Mental Health - Widower Experience (WX)

Compassion Is Not a “Nice-to-Have.” It’s Essential. On this World Humanitarian Day, we shine a light on those who put their own well-being aside to be there for others. People working in crisis zones, helping in disaster situations, or quietly supporting behind the scenes what others can barely endure. I’ve been in many of these situations myself—not at the world’s major hotspots, but at small personal crisis centers right within our communities. As a medic soldier, a paramedic on the streets, part of a motorcycle rescue team, on medical services—and today, often in psychosocial emergency care. I remember one call where I sat next to a young man who had just lost his father. We simply sat there. I hardly said a word. But in that moment, that was exactly what he needed: not to be alone. These moments remind me over and over: Humanity doesn’t need a title or a uniform—it needs presence. Even outside of emergency lights and uniforms, compassion can make an impact. As a UX designer, I ...

In 'The Breakfast Club' geht es, in meinen Augen darum, zu realisieren, dass jeder seine Herausforderungen hat. Der Film ermutigt dazu, die eigene Einzigartigkeit zu umarmen und gemeinsame Schnittstellen mit anderen zu finden. Als ich  The Breakfast Club  das erste Mal sah, war ich jung – voller Fragen, Unsicherheiten, und der Suche nach dem Leben und was meine Zukunft sein könnte , aber auch nach der Suche im Sein oder Nichtsein. Jetzt, viele Jahrzehnte später, blicke ich mit der dreifachen Lebenserfahrung zurück auf diesen Film – und ich bin überrascht, wie tief er mich noch immer berührt.  The Breakfast Club startete am 15. Februar 1985 in den amerikanischen Kinos, in den westdeutschen Kinos am 5. Juli 1985. Er wurde zu einem Überraschungserfolg - vor 40 Jahren. John Hughes hat mit diesem Kinofilm, welchen ich auch schon im Theater und Kammerspiel gesehen habe, etwas geschaffen, das zeitlos ist. Fünf Jugendliche, die unterschiedlicher nicht sein könnten – der Rebell, d...

Blue Monday is often referred to as the most depressing day of the year. It falls on the third Monday of January. Blue Monday was first highlighted in 2005 by psychologist Dr. Cliff Arnall. According to Arnall, this particular day is a combination of various factors, such as the aftereffects of the holidays, cold weather, overdue bills, and the realization that New Year's resolutions may already have failed. The combination of these factors is said to create a "perfect storm" of negative emotions, leading people to feel down or even hopeless. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea of the "most depressing day of the year." Mental health issues can occur at any time and are influenced by a variety of personal, social, and environmental factors. Nevertheless, the concept of Blue Monday has gained broad acceptance, particularly because it resonates with the feelings many people experience in January—an emotional low after the holiday season and...

In today’s world, feelings of isolation run deep, and generations often feel disconnected. Yet, there’s a wealth of wisdom to gain from other -  to learn from someone who is just slightly ahead on the road of life! International Mentoring Day shines a light on the beauty of young people forming meaningful connections with those who possess more experience and insight. Let’s embrace the heartwarming and transformative power of mentoring, whether as a guiding mentor or an eager mentee! The International Mentoring Day, celebrated on January 17 each year, has several purposes: Raising Awareness - The day aims to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of mentoring. Mentoring can help individuals develop their skills, gain confidence, and advance their careers or personal growth. Celebrating Mentors - It's a day to recognize and honor mentors who have positively impacted the lives of others. This can encourage more people to become mentors. Promoting Mentoring Programs - The d...

Can you believe the year is already coming to a close? Time really flew by, didn't it?   The new year is such a great opportunity for fresh beginnings (though I’m a big fan of starting whenever you feel ready, not just on January 1st, haha). Still, there’s something undeniably *special* about kicking things off on the first day of the year. I’m sure you can relate. 5 Selfcare Ideas Thoughts to Kickstart the New Year 1. Savor Those Holiday Treats This isn’t the time to be obsessing over calories or denying yourself those festive cravings. Enjoy the delicious foods and drinks that come with the season! You don’t need to throw your health out the window, but let yourself indulge guilt-free. 2. Create Your Ultimate New Year Playlist Music and selfcare go hand in hand! When I need to unwind or recharge, music is my go-to. As we move into the new year, why not create a playlist that gets you pumped and ready to tackle your goals? It’s the perfect way to lift your spirits and motivat...

The Christmas season is associated with joy, family, and closeness for many of us. The Christmas can be a particularly difficult time of loneliness and isolation for others. The Christmas season, the glow of the lights and people coming together can make the absence even more painful. It is important to know that it is okay to feel lonely sometimes. It's important to realize that you are not alone having this feeling - there are always ways to reconnect with others - through a simple conversation, a small gesture, or even a digital connection. Loneliness and isolation affect people differently depending on age, gender, and cultural background: Age Groups: Young people (16-30 years old) often experience loneliness due to the transition into their careers or the lack of deep relationships. Adults (30-60 years old) are often isolated due to work and family commitments. Older people (60+) are particularly vulnerable to isolation due to losses, physical limitations, and fewer social con...

Anything to raise awareness about mental health is important and I do welcome days like "Mental Health Awareness Day" - and as every year on 10th October is World Mental Health Day - but it can't be allowed to be a day where companies, organisations, brands even, think they can pay lip service to it for a day and then forget all about it for the rest of the year. Sure it is good to have a dedicated day in the year - a day when we throw a spotlight on some of the biggest societal challenges that pose a threat to people’s mental health ... but - the mental health conversation and the mental health support required need to be ever-present.  World Mental Health Day is happening on Thursday 10th October 2024. The official theme is set annually by the World Federation for Mental Health. And the theme, as chosen by the World Federation for Mental Health is: “It is time to prioritize mental health in the workplace”. With worldwide issues like the Covid pandemic, social injustice...

August is Happiness Happens Month - it is a whole month dedicated to celebrating what makes you happy.  Happiness Happens Month is a beautiful reminder that joy is a gift to be treasured, a beacon to guide us through life's ups and downs. It embodies the essence of finding happiness in the little things, of embracing the vibrant tapestry of life, and of spreading warmth and kindness wherever we go. The purpose and meaning of Happiness Happens Month resonate deeply with our journey of self-awareness and the pursuit of living with dignity. It's an invitation to become attuned to the rhythm of our souls, to breathe in gratitude, and to dance in the light of our own existence. It's about recognizing our worth, our unique place in the world, and choosing to live with grace and honor. During this special month, we are called to revel in the joy of living. It's a time to savor the sweetness of every sunrise, the tranquility of a quiet moment, and the laughter that bubbles up f...

Michelle Obama's latest book, "The Light We Carry" is a great book about inspiration and resilience, offering profound insights and practical wisdom for navigating life's toughest challenges. Her candid storytelling and empowering messages make this a must-read for anyone seeking strength and hope in uncertain times. Michelle Obamas neues Buch, "Das Licht in uns" , ist voll von Inspiration und Widerstandsfähigkeit und bietet tiefgehende Einblicke und praktische Empfehlungen für das Meistern von schwierigen Herausforderungen im Leben. Ihre offene Erzählweise und ermutigenden Botschaften machen dieses Buch zu einem Muss für alle, die in unsicheren Zeiten nach Stärke und Hoffnung suchen. English / Englisch In "The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times" Michelle Obama takes readers on a heartfelt journey through her own life's highs and lows, sharing the wisdom she has gathered along the way. The book is a poignant reflection on resilience,...

Sometimes life gets tough and you might feel like you’ve lost yourself. Maybe you feel like you are not the person you are supposed to be and you feel lost in life. In this case, you have a lot of growing and learning to do.  Sometimes life gets tough and you might feel like you’ve lost yourself. Maybe you feel like you are not the person you are supposed to be and you feel lost in life. In this case, you have a lot of growing and learning to do.  Life is not only about finding yourself. Life is even more about creating yourself. Rebuild Your Life Month is observed each year in June and it allows people to take a moment to reflect on the way they’re living their lives.  It is a smponth in the year / a time set aside for people to assess their current situations and make positive changes ... Shifting career paths Enhancing personal happiness, Changing unhealthy habits ... this month supports and encourages a fresh start. This time of the year should empower people to take ...

When the world around you is ensconced in madness, and you can’t quite seem to find a moment of peace in the storm of the day, it’s time to step back and remember those blissful moments as a child where we merely lost ourselves in the world. World Meditation Day is a call to the world to take time to participate in this millennia-old practice and clear our minds, remembering that we are people and humans first, and in a certain role or workers second. When I start to feel overwhelmed in life, at work, ... with too much challenges, too much going on and around, just to much to take in and too little time to process it all, I rely on mindfulness. It’s all about tuning to yourself, into your sense of inner calm so you can be a better conduit for new insights and solutions. My Simple Meditation Practice Sit comfortably in a place that feels stable and easy. Notice what your legs are doing and check how your legs are placed. Cross your legs if you're on a cushion. And if you're sit...

  "Grief only has to do with the psyche, not the body"... Really?  Think again!  Aren't there:  Headache Chronic fatigue Nausea Rapid heartbeat Abdominal pain Breathing problems Weight changes Hypersensitivity Sensory problems Insomnia Migraine Aching eyes Racing heart Toothache Concentration problems Nightmares Hair loss Physical exhaustion Forgetfulness Increased susceptibility to infection Muscle tension Lack of energy Deterioration of vision Skin problems Loss of appetite ... ? Grief does not just affect the psyche; it also has many physical manifestations. The intense emotions associated with grief can trigger a host of physical symptoms as the body reacts to the stress. During periods of grief, the body is in a heightened state of stress, which can result in a variety of physical symptoms.So, grief is not only an emotional experience but can profoundly influence a person's physical health. It's vital to take a holistic approach to care, addressing both ment...

Every day we are faced with choices, big and small, that can influence how we feel about ourselves and our lives.  A choice point is a moment in time when we get to choose, get to the feeling that we have to or should choose between being consistent or inconsistent with what we do, how we do something, think about things - think about our values, life. It might be a moment where we face the eternal conundrum of ‘to a dessert or not to eat a dessert?’ or the choice between staying in a job we struggle with or even hate or seeking a more fulfilling one. The choices we make in these situations can make a big difference as to whether we experience more moments of ‘Yes, I am who I am and I want to live 'my life'!’ or ‘Ugh! I suck! What is my life!?’. It’s not always easy to identify when these choice points occur, but with practice and support, it can be easier. I already wrote about challenges in life - and in this context it is or might be worth to check them out... Dealing With C...