Tag: mental health

MIRROR MIRROR

Introduction

Spinning around on the turntable, as we (my friend and I) sit listening to High N’ Dry album by Def Leppard in celebration of a new 2020 world tour featuring the reunion of Motley Crue and Poison, Mirror Mirror, Look Into My Eyes comes on and we’re in awl of the amazing sound blaring from the speakers.  Joe’s sings “Gonna have to smash the glass”, my buddy says to me “it’s a fool who can admit defeat.” My response is “if this is true then why do we run from our reflection in the mirror?” Hello all you Santa’s little helpers today’s blog is inspired by Def Leppard’s song Mirror Mirror Look Into My Eyes and why we run from our reflection in the mirror.  There are many reasons why we run but the main reason is we don’t like to face the truth.

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SAFE TRAVELS

Introduction

When planning for a trip do you cover all bases?  What do you do when you’re overseas and in a jam requiring medical assistance? Most people who have mental illness/disorder or physical medical needs aren’t prepared when traveling abroad. Hello all you rockers of words, today’s blog is inspired by a conversation that points out what the lack of preparedness when traveling.  A few days ago I had an interesting conversation about travel, mental health and the medical profession. I mentioned to my buddy who lives in Scotland that I will be paying a visit in Spring. As the conversation goes on I asked is there a Starbucks, US banking institutions like Chase, Wells Fargo or Capital One. I also asked if there’s stores like Walmart or Target. My buddy reply is yes yes and yes but you forgot the most important thing medical. He began to teach me about NHS (National Healthcare Service). NHS is free healthcare provided by the Scottish government. He gave some interesting tips and what I can expect should my Chum decides to take over. Under the NHS everything is covered including mental health services. Prescription is an out of pocket expense and not covered. This intrigued me peaking my interest. In researching I found there’s a lot of countries that supports free medical programs or services that includes services for mental illness.

The Kelpies, Scotland

This blog is not politically motivated. This blog is simply informational. I have to admit, I have traveled thousands of miles and in my journeys I discovered some type of free healthcare services for mental and physical wellbeing. European countries like Italy, Ireland, England, Wales has some form of a national health service that give free coverage of medical, dental and vision. Most NHS requires out of pocket expense for prescriptions. Of course if you’re covered by private insurance it’s wise to contact a travel agent, state department (or equivalent) or healthcare provider to know your options.  Here are some examples of what to expect while traveling.

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The Great White North “Canada”

Canada has a type of universal healthcare Medicare.  However, if you are not a permanent resident you are not eligible for free medical and is responsible for medical services performed. It’s true that thirty percent of Canadians medical is paid by the private sector with a supplementary or secondary insurance that covers the cost of prescription drugs, dental and vision. Canada do offer various healthcare programs for its residence. Those who are on a short term basis is required to purchase “Travel Insurance”.

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The Land Down Under “Australia”

Australia version of “Medicare” is a program of the Department of Human Services and is free for most residents. Medicare is funded by Medicare Levy with two percent of the population paying taxes into this levy. Those residents who earn higher wages are required to pay an additional levy (Medicare Levy Surcharge) if they don’t have private insurance. Residents with certain medical conditions, foreign residence and some low income earners are not eligible for Medicare and may apply for an exemption from paying the levy. It’s not clear of what percentage is mental illness is covered under this program most likely it’s a case by case basis.

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US Bound

The US has its versions of a semi free program like medical, medicare and Obamacare but these programs is a start but most foreign visitors who aren’t legal citizens or residents are not eligible. You still need some type of private insurance to maintain your health. Unfortunately insurance has many avenues that gets tricky like knowing the difference between “PPO” or “HMO”. This is where “Travel Insurance” comes in handy.  There are many different policies to choose from. It’s true that the US has the best medical but without any insurance to help that cost comes at a hefty price.  If uninsured, a trip to the emergency room can run you into the thousands. Travel Insurance is offered by many companies it can get overwhelming. This is where research is helpful. If you have private insurance speak with your healthcare provider to find out if the policy is covered in foreign countries. Those who are in therapy speak to your medical team or Doctor or Therapist to see if they can recommend someone for the length of your trip. Always follow up with your healthcare provider after getting recommendations from your medical team.

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Conclusion

This is an aspect of travel that most jetsetters don’t take into account. I spoke with my medical team and my Doctor gave me suggestions on therapist to contact while in Scotland.  She also gave me information on where to get prescriptions, and what hospital to attend in case of emergency. Most people diagnosed with an illness or disorder don’t realize the importance of having a wider safety net.  Help is available and don’t be afraid to seek help no matter where you are.

Until next time….

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ONE DARK PLACE

WARNING: This post is of an opinion and based on personal experience. Sunny Larue is not a licensed physician or licensed therapist. The information used for this blog is on research basis only. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or self harm, dial 911 or local emergency operator or contact National Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 273-8255. NSPH services are open to the public 24/7. If you are struggling with mental illness, mental disorder or know someone who is struggling and need more information or assistance contact your local Church, Mental Health Clinic, local Hospital or Healthcare Provider.

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Introduction

Hello all you beautiful words commanders, this is typically how I start off my blogs but with this post I want to try a different approach. This blog will showcase five short stories. These stories are a reflection of a person’s fight for survival in a world of darkness of gray. The lines between reality aren’t blurred but the interception of  one’s idea of what reality is. Like a series of freeways or highways that leads you back home. Feedback is always welcome but keep in mind this particular blog is intense. These stories are based upon real people who reads my blogs. All I ask is to be respectful. 

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UNLIKELY HERO

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Introduction

Hello all you beautiful commanders of words, today post will focus on inspiration. I am a believer of whatever you put out in the cosmos it comes back to you ten folds. If you display bad habit of putting people down that negative vibe will rebound back to you ten times. The goal is to be kind. We’re human and nothing about us is perfect with that being said my inspiration for this piece comes from an unlikely source.

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