S.R. Crawford's Blog, page 101

Film Review of “The Legend of Tarzan” – Humanity’s Dark-side Portrayed Perfectly

Today, myself and my boyfriend went to see the new Tarzan film. Let me begin by saying that David Yates did a great job, as it surprised me by being really good in the end, despite my expectations. It was dark and real and chilling.

*MILD SPOILERS*

So what was so good about this film that I felt the need to write about it? Well, it showed me the dark side of humans. How we take and take. We are ruthless and villainous, even the “good guys” aren’t empathetic enough towards others, if it means that it gets in the way of their own endeavours. We’re monsters. We’re the beasts, not the animals.

Oh no. We took from the animals, too. We use them and kill them for our world to be better, totally uncaring of the effects. We kill. We’re murderers. Now I’m not about to become a vegan, but I am going to think before I act more. We all can do that at least. I was very happy to see that in the end it was the animals who we’re taking their land back from us.

The film perfectly showed me what it’s truly like in our world. One man wants power and so he does anything he can to take it. He has an army. They spill blood for their cause. Animals get caught in our battles. And we too often live by the idea “an eye for an eye”. Revenge. Though we all too often feel grave pain, we seem to have no trouble inflicting it onto others, knowingly or not.

Tarzan has been a more powerful film than I anticipated. It showed us history, and in a very dark way, which was not expected and greatly appreciated.

We’re selfish. That’s what it is. We see only our own goals, which is truly selfish. We’re a lost people…

Aside from the film perfectly showing me what horrid creatures we are as a species, it was just epic. I loved the gorillas. They were amazing. Now with Planet of the Apes and Jungle Book, we’re starting to see some pretty awesome ape action but it still amazes me. The elephants and the wonder of the jungle was just beautiful. Alexander Skarsgard as Tarzan wasn’t perfect for me but he was kind of funny, nice to look at and was this bestial man version of Tarzan that I really liked instead of the cutesie one we’re used to. Margot Robbie was great as Jane, as she didn’t give into the damsel in distress character, though she was really pushed into it. Go you, we love breaking the damsel stereotype here!

Lastly, it was just good. Not brilliant, but good. I’d easily watch it again as it had good backstory, action, romance and CGI. It brought me into another world, and gave me a lot of insight into Africa, government and horrid humans too.

A must watch!

7.5/10

~ Damsel

Like These Fantasy Series? Then My Series Should Be Your Next Read – And Here’s Why

Harry Potter Series (Books & Films):

I grew up watching Harry Potter. The characters are my friends and family. Their pain is my pain;their triumph brings me joy. It’s fair to say that my book series is influenced by J.K. Rowling’s work.

Here’s why:

Likeable characters
Playful, good friendships
Magic
Another world existing amongst ours
Cool uniforms
A large number of characters
Loss and pain
A light beginning, with a dark end
Young badasses
Revelations and secrets

 

Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire Series (Books & TV series):

In my late teenhood/early adulthood, I became obsessed with Game of Thrones. I started watching the first season right when it came out and was hooked. Then, I read the first 3 books. Sadly I’ve fallen behind on the reading, but I’m up to date on the series, of course. The thing with Game of Thrones is, you just never know what’s going to happen, for they’re not above killing off main characters. And so, George R. R. Martin became a great influence for me, too.

Here’s why:

Large amount of characters
Badass females
Multiple points of view, not just one main
Being mean to my good guys! Putting them through hell
A game of thrones, initially
Hierarchy, systems, organisations and armies
A war
Dragons!
Kings and Queens, Lords and Ladies – that kind of government
Heroine who don’t need no man!
Revelations and secrets

 

Percy Jackson (Books – NOT THOSE HORRIBLE FILMS):

As a teen, myself and my brother read the Percy Jackson series. I fell in love with those quirky, funny, loyal teens! Rick Riordan just has a way with words that makes his characters seem like real people. They were just boys being boys without it being cheesy at all. They actually had me laughing to myself and always rooting for them in their big scary battles.

Here’s why:

Kids with amazing abilities
Cool young characters who overpower the adults
Gods
Travelling and hiding
Mythical and fantastical creatures
Cute, playful humour – I hope…

 

Avatar the Last Airbender (TV series):

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS TV SERIES! I’ve come back to it several times, as it has this magical way of making me happy. These characters are my friends. They’re so powerful and cool, and their friendship is beautiful. They’ve been on an amazing journey together and I feel privileged to have been a part of it. I also loved The Legend of Korra series made after it in the same world.

Here’s Why:

People with the ability to manipulate the elements – earth, water, air, fire
A war
Taking the throne from a crazed Emperor
Uniting unlikely people on a team for a rebellion
Quirky animals
Young badasses
Travel, learning, triumph

 

Supernatural (TV series):

Though I haven’t watched all of it, I do like this series. It’s fun, quirky and of course filled with a multitude of supernatural creatures.

Here’s why:

Demons
Angels
Vampires
Immortals
Hunters
Brotherly bonds

 

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit series (Books & Films):

When you think fantasy, you of course must include the Lord of the Rings series. I’ve watched all of the films, and I especially liked the Hobbit films. The worlds are just so grand and great. So much goes on, and the hierarchies and civilisations are amazing. Definitely an influence for me.

Here’s why:

A war
Good vs evil
Young people on a quest
Another world with extraordinary people
A government/system
Awesome weapons
Creatures

 

OTHERS WORTH MENTIONING:

The Vampire Diaries

Vampires, duh
Vampire hunters
Myths and folklore around vampire lifestyles
A heroine

Vampire Academy

Vampires, duh
Vampires going to a Vamp school
Fighting
A heroine

Eragon

DRAGONS

Mortal Instruments

Demons
Young fighters
A heroine

 

So there you have it. If you’ve ever enjoyed these series, then you could also enjoy mine. No Secrets, the first in the Eternity Series will be published this month. The sequel is already out so there’s no need to wait once you’ve finished the first one! Though it seems like a love story at first, I hope my influences have proved that it’s not.

IT MUST BE NOTED THAT I AM ABSOLUTELY NOT INFLUENCED BY TWILIGHT! EXCEPT MAYBE AS A GUIDE ON HOW NOT TO PORTRAY VAMPIRES. THANK YOU.

~ Damsel

If You Like These Fantasy Series, Then You Need to Read my Fantasy Series – And Here’s Why

Harry Potter Series (Books & Films):

I grew up watching Harry Potter. The characters are my friends and family. Their pain is my pain;their triumph brings me joy. It’s fair to say that my book series is influenced by J.K. Rowling’s work.

Here’s why:

Likeable characters
Playful, good friendships
Magic
Another world existing amongst ours
Cool uniforms
A large number of characters
Loss and pain
A light beginning, with a dark end
Young badasses
Revelations and secrets

 

Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire Series (Books & TV series):

In my late teenhood/early adulthood, I became obsessed with Game of Thrones. I started watching the first season right when it came out and was hooked. Then, I read the first 3 books. Sadly I’ve fallen behind on the reading, but I’m up to date on the series, of course. The thing with Game of Thrones is, you just never know what’s going to happen, for they’re not above killing off main characters. And so, George R. R. Martin became a great influence for me, too.

Here’s why:

Large amount of characters
Badass females
Multiple points of view, not just one main
Being mean to my good guys! Putting them through hell
A game of thrones, initially
Hierarchy, systems, organisations and armies
A war
Dragons!
Kings and Queens, Lords and Ladies – that kind of government
Heroine who don’t need no man!
Revelations and secrets

 

Percy Jackson (Books – NOT THOSE HORRIBLE FILMS):

As a teen, myself and my brother read the Percy Jackson series. I fell in love with those quirky, funny, loyal teens! Rick Riordan just has a way with words that makes his characters seem like real people. They were just boys being boys without it being cheesy at all. They actually had me laughing to myself and always rooting for them in their big scary battles.

Here’s why:

Kids with amazing abilities
Cool young characters who overpower the adults
Gods
Travelling and hiding
Mythical and fantastical creatures
Cute, playful humour – I hope…

 

Avatar the Last Airbender (TV series):

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS TV SERIES! I’ve come back to it several times, as it has this magical way of making me happy. These characters are my friends. They’re so powerful and cool, and their friendship is beautiful. They’ve been on an amazing journey together and I feel privileged to have been a part of it. I also loved The Legend of Korra series made after it in the same world.

Here’s Why:

People with the ability to manipulate the elements – earth, water, air, fire
A war
Taking the throne from a crazed Emperor
Uniting unlikely people on a team for a rebellion
Quirky animals
Young badasses
Travel, learning, triumph

 

Supernatural (TV series):

Though I haven’t watched all of it, I do like this series. It’s fun, quirky and of course filled with a multitude of supernatural creatures.

Here’s why:

Demons
Angels
Vampires
Immortals
Hunters
Brotherly bonds

 

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit series (Books & Films):

When you think fantasy, you of course must include the Lord of the Rings series. I’ve watched all of the films, and I especially liked the Hobbit films. The worlds are just so grand and great. So much goes on, and the hierarchies and civilisations are amazing. Definitely an influence for me.

Here’s why:

A war
Good vs evil
Young people on a quest
Another world with extraordinary people
A government/system
Awesome weapons
Creatures

 

OTHERS WORTH MENTIONING:

The Vampire Diaries

Vampires, duh
Vampire hunters
Myths and folklore around vampire lifestyles
A heroine

Vampire Academy

Vampires, duh
Vampires going to a Vamp school
Fighting
A heroine

Eragon

DRAGONS

Mortal Instruments

Demons
Young fighters
A heroine

 

So there you have it. If you’ve ever enjoyed these series, then you could also enjoy mine. No Secrets, the first in the Eternity Series will be published this month. The sequel is already out so there’s no need to wait once you’ve finished the first one! Though it seems like a love story at first, I hope my influences have proved that it’s not.

IT MUST BE NOTED THAT I AM ABSOLUTELY NOT INFLUENCED BY TWILIGHT! EXCEPT MAYBE AS A GUIDE ON HOW NOT TO PORTRAY VAMPIRES. THANK YOU.

~ Damsel

Reply to My Previous Post – Alternate Thoughts for the Anxious Mind

We’re stronger than we think. It’s proven by getting through each day, and waking up the next.
More people understand than you think.
So what if they see your hands shaking? You’re there, you made it, and that makes you braver than them.
You’re not alone.
I know you feel defeated more often than not, but the fact that you’re still going proves you can never be defeated. Have faith in yourself, if nothing else.
Whenever you feel yourself slipping into the darkness, reach out and speak out.
The strong aren’t those who are never afraid. The strong are those who’re afraid, but keep going anyway.
You’ll have sleepless nights, but they won’t kill you, you have the strength to prevail. Find ways to keep your energy up in the daytime.
Speak up and unite with others who feel the same way; trust me, it helps to much.
Don’t run from your illness/disorder.
Just because things are harder for us, it doesn’t make it impossible. Millions before us have achieved greatness despite their illness, so we can too.
There’s no point in asking why me, what if and the like. It won’t change anything and we won’t get the answers we seek. All we can do is move forwards from here and work with what we’ve got.
Nothing lasts forever. That’s a fact. So our pain and suffering won’t last forever, either.
Practice techniques to relieve the heaviness and fatigue. Mindfulness, meditation and fun are the best ways to relieve it. Do them a lot and often.
You’re lovable. You’re perfect the way you are. Someone will love you, if they don’t already. I’ve found love after thinking I never would, that I wasn’t good enough; but I am and so are you.
You’re not a loser. You’re not weak. These are mad notions! We’re amazing, if only we just show people who we really are. Be brave enough to be you, and the right people will love you.
Teach yourself ways to eat despite not wanting to. I pretend food is like medicine and will make me feel better. Sometimes that works.
There’s so many techniques to alleviate the suffering. Try each way and don’t be knocked down if it doesn’t work.
Panic attacks won’t kill us no matter how much it feels that way. I promise. And they won’t last forever.
It gets easier, you get stronger, it takes time and practice just like anything else in life.

Tears of the Dead

 

The heavens, they pour,

As my mind grows sore,

Of missing you. Craving you.

If only you were here,

The heavens could stop,

For these are your tears, aren’t they?

The sky weeps because you weep.

Surely you miss me, just as I miss you?

But we must be careful,

For we don’t want to cause a flood.

Blood is blood, but family is different.

Though I had the pleasure of knowing you,

Stolen from me,

I feel you. I understand you.

For what daughter couldn’t know her father?

My saviour. My protector. My first love.

I imagine holding me for the first time,

Felt like how my heart aches with thoughts of you.

My chest literally grows painful,

With the absence.

The unconditional love.

The hole in my heart.

No amount of years can fill this hole.

Though I never truly knew you,

I miss you.

Does that make me insane?

For how can we miss, something we never truly had?

Dad?

Do you hear me?

Do you weep for me now?

Please don’t you weep.

But I look out the window,

Watching the heavens pour,

Drowning the living, with the tears of the dead.

The Anxious Mind – What Anxiety Makes You Feel

It’s too difficult to wake up, because I know that the day ahead will involve a struggle.

Why do I have to be like this?
Why me?
What’s real and what’s my anxiety? I can’t tell the difference anymore.
How long can I do this?
Why am I even afraid? I don’t get it myself, no wonder no one else does.
I can’t do this
My chest feels like it’s caving in.
People think I’m pathetic.
No one understands.
If only I wasn’t like this, my life would be so much better.
My friends are annoyed by me.
I’m held back.
I’m a loser.
Everything takes twice as long and feels twice as hard for me.
Eating is often a chore.
Sleeping is always a chore.
I think so much that it causes headaches.
I want to go…I want to do it…but I just can’t
No one will ever love me. No one will put up with me.
I feel fatigued even when I’ve done nothing all day.
My body feels like it’s on fire sometimes.
The future is both terrifying and comforting. The unknown makes me panic, but I can’t help hoping that in the future I’ll be a better me. And so I’m constantly battling myself.
Panicking feels like a vacuum has been stuffed down my throat. It’s impossible to breathe. And I feel like I’m going to pass out, or worse – die.
I can’t eat sometimes, for fear that I’ll be sick.
Do people see my hands shaking? Do they hear my voice breaking?
They think I’m weak.
Talking can be so difficult. I can’t put my millions of thoughts into perspective.
I just can’t control myself, or my life.
I’m not good enough. I can’t do what others can do.

My mind is always heavy.

Will I ever get better?
It’s better to just sleep the day away, just in case something goes wrong.
My anxiety makes me feel like giving up on everything. It pushes me into a dark place sometimes.
Is this me? Is this who I am?

 

If you’ve ever felt like this, or thought these things, you’re not alone. So many suffer from anxiety, in different forms, you’ve nothing to be ashamed of. You’re not weak. Check in next week (or before) to see my post about what people with anxiety should try to think instead of these things. Take care.

~ Damsel

Are You Really Unique? Here’s How to Ensure That You Are

*I recognise that this post may come across as offensive. I don’t mean it that way at all, so read to the end and be objective when taking in the message. I do apologise in advance if I do anger or upset anyone, and they can speak to me if they want further explanation*

**Also it’s a bit lengthy, but only because of my examples so bare with me!**

Hello, I hope my opening message hasn’t put anyone off, instead it’s probably excited you to see what horrible things I’m going to say! But I’m not horrible, or judgemental, you all should know that by now. I’m simply someone who likes to think. I like to ask myself questions, and because of my age (and my over-thinking tendencies) I always question who I am, and what I want.

I’ve never wanted to be the same as everyone else. I’ve wanted to be accepted and liked by people, don’t get me wrong. But never have I wanted to change myself and be normal if it meant going against who I was, what I believed in, or if I’d become a copy and paste of someone else.

DON’T BE A COPY AND PASTE OF SOMEONE ELSE.

You know the phrase, “Everyone is unique”? I’m sorry but I don’t believe that. Yes, we are all born in different ways, to different parents, in different parts of the world etc., but we’re not all wholly unique. Don’t take this as a sad thing, because I’ve got my own phrase to share with you… ‘We are all born with the ability to be unique’.

‘WE ARE ALL BORN WITH THE ABILITY TO BE UNIQUE’

The only difference is, some people accept the norm. They accept being the same because it’s easy or because they fall into life’s mundane routine. But I want to be unique, and if you do, too, here’s how.

Let’s use me as an example (as I am right now). Of course, I can only use myself as an example, and I know I’m not wholly unique, yet.

So let’s start:

I’m a Mixed Race Female – Of course, there’s millions of mixed race females in the world, so by just being this, I’m nowhere near unique.

Mixed Race Female -> British – Again, there’s a lot of mixed females in Britain.

Mixed Race Female -> British -> Jamaican & Irish Decent – Still pretty common, a very common blend for mixed individuals in Britain.

Mixed Race Female -> British -> Jamaican & Irish Decent -> Lower end of privilege (working class, single parent home)  – Even this is common, socio-economics prove that this is a very common thing.

Mixed Race Female -> British -> Jamaican & Irish Decent -> Lower privilege -> College educated, and a year of a degree – As I live in England, we are able to leave school aged 16 after our GCSEs. But I didn’t. I got good GCSE grades, then went onto do the International Baccalaureate Diploma, where I did rather well, before completing a year at university; receiving a certificate, and then leaving (at least for now). This makes me a bit more unique, as the IB is a diploma that isn’t known by many. But still this isn’t enough.

Mixed Race Female -> British -> Jamaican & Irish Decent -> Lower privilege ->Decent education -> Work in retail – This what most people do at some point in their life, especially between 16-22 like I have. So, not unique.

Mixed Race Female -> British -> Jamaican & Irish Decent -> Lower privilege -> Decent education -> Work in retail -> I now have red hair – Finally we’re starting to become less unique, because the first things about me, were things out of my control or obvious things to do when growing up. But now that I’m making my own choices, I can start to become more unique. However, a lot of girls in this day and age are experimenting with bright hair colours, so I’m still not unique.

Mixed Race Female -> British -> Jamaican & Irish Decent -> Lower privilege ->Decent education -> Work in retail -> Red hair -> Lifestyle Blogger – I’m starting to get the numbers down now, of the amount of people who are exactly the same as me (on paper). But I reckon the numbers are still pretty high.

Mixed Race Female -> British -> Jamaican & Irish Decent -> Lower privilege -> Decent education -> Work in retail -> Red hair -> Lifestyle Blogger -> Photographer – Again, this isn’t niche enough. A lot of bloggers are photographers too, especially in this new online, modern world we live in.

Mixed Race Female -> British -> Jamaican & Irish Decent -> Lower privilege -> Decent education -> Work in retail -> Red hair -> Lifestyle Blogger -> Photographer -> Mental health Advocate – I now speak and write for mental health, along with actively helping those suffering. Not many can say this, who I know personally, but I still think there’s a lot of people who do.

Mixed Race Female -> British -> Jamaican & Irish Decent -> Lower privilege -> Decent education-> Work in retail -> Red hair -> Lifestyle Blogger -> Photographer -> Mental health Advocate -> Anxiety & Depression Sufferer – I think the percentage becomes less when we consider actual sufferers who speak and advocate on the behalf of the mentally ill. It’s often successful non-sufferers or organisations who do.

Mixed Race Female -> British -> Jamaican & Irish Decent -> Lower privilege -> Decent education -> Work in retail -> Red hair -> Lifestyle Blogger -> Photographer -> Mental health Advocate -> Anxiety & Depression Sufferer -> Nerd (in a sense, depends on who you are) – I included this because it’s a big part of who I am. I love films, binging on shows and discussing them and fangirling over them. I have posters and merchandise from my favourites, even into adulthood. I’m proud of this, and I think it’s a big part of my uniqueness. Yes, a lot of people are “nerds” too, but if people look at me, and what I do, they wouldn’t guess straight-away that I love these things and play games. Therefore, I’m a little bit more unique.

Mixed Race Female -> British -> Jamaican & Irish Decent -> Lower privilege -> Decent education -> Work in retail -> Red hair -> Lifestyle Blogger -> Photographer -> Mental health Advocate -> Anxiety & Depression Sufferer -> Nerd -> Care about my Looks – This may seem like a small one, but again it’s important in my life. I love clothes, dressing nice,and I try to work out when I can. I’m starting to care about my hair and face more, too, now. Again with the things said about me before, it wouldn’t be obvious that I care about these things – therefore more unique.

Mixed Race Female -> British -> Jamaican & Irish Decent -> Lower privilege -> Decent education -> Work in retail -> Red hair -> Lifestyle Blogger -> Photographer -> Mental health Advocate -> Anxiety & Depression Sufferer -> Nerd  – Look good -> Author (fantasy, essays and self-help genres) – Finally, I’m near unique. I can’t say I know anyone else with this link of traits/interests. Not many I know are authors, nevermind with all the other things attached to my life.

If we walked in the streets, how many people could you say would fit this same description as me? Not many? Right, because I’m close to being unique. There’s still little things that I’ve left out, too, like I’m tattooed, into sports, like drawing, a sensitive person and in a relationship with someone born in Zimbabwe. These things add to my uniqueness.

This is where you question whether you are. Maybe you’ve just finished university, well now’s the time to make your “Life’s Portfolio” or “Life’s Resume” shine. Don’t just be someone who graduates, then goes into the job you wanted and that’s it. So many others have done that before you! There’s nothing wrong with it, but if you want to wholly say that you’re unique, and feel different to your peers, then you need to do more with your life.

I intend to keep going. To make my portfolio stand out amongst others. Be a teacher if you want, but also help the homeless on the weekends and have a vacation home in France. And don’t think because you’re a worldly traveller that you’re unique, either. I’m sorry, but you’re not. A lot of people have travelled the world because it’s becoming easier and easier to do it now. Instead, go somewhere that no one has been before. And speak about it. Share your story through words and videos, and then share it specifically with people who feel like life isn’t worth living. That is putting what you know to use. That is how you become a good person, and beautifully unique because you’re inspiring and helping people in new ways.

Here’s some last tips:

Think outside the box.
Put what you know to good use.
Always try new things.
Listen to the stories of others.
Think of new ways to give back and help others.
Be creative.
Use your degree in more ways than one.
Once you’ve done all that you wanted to do, it’s OK to start a new dream and achieve something else.
Don’t settle for less than or ordinary.
Seek more from life; but more importantly, seek more from yourself.

I hope no one is offended by this post. I hope instead that you’re inspired by it. You can be unique, it’s not that hard, you just have to want it. Keep trying new things, a make a better, more interesting you. Write down your own links like I have to see how close you are to ultimate individuality!

~ Damsel

Baby-Faced, Short Girl Problems – If You Know, You Know

If you’re a baby-faced, short girl like me, you know there’s a lot of trivialities that we have to put up with. By baby-faced, I mean we look way younger than we actually are, and by short, I mean below 5ft3″. If that’s you, then read these and feel less alone. I get your problems, girl!

Of course, we get ID’d all the time. There’s no way we could get away with leaving our driving license at home.
Even in your sexiest clothes, you still look like a kid trying on your mother’s dresses.
You get called cute instead of beautiful, gorgeous or hot. EVERY TIME.
People assume you’re not strong…like literally they think you can’t lift anything.
People the same age as you, don’t hit on you in case you’re still a school kid.
You practically have to hug the steering wheel when you drive.
Everything looks awkward in your hands and arms.
You can’t do your job properly, in retail, because sometimes you just can’t reach. You just can’t.
Stools and ladders are your best friends. 
Nothing fits properly, not even petite wear (that’s too small for me).
You have to walk twice as many steps as everyone else.
You’re treated like a child by people younger than you.
You have to yell to assert your presence, otherwise you’ll go unnoticed or become a pushover.
You’re used to tip-toeing, especially when kissing your partner (if they’re taller).
It’s hard to get up off of the ground; instead you push yourself up like a toddler.
You can’t take a sexy selfie, unless you wear loads of make-up.
You can’t see in crowds.
You worry that you might not be tall enough to ride a roller-coaster.
You’ll never feel as sexy as your taller friends.
Doing the twenty-bags-carry-from-the-car-to-the-house thing, is three times as hard for you. (And therefore three times more impressive).
Sometimes you wonder whether you would get away with staying in college/school forever, instead of being a responsible adult.

Any of these sound accurate? Yeah, it’s a hard knock life for short girls! However, he’s a few good things about being a baby-faced short girl to make you feel better:

You can get away with paying child fare on the bus.
You can get away with things, because you’re too cute to do anything wrong of course.
You get picked up and given piggyback rides.
You can fit in small spaces, and slip past people in crowds.
You don’t grow much, so you can keep clothes for longer.
Guys go for you, for some reason – once they know you’re old enough!
You can get away with acting childish.
In sports, you can run around and under people with ease.
Embarrassment and stupid situations result in you being called cute, instead of being ripped to pieces by insults.
At the end of the day, being called cute could be worse.

~ Damsel

My Video for Mental Health Awareness Week – “Withered Flower” (A Realistic View of Mental Illness)

 

I hosted an event yesterday for Mental Health Awareness Week. This was the video that I made for said event. It is supposed to be an artistic “day in the life of” style to showing mental illness. As a sufferer of anxiety and I’m prone to depression, I felt I could do something like this to show what it can be like, to remove stigma and show people that recovery is possible.

You can do it, I’ve been there. Best of luck and enjoy.

 

~ Damsel

The Rise of the #HeFeels Mental Health Movement

Since the release of my book, I have had people pop up to me to congratulate me on my work surrounding mental health… But so many times have people then gone on to say that they’ve lost loved ones to suicide because of mental illness. And guess what? They’re all men.

So I now speak to you, men and boys of the world…

Please, if you feel brave enough – SPEAK OUT.

HELP ANOTHER MAN OR BOY REALISE THAT HE IS NOT ALONE.

You could be saving a life by doing such a simple thing. I know that it is hard to speak up, but only we can break the stigma. We have nothing to be ashamed of. Feelings, emotions, mental illness, fear, depression, whatever it is – it’s all normal, human things.

We’re all just humans. Not just women, and so you’re allowed to speak up and say that you’re hurting.

And most importantly, seek the help you need without any fear.

So how’s this done? With my #HeFeels movement. Upload photos, videos, recordings, tweets, statuses, artwork, whatever – just use the #HeFeels in the description & the visual, too, if possible.

Again, speaking out could save a little boy, or a father’s life. Show him he’s not alone, today.

 

 

 

Join the movement. Help men be safe to speak out.

 

~ Damsel