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Hobbies That Are Great For Your Mental Health

6/5/2020

2 Comments

 
Looking after your mental health is important, as you probably already know, but for some reason, people seem to forget about this when it comes to putting it into practice. It’s easy to talk about staying healthy mentally, but the reality of it is a lot more complicated. However, there is a whole range of hobbies that are great for your mental health, and we’re going to be looking at some of them in this article. 

If you want to know more about what these hobbies are, then keep reading down below where you will find a few of them.

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Sports
The first hobby that we’re going to look at is sports. One of the reasons that sport is so good for your mental health is because it’s good for your physical health. When your body is healthy, your mind is more likely to be healthy because you know that you are looking after yourself. Running around is excellent for keeping fit, and when you start to feel that burn in your legs, your body is going to release adrenaline and endorphins to help you deal with this and keep you going for longer. Endorphins are a natural mood enhancer, which automatically helps you to feel better.

Another reason that sport is so great is that it keeps you mind off any problems you have in your life at that point, even if only for a little while. Sometimes all you need is that one thing that you can do, and it takes everything else away. In those moments, nothing else matters, and that is good for your mental health because it gives you a break from all the stresses that you face every day.

Arts and Crafts
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Another hobby that is great for your mental health is arts and crafts. Now, you don’t actually have to be good at either for it to be therapeutic. This gives you a way to express how you’re feeling, or just a way to let everything out that you have been bottling up. You don’t even have to create anything specific, just whatever you are feeling at the time. You have seen art, so you know that some pieces don’t actually look like anything, but they are expressions of what the artist felt when they painted them. It’s just something to get all your thoughts out that you can’t express words for, and it’s a great feeling when you’re done.

Gardening
You could also look at gardening if you’re looking for a new hobby. For some reason, gardening has a bit of a reputation for being for older people, but that’s simply because it is so calm and relaxing. It doesn’t take anything that is taxing physically unless you are going to be doing a whole renovation in a short time frame. Things like planting flowers, tending to weeds, maybe even having a vegetable patch are also simple gardening activities, but they can be a lot of fun. It’s nice to see something beautiful that you have created once you’re finished, and then you get to tend to it.

There are a number of new things that you can add to the space to make it look as good as possible. For example, you could add garden rocks, a path, maybe a pond, flowers, and so on. So many opportunities and different ideas for you to take into consideration, so if it’s something mellow you’re looking for, this could certainly be it.

Blogging
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The next thing that we’re going to look at is blogging. This is another way that you can talk about how you’re feeling and nobody has to know it’s you. Your blog can be anonymous for readers, or you could even set it to private if you’re worried that someone is going to recognize something about your life. It’s entirely up to, but it’s like the online version of writing in a journal. It’s personal, you don’t have to tailor what you say, and it can feel really good to get all those thoughts and feelings out of your head. 

The good thing about this hobby is that it’s just something that you can do as and when you have time. It’s not as if you have to stick to a certain schedule, and you don’t even have to write something every day if you have nothing to say. It’s yours to do with as you please, and there are no restraints or limitations on it.

Reading
If you’re looking for an escape into a new world, then reading is an excellent way to do this. Pick up a book and get lost in the pages for hours as a way to calm down, or simply relax from the day that you have had. There are so many books available that you are never going to run out of things to read, which is one of the best parts of it. The different types of books that you can read, some funny, some romantic but there is always going to be something for you to discover in those pages.

Reading is excellent for your mental health because it keeps your brain active, and it helps you slip somewhere else for a little while. 

Music​
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Finally, music might be just what you’re looking for. Whether you are listening or creating, it can be a great way to hear your feelings without having to say them out loud. Music is soothing, calming, but it’s also like a therapy to you. When you hear the words and know that you’re not alone in how you’re feeling, or you simply feel the music, and it boosts your mood, it’s like nothing else in the world. That’s why so many people turn to music when they feel like they can’t turn anywhere else.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now know some of the hobbies that are great for your mental health. Try some out and see what’s good for you.

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by Iconic Chica Mag Contributors

2 Comments

Simple Ways To Improve Your Mental Health

5/6/2020

1 Comment

 
Everybody needs to think about their mental health to some degree. Even if you are mostly happy, you will still find there are challenges that arise that might indicate some ways in which you need to look at how you think about your own mind. Most of us will run into some crisis at some point or another, and it’s good if at that time you actually have the necessary tools to deal with it. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the simple ways to help improve your mental health, so that you can live a much happier and healthier life.
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Take Care Of The Body
The mind and body are really two sides of the same coin, and as long as you are looking after one you are probably also looking after the other. So if you want to take care of your mental health, one way to do so would be to take care of your physical health first. If you aren’t already, consider starting up a physical exercise regime which you can follow and get fit by, and make sure that you are eating a healthy diet. You will find that these things are really going to make a huge difference to your mental health in no time.

Consider Alternative Treatments
There are a range of treatments which you might want to try if you are going to make sure that you are keeping your mental health as strong as possible. Some of these are pretty straightforward and unlikely to cause you any harm, and those are the ones to go for. Taking CBD oil under the tongue thrice daily is one that a lot of people are doing at the moment, and it looks as though a lot of people are reporting lower anxiety and eased depression as a result of it. You might want to look into something like that - but be sure to look up the differences between hemp oil vs CBD oil, as they are not the same thing!
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Be More Mindful
No matter what it is that goes through your mind all day, you are going to be in a better position to deal with it if you are first completely clear and honest about what it is. Only by being aware of what your mind does all day can you really get to the bottom of your own mental health, so this is something to be aware of too. This essentially just means that you need to be more mindful as you go about your daily life, a practice which many people follow and which can make a huge difference to your life in no time, especially your mental health.

Manage Stress
If you allow stress to linger, it has an unwanted effect on your body and mind, so make sure that you are managing stress as best as you can if you want to look after your mind properly. It is always better to process stress rather than leave it to fester.

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by Iconic Chica Mag Contributors

1 Comment

Ending Stigma on Mental Health Amid Growing Suicide Rate in Teens

4/27/2020

6 Comments

 
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It's also the second leading cause of death in the world among people ages 15 to 24. Depression, anxiety, and​​ other mental health disorders are common, and so is suicide. 
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​​According to the American Psychological Association (APA), suicide rates increased by 50% among girls and women between 2000 and 2016 and 21% among boys and men. 

​A recent article from Time Magazine points out 'depression among teens in the U.S., particularly with girls, has jumped 37% in the last decade'. In the article, mental health professionals mention the overuse of technology and social media as a possible culprit. ​​

Knowing this, where do we go from there?

The stigma around mental health has been shifting. Stars like Glen Close with BC2M (Bring Change to Mind) and Jameela Jamil with I Weigh are among those shining light on the issue. Voices are getting louder and more people across various disciplines are joining the conversation. 
Mary Albertoli, a clinical social worker who has worked with children and adolescents for 11 years, in both individual and group settings with depression, PTSD, and suicidal and homicidal ideation is working against the stigma by facilitating the conversations we need to have in an open platform. Albertoli, who has a Master's degree in social work from Columbia University, understands that it "is only through effective conversations about ourselves and with each other that real growth and change takes place."
"There's so much stigma around mental health, but the truth is not one of us is alone in struggling with something"
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Enough
​         is Enough

After being deeply affected by a headline about a 9-year-old girl's suicide, she thought, "Enough is enough. When did suicide become an option for young people?" That's when Albertoli started developing the idea for a docu-series called The Shift. She knew this was primarily due to a lack of dialogue about mental health. Young people were failing to bring language to their emotions and traumatic experiences and were often left to deal with haunting mental health issues alone.  

​​Albertoli has partnered with Co-Creators and Producers Nadia Sarmova and Maureen Isern. 

​"Our goal is to provide a relatable and even fun format for young people to engage in discussions they might otherwise avoid, often because of not knowing how to begin," says Isern. Maureen Isern is a social impact strategist, brand manager, and seasoned digital content producer with a 20-year track record working across new categories and start-up environments. 

​
​She started MOPED Productions in 2007 to leverage online storytelling that drove action for leading digital platforms, foundations, institutions, and brands. 
 
As Co-Creator of The Shift, Mo is committed to authenticity and making a difference through story-rich experiences that delight, inform, and move people. Mo has helped clients earn People's #TellyAward, Emmy, Webby, and White House recognition, nominations, and awards. She's currently developing content around anxiety, childhood trauma, and end-of-life care to create conversations that empower others in their healing journey. 
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Maureen Isern


​Nadia Sarmova has worked in the entertainment industry for over thirteen years. She has worked on various productions as a Writer and Assistant Director. Nadia is best known as a filmmaker with heart, highlighting controversial stories and marginalized people who are often forgotten. 
 
Nadia's past feature film credits include Foreign Letters, The Investigator, 23 Blast, Russian American, and Netflix's Like Father, just to name a few. Nadia is the Founder & Chief Impact Producer at Beam-In Studios with an upcoming scripted mini-series inspired by the grimy sewers and glittering palaces of international human trafficking.  
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Nadia Sarmova

​The first to join the creators of The Shift was the USC Media Institute for Social Change at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. USCMISC will produce facets of the pilot episode, which will provide insight into recent student experiences with anxiety and depression, the first of many subjects to be addressed by the docu-series. 
Social workers are advocates, community developers, and human rights activists. Albertoli is one of them. Her 'mission is not to diagnose, but to open the door to candid conversations'. What many social workers do is fight for oppressed communities and marginalized individuals, often forgotten about by society.

We hope The Shift does exactly that, create conversations and make it easier for adolescents, young adults, and adults over 30 to fully articulate their emotions and ask for help. 

Q & A with Mary ​Albertoli

IC: Have you had your own experiences with Mental Health?
MA: Yes, of course, I believe we all do. As a teen and young adult, I suffered from severe anxiety and depression and I was attempting to self-medicate my suffering with alcohol. Of course, my methods were ineffective, so I sought out other treatments from talk therapy to hypnosis.

IC: Working as a social worker for 11 years, how has that influenced you and affected you personally?
MA. The biggest gift that my 12 years as a clinical social worker gave to me was the ability to be in pursuit of my own mental alignment. Whether it was talk therapy, group therapy, AA, hypnosis, chakra healing, personal development programs. I have been on a life-long pursuit to see what would help me be with and better understand the emotional pain I sometimes experience. 

  
IC: What are some practices you've adopted that have helped you and/or others work through mental health experiences/issues?  
MA: The creation of a safe space where stigma and judgment are not present has often led to open and authentic dialogue. Once the dialogue begins, I am sure many others can identify with some aspect of what is being shared which causes others not to feel so alone.

Let's talk about your project, The Shift.

IC: What was your inspiration behind this idea? What are you hoping to achieve with this docu-series?
MA: I remember reading the headline that a 9-year-old had hung herself in her bedroom with a rope because she had endured years of horrific racial bullying. I felt physically ill. Through research, I discovered that many very young kids were losing their lives to suicide. In fact, suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals between the ages 15-24. I believe that something needs to be done on a large scale to help these young people. 

What I observed in my practice was that being able to talk about what was going on emotionally without fear of being judged or shamed was critical to beginning the journey to better emotional health. My vision for The Shift was to create a platform where effective peer to peer conversations about mental health struggles can take place. Participants in these conversations will learn they’re not alone and that there’s nothing shameful about emotional and mental health struggles. 
​

I believe everyone working on The Shift is hoping to achieve a combination of things and the main one would be to impart this message, Everything starts in conversation. You are not alone and you are not broken!

IC: You’ve partnered up with Nadia Sarmova and Maureen Isern. How did that collaboration begin?
MA: I have been so blessed to have both Maureen and Nadia as Co-Creator and Producers on The Shift. Their commitment has been unwavering. I presented the idea of the show to Maureen first who saw the need and potential to reach and help this struggling population. Shortly after, Nadia joined the team and quickly saw the vision of The Shift. It's been an honor to work with them for the last two years.


IC: In addition to social workers, will other mental health experts like psychologists, psychiatrists, CBT practitioners be involved?
MA: Our goal is to have experts on the show to guide and support the conversations on the show. However, we do not want to provide answers. We want to stop the stigma and start the difficult conversations that this population has been struggling with on a daily basis.
IC: Will you talk about or discuss brain scans?
MA: No, our topics will primarily focus on specific mental health issues that this population has faced from depression and anxiety to school shootings, peer bullying, social media, cutting, coronavirus. Different methodologies for diagnosing and treating will be discussed and possibly explored as well, but our focus is on how conversations can make a difference and lead to getting the help most needed. 

  
IC: Many of those who find themselves homeless are product of trauma and mental health disorders. Will topics about this matter also be addressed? 
MA: Certainly, homelessness can be the direct result of a mental health issue. It may be one topic that we address on the show.
 
IC: When will The Shift go into production?
MA: We’re going through some shifts for sure in our own production plan. We’re exploring the best new ways to develop content differently, including some video calls and online events, which we’ll be announcing as they get solidified. And we aim to be going into on-the-ground production this Fall.

IC: Any other details you can give us about the docu-series? 
MA: We will be launching our updated website,  www.shifttheshow.com on May 1st, 2020.  And you can follow us on Instagram @shifttheshowofficial and on Facebook at  @theShiftshowofficial.
 
IC: When talking about mental health in videos and content creation, do you think there's a "right way" in using the form of self-expression through art? 
MA: I believe the best way to express yourself is authentically.


IC: Will there be content specifically targeted to older generations? 
MA: Our hope and goal is to reach the parents and other members of the community through the conversations that take place on the show.
 
IC: Is there a difference in helping or facilitating the conversation for an adult over 30 vs a teenager?               
MA: From my experience, facilitating a conversation comes from creating a safe space where others can show up any way they truly are and without the fear of  judgment or shame. I believe this works for anyone at any age.

IC: As listeners and witnesses of mental health, how can we help? 
MA: Becoming more aware of your own stigmas regarding mental health and exploring them to see what's in the way of letting them go. We can also let others know that they are not alone in what they are dealing with and by acknowledging their bravery for opening up.
 
IC: Any thoughts about our current situation, COVID-19 and how we can cope and work together during this time? 
MA: We can be generous to ourselves and each other by providing a space and time to share what we are experiencing.  If you’re feeling down, reach out to friends or family members or support groups. We also encourage the use of the Crisis Text Line, text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.


IC: What are some ways parents can facilitate the conversation with their children about mental health? Is there a right question? 
MA: 
There are no right questions. However, having mental wellness checks, where a parent can simply have their children share what’s there for them emotionally would be great.

If you are in emotional distress or experiencing thoughts of harm to yourself or others, help is available 24/7. 
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) Spanish & English; Deaf & Hard of Hearing TTY 800-799-4889
Text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor
If you need mental health treatment but cannot afford it, contact Rise Above The Disorder, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to making mental health care accessible to everyone: YouAreRAD.org ​

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by Jessica Gonzalez Ferrer
6 Comments

9 Effective Ways to Stay Mentally Healthy

4/23/2020

3 Comments

 
Life isn’t always easy. While there are times when it feels like we’re on top of the world, at others, it can feel as if we're at the bottom of a ditch. And the thing about these low moments is that they can come from nowhere; even if everything seems to be well in our lives, it’s not always possible to be in a cheery mood. The first thing is to recognize that it’s normal to feel this way, and that there are many other people in the same position. The one upside of the prevalence of mental health conditions is that researchers have learned a lot about the things we can do to get ourselves in a mentally healthy state of mind. 

We take a look at a few of these  solutions below.

Listen To Yourself
It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of daily life. However, it’s important to avoid getting too swept up in all that life throws at us. From time to time, we need to listen to ourselves and take stock of what we need. For example, by doing this, you might learn that you’re beginning to feel a little overwhelmed. At which point, you’ll know that you need to slow down and look after yourself a little. In your quest for positive mental health, simply listening to yourself can be your first line of defense. 

Run It Out
We can sometimes find ourselves in negative circles that we have to escape from. If we’re in a negative state of mind, then sitting in a room, while just fine if we’re doing so with intention, may end up doing more harm than good. One of the quickest and most effective ways to nudge your mental health in the right direction is to put on some running shoes and go for a long jog. This will help to get you out of your head a little, and, more importantly, it’ll release feel-good chemicals called endorphins into your mind. These are what cause the “runner’s high” after you’ve finished. 

Eating Well
Ever heard of the saying, you are what you eat? While it’s fine to indulge in some “not good for you” foods from time to time, as a general rule, you’ll want to ensure that you’re eating healthy. In order to maintain positive mental health, it’s important that your body is getting all of the minerals and nutrients it needs to be at its best. Many people have some misconceptions about eating well, the chief one being that it takes a lot of time. This is not the case! Indeed, there are extremely healthy meals that you can make in around twenty minutes or less. Also, the ingredients don’t have to be expensive; in many cases, they’re cheaper than unhealthy options. 

Limit the Vices
While things like alcohol are presented as socially acceptable, it is worth thinking about your own alcohol intake, and deciding for yourself if it’s a good thing for you or not. 
Alcohol is depressive, and while you won’t feel it just by having one glass of wine, if you’re drinking slightly more than you should on a regular basis, then you might find that you lose a little bit of your zest for life. You don’t have to commit to never having another drink again; instead, take a look at simply giving it up for a few weeks or so. You might be surprised at just how good you feel after a couple of weeks. 
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Cut Out Toxic People
It’s bad enough when we’re our own worst enemy, but it’s even worse when we have an enemy who presents themselves as a friend. If you have someone in your life who you think probably isn’t as good for you as you previously thought, then look at cutting them out of your life. The people we surround ourselves with can have a huge impact on our state of mind. If someone is belittling you or making you feel bad about yourself, it’s time to move on.

Remember You Have Options
Sometimes, it’s our circumstances that contribute to poor mental health. If we feel like we’re trapped in a situation that we can’t get out of, then it won’t be long before your state of mind begins to dip into negative territory. It’s really important to remember that, whatever you’re going through, there will be options that will help you overcome the issue at hand. For example, there are organizations that can help get you get out of debt. You can even find at home abortions without pills. It’s normal to feel like the weight of our circumstances is weighing us down, but it’s always possible to find a path towards better ground.

Talk With Others
Communication is probably the best tool we have when it comes to overcoming our mental health issues. Very often, you’ll find that just by talking about what you’re going through with another person can effectively help reduce your stress and current issue. You might learn that it’s not as big a problem as you thought it was, for example. Or you might discover that the person you’re talking with has gone through the exact same issue as you, and has useful advice  you can follow.
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Into Nature
Nature is amazing; it’s just that most of us live in cities, where nature is limited or non-existent. It really is worthwhile looking at taking regular trips into the outdoors, since studies have shown that just fifteen minutes of nature is enough to give our brain a boost. And if you spend two hours in nature each week, you’ll significantly boost happiness and reduce your anxiety levels, too.

Do Something For Others
Finally, remember that sometimes, we have to avoid digging ourselves into a negative state of mind. One of the best ways to do this is to do something for others. Studies have shown that volunteering and random acts of kindness can have a tremendous effect on our confidence, self-worth, and happiness levels, so look at making it part of your schedule.

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By Iconic Chica Mag Editors

3 Comments

'Live', a Poem of Hope

2/5/2020

0 Comments

 
Think of the butterfly whose name is Painted Lady. She lives a short and colorful life. Listen to our poem, Live. 

Remember, life will be filled of ups and downs. While some lows are harder than others, one thing is for sure, you can and you will make it through.

We see you. We hear you. We get you. You are not alone. 

by IC Mag Editors
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Introducing Liz Diaz (Warning: Disturbing and Not for Everyone)

8/18/2019

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Mysteries of Liz Diaz

​INTRODUCTION

One day I woke up and decided I needed a change. So I moved. I grabbed my car, my savings and left. I got a job as an assistant at a finance firm. I left after three months. It was only a matter of time before they found out I never really memorized the times table. The job helped me find an apartment. It was enough to show my landlord there was some stability. But I wasn't stable. Mentally I never was. I'd always been depressive and suicidal. I contemplated the thought of suicide constantly. I still do, but not as much and not as real. Now I'm an adult so I'm stuck thinking about the consequences of suicide, especially to those who love me. Fun fact, my therapist has a theory about those thoughts. She says, because my mind is so messy, the thought of suicide brings me peace. She's not wrong. I did plan my death a few times. The most vivid memory is with my high school best friend, who by the way is winning at life. We were sick of the world, of the hypocrisy, of the people around us, the troubles. Imagine that. We were just teenagers and were already sucked up by how messed up this world can be. And Donald Trump wasn't even our president. 
 
We planned to cut the brakes of the car and drive through a road that lived up to its name, death road. I'm not even making this up. It had only two lanes, both going in the opposite direction. People always crashed on that road. I remember ten minutes of silence at our school on the regular. That could have been my best friend and I. Cassandra, that's her name. She picked me up at my parents and off we went. She was so peaceful and ready to die. I, on the other hand, struggled with the idea. We hadn't cut the cables yet. I don't even know if she knew how to cut the cables. I sure as hell didn't. As we approached death road, I decided it wasn't the right time for us. "Maybe it's not a good idea to do this today. Why don't we just go to the party?", I said. To the party, we went. End of that story. Later she moved away with her family to Colombia. I was heartbroken for a while. I graduated from high school and started college.​
​​The suicide thoughts followed. I'd been doing the pills thing for a while. I'm probably messed up inside from taking more than the suggested dose. One day I woke up just wanting to die. I remember my eyes red and swollen from all the crying. I'd found these expired small gel capsules. I took the whole bottle. Shortly after, a tingle rushed from my feet up to my throat. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't speak. I was going to die. Suddenly, it was all too real. I didn't want to die. I wasn't ready. I couldn't leave my family. What if there was something better? How would I ever find out if I died at that moment in time? I had to stop this. I ran to the bathroom and forced out as much as I could. I vomited. I could breathe a little. I called a friend I'd met in college. She rushed me to the emergency room. By the time we got there, I was feeling a lot better. So good that as the nurse was distracted recording my info, I fled. In my mind, they would never know what brought me to that hospital. Even better, my parents would never find out. How ignorant of me.

Days later, there was a bill on the table, already opened. “What’s this?” mom asked. I pretended I had no idea. She knew. Both my parents knew I attempted suicide. Mom eventually took me to see a therapist. The therapist asked if I'd ever tried killing myself. I told him, “If I say yes, you're gonna lock me up.” He nodded, “I can't tell you that.” So, I lied. I told him no. Then, we went for a walk around the mental hospital. As we toured the facility, I saw people in hospital gowns and a part of me felt like I belonged there, but I wasn't willing to find out. 

I never tried to kill myself again. The thought faded for a while, but then I got hurt. People, bad decisions, terrible friendships. They were constant contributors to my redeveloping suicidal thoughts. This time, they were more concrete. It was scarier because I didn't fear it as I did before. I was amused by it. I was just afraid of the act itself. How would I do it? I tried the pills. It was painful. Not as easy as I thought it would be. Jumping off a bridge or a building didn't guarantee death, nor did a gun. That for me was never an option, though. I didn't like guns. I find them to be cowardice. The only option left was hanging myself. It didn't seem so difficult. Everyone was doing it. Celebrity police reports were descriptive of every detail. Even the feces. That's right… poop. People shit themselves in their last breath. I don't know if it's from fear or just the pressure in the body. I haven't bothered to look it up. Here's my theory. You know when you have to go to the bathroom and when you finally do, you feel free? It feels like a weight has been lifted, literally. That’s relief, the not having to worry about life and all its excruciating occurrences. If my theory is correct, that relief only works for the person committing suicide. But again that feeling. The one I had when I was younger. What if things get better? How will I ever know? I won't. I never would because I'd be robbing myself of finding out. I'd be robbing myself of a future. Or maybe even getting hit by a tree or struck by lightning. Wouldn't that be ironic? I sure as heck wouldn't wanna miss that laugh. 

I choose to live. Besides, things do get interesting. You’ll see.

Liz Diaz is a fictional character created by Jessica G. Ferrer. Any similarities to real life are coincidental. 

If  you or someone you know is struggling, seek help. You are not alone. 

SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Listen to Mysteries of Liz Diaz: Introduction


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​Story Created and Written by Jessica G. Ferrer
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'Pseudo'

8/13/2019

0 Comments

 



​'Pseudo'

From iBook, 'Words, Compilated',


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It wasn't real 
Your smiles and conversations
I was the giver
You were the taker
​
​
That strength, courage, decisions unquestioned 
I followed you with admiration
 
Desire
 
Qualities I’d been searching to acquire
You had the answer
I invited you in 
I chose you
 
The surface I created, alluring
Beneath was undeniable 
Gauze peeled off:
Insecurities, envy, competition
Product of my own delusion
To live in a world ignorant of egoism 
Fiction of my creation 
 
All in my mind
How foolish was I

Flipped over
Disenchanted
Dark, dry, and sour 
I see your true colors.
Excerpt From: Jessica G. Ferrer. “Words, Compilated.” Jessica Gonzalez Ferrer, 2019. Apple Books. Download the free iBook here: https://books.apple.com/us/book/words-compilated/id1458905696

By IC Editors
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'Undefeated'

8/6/2019

1 Comment

 

From the iBook, 'Words, Complilated'


Undefeated

I see the way you look at me
Judging my anxiety
I’ll look down to catch my breath
I look up and you away
Lock myself behind closed doors
but it’s hard… even then
 
You think I can control it
And yes, some days I do
Sometimes I struggle just to see the day through
 
Calling out for help?
I don’t think I can
I fear no one will ever understand
 
“How are you? How’s it going?”
Do you really care?
 
With this ongoing rapid life
I feel anguish, despair

​​I thought about ending it
Analyzed every situation
After careful contemplation
I can’t let you win”

Ending one’s life, isn't that a sin?
Now I go therapy
Pay someone to listen
Pop a pill if I must
Natural ones, the chemicals I don’t trust
 
This obscure path I keep walking on
The thoughts, they’re heavy
I run, but they’re still with me
I keep fighting it
Eventually they fade
They come back
Old and new, it’s like that one thing from the past
You choose to move forward, something happens
For a moment, you’re forced to look back
 
Hold on
This is only temporary
It will pass
 
Breathe, breathe
Choose to stay
One more day, stay
One more day, stay
 
Stay.
​Excerpt From: Jessica G. Ferrer. “Words, Compilated.” Jessica Gonzalez Ferrer, 2019. Apple Books. Dowload your free copy: https://books.apple.com/us/book/words-compilated/id1458905696
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​Jessica G. Ferrer
​writer|actor, jessicagferrer.com
1 Comment

ICONIC CHICA STORIES: LESLIE & JENNA

7/20/2017

2 Comments

 

IN A WORLD WHERE THERE IS HATE, THERE IS ALSO LOVE. SO LOVE. LOVE MORE.

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Image by: Abimael Linares
Jenna was excited to see her friend Leslie. It had been a few days of busy work, but their schedules finally synced. They went out to eat at a super chic restaurant they'd been wanting to try. After catching up on Leslie's life, it was Jenna's turn. Jenna wasn't much about bragging or yelling out her achievements, but this was Leslie, and she knew friends love to hear good news. At least, that's how Jenna feels about her friends and the people she loves dearly.
Jenna sums it up and tells Leslie about this new opportunity that was completely unexpected. Leslie reacts with little to no excitement. "Aw, that's great." Jenna doesn't realize the indifference in Leslie's voice. She's oblivious to her reaction.
Weeks later, Jenna has some girlfriends over for a fun night of baking and movies. Leslie is invited of course. One of the girls, who Leslie has gotten to know through these meet ups with Jenna, shares some really great news about her company. Jenna is thrilled along with the others and opens up a bottle of champagne. "Congrats! Another reason to celebrate you!" The girls agree and join in the excitement and celebrate. Leslie is thrilled with excitement and pride. She tells Jenna's friend, "I'm so proud of you. You work hard. You deserve this." It was at this moment that Jenna saw Leslie in a different way. The real way.

The next few days, she replayed moments between the two (Jenna and Leslie) where the focus was never on Jenna, but always on Leslie. The dates with friends seemed more convenient and self-serving to Leslie. Though, she never really paid attention. She overlooked all the signs. She saw the Leslie she wanted to see instead of the woman she really was. 


Jenna said nothing. She simply detached herself from Leslie and her world. She let her have what she had already taken. Jenna's world was now Leslie-less. But, Jenna took something very valuable with her thanks to Leslie. And that is the ability to see people for who they are when they tell you the first time, and the second time, and the third. 
​

Most of us are familiar with the famous quote by Maya Angelou, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." Jenna knew this quote to be true, by experience. ​
Today Jenna has some really great friends who love her dearly and don't take her for granted.

Here's to living in a world where women support one another.
Let us leave envy and jealousy behind!
It does not serve anyone, but rather
​detaches us from goodness and a world of positivity and possibility. 

Let us love more! 
Share if you believe. Thank you for your support. We wish you kindness, love, and joy. 
#IconicChicaMag

by Liz Diaz
2 Comments

Everything You Need for A Fun Girls Night Out

7/18/2017

1 Comment

 
Sometimes we need a break from the constant noise of being a person - so we seek more noise from other places instead. To be relaxed, happy and moderately successful, is all about finding the right balance between work and play, and who better to find this balance with than your best gal pals?
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Mix it up a bit and do something else this weekend than hitting the usual bar; here is a handful of fun ideas to give you energy for the week ahead.

Find Fun Free Events
When you’d like to be out and about, but your wallet says no, search the web for everything free that you can do together. That’s the great thing about finding stuff to do in the city with your friends - you’ll have fun no matter what you do. Make a list of everything free you’d like to do and give everyone a chance to pick something. Most likely, you won’t have time to do everything, so select a few main options and some alternative ones.

Some cities offer tourist attractions free of charge once a year to the residents of the city, and this is too good an offer to not take advantage of. Gather your group and make it a girls-day-out when your man opts out of visiting reptile parks or those dusty museums only you and your best friends still find interesting. Roam the city in peace and round it all off by cooking dinner together in the evening; it’s so cheap and a lot of fun.

When you have a bit of extra money to treat yourself but would like to have a bit left at the end of the night, try to mix up the cost-effective options with more expensive alternatives. Enjoy a dinner at home for free and look at a limo service here to arrive in style like never before.
Wine or Beer Tasting
The best of friends know how to save money together. If you all like to have a drink or two but prefer to keep it classy, say no to the expensive wine tasting tours and host one at home instead. Tell each one to bring a bottle with or hit the shop and pick up a few cheap-ish ones. The point is to get through the tasting and give each type of wine a set of stars or a review, trying to stay as critical with the last bottle as you were with the first.

You can adjust this idea to suit any taste; my girlfriends are into beer and use Untappd to rate different types for fun. Just remember to adjust the amount of tasting to what types of beverage you’re rating; while we drink a bottle of beer before rating it, it won’t quite work as well if you’d like to host a whiskey tasting party. Have a look at these glasses, by the way, to add to your collection before the girls night out.

You’ll have a great time when you do something together that you all enjoy - and what’s better than spending time with your best friends? What you enjoy doing varies from group to group and there’s certain things you just have a lot more fun doing with your girlfriends than anyone else. 

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by Iconic Chica Contributors

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