Mental Illness Awareness Week & World Mental Health Day 2015

My continuing series concerning Mental Health. This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week, and tomorrow, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day. The theme of this year’s observance is “Dignity in Mental Health.” 

I mentioned that I would probably post this article a few times, and I feel like now is a good time for an excerpt. I just found it very relevant, and it provoked a great emotional response within me: Schizophrenia is not a split personality, there are four main symptoms | thejournal.ie.

“Sensationalist headlines 

Newspapers are certainly no better. On Monday 7 October 2013 the Sun newspaper carried the headline “1,200 killed by mental patients”. With unsurprising melodrama we were told of a “shock 10-year toll” emerging days after a “schizophrenic” was locked up for a stabbing.

Little context was provided, such as the overall number of homicides in the UK during the same decade. It was 7,000. Had they bothered to do the sums, the editors would have realised that citizens without mental illness (75%) had committed a disproportionately high number (83%) of the homicides.

Indeed, people with psychosis are more likely to be the victims of crime. But I suppose this does not sell newspapers.

Let’s be clear about this. In 2009, a large and rigorous study in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that severe mental illness alone did not predict violent behaviour.

Effective treatment reduces the risk even further. But when newspaper editors refer to an alleged criminal as a “psycho”, “nutter” or “madman”, they wrongly assume that mental illness provides the only explanation for a violent event. Ordinary people with mental illness – and there are so many – feel stigmatised and are less likely to seek the very help they need for their psychological difficulties.”

There are many areas that can be improved in regards to mental health (and we’re getting there). I believe most people want and deserve dignity. But, lifetime beliefs, attitudes, and actions can take a while to change for some. I’ve researched several articles concerning educating children and youth in these matters (some of which I’ve previously posted), and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I think it’s a step in the right direction, for sure. Here’s an interesting piece detailing just that: Labor’s school mental health plan | themercury.com.au.

Once again, I will leave you with a list of additional articles to review (when you have a moment). I’m impressed with much of the material I’ve researched. There’s still so much I cannot post today, but know that I will update you in the future.

My other Mental Health Series posts can be found under the category of Health on my blog menu.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to meet young Time to Change Champions on World Mental Health | time-to-change.org.uk.
Guest Viewpoint: 10 years of suicide prevention | stargazette.com.
Nevis Health Minister’s Address On The Occasion Of World Mental Health Day 2015 | zizonline.com.
Daniel Vance: The stigma of mental illness | newbernsj.com.
Living with dignity: World Mental Health Day 2015 | bps.org.uk.
Congress & Policymakers: Stop Scapegoating Mental Illness in Mass Shootings | psychcentral.com.
I’m a doctor – but that didn’t save my son from suicide | telegraph.co.uk.
University of Bedfordshire student reveals extent of loneliness in the elderly | bedfordshire-news.co.uk.
Minister worries about under-funding for mental health services | ghananewsagency.org.
How Pharmacists Can Correct Mental Illness Misconceptions | pharmacytimes.com.
Mental health first aid training offered | azdailysun.com.
Auburn’s 2015 Miss Homecoming shares story of overcoming challenges to help raise mental health awareness | al.com.
Mental health matters | jamaicaobserver.com.
A call for dignity in mental health | freemalaysiatoday.com.
32 Marathwada farmers commit suicide in a week | The Times of India.
One-fourth of Bahamas’ residents have considered suicide, study claims | thebahamasweekly.com.
Reporting mental health issues costs soldiers their job or sidelines them, Senate Inquiry told | news.com.au.
Suicide rate in regions disproportionate to number of people with depression and other mental illness | The Courier.
One Conversation Counts: NAMI offers resources for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month | maconnews.com.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, September 10, 2015 World Suicide Prevention Day, + Mental Health Article Links

September is Suicide Awareness Month, and tomorrow Suicide Prevention Day. I linked to this article in the last installment of my Mental Health Series. I could not get this quote from it out of my mind, so I wanted to share it this post: “I truly believe the greatest measure of a city is how it helps its most vulnerable. It is time for us to buck the age-old stigma of mental illness. Through the creation of our Behavioral Health Strategies division, we embark on what we believe to be the country’s first city effort to coordinate streamlined services around our people with behavioral health needs.” Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s 2015 Inaugural Address, The Denver Post.

In that last installment, I mentioned researching a number of additional articles that I was unable to list (due to the length of the post). Well, I’m still unable list all of them in this post. But, I will try to list quite a few. (I did an internship at Camp Wellness, the facility written about in the last link.) As noted by several pieces in my previous posts, one of the effects of mental illness stigma and discrimination can be social isolation. I think seeing just how many people are writing on the subject can bring comfort to those diagnosed with a condition (or their loved ones) — to know they are not alone in their journey…to know someone is giving voice to something they may not yet be able to.

I hope this post will encourage those with an incomplete understanding of what depression, suicidal ideation, and other mental illnesses are to look into them further. If these things are familiar to you, I hope you let it encourage you to reach out to those you know or suspect might need your help. Or, if you think you might need some assistance or someone to talk to, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 

My other Mental Health Series posts can be found under the category of Health on my blog menu.

SPECIAL REPORT: Suicide and the Pinoy youth | Lifestyle | GMA News Online.
Girl Scouts Can Earn A Patch in Mental Health Awareness | valleynewslive.com.
The Truth About Suicide in Colorado | 5280.com.
Federal Appeals Court Rules UnitedHealthcare May Be Sued for Alleged Violations of the Federal Mental Health Parity Act | markets.financialcontent.com.
September deemed Suicide Prevention Awareness Month | Lebanon Democrat.
Press Release: September 10 World Suicide Prevention Day and September 12 NAMI Utah Walk | utahpolicy.com.
A unique mental health facility | The Jerusalem Post.
Suicide a subject that must keep being brought to light | thereporter.com.
Fighting for the light | Cyprus Mail.
Ending the Silence: How KU Campus is helping students with Mental Illness | kansan.com.
Guest Opinion: Lifting the veil on depression and suicide | Idaho Statesman.
Teens help teens with mental health issues | Queens Chronicle: Queenswide.
Campaign launched to tackle stigma of mental illness | The Jewish Chronicle.
Schizophrenia is not a split personality, there are four main symptoms | thejournal.ie.
Depression on the rise | Fiji Times Online.
Elise Banks crowned Miss Texas International | beautypageants.in.
EmbraceDontDisgrace.com | Mental Illness Discrimination.
The psychologists walking 100 miles to fight austerity’s impact on mental health | theguardian.com.
The secret lives of 3 Maine people with depression | Health | Bangor Daily News.
30% Of Medical Students Report Mental Health Condition, Yet Most Feel Stigmatized Asking For Help | Medical Daily.
Prejudice from the professionals: mental health anti-stigma initiative targets services | communitycare.co.uk.
Stigma Influences Psychiatrists in Disclosing Their Own Mental Illness | Psychiatry Advisor.
Camp Wellness: Where the routine becomes extraordinary | tucson.com.

Multi-Cultural Mental Health Awareness

I mentioned last My Way post that I would be writing another installment of my Mental Health Series soon, and here it is. July, as I said, is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Yes, it is mid-August. But, just as I conveyed in my post World Mental Health Day, 2014 & NAMI Multi-Cultural Action Center (posted in October), I write on this topic as I feel led. This is a sensitive subject for many, so I want to make sure my timing is right. Today, I simply want to share a few passages and articles that touched me.

“People with mental health problems say that the social stigma attached to mental ill health and the discrimination they experience can make their difficulties worse and make it harder to recover. 

Mental illness is common…We know that people with mental health problems are amongst the least likely of any group with a long-term health condition or disability to:

find work 
be in a steady, long-term relationship 
live in decent housing  
be socially included in mainstream society. 

This is because society in general has stereotyped views about mental illness and how it affects people. Many people believe that people with mental ill health are violent and dangerous, when in fact they are more at risk of being attacked or harming themselves than harming other people.

Stigma and discrimination can also worsen someone’s mental health problems, and delay or impede their getting help and treatment, and their recovery. Social isolation, poor housing, unemployment and poverty are all linked to mental ill health. So stigma and discrimination can trap people in a cycle of illness.

The situation is exacerbated by the media. Media reports often link mental illness with violence, or portray people with mental health problems as dangerous, criminal, evil, or very disabled and unable to live normal, fulfilled lives.

This is far from the case.

Research shows that the best way to challenge these stereotypes is through firsthand contact with people with experience of mental health problems.” www.mentalhealth.org.uk

“Mental health within minority communities is a sensitive issue that needs addressing. In a report from the Surgeon General in 2001, these issues were highlighted while exploring the problems of biases, stereotypes and racism within the healthcare system. The report also emphasized the benefits of shared historical experiences and culture…Dr. Jei Africa examined the question, “What do we know right now?” …In 2012, SAMSHA conducted a study that pointed out the major issues within Minority Mental Health. The study put financial hardship and lack of insurance as the ethnically universal concern. They found that the idea that mental healthcare “would not help” was the least cited reason across the board.

Studies show that depression is mentioned as a possible diagnosis for a person 43% of the time if the person is white, and only 27% if the person is black. This is despite the findings that 38% of white people were less likely to talk about their depression opposed to only 11% of black people. When questioned on this vast difference of behavior, providers answered that they think white people suffer more than black people. Acknowledging the present disparity in the system and hold providers to a standard that accommodates minorities is a necessary next step.

How can we change the healthcare system for the better?

Administering cultural training to providers
Providing financial literate classes for healthcare needs
Implementing a medical model that is adaptive instead of coercive

It is difficult at times for any person living with a mental health condition to receive the care that they need, but every person deserves equal opportunity for treatment.” Tackling the Challenges of Minority Mental Health, Nami.org

As you can see from these passages, social inclusion and cultural adaptations are concrete ways to improve the lives of those with mental health conditions. I hope many of you let the information provided in these articles sink into your thinking. The more we are armed with this knowledge and wisdom, the more we can fight the sometimes awful stigma and discrimination that can be faced.

I do not want to overwhelm you with too much information today, so I will just leave you with additional article links. I have researched so many interesting pieces, but I cannot list them all in one post. As it stands now, this is already quite lengthy. Perhaps I will just have an article link post one day.

My Previous Mental Health Series Posts: 

Shattering the Stigma of Mental Illness, NAMI Southern AZ Mental Health Walk 2015, Mental Illness Discrimination & Exploitation, World Mental Health Day, 2014 & NAMI Multicultural Action Center, Mental Illness Awareness Week, Mental Illness Facts and Myths, & Cafe 54, Tucson, AZ, What is Stigma?, NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness Stigma Alerts Archive (many of these archives are no longer listed, so I may post a few at some point), University of Arizona Camp Wellness

Further reading:

McCray ties mental health to income inequality | capitalnewyork.com.
Stigma over mental illness holds back funding, Andrew Robb tells summit | theguardian.com
The Mental Health Parity Act: A Legislative History | congressionalresearch.com
Bhanu’s Story: India’s Quiet Epidemic Of Housewife Suicides | indiaspend.com
Farmers’ tractor selfies raise cash for suicide prevention charity | fwi.co.uk
Column: Suicide — it’s not just the kids | stillwatergazette.com
Chicago Hispanic News, Lawndale News, Hispanic Bilingual Newspapers, NAMI Chicago Honors Saint Anthony Hospital Mental Health Supervisor with Community Health Advocate of the Year Award | lawndalenews.com
Cantrell to host forum on mental health in minority populations | uptownmessenger.com
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s 2015 Inaugural Address | denverpost.com
Toronto police background checks no longer include mental health incidents | t.thestar.com
‘Anxious’ Hong Kong needs an effective mental health body | chinadaily.com.cn
Cherry Hill teen comfortable discussing bouts with mental illness | jewishvoicesnj.org
Mental health and African Americans: Breaking the tradition of silence | amsterdamnews.com
Africa: View On Disability – SDGs Lack Mental Health Ambition | allafrica.com
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: CAMFT encourages all minorities to get mental health support | news-medical.net
Deepika Padukone Foundation | bollywood.celebden.com
African women leading the charge in philanthropy | africanbrains.net
Asian-Americans Tackle Mental Health Stigma | webmd.com
Reclaiming One’s Dignity: Overcoming the Prejudice and Discrimination of Mental Illness | sfvcmhc.org

Shattering the Stigma of Mental Illness

“First Lady Chirlane McCray speaks out about her plan to shatter the stigma of mental illness and create a more inclusive treatment system that works for all New Yorkers.

‘The first step to solving the crisis is to simply acknowledge that it exists,’ writes McCray. ‘We must start a real public conversation about mental illness, and we must start connecting people to appropriate services. That is how we will shatter the stigma.” http://blackbusinessnow.com/nyc-first-lady-chirlane-mccray-wants-to-shatter-the-stigma-around-mental-health/

I just recently read this article, and it spurred me on to write another installment of my Mental Health Series. It’s encouraging to see sincere high-profile people taking action. I also read a wonderful piece on former President Carter’s mental health speech at the University of Florida (he stood in for his wife, Rosalynn). http://www.news4jax.com/news/president-carter-speaks-at-uf/32119922

I read so many encouraging blog posts and articles concerning mental health, only to later be discouraged by a few disparaging remarks, jokes, slurs, etc. Perhaps you think I should not be so emotionally connected to such negative statements or conduct…and, perhaps you are correct. I try to understand why people do and say what they do. Much of our society has allowed stigma and discrimination to rule for so long, so that is certainly part of it. I am reminded of school settings wherein you are one of the “cool kids” if you make fun of or gang up on those not within social norms. The somewhat opposite of that also saddens me: I often hear people without a medical diagnosis refer to themselves as OCD (because they happen to be an organized person, etc.), schizophrenic (because they think this refers to a dual personality — possibly doing or liking opposing tasks), bipolar (because they have a sudden change in mood), and so on…Either one of those behaviors leads to increased distress and shame for people with mental health conditions. I try to not be too judgmental about it, as our culture has a tendency to not think about the impact of words. So, these days, I try to make sure what I’m saying is really what I’m saying…what’s really in my heart, without offending, and without being overly politically correct.

On occasion, my mom yells at me to turn the running water off so I don’t waste it (she’s concerned about the bill, and rightly so, lol, and we live in the desert). She’s usually in the other room, though, and doesn’t even know why I have it on. I slowly turn the knob…slowly, slowly…until the gushing flow turns into a soft wave, into a hum, into a murmur, a trickle of its former self…and then it’s gone. I have a dream that mental health stigma and discrimination will dissipate in a similar fashion…until it is no more.

Mental illness affects 1 in 4 people (http://www.who.int/whr/2001/media_centre/press_release/en/), but so many are afraid to receive the help they need. If you would like information for yourself or loved ones, please see my previous posts under the category of Health on my blog menu.

In addition, I have once again collected several articles you may find interesting and/or informative.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

http://www.cw.ua.edu/article/2015/04/mental-matters-students-struggle-with-mental-health-balance

The stigma of mental health: Why black women don’t ask for help

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/5590658-hemingway-shares-family-battle-with-mental-illness/

http://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/about_us/stigma-illness.htm

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/letters/2015/04/21/letter-stelizabeth-hospital-mentalhealth/26116275/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=

The Therapy Relationship: What Makes a Good Fit?

http://drkathleenyoung.com/resourcesandquizzes/depressionchecklist.html

http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/what-are-mental-health-problems/stigma-discrimination/impact

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-ouch-32084441

http://ravallirepublic.com/missoula/entertainment/music/article_09c10f15-422d-53a1-be74-356bbb3d670c.html

http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/190/3/192

http://www.thenational.ae/uae/health/employees-fear-disclosing-mental-health-issues-to-bosses-in-uae

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2015/04/12/Tackling-mental-illness-stigma-head-on/stories/201504120166

http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2015/04/summit-addresses-minority-women-s-mental-health

http://www.cbc.ca/newsblogs/yourcommunity/2011/09/have-you-faced-discrimination-because-of-mental-illness.html

NAMI Southern AZ Mental Health Walk 2015

I am so glad I had the opportunity to volunteer at this year’s National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southern Arizona Mental Health Walk. This is an annual community event to raise funds and awareness. As you know, I publish mental health-related blog posts from time to time. So many participants out this year doing the 3 or 5K. Some walk and raise funds as a team, others come by themselves, and many join friends and family. Fortunately, the walkers crossed the finish way before the temps reached into the 90’s. It was a hot one! I had a chance to see many old friends (as I often do at health events), so it made my day really special. It’s one of the best things in the world: being around a group of caring, non-judgmental people.

This year, walkers were warmed up with high-energy Latin dance aerobics and later treated to a post-walk Mariachi performance. It was a really fun time! NAMI hosts walks all across the U.S., so you may want to search for one in your area (if this is a cause you would like to support). I didn’t take a ton of pics this year, but here are a few:

Getting ready for the big walk! Many teams design and wear their own t-shirts.

Cafe 54 Food Truck serving hungry walkers (read more about their amazing work here).

Mariachi! I always love the outfits! They were awesome!

NAMI Store Tent

This banner from the Community Partnership of Southern Arizona really touched me. No shame, no fear, just help.

If you have a moment, please take a look at my mental health series posts. They can be found under the Health category of my blog menu. For your convenience, I have linked to them below. In addition to the blog posts themselves, I have listed many article and resources links. Further articles are frequently featured in My Way posts as well.

Mental Illness Discrimination & Exploitation

World Mental Health Day, 2014 & NAMI Multicultural Action Center

Mental Illness Awareness Week, Mental Illness Facts and Myths, & Cafe 54, Tucson, AZ

What is Stigma?

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness Stigma Alerts Archive (many of these archives are no longer listed, so I may post a few at some point)

University of Arizona Camp Wellness

My Way, No. 12

*If you’re new to my blog, you may want to read this for info on what ‘My Way’ posts are all about. 🙂 *

— I was extremely busy this past week and could not find the time to blog. So, I will try to let you know some of the things I’ve been up to. But, before we get into all of that, I wanted to express my deepest appreciation to the late Martin Luther King, Jr. and his family. I, like so many others, would have never had the opportunities that have come my way without them. I believe MLK’s legacy has been felt across all of the nations. So, today, we honor that legacy. It encourages one to stand up for what one believes in. Common men and women have sometimes had as great an impact on society as royalty and world leaders (if not greater, in some instances, perhaps).

— From the Arizona Jewish Post, I thought this was a very thoughtful MLK, Jr. Day article.

— You know I love food and often write up all sorts of food-related tidbits on this blog. On this MLK, Jr. Day, I thought it would be cool to showcase a few chefs and recipes from the US and Britain (as you know, I adore British culture & food). Speaking of Britain, have you ever seen the television show Chef? I do not recall when it ran because many times we (the US) receive British programming much later than the original air dates. Perhaps it was from the 90’s…it was such a fab and funny show. I’m sure it’s in some sort of digital format, so check it out if you get the chance.

Avocado Tacos & Brown Butter Roasted Tomato Pasta by Latrice Fowler, African-American Chefs Shine in Atlanta, Black America Cooks, The Top Black Chefs Around the World, 3 Black Vegan Chefs You Should Know. From Britain: Mustard, Bacon, and Caramelised Onion Scones & Pea, Courgette, and Parmesan Rosti w/ Tangy Tomato Dressing by Ainsley Harriot, Spicy Curry Carrot Chutney by Jo Wesley and Avril Rogers, Pancetta Wrapped Scallops w/ Quince and Pear by Patrick Williams, Chai-Spiced Ginger and Date Tea Loaf by Kimberley Wilson, Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds Savoury Biscuits by Enwezor, Lamb, Yam, and Butternut Squash Soup by Lenny Henry, Nice and Spicy Thai Chicken Salad (Larb Gai) & Vegetarian Nut Roast Pie w/ Cranberries by Lorraine Pascale, Citrus and Pomegranate Salad w/ Chili Honey Dressing & Lime and Cranberry Bread and Butter Pudding by Levi Roots.

— Also from Britain: Is the Media Industry Sufficiently Diverse?

— Have you ever been under a time crunch and forced to go to places and do things you would rather not? That’s how last week was for me. Sometimes, my whereabouts/locations can make things difficult. I managed to make the Minimalist Entryway Organizer I wrote about. Instead of bungee cords and a wood frame, I went for a solid wood plaque and elastic. I attached the elastic with a staple gun and drilled a hole in the back for hanging. Such a practical idea for your keys, glasses, etc.:

Also, I’m making a shelf, so I stained a cedar board (after power sanding) with a mixture of coffee and black tea (as I wrote about in my post on The Many Uses of Food Powders). I used soybean oil for finishing, but I’m sure you could use any fixed drying oil (like linseed, hemp, walnut, or sunflower). Super easy and inexpensive. The lighting wasn’t great, so I do not think the pic (before and after) does it justice. It’s a rich caramel color — turned out beautifully:

— I had to pick up a few items for my mom and snapped a couple of cute DIY craft pics:

These DIY’s were made by the store staff. The ‘button letter’ would be totally fun in a child’s room. Or, if you have a more eclectic decor, you could probably make it work in any setting (possibly changing up the color scheme). First initials for couples would be a neat idea.

— What have I been eating this past week? Well, I made a few more of the Detox Drinks with a repeat of the Grapefruit-Cado. I forgot to mention that anytime the recipes call for juice, I use whole fruit. It was such a busy week that I didn’t get a chance to make granola bars. Luckily, I found some organic store-bought ones that were wickedly reduced in price. SQUEAL DEAL! They saved me! I always like to carry some sort of snack bar with me when I go out (so I don’t grab at the nearest candy protein bar in a vending machine, haha). And, I had a couple for snacks in place of my (of late) usual nuts, figs, oatmeal & honey, or za’atar roasted chickpeas. I’ve found the chickpeas curb my cravings for sweets (as you know, I have a sweet tooth). I did have time to whip up a quick cream of roasted garlic and white asparagus soup (with olive oil roux & skim milk, finished with a little extra-virgin and chiles):

And, the Sicilian Roasted Potatoes I made for Christmas have made an appearance 4 or 5 times now. Perhaps I will take a pic soon. I’ve started using a mix of baby Yukons and sweet potatoes. Really quite delicious. As I had a lot of running around to do, I made a batch of egg sandwich fillers. I reheat them in the oven or on the stove, but I suppose you could use the micro (not too long, they might get rubbery). I just used leftover veggies and cooked them in oval rings to fit my homemade bagels. I start them on the stove top and then give them a hit under the broiler:

1) Spinach, Red Bell, White Asparagus, Garlic 2) Kale, Black Olive, Red Onion 3) Broccoli, Feta, Chile (just a little bit of cheese, and my body seemed to handle it OK) 4) Marinated & Grilled Artichokes, Capers, Tomatoes.
Other than that, I began to have a few heavier meals starting with a yummy hamburger (on a bagel, of course 😉 ) and a side of healthy Brussels and smashed baby Yukons bubble and squeak.

— I love to collect tea tins, so I was excited when my fave step-uncle brought me back this Burapa Bird’s Nest Beverage from his trip to Malaysia:

— I was inspired by this Pitaya Breakfast Bowl to purchase dragon fruit for the first time. Wonderful! I consumed some raw and threw the rest in the freezer for smoothies:

— Remember the DIY Silk Scarf Kaftan I posted? Well, here’s a DIY Kimono Cape along the same lines. While running errands for my mom, I saw someone with a gorgeous kimono fabric. You can make this piece with just a couple of scarves, needle & thread, though. Also, make sure to check out the link from this blog post on how to dye shoes.

— From organization to DIY suds: 8 Laundry Room Hacks, Tips, and Ideas.

Take care! See you next time!

My Way, No. 7

*If you’re new to my blog, you may want to read this for info on what ‘My Way’ posts are all about. 🙂 *

— Have you ever felt like you were going to scream if you had to make one more decision? Like you would explode if one more set of choices came before you…your mind overwhelmed by life’s questions? I got to that point this past week. Now, if I were being unselfish, I would have thought about the fact that it’s a blessing to be able to even make decisions. Some people are not that fortunate. I was having a self-absorbed moment (or two), though. Then, it seemed as if the heavens opened up and shone upon me…someone else coming along to give me peace and direction. Like God was saying, even though you’re being selfish and a bit ungrateful, I’m still going to help you out, haha. Thank goodness for mercy and folks who come to your rescue!

— Thank goodness for a couple of recipes that eased my decision-making about what to prepare for Hanukkah! Normally, it wouldn’t have been that big of a deal, but my mind was overloaded at the time, lol. I wanted to make jelly doughnuts and made blackberry jam in anticipation. As with the bagel recipe I recently posted about, though, I wasn’t really in love with the recipe I had. So, I kept going back and forth about it. Then, lo and behold, I saw this recipe and thought, “Why not give it a try?” So glad I did! Now, I must confess (probably to the cringing of pro bakers everywhere) that I changed a few things. I usually try to avoid altering baking and pastry recipes too significantly, as it’s a scientific process. And, as pastries are not my strong point, I feel I should leave it to the pros to deal with the whole science of it. I decided to risk it this time, though. I was hoping the changes wouldn’t make that much of a difference: I subbed oil for butter (as I am still fasting from it), used egg yolks instead of a whole egg, my homemade non-fat yogurt instead of milk (the only milk I had was frozen, and I didn’t want to wait until it thawed), and added a little more sugar to the dough (my sweet tooth). I know if you are a baker, you are probably frowning, lol. I thought a Star of David shape would be cute, so I cut a few like that and the rest into squares. They were awesome! So good fresh and warm:

Fasting from butter, cheese, etc., is difficult, but my body feels so much better when I do. Eggs are fine for me, though (in moderation), so that’s why I used the yolks. I thought it might make up for the lack of butter (richness). Good source of protein and iron for me. I used the whites in another recipe I made to celebrate (instead of the whole egg it called for): Cauliflower Fritters with Roasted Garlic and Paprika Aioli. I desperately wanted to make this recipe as soon as I saw it. I have never thought to prepare fritters with cauliflower. It called for parm, though, so that presented a dilemma. I decided to punch up the flavor from the missing parm with nutritional yeast, scallions, cilantro, and eggplant. I used whole wheat flour for the batter base. I tried to make up for the calories of frying by using a lower fat dip. I swapped a mixture of light mayo and non-fat yogurt for the freshly made aioli. I know a homemade aioli would have been great, but I had to try to cut a few cals somewhere! They were actually fab with or without the dip. I could have eaten quite a few more, so I had to limit my portion by putting the extras in the freezer, haha:

— I guess I’m a bit late getting into the Christmas spirit this year. It seems to have snuck up on me just these past couple of days. I know it has finally hit when I start playing the Bing Crosby Christmas tunes. He performs my some of favorite tracks and it just sets me in the mood. I’m just now starting to think about what I’ll prepare and any decorations, so I thought I would share this link on 10 Christmas Buffet Table Ideas. I like plated Holiday dinners, but they give a few ideas on setting up stations to keep everything flowing smoothly.

— OK, so I might be a few years behind the trend, but I think this is a cute Christmas outfit. And, check out these cute Christmas nails, leggings, and purse.

— A great article on using ‘people first’ language regarding mental health. (http://www.providencejournal.com/news/health/mental-health/20141122-in-talking-about-mental-illness-people-first-terminology-eases-stigma.ece) I believe I first heard of this when I was interning at Camp Wellness. I really think the explanation he gives about using certain terminology is informative — it’s not about political correctness, but about how the impact of words is important. I also wanted to share a Dallas news reporter’s story that touched me: Erasing the Stigma of Mental Illness the Best Way I Know How. (http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/sunday-commentary/20140425-fighting-the-stigma-of-mental-illness-the-best-way-i-know-how.ece)

— I have been reading about the recent Civil Rights protests in different places across the country and the march in Washington. It’s a subject that is sensitive for many Americans (no matter your cultural background, in many instances). You try to not let anger get the best of you, but these things must be voiced. If you are a minority in America, you know racism and discrimination. If you are a Black male in America, you most assuredly know racism, discrimination, and most likely a host of other deplorable things. I would say in Arizona, unfortunately, there is nearly as much (if not completely equal) hostility towards those with a Hispanic background. Our country has come far, but there is still so far to go. I continue to pray for everyone concerned. I hope that you will as well.

— I want to leave you with a few other recipes I think look grand, & hopefully I’ll be back with more soon. Bake-frying for Hanukkah: Sweet Potato Falafels with Coleslaw. Christmas means (for me) an abundance of eggnog and eggnog-flavored sweets and treats: Eggnog Cheesecake Bars. Also, I tend to indulge in more peppermint this time of year: White Chocolate Peppermint Mousse. How about some veg soup for these chilly days: Kale and Cauliflower Soup. Quick, Easy, Hearty, and Thrifty: Bombay Lamb Wraps. It’s so nice to get cozy by the fireplace (or the electric heater 😉 ) with a warm mug of mulled wine: Glühwein.

Take care! ‘Til next time!

My Way, No. 2

Hope you’ve been having a great week!

*If you’re new to my blog, you may want to read this for info on what ‘My Way’ posts are all about. 🙂 *

— In my last WhirwinDISH post, I forgot that I was going to post a link for a unit conversion calculator. The recipe for the ginger beer came from the UK, and that’s what made me think of it. It comes in handy (unless you’re a math whiz, then you can just do it in your head 😉 ).Unit Conversion Calculator. I also realized that I wrote mouse instead of mousse in my Thanksgiving Trial Run post, lol. Fixed it.

— I found this link from the Alzheimer’s Society regarding dementia Equality, Discrimination, and Human Rights very informative. I think it’s an issue everyone needs to know about.

— In my post about Fermented Foods, I mentioned making a fabric cover for your slow cooker (if you didn’t want to use a bath towel to keep your homemade yogurt warm). You can always use an insulated bag, too, if you can find one big enough. Perhaps they sell insulated slow cooker bags, even. I don’t know. I’ve seen warmer bags for casserole dishes and such. Anyway, I could not find a DIY fabric cover pic anywhere (I’m sure someone has one somewhere) so here’s mine:

As I said, I am not a machine sewer, so I made mine by hand. It’s just a plain pillowcase on the inside with a layer of thick fabric insulation. I used leopard fabric and cording (leftover from other projects) for the exterior. An easier way would have been to just use a patterned pillowcase or bag for the exterior. But, I wanted to make use of this particular print. It’s a pretty generic cover — nothing fancy. If you are a machine sewer, though, you could probably tailor it to fit your model more precisely. I’m sure that would be cute!

— I want to read this book: Food, Family, and Tradition. There’s something about tradition and traditional foods that bring me comfort. I guess it’s the familiarity — no surprises. I need that in my life a lot of times. I do my WhirlwinDISHes of course, but much of that originates from necessity!

— I’m on a French fries kick! I’m making them with regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes. I don’t actually fry them, though. I pretty much Misto most things that call for frying anymore. I don’t even pan fry. I have a deep fryer that someone gave me, but I only use it maybe once or twice a year. I don’t mind fried foods as much when they are prepared by other people. I just can’t get past seeing all of that oil, haha! But, every once in a while, frying can be cool…like donuts, fried clams, or pizza frites. I haven’t seen pizza frites around these parts. They are just fried pizza dough (shaped like a mini pizza) coated with powdered sugar. Super unhealthy, but yummy! Other foods I can get by with “bake-frying,” but not pizza frites.

— Yums: Gin and Lime Truffles, Guinness Burgers, Forager’s Salad.

— I thought this article about mental health was awesome! Read about the initiative called NHL’s Hockey Talks and a website called MindCheck.ca: http://thehockeywriters.com/the-canucks-are-soldiers-in-the-war-against-mental-illness-and-depression/

Have a great weekend!