, or just feeling down and lonely. Schedule Days Off Adding a day off to your calendar-where you do not let yourself schedule any work, housework included- will make a major difference in your well-being. As hard as it is to disconnect and take the time away from work that you truly need, regularly giving yourself space to relax is worth it. Sure, you will feel better overall, but you will also be able to tell the difference between your work's quality after working five days in a row versus right after a day off. You will feel like a new and better you. Your productivity will be much higher and you will be a happier you. Do Something Creative When you are starting to feel burned out in your daily life, take the time to do something creative. Whether it is painting a beautiful picture, coloring in a coloring book, writing a creative short story or designing something cool for the fun, something that is created will allow you to relax a little, clear your mind o f stressful things, and it has the ability to inspire fresh ideas. You will be able to return to your daily life feeling fresh and new with a great attitude and full of energy. Tiny Self-Care Ideas For the mind. *Start a compliments file: Document the nice things that people say about you to reflect on later. *Challenge the Way to Make Decisions: Instead of using your head to make a decision you use your heart or vice versa. *Go Cloud Watching: Lay on your back, relax and watch the sky. Use your imagination and what the clouds look like. *Take A Different Route: Mixing up your daily routine in small ways creates pathways in the brain to keep it healthy. Enjoy the scenic route. *Goof Around A Bit: Try to schedule in five minutes of play time several times during the day. *Punctuate Your Day With a Mini-Meditation: One minute of awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations; one minute of focused attention on breathing; and one minute awareness of the body as a whole. Be Selfish: Do one thing today just because it makes you happy. You deserve it. *Unplug for an Hour: Switch your phone to airplane mode and free yourself from the constant bings of email and social media for just an hour a day. *Get Out Your Comfort Zone: even if it is just talking to a stranger at the bus stop, in the mall or at the coffee shop, you get out of your comfort zone and say hello. Tiny Self-Care Ideas for the Body *Give Your Body 10 Minutes of MIndful Attention:Use the body scan technique to check in with each part of the body. *Take Three Deep Breaths: Breathe into your abdomen, and let the air leave through your stomach and chest. *Get Down and Boogie: Put on some up beat music and just dance. *Stretch: If you are at work/school, head to the bathroom to avoid strange looks and have yourself a good long stretch. *Run/Walk for 10 Minutes: Or go up and down stairs five times. Walking/Running relieves stress and is healthy for your physical health. *Be Still: Sit somewhere comfortable and be quiet for a few minutes. Quiet time is meant to relax you. Get 15 Minutes of Sun: Sunshine is great for your body. Get out and enjoy, especially in cooler climates. Have a Good Laugh: Read a couple of comic strips you enjoy, watch a comedy movie or television show. *Take a quick nap: Ten to twenty minutes can reduce your sleep debt and leave you ready for action. Tiny Self-Care Ideas for the Soul *Help Someone: Carry a bad, open a door, go shopping, or drive to pay bills for someone else. *Write Out Your Thoughts: Go for 15 minutes on anything that is bothering you and let it go when you trash it. *Stroke a Pet: If you dont have one at home, go to a park. Pets give unconditional love. *Get Positive Feedback: Ask three friends or family members what they love about you. *Splurge a little: Buy a small luxury as a way of valuing yourself. *Take a Home Spa: Have a long bath or shower, sit around in your towel/bathrobe and read. *Plan a two-day Holiday For Next Weekend: Turn off your phone, tell people youll be away from home, and then do something new around your own town. Closing Above all, remember that self-care activities are personal. While some may enjoy a weekend away with friends, others may enjoy staying at home reading a book. Whats important is incorporating the self-care ideas that suit you and bring you joy. Find hobbies and activities that you enjoy doing and make time to enjoy them. Whether you find yourself reading a good book in a nice warm bubble bath or go on a 5k run, know that the way that you engage in these activities is yours alone. Incorporate these acts of self-kindness into your normal routine so that you can continue feeling energetic and excited about your goals. Remember that taking care of yourself is not a selfish activity-it is the way you can best position yourself to others and add to the world as a whole. *Do you think self-care is a big deal? *How do you feel about the idea of self-care? *What are some of your self-care ideas? @1Joyfulheart1 @AlluraRae @AnyaS @aokagalover @ASilentObserver @astray @Aubrey2018 @Autismaunt14 @babylonbaby @blithesoul64 @brendenjnsn @brilliantTurtle89 @CharmingSummer7175 @CharmingTime @cherishx0 @code51 @comfortingAngel @crochetgirl0629 @cyanPlatypus6370 @DanaMH @dancingStrawberry34 @DandyDaisy @dbubblepuff @delakeeks @dogsandcats100 @Eccho @euphonic @evedison358 @fancysummer52 @feile @FluffyKittens86 @funfettifrosting @Gerlesa @godborned @goldenbeach22 @Havingfuninthesnow @highlandramtv @Hoping4Harmony @Hotaru419 @humblepapaya @humorouscarf805 @iamlayan @insightfulEnergy35 @ItsPreeti @JamieSclafaniLMSW @janmalat @kaaatrina @Kate @Keola @kindsoul10 @KoiFish11 @ladylazarus1971 @Laylina0862 @littleBunny7322 @loyalpenny9178 @lspill16 @majesticwaves @Mamamel @MAT1965 @Melody293 @MieraCurie @Novadiem @nothingisforever91 @passionateHemlock4229 @PeachieCat @pepperpep @Phoenix84 @pinkflowerninj @Queen44 @QuirkyAnne @raspberryturtle1451 @Redchocolate @RedHawk6547 @redpineapple @RicochetJaguar @RoninSelecta @sakpunonu @Selfsufficientfaith @Shadowalker1973 @shiningLove72 @Sintix @SoftForestHSP77 @Soulcomfort @soulsings @Steps @taylorjensen @thequietmouse @tranquilForest21 @TranquilSarah @Vir44 @Wawas @xxLoveOneAnother
Stigma and Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar, Schizophrenia & Psychosis Support / by Mamamel
Last post
August 18th, 2019
...See more Stigma and Bipolar Disorder Stigma may be a menacing force, but we can and MUST work together to confront it, challenge it, and one day extinguish it!! Misinformation Stigma results when a certain group is labeled as contaminated or less worthy simply because they possess particular characteristics. Despite the fact that research shows the biological nature of bipolar, society is still intolerant of people that has a psychiatric diagnosis. Such ignorance can lead to people being unwilling to work with, socialize with, or even live next door to a person who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. We can use our own stories to inform and educate others about this disorder and its symptoms. Confront others with that if you feel comfortable. If you choose to divulge your own diagnosis, be stoic about your symptoms and reiterate the strategies that help you to stay in balance. Write a letter to your local newspaper, or take part in a public awareness event. You can learn more about efforts to eradicate stigma at NAMIs stigma-free campaign: wwww.nami.org/stigmafree [http://wwww.nami.org/stigmafree]. Misperception Those of us that have to live with a mood disorder knows what it feels like to have people avoid use or use demeaning language about us (Hes crazy, you know). We have had acquaintances distance themselves from us instead of dealing with our bipolar eccentricity. People may even discredit the truth of what were living with on a daily basis. That is like someone telling a person with bipolar you are too smart to have bipolar. Hearing that can make that person feel pretty darned stupid, as if they made up their diagnosis. We have all heard other people say, bipolar disorder is all in your head. In reality, those kinds of myths are in THEIR heads, and we must all do what we can do to change their view point about bipolar by letting them know that it is a treatable condition. Otherwise, they will continue to believe the falsehoods and perpetuate stigma. Dehumanization When you reduce someone to a diagnosis, you negate him or her as a single human being. Sometimes we do that to ourselves as well. In support groups, a person might introduce themselves and say, Im bipolar. We are not bipolar, we HAVE bipolar. There is a huge difference and it is an important distinction: having bipolar does not define who you are. We need to learn not to dwell too much on the fact that we have this chronic condition. We need to show people what else defines us, what we are made of, like us having a sense of humor. When you give others a glimpse of what makes you special, you give them less of a chance of seeing you as nothing more than a set of symptoms and a diagnosis. Discrimination Years ago, there was this director of quality control for a major corporation. Shortly after receiving a 95% approval rating for a company wide seminar they presented, they were terminated-there was just something not quite right about them. They didnt pursue the matter legally because their attorney advised that it would be too taxing on everyone involved. Today, however, they might be more willing to take it to court. There is much admiration for those that do that. At a minimum, they could seek out other employers that are sensitive to mental health issues and are willing to offer reasonable accommodation. Even though it can be overwhelming, we cant let fear stop us from stamping out stigma. Educate ourselves and others about the true nature of mental health issues like bipolar disorder.Stigma may be a formidable force, but we can and MUST confront it head on one day (hopefully) we can eradicate it altogether. You cant know what others may be thinking of you and there is no way you can change yourself because of it. You need to focus on dealing with your bipolar depression, mania, and anxieties regardless of any stigma you may experience. Whats important is your wellness and not the unfair judgements others may make about you. Also, remember that not everyone feels negatively about those with a mental illness, and those are the people you need in your life. Keep your heads up, keep smiling and keep going, dont let stigma (and those that spread negativity) bring you down. @1Joyfulheart1 @AlluraRae @AnyaS @aokagalover @ASilentObserver @astray @Aubrey2018 @Autismaunt14 @babylonbaby @blithesoul64 @brendenjnsn @brilliantTurtle89 @CharmingSummer7175 @CharmingTime @cherishx0 @code51 @comfortingAngel @crochetgirl0629 @cyanPlatypus6370 @DanaMH @dancingStrawberry34 @DandyDaisy @dbubblepuff @delakeeks @dogsandcats100 @Eccho @euphonic @evedison358 @fancysummer52 @feile @FluffyKittens86 @funfettifrosting @Gerlesa @godborned @goldenbeach22 @Havingfuninthesnow @highlandramtv @Hoping4Harmony @Hotaru419 @humblepapaya @humorouscarf805 @iamlayan @insightfulEnergy35 @ItsPreeti @JamieSclafaniLMSW @janmalat @kaaatrina @Kate @Keola @kindsoul10 @KoiFish11 @ladylazarus1971 @Laylina0862 @littleBunny7322 @loyalpenny9178 @lspill16 @majesticwaves @Mamamel @MAT1965 @Melody293 @MieraCurie @Novadiem @nothingisforever91 @passionateHemlock4229 @PeachieCat @pepperpep @Phoenix84 @pinkflowerninj @Queen44 @QuirkyAnne @raspberryturtle1451 @Redchocolate @RedHawk6547 @redpineapple @RicochetJaguar @RoninSelecta @sakpunonu @Selfsufficientfaith @Shadowalker1973 @shiningLove72 @Sintix @SoftForestHSP77 @Soulcomfort @soulsings @Steps @taylorjensen @thequietmouse @tranquilForest21 @TranquilSarah @Vir44 @Wawas @xxLoveOneAnother
Feedback & Reviews
Nice conversation and good understanding of life circumstances.
She's amazing she's like a friend a mother and a mentor to me, she's so sweet and she's my best friend she help me so much. I love you Mel
Shes amazing shes like a mother to me
Amazing and kind person! She helps me a lot with my problems and truly cares about me and the things I go through.
Awesome listener
Great support for me. Always felt better after speaking to her. Thank you Mel :)
She is the BEST !!!
Delighted to have found such a good connection with someone on the first try. Kind, compassionate soul who took time out of her very early morning to listen to me.
Zero judgment and listens well. Cam feel the sincerity even though just tru texting. Glad to hv chatted with her ;)
She takes the time out to help me and shes smart and caring.
Im so thankful I reached out! Such an understanding person!
Awesome listener. Very supportive and understanding. I highly recommend
Mel is really kind and supportive!
Listened well and responded quickly. Did not feel rushed.
I have tears rolling down my cheeks but finally feel some release of some painful times. Thank you!
Mel was very kind and helpful. I would definitely chat with her again.
Amazing person heart of gold made me feel so much better after having a nightmare
Mel is a really lovely listener. Extremely patient, understanding and non-judgemental. Very knowledgeable about the topic I was talking to her about and beyond that just very friendly and welcoming. All around an excellent listener that provided me with some much needed help that I could confidently recommend to anyone.
Love her! She is wonderful
Mel is gr8 listener!
Fantastic lady, kind, caring, compassionate, everything that I could have hoped for in a listener and more. Thank you Mel
So helpful, I would recommend this listener for anyone. No matter what the issue is. They can and will help.
This listener is heaven sent. They are what all other listeners should strive to be. Hands down the best things about 7 cups.
She gave me a speedy response and was very friendly.
The one that really understands.
Very helpful and nice.
Best listener here hands down
Mamamel is so sweet and great to chat with!!
Very warm and welcoming
Mel is indeed a wonderful listener and a kind soul. Thank you so much for taking my chat!
She's very kind, and very helpful.
She is amazing and caring and I dont know what I'd do without her
She has been amazing to me so far and seems like a nice lady. She is helpful to me. Thanks mamamel for helping me come up with my answer
She is a great listener.
Awesome listener, gives great advice
there is something very special in this listener: a deep healing ability she is willing to offer and it is one hundred percent effective, it's puzzling, never saw that before. thank you for your presence and help.
Awesome listener
She was so helpful and understanding. Really listened to my woes and gave me great thought starters. I feel much more at ease knowing what I am struggling with. Thank you!
Kind; smart; caring; genuine
She is very down to earth and friendly
She hrlpded me with a very difficult situation and she was genuine. Amazing
She is the best listener, compassionate, loving and treats people like they matter
So patient and nice, really calmed me down. And good advise too!
wonderful human
Really caring and thoughtful !
Great listener probably the best
She respond quicly and really listens
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