#like how one of the easiest and most effective ways to change feelings of chronic loneliness is to just assume that people like you

[bunnidid-reviews]

🐰Nosy Dissociative Parts Ask Game 🌹

I wanted to make an ask meme about things I like asking my OSDDID partsy friends thats a bit on the lighter side ✨ nows your chance to be unabashedly 👀 and to overshare as you like~

1. What do you call a group of parts for you? A flock? A crew? A herd??? Do you call your parts anything different from just Parts?

2. How do you go about figuring out if you’ve split or found another part?

3. How do you figure out who you are in the moment?

4. Do you go to sleep or wake up as different parts? What are dreams like for you?

5. With close(and safe) relationships, is it important to you to disclose about your parts? How much involvement are you comfortable with, if at all?

6. What’s outward gender presentation like for you and your parts? Is it important to you?

7. What’s sexuality like for you? Does having multiple parts effect your relationships?

8. Do you enjoy communicating with your parts? Would you like to share about an interaction you’ve recently had?

9. If you have OCs(original characters), do your parts have any influence on them? Alternatively, if you’re creative in general, do they have any influence?

10. If you had unlimited money and opportunities, is there anything you’d want to do for your parts?

11. Is there any sort of internal organization or structure for your parts? How set-in-place is it?

12. Do any of your parts have special relationships with eachother? Would you like to share about some?

13. Do you have parts that oppose eachother? (In views, personality, ect)

14. Who’s the part that is most likely to deal with high-stress situations first?

15. Do you have parts who are best for self-soothing and regulating?

16. Is there anything about your disorder that has a physical effect on you? (Like headache/sleepiness with switching, chronic illness as a result of trauma, ect)

17. If you have friends with parts too, are you close on a part-by-part basis or more general whole people? Would you prefer it to be one way or the other?

18. Are there any reoccurring themes or symbolism in your system? Would you like to share about it?

19. How do you honestly feel about therapy? Have you had experience with it? If you have, what is/was your therapeutic relationship like?

20. Did you have a way to explain away the dissociation to yourself or others? (“I feel like I’ve never belonged”, “I’m just super forgetful” ect)

21. When you feel safe sharing about your parts with someone, which part is the “easiest” to introduce/explain about?

22. Do you have any parts that feel almost opposite to you?

23. Do any of your parts have a different sensory experience to you overall?

24. Do you have an inner world? Whether you do or not, what would be a safe space for your parts?

25. Do you know what your parts look like? If so, how do you visualize them?

26. How do your parts present in person? Is it externally noticeable you think?

27. Has anyone ever told you something you did or said without you knowing?

28. How long have you known about your parts? Comparing since then to now, what all’s changed?

29. How many known parts do you have, if you can count?

30. Here’s your prompt to ramble about something parts-related you haven’t had a chance to share!

[fezwearingjellybananas]

5, 7, 11, 15, and 19 for the writer ask game!!

Thank you!

5. What character that you’re writing do you most identify with?

I do sometimes project chronic illness symptoms on Barry (and other speedsters, but I write about him more, though it's probably most evident in Flash & Hawkgirl where Iris is the speedster) but that's because the TV show had him pass out because of metabolism issues and snap but oh man imagine if you could just eat more and solve it and you got superpowers out of the deal instead of immunity to covid jab side effects because I feel like that all the time anyway.

7. What do you think are the characteristics of your personal writing style? Would others agree?

I think I write mostly dialogue, I've had some comments that also follow that line (often criticising that but I'm pretty sure that's one person). I like writing in third person limited so following one person's point of view which does sometimes change how I refer to characters, like if I'm writing from Iris' point of view she's going to be thinking of Joe as her dad not by his name so that's how the narration goes. And short fics, I can't write a million long fics so I end up writing shorter things and trying to work more background into little bits

11. What do you envy in other writers?

It feels more like admiration than envy I think but those people who do like nano and things and write these huge long fics so quickly, they can just sit and write all those words every day and stay focused on one thing, meanwhile a 50k fic for me probably took 3 years with so many extra "I got distracted" small fics. But I like going back and shifting bits around and rewriting bits which I don't think is as easy when you have a word goal and time limit and I know I'm not good at deadlines so it's not really something I want to be able to do? It might just be nice to get distracted less

15. Which is harder: titles or summaries (or tags)?

It varies from fic to fic, sometimes it's titles, summaries I tend not to think over too much for short fics, they tend to just get one line anyway, but longer ones sometimes it's harder, and sometimes I have no idea what to tag things and sometimes it's easier to figure out. Gen fic is sometimes harder to tag I think, most of the tropes and everything that get tags are meant for romantic pairings

19. Is there something you always find yourself repeating in your writing? (favourite verb, something you describe ‘too often’, trope you can’t get enough of?)

I think I've used the same "time is like a river" analogy more than once, it's the way I find easiest to make sense of time travel in my head. Also there's a few consistent headcanons I have that go from fic to fic rather than coming up with new things every time.

[Writing Asks]

[drkubraaltintas]

Revive your Intimate Relationship!

It's a cliche to symbolise long stories or experiences with one object - a word or a sight to remember or flashback easily. This is written like that. The letter O has the power to symbolise our 'touch' to make somewhere better and something awake.

Yes, this week's topic is O Spot Shot.

We have lots of questions about that, and I'll try to simplify it as I can express it in the easiest way for you to understand.

Let's get started.

Intimacy with your spouse is an essential and normal phase of a relationship. Connecting on an intimate level is a significant factor for couples. By addressing the problem as soon as it is detected, you and your partner will suffer less stress.

How does the O-spot shot affect our lives?

Throughout our lives, we, as women, undergo several physical changes. This begins throughout puberty and continues until menopause and pregnancy in adulthood. All we have agreed with that.

All of these alterations may influence the vagina and the capacity to achieve an orgasmic state, leading to the development of female sexual dysfunction. This part is important for us.

A woman's physical and emotional health might be negatively impacted by orgasmic difficulties. It is essential to locate a remedy that works. No one wants to experience that. We cannot go through with it, and there must be a solution!

A solution exists for a healthier and more satisfying intimate life with the O-Spot Shot. And with that, you can have and keep support to your personal life. It's a pillar that you create your own life on it. But our lives have too many pillars, as you agree. Sometimes, one support might be more important than others, and we can feel it is inevitable if it is damaged. Therefore, we shall keep defining the pillars which are more crucial in our lives.

What Exactly Is The O-Spot Shot?

Let's start out by defining what the O- Spot Shot is really not. It is not a medicine and does not contain any medication.

It is an all-natural method of altering your sexual life by improving the frequency and intensity of your orgasms. The O-Spot Shot accomplishes this by using your own PRP, or platelet-rich plasma. After blood is drawn, it is immediately injected into the vagina and clitoris. It's easy, but it must be done by special hands.

O-Spot Shot works by increasing vaginal and clitoris sensitivity, regenerating tissue, and increasing blood flow to the vagina. The consequence is more powerful and satisfying orgasms. Once the O-Spot Shot is injected, stem cells are activated, causing the body to respond and rebuild vaginal tissues. It may sound not good, but I do have a topical anaesthetic cream that lessens the discomfort of the first O- Spot Shot injections. I assure you the solution works!

Advantages of The O-Spot Shot

You may be asking about the advantages. Interestingly, this treatment has several benefits. In addition to improving sexual health, the O-Spot Shot may aid in the treatment of various vaginal diseases. Consists of:

Urinary incontinence

Dryness in the vagina

Discomfort during sexual incontinence

Weakened pelvis and vagina

Chronic pain due to vaginal delivery

All of these issues might negatively affect your sexual and general health. Moreover, the O-Spot Shot is a twenty-minute treatment that provides relief from these problems. Within a few minutes, you will begin to feel much better.

The most outstanding candidates for the O-Spot Shot are ladies who struggle to achieve orgasm during intercourse activity. There might be a variety of factors for this. However, if an issue exists inside the vagina itself, it must be treated. The O-Spot Shot may help with this, and just your blood is needed to begin treatment.

On the other hand, this treatment is very useful to someone who has experience in life.

O Spot Shot is also an effective therapy for urine leakage, which is the involuntary need to pee.

As you age, the urethral tissue in the vaginal walls weakens, making it more difficult to contain pee and, eventually, necessitating more frequent urination. The O-Spot Shot may assist the vast majority of women afflicted with this condition, particularly older women. The procedure's effects might endure for one-two year or more. If you get O-Spot Shots more often than once every three years, the outcomes may be better.

Potential Side Effects

Injections of any kind have associated risks. Most people have reported experiencing minimal side effects. One of the perks of the O-Spot Shot is that your blood is used to treat vaginal issues. Some women have experienced the following negative effects:

Minimal Bleeding

Bruising

Erythema

Discomfort

Constantly feeling aroused

Changes in vaginal sensation

A sensation of satiety inside the vagina

The O- Spot Shot may be the key to a more satisfying orgasmic experience, allowing you and your partner to enjoy your intimate life. 

You can reach out to me at Yugen Care by Dr. Gehad. Book an appointment, and I can explain how I can help you experience healthy intimate relationships.

[averykedavra]

Okay, today we’re talking about that scene in LNTAO. You know. That scene.

Yeah.

The thing about Logan (which I’ve noticed during a super-secret project I’m working on that involved reading all the scripts for TSS) is that he apologizes easily—for small stuff. He probably apologizes more than most characters, and it’s pretty instinctive. He hits Patton accidentally? He apologizes.

LOGAN: I am so sorry. I popped up too close there.

His phone interrupts a question? He apologizes.

LOGAN: I'm sorry, that is my text tone.

He doesn't need Virgil right now but Virgil showed up anyway? He apologizes.

LOGAN: Oh, I'm--I'm sorry, no.

This makes sense. Apologizing is logical. When you've made a small mistake or hurt someone, apologize. So far, Logan's acting in accordance with his logic and being even a little more empathetic than necessary.

Things get more interesting, however, when we cross the line from small nuisances to larger mistakes. It's hard to define the difference but in this case, it's usually when Logan has made a severe error in judgment that has consequences beyond himself. Especially when Thomas is directly or indirectly affected--Thomas is Logan's center and Logan cares deeply about helping and supporting Thomas. So when Logan messes up and accidentally jeopardizes Thomas or leads him astray, he treats this as a serious mistake.

What kind of mistake am I talking about? This kind:

He always apologizes for these, too. It's just not the same way he apologized for the smaller stuff. Instead of a simple 'sorry,' he barely ever uses that word at all. Instead, he says it in a usually circituous way that implies he may have made a mistake. And he focuses on what he can do to fix it and what the next steps may be.

In Mind vs. Heart, his constant arguing with Patton leaves Thomas indecisive and feeling pressured over every little decision. Although Patton immediately starts gushing apologies when he finds out, Logan is more composed.

LOGAN: What can we do to fix this?

In Losing My Motivation, he tries to find the root of Thomas' procrastination and ends up being said root. When he realizes, he almost panics, and Thomas has to calm him down before he spirals. He doesn't fully apologize until the next video, the Q & A.

LOGAN: Maybe we can help you with something in order to make up for mistakes one might have made prior?

In Growing Up, he and Roman talk over Patton and try to convince Thomas to live an entirely different life for the sake of "growing up." It's Logan who realizes something is wrong, and it's Logan who goes to ask someone about it.

LOGAN: I don't think...we have this quite right. Morality? What are we doing wrong?

And this is despite his admission later this same episode:

LOGAN: I do not like being wrong.

In Learning New Things About Ourselves, Logan champions that Thomas needs to change his life around and get a "real" job because nobody takes him seriously. It's maybe his biggest mistake so far in the series. It angers Roman, alienates Virgil, and contributes to Thomas' harmful mindset about his own value as a content creator. When Logan finally realizes that a more silly and joking medium doesn't mean the ideas aren't important and meaningful, he actually apologizes to Roman. In his own roundabout way.

LOGAN: All right, maybe there's some knowledge out there that I wasn't privy to before. Not that I was wrong! But...I should be open to more sources...I-I don't suppose there's anything that I could do to make it up to you?

In Moving On, Logan suggests they go to Patton's room without realizing that as Thomas is a chronic worrier, nostalgia could have adverse effects on his mental health and his anxiety.

LOGAN: Ugh, such a foolish oversight on my part.

(Logan uses the word 'foolish' a lot when insulting himself or someone else. He uses it to describe Thomas' new hair that makes him feel silly, them turning into puppets, and here, himself. He also uses the term 'ridiculous' multiple times, as well as 'silly,' 'preposterous,' and 'stupid.' Stupid especially is something he apparently hates to be called. But we'll get back to that.)

In Moving On Pt. 2, after Logan leaves in frustration when no one heeds his warnings, he says this line when the other Sides apologize for not listening:

LOGAN: All that matters is how we proceed.

And that basically sums it up. Despite his self-proclaimed "fondness for being told that [he's] right," Logan always owns up to his mistakes and looks to better himself. (Eventually. And it does sometimes require him being called out on it, or he might not realize it is a mistake.)

One of my personal beliefs is that Logan's love language is "acts of service." He struggles with verbal affirmations, as shown in Alone on Valentine's Day when he attempts to say a verbal "I love you." Instead, he expresses care by helping others with their issues and adding knowledge to their discussions. Logan's way of showing appreciation is to be helpful. (Which adds another layer to his frustration when he's ignored--it's literally the people he loves not understanding or outright rejecting his way of showing connection and compassion.)

But yeah. What we've seen is that Logan struggles with verbal apologies for more serious grievances, especially when it includes him admitting he's wrong. But he still attempts them and always says "How do I fix this?" He works to right his wrongs and make things better. As I said above, so much of Logan's drive is to be helpful and to support Thomas. If he fails at this, he tries harder the next time. Sometimes this works, sometimes this doesn't, but being helpful is his end goal and what he defaults to when he feels he's made a mistake.

With all this in mind, let's return to that scene in Learning New Things About Ourselves.

Logan has just made probably his biggest mistake toward another Side. Him and Roman argue a lot, and sometimes Logan strikes at vulnerabilities intentionally or unintentionally, but he has never outright tried to hurt Roman. Until now. Roman calls his love of clarity in communication "stupid." And Logan crumples up his flashcard and throws it at Roman's face.

That itself is an expression of anger that's pretty uncharacteristic for Logan. He usually fights with words, not actual violence. Everyone's shocked. And none more so than Logan himself.

He's made a mistake. He hasn't directly harmed Thomas, but he's hurt one of his friends, and there's no justification for the way he lashed out. And he apologizes easily. But this apology is different from all his others. Let's break it down.

LOGAN: I'm sorry, I don't know what that was. Maybe I should go.

The first part. 'I'm sorry.' A simple, quick apology.

Except we've seen that he struggles with this. He never directly apologizes for anything major in the series, especially not right away. This is something instinctive. It's the same instinct as when he says 'sorry' for popping up too close and hitting Patton in the nose. He's seen a friend get hurt, so he apologizes. It's interesting that he has this same instinct with Patton and Roman, despite the fact that Roman just insulted him and they have a famously strained relationship. He sees he's hurt Roman physically and he apologizes.

(It's also notable that if Logan saw such outward signs of hurt emotionally, he might go a little easier on Roman, but Roman has always been good at hiding his emotions. Logan can't pick up as easily on the subtle things. He needs outward pain, and Roman is practiced in not showing that.)

The second part. 'I don't know what that was.'

This is even more worrying. Logan is admitting he doesn't know something. Logan is saying he doesn't understand why he did something, when he's usually a very rational person. He just acted on emotion. He lashed out in anger. And he doesn't understand that. So he can't even admit his mistake fully, because he doesn't know why it happened--he can't pin it on a lack of information, or an oversight, or not listening to every source. There's no logical way to explain what happened, at least to him. Because he denies that he has emotions and is influenced by them.

Therefore, he's already floundering in this apology. How is he supposed to apologize when he doesn't understand why he did what he did, and how is he supposed to correct a mistake when he doesn't understand why it happened?

This brings us to part three. 'Maybe I should go.'

Take a good look at that. Logan, Logic Sanders, whose whole existence revolves around helping Thomas, is offering to leave an important discussion.

He's committed an error. He's apologized. This is usually when he offers to make things better, to say he won't do this again and that he's learned from his mistakes and asks what he can do to make it up to them. Here, he's found a solution like that: he offers to leave. He says "I have made a mistake, I don't understand what happened, and I'm going to leave so I don't repeat that mistake."

In a horrible way, it's almost logical. If he doesn't understand why he did something, the easiest way to prevent such a thing from reoccurring is to change the situation and prevent himself from physically doing it again. But this is also extremely harmful. Logan has essentially given up on helping Thomas because he hurt his friend and doesn't know how to keep himself from doing it again.

He doesn't know, and that terrifies him.

So he immediately offers to leave. As if that's the most helpful thing he can do to make up for his actions: spare everyone his company. Stop contributing to the discussion, stop helping the person he cares about most, stop expressing his affection and love through helpful facts and encouraging discussions.

This isn't the first or last time that he leaves a discussion. He's done so in anger in both Moving On and Putting Others First, both times motivated by frustration at not being listened to or cared about. But it can be clearly seen that this comes from an entirely different motivation. He's hesitant and afraid of himself and what just happened. Patton yells "No!" right after Logan suggests this, and Logan visibly flinches. And when Patton continues, Logan still looks surprised, as if Patton isn't making any sense.

And after this, Logan is still a little hesitant. He pauses before clarifying "Like Maria?" and after talking about how the Snuffleupagusses (pardon the spelling if it’s incorrect) aren't imaginary, mutters to himself "Clarity" as if he's trying to convince himself of something. That's the same 'clarity' that Roman called him stupid for before. It's as if Logan's asserting his own belief that clarity is important after Roman made him doubt that.

Logan ruffles his hair, takes a deep breath, and that's the end of the scene. But the vulnerability in that moment, right after he hurt someone close to him, is still a rare moment of a Logan who has completely let his guard down. He's almost helpless, because he has no idea what to do. So he defaults to trying to help, and in this moment of uncertainty, he can only picture himself "helping" by leaving.

LOGAN: I'm sorry, I don't know what that was. Maybe I should go.

It's perhaps Logan's most sincere apology to date. However, the baggage it comes with and the situation itself make it less than a perfect moment. Instead, it reveals how unequipped Logan feels to handle his own emotional outbursts, how much he values helping others, and how he's beginning to start feeling like when he messes up, the best thing for everyone is to stay out of the way.

[vsilas]

Okay.... hear me out. T4T post-war Snarry where substance use starts them on the path to cracking their eggs and meeting as new people who are ready to give each other a second chance. A sickeningly self-indulgent fic idea, pure rambling. Target audience: me and me alone.

Transfemme Snape is on probation after the Death Eater trials and is stripped of her magic. It's temporary and much better than Azkaban but it also means that Snape is essentially a Squib for three years following the sentence. One of the things that happens as a result of this is that all of the subtle "notice-me-not" charms on the area around Spinner's End wear off and the local authorities finally decide it's time to get rid of that slum. Snape is forced to move, which is probably for the best, all things considered. Living with your abusive parents' ghosts isn't conducive to healing... and there's a lot that Snape needs to heal from. As things stand Snape really doesn't want to have anything to do with the wizarding world so she moves to a muggle town somewhere on the coast. What with not being able to do magic she also turns to muggle solutions for a lot of her problems. She makes a living tending bar (she's basically nocturnal, doesn't drink, and can quell unruly customers with a look, so it's a good fit). She starts taking medical marijuana for the chronic pain caused by her encounter with Nagini and it stops her from feeling mildly suicidal for the first time in ages. It's nothing like her life was before and so she slowly starts shedding some of the fear and pain that kept her in line and an effective tool... basically her whole life.

Trans guy Harry goes a bit wild after the whole "I died to save the wizarding world" thing. He feels like he's been robbed of his childhood, his adolescence, and basically all the experiences that "normal kids" should have, so he lets go of his remaining impulse control and starts to spiral. The summer of 1998 is rough. There's the funerals, the trials, everybody trying to pick up the pieces of their life. Harry doesn't think he has any pieces of himself left to pick up. He didn't really plan for a future after the war... he could never see himself grown up. Harry breaks up with Ginny because the way they are together makes his skin crawl, even if he can't put a finger on why that is. Ron gets really mad at Harry for dumping his sister and even more so when Harry says that he doesn't want to be an Auror anymore. He briefly goes back for his 8th year with Hermione but drops out in November when he only manages to turn in two assignments and spends most of his time finding ways to sneak off the grounds to get drunk in London clubs. Harry's friends worry about him but there's only so much they can do to help somebody who really doesn't want to be helped. Harry moves into Grimmauld Place, cuts his hair really short, and spends his nights "living" which mostly just means doing party drugs and having a few ill-advised one-night stands. When there is no one to party with, Harry gets drunk alone in Grimmauld Place and punches mirrors. He doesn’t see a future for himself so he decides to just live in the present, however long that's going to last him. He can feel a break coming, something terrifying but necessary. It feels like the only way to forward is to spiral down.

Snape, who has known something was off since she was a kid, finally lets herself accept what that thing is. It isn’t an earth-shattering revelation, just part of slipping off the masks of professor and spy and Death Eater until all that's left underneath is her. How the fuck did she fool everybody into thinking that she was a man for all these years? Maybe that’s why she was such a good spy. Started young. Hid it even from herself. It’s not really an easy thing to accept, but inevitable. Snape is already grieving everything else about her life so what's another lie, another chance at happiness that slipped away before she even knew what it was? She spends a lot of time in her shabby little flat getting stoned but she also walks along the beach and starts planning the rest of her life.

Harry cracks on another of his drunken nights out to some rather unpleasant consequences, including ministry officials having to obliviate dozens of muggles in a Camden club and a hangover so bad even potions don't help with it. Most of it gets hushed up but the yellow press takes the opportunity to start saying how the "Girl-Who-Lived" finally went off the rails, complete with an unflattering picture of Harry's new haircut (granted Harry was about to throw up when the picture was taken...). Harry lays low for a while but he is also a man of action and so he begins to research ways he could transition. St. Mungo's doesn't provide that kind of healthcare so if he wants to go the magical route he would have to figure it out himself or find an expert in gender magic... who doesn't seem to exist. There are references to a witch who brewed a potion to change her gender, but she lived in the 18th century. Being trans is stigmatized in the wizarding world so he assumes that wixen who have transitioned probably don't advertise the fact. Harry doesn't trust himself to do any magic or potion work that advanced without killing himself, so he decides to keep searching. He swears Madam Pomfrey to secrecy and asks her if she can help him. She's taken aback and tells him this kind of magic is not well studied and she doesn't know if there's a potioneer alive, other than Severus Snape maybe, who would even try working on something like that. However, even if Snape wasn't a squib and unable to brew anymore, Harry certainly isn't planning to have anything to do with his old potions professor. He decides that maybe he should just try muggle means.

Meanwhile Snape has been doing theoretical research on magical transition but hits a dead end. She needs access to a magical library, she needs to be able to actually experiment... Not to mention that she still has years of her probation left, which means years before she can even attempt transition. The only thing to do is turn to muggle means to both manage her dysphoria and maybe inspire the next stage of her research. It takes a while to secure an appointment, but one fateful day Snape walks into the reception area of a London clinic... right as Harry Potter is exiting the doctor's office after his check-in for being 3 months on T. To say that there is a moment of shocked silence would be an understatement.

They meet up for coffee and cautiously become a two-person support group for trans wixen who got fucked over by fate (and Dumbledore) and miraculously survived a war. Harry lets Snape use the library at Grimmauld Place and Snape promises to expand her research to try and develop something for him too. Harry apprentices to a curse-breaker and weathers the press dragging him through the mud every chance they get. Snape might have mellowed out a bit but she still gets on Harry's case about the drinking and not finishing school. They bicker a lot and sometimes Harry overcompensates on the machismo and acts like James, or Snape feeling a blinding rage that Harry is so fucking young and has his whole life ahead of him... but they end up coming around to each other every time. On some level, they are the only people in the world who can really understand each other.

Over the course of the next year and a half, they slowly get their lives sorted. And through that process, they become the most important people in each others' lives. What started out as reluctant solidarity grows until one day Harry can't imagine a future that doesn't have Snape in it, and Snape starts thinking of "home" as being wherever Harry is. It's not easy, considering how many issues both of them have, but it's the easiest thing in the world compared to the alternative. Cue resolution of them both magically transitioning, dealing with public perceptions, and leaning into being a scandalous power couple who doesn't take shit from anybody.

Now, if only I could write this as an actual story....

[ayellowbirds]

Today being my birthday, i had the time and energy to finally do some drawing after ages of neither time nor drive. So, i spent that on sketching out some headshots of the recurring characters of 33 Usher Street, my 1920s (and beyond?) vampire hunters story. Meet the employees, management, friends, and nuisances of the Usher Street House of Antiquities and Curios, an estate management company specializing in settling the affairs of the unusually deceased. This is both a source of income and a cover for their real calling: the elimination of dangerous vampires and other hostile undead. 

Solomon “Sol” Szombathy (gay intersex man), a Jewish dhampir of Romanian-American extraction (late of Pittsburgh, Vandalia) has arrived at the USHAC with his guardian in tow, after both of them got involved in a vampire attack. Sol’s ability to see the invisible and the surges of supernatural strength he gets when battling the undead are especially useful, as is the hawthorn-wood cane he uses to deal with the chronic pain he feels the rest of the time. 

James “Jim” Cullock III (asexual cisgender man) is a Scottish immigrant who helped co-found the USHAC as the assistant of a longtime vampire hunter; his love of gardening has given him many potent botanical weapons against vampires, including especially hardy and richly-scented roses that repel most bloodsuckers. He’s taken to maintaining a backstage role for the most part, as his lifelong issues with visual hallucinations have gotten worse with age.

The Reverend Doctor Matteus J. Hammer (transgender man of no particular sexuality) is an aging monster hunter of no small repute, his experience having brought him briefly as a boarder to the Szombathy house. His recommendation brought Sol to Usher Street, but can the perspective of this eccentric wandering hero be relied upon?

Randolph Carter (in-denial bisexual cis man) was once an author of minor repute with a fondness for the strange and occult, but encounters with the genuinely supernatural have mellowed his previously bigoted worldview. While he still struggles to be a halfway decent person in a reality that is at odds with his beliefs, his expertise with languages, obscure subject matters, and research makes him at least a useful jackass when it comes to spending time among his books.

Pluton is a very good judge of character, for a one-eyed cat. And oddly skilled at making his way out of dangerous situations, to the point that one might almost think he has more than the usual nine lives. It’s no wonder that the USHAC often bring the cat along.

Constance “Connie” Wright (pansexual cis woman) is a former orphan with the miraculous talent to ‘chew’ raw materials into new shapes, a skill she most often uses to create nails for sealing up coffins and the like. Naturally, the rail-thin Connie’s favorite weapon is a heavily weighted steel sledgehammer, when she can’t just do some slugging with a sturdy baseball bat.

Dorotheea “Dotty” Szombathy (transgender lesbian) is a golem that once served as Sol’s guardian, and is now happily living as his adopted sister. Her ability to reshape her naturally earthen clay body pairs well with her immunity to most forms of vampiric attack, as an artificial being. Prone to switching between having difficulty speaking at all and being effusively loquacious, she finds it easiest to focus when she has something to occupy her hands and mind.

Marie Bosley (bisexual cis woman) was and is the greatest vampire hunter in the United States, even if these days she prefers to stay at home and listen to music. Her unmatched knowledge of apotropaic magic allows her to create boundaries and barriers that no vampiric influence can pass, and lets her open the way for her proteges.

Esther "Essie” Levi (asexual cis woman) is the self-proclaimed ‘fastest knot-tier east of the Rockies’, and an unmatched expert in knotting string, yarn, thread, and cord to achieve magical effects. Paired with a gift for strategic thinking and an eye for symptoms of vampirism, she can easily weave a web that no bloodsucker is going to get through.

Aleister “Al” Jones (gay cis man) is a multilingual expert in stealth, infiltration, and charm whose gentlemanly demeanor is in no way at odds with his fondness for boxing. Unfortunately for opponents that would see him as unarmed except for a disarming smile, he’s also the bearer of a pair of gloves lined with the relics of a Catholic saint invoked against vampires.

Wilhemina “Will” Fawkes (lesbian cis woman) is the USHAC’s resident machinery buff, with cutting-edge expertise in automobiles, radios, firearms, and more. Her fondness for artifice means that the only thing that can distract her from something shiny and new is an animated short at the nearest theater, and her love of testing the limits of machinery means that her allies often find she’s made unexpected ‘upgrades’ to important equipment.

Adriaen ten Boom (bisexual cis man) is the most senior of the employees of the USHAC, a skilled actor whose pyrokinetic gift makes his good looks more than just smoldering. In spite of these charms, he’s actually fairly naïve when it comes to romance, and is prone to charming his way into entanglements he didn’t mean to get into.

Smith the Mechanical Heel (just a real dick) is a World’s Fair experiment gone wrong, and now runs the criminal underworld in Jackson, Massachusetts—which puts him at odds with the USHAC, since that’s where their home base is. He sees most of the employees as potentially useful additions to his crew, but he’s especially interested in learning more about Dotty’s magically-constructed nature, in the hopes of making himself more lifelike. He’s not above getting involved in things that involve the undead....

The Ghosts of Madeline and Roderick Usher (cis lesbian and cis gay man) are the former owners of the land on which the USHAC was built, and haven’t moved on since the new tenants turned up. Freed of mortal concerns, they’re fond of teasing the living staff members, and serve as a second line of defense after Marie’s wards and magical traps. Roderick is absolutely certain that he’s going to get his ectoplasm all up on Randolph one of these days, and nobody feels up to questioning his taste in men; Madeline is the company gossip fiend and the best source of information on comings and goings at 33 Usher Street.

Dr. Joaquín de la Garza (closeted nonbinary queer) is a local physician who has a close working relationship with the USHAC, and is very fond of the mysteries and excitement they bring to his life. Exactly what brought a medical expert of Zapotec and Spanish heritage all the way up east is uncertain, but the good doctor seems to know a lot more about the supernatural than one might expect from just his familiarity with the secrets of the Usher Street staff.

Phoebe Khrysos (???) is a remarkably pristine ancient automaton, whose actual provenance is uncertain. Resembling a child made of silver, glass, and gold, she has a mischievous mystery about her that makes her more like a mechanical fairy than a precious relic. What motivates her and how she sees the living and the undead remain to be seen....

Zuleika Dobson (pansexual cis woman) is a a con artist, thief, and scammer who has broken many hearts and far more bank accounts; her lack of concern about what she leaves in her wake may have finally caught up with her when she targets some valuable goods in a city with a vampire problem. Can someone so untrustworthy be relied upon when there’s undeath to deal with, or will her self interest put her in the way of both bloodsuckers and the USHAC alike?

33 Usher Street leans heavily on the public domain, and will do so much more than just in the few characters here that originated elsewhere. Some of these designs are likely to change as the story develops, but i’m just so happy to finally get them on paper!

[moved-to-darkplanets]

13, 14, 15, 17?

13. What makes you feel most “at home”? What types of sights, sounds, smells, etc. remind you of your kintype and put you at ease?

During even weak shifts the dark soothes rather than unnerves me. I am part of it, an extension of it contemplating itself. Standing in a darkened gym with no lights but the faint glow of security cameras is an incredibly zen feeling.

And I've said this before, it's a bit silly, but haunted houses are MASSIVE shift triggers. Dark, prowling halls where I am but one creature of the night among others are bliss, one of the easiest ways to feel like "myself" again. I go to as many as I can afford during spooky season.

I've also always had a strong connection to the waters that isn't always in the foreground depending on what form I've taken, but when it is, being near bodies of water, especially the ocean. The creature wants nothing more than to slither into the depths and to the ruins beneath, never to return.

14. On the flipside, what environments would make your kintype on edge? Do any of your fears now connect to things experienced/feared by your kintypes?

Loud, bright crowded places full of humans I can't get away from, such as shopping malls, are no good at all. I'm well aware that this is a kintype 🤝 ADHD thing, but still, the lens I filter it through is very much that of a creature outside of an environment where it's safe and comfortable rather than as an overstimulated human.

Another thing is as a creature of the dark in every sense of the word, a specific aesthetic of bright, "holy" things and Christian angel imagery makes my skin crawl for reasons I cannot find the words to articulate. Seeing as this kintype is psychological and has a definite component of religious trauma in its formation, this is also really not a surprise to me.

15. What was your first reaction to/opinion of your kintype? How has your opinion changed upon realizing that they, or at least a version of them, are you?

I read a lot of Cthulhu Mythos as a kid, and I always felt a strong sense empathy and fascination for the creatures within rather than fear. Particularly in the writings of Lovecraft himself and those with similar worldviews, where the horror is supposed to come in thier being repulsive and strange to human sensibilities rather than the danger they pose. My reaction was very much always "but why though?"

To be honest, when I discovered my kintype I was mostly relieved to have a label that clicked and the knowledge that there's no need to narrow it down to one specific form identifiable as "me" to still be otherkin. But with that settled it just made so much glorious sense. As someone rejected and othered by human society for not being wired like them and always drawn to things that were too, monsters feared more for disrupting people's delicate view of "normalcy" than anything, of course I had factored this into my self-image in a non-trivial way, to the degree that to be rid of it (if it would be even possible) would leave me a completely different, emptier being.

17. If you could, would you want to be your kintype? What would be some pros and cons of that if that were possible?

Yes, but only if I was not living on Earth. For one, I'm pretty sure I'm not made of regular matter and who knows what effects that would have on the planet. And the more pressing issue is that my kintype is solitary and aggressive as fuck. The bite-tear-kill thoughts in response to annoyance/feeling cornered/etc are very real and would lead to a body count if the creature was out mingling with the public on a daily basis.

The pros if Im in a different dimension are very real though. My species dysphoria would be gone is a pretty fucking big one. No more chronic pain and brain fog either. I would also be in more of a position to understand the true nature of my shapeshifting, no longer the incomprehensible trying to understand itself through a meaty human substrate. I would also a hell of a lot more intimidating so that would also be nice, heh...

[pleasancies]

Escape Attempt #1

wordcount : 1.8k+

cw : self harm, mention of past torture, suicidal behavior

tropes : lab whump, lady whump, failed escape attempt, manhandling, whumper as caretaker, sensory overload, wound agitation, blood (everywhere)

***

Previous Chapter

John laid her on the infirmary bed, the white sheets instantly turning red. He left, and Professor Clayton replaced his absence with Lisette trailing behind. He had accompanied Avis to the institute, wrestled against five foot long greenery and walked over the pile of carcasses, yet his coat and pants doesn't look affected at all.

"Fenrir, I wager I never properly introduced myself."

"I've heard about you. Get lost."

Clayton glanced at Lisette. She hurried to the storage room. His side leaned against the bedframe. He reached for Avis's ankle. He held it in a vice grip. Plastic casing rubbed against gaping wound.

Avis grit her teeth, ended up voicing a guttural groan instead. Her voice was strained as she managed a 'stop'.

"I'll stop if you let me work on you. Cooperate."

"Just kill me and get it over with."

Clayton twisted his grip. The burning sensation multiplied. "It would be a mercy. Don't you understand? You lost the choice to kill yourself the moment you're trapped with us."

"Watch me," Avis said between grunts of pain. The edge of the wound on her ankle skinned raw. She tried catching Clayton's hand, but he had withdrawn his hold. He went into his pocket. The shock stunned Avis's like a slap to her face.

"Alright, try. Right in front of me. I'll help you even. Say the word, and I'll turn on your shock bracelet to full blast. You'll scream and writhe under this bed until you shit yourself. After I'm sure you're dead, I'll took your brain and put it inside a warbeast. I'll save the handful of memories that makes you you. The next thing you know, you're tearing your comrades limb from limb and there's nothing you can do about it."

Avis didn't bother to hide the fear in her face. It was abhorrent. Even the most pro-monarchy man she met would squirm with the idea. She think back to the warbeast she'd slain. Their eyes, does it ever glowed the way a human would? The bout of nausea was back. Avis covered her mouth, swallowing a gulp of saliva.

Lisette was back. She was carrying a table filled with medical kit. There's a thin smile on her face. A cross between smug and content. Did she heard?

Professor Clayton doesn't wait for permission. He took a small screwdriver, methodically disassemble the ankle bracelet. The man is practically oozing with competence. His steps were hurried but certain. Years of experience in researching alien technology shows clearly in the lines of his face and the coat he wears.

Meanwhile, Lisette worked on her smaller scrapes and bruises. She cleaned her up, dabbing a soaked rag across her bloodied face. She started from the top, wiping up Avis's blood matted hair first. Cool water dripped from her neck. Avis supressed a shiver. The intern nurse's fascination to her scars and peculiarities had died down. Lisette didn't even seem to care if she is alive. She grab a clump of hair, pulling it from the base of the scalp. All that for Avis to lift her chin.

"Cut it out, Lise."

"Stop what? I'm taking care of you."

Avis let it slide. Frustration welled deep inside of her. She let Lisette tug at her shoulder, poke and prod the bruises on her back like it was nothing. Her fingers somehow managed to find every point her body hurt most and make it worse. She hated it, the way people would play others like a toy if they could get away with it. She looked down on the bed, watching her shaking fingers. Avis wasn't feeling particularly cold, but her hands just wouldn't let up. She wondered how they distributed their tasks or what Lisette and John will do after their internship.

"What's wrong?" Lisette asked.

"My hands."

Lisette frowned. Concern crossed her face. Even Clayton stopped.

It was Avis turn to ask now. "What's wrong with me?" As if anyone would give a straight answer.

"Nothing. The trigger serum wasn't exactly a full success is all." Clayton draw a small incision on her ankle. The pain was dulled. It flared slightly as he fully opened the second layer of bracelet clinging on to her skin. "The Fenrir formula adjusts it's effects depending on the host. You'll always get the same enhancements of course, but each of it's potency differs in each person. You and the first Fenrir weren't the same, obviously. Not even similar. We need to run some basic test first before your reeducation. During your reeducation, we'll recalibrate the trigger serum. And then, you'll go through this test again. Ready as ever."

The professor dips a wad of cotton to a small jar. He gently dabbed it against the skin. The oily fluid runs againt the burning wound, causing Avis to wince.

"Now, now, don't flinch. I assure you, your next test will be so much more this would feel like a gentle stroke in comparison."

Avis scowled at her doctor. Fucking fantastic. Another round of tests, surgeries, physically molding her into the perfect hound. And a long session of brainwashing, mentally shaping her until she could strangle her comrades and derive joy out of the act. Avis needs to escape. And she doesn't even know which research facility they held her in. Empire's Defense Department my foot, practically every Institute is made for them. It's simply the easiest way to gain funding.

Clayton and Lisette left shortly after. The entire session with John passed like a dream. He was strangely sheepish. Unlike yesterday, he doesn't bother to strap her arms and legs. Avis was too tired to notice. Or even think. She slept.

A couple of days have passed when her hands and legs stop feeling like stone. It was midday. There's no other patients but her. One nurse stationed near the door. The same one she'd seen when Lisette brought her here to recover from her bruised ribs. It doesn't took long for her to notice Avis was staring.

"Yes, Avis? Anything you need?"

"Uh, some water please." Avis looked away, heat growing in her cheeks. Is she really that obvious? Embarrasing. Valerie was nice. She was the only one who called her with her real name. Shame knotted in her gut. Just a minute ago she was thinking how to incapacitate her. If only Valerie knew the reason why Avis was staring at her.

Valerie set the glass to her bedside. "Next time, talk."

Avis mouthed a thank you. She stared at her drink, unwilling to touch it. The beige walls of the infirmary looks a lot like the first hospital she got into as a patient. It was a strike that had gone awry. She was separated from her friends. The Empire's officers doesn't care if she was young or a woman. She could still remember the faint taste of rubber boots in her tongue. Her broken leg had healed a long time ago, but the dull ache in her foot stays every winter. Back then, Emmett and Sherman hadn't joined their organization. James got arrested. Their old friends like Thomas and Mike were either too injured or busy dealing with the fallout. Nancy alone had to hold her in a bridal carry.

"Well? Aren't you going to drink that?"

"Sorry, Valerie. Just zoned out a bit."

The infirmary nurse sat beside her. "Had something on your mind?"

"Yeah, actually. Do you think I should be reeducated?"

"I'm not an expert opinion on that. You should consult your handler."

"No, I'm not asking for you to revoke my probationary status. I just want to know your personal opinion."

Valerie pursed her lips, her face drawn in concern. She glanced at the camera in the ceiling. It's too unreliable to pick up sounds or even the movement of her lips.

"I'm conflicted to be be honest. You... you did a lot of bad things to other people, but when I got to know you better, it's obvious that you're just lost. Those Heretical men used and abused you. You're one of the good ones, Avis."

"Thanks," Avis said. Her heart sanked. "I'm really sorry, though."

Before Valerie could react, she swung the glass to her face.

***

There are two major types of pain. Acute or chronic. There are other classifications based on what caused it for or how debilitating it is, but it was irrelevant. In the context of Avis triggers, there's three. All of them present in her current situation.

She was backed to a corner. The soldiers were split in two. A small squad were standing at the bottom of the stairs, while a couple of them guard the door she sneaked out from. Drops of blood trailed her departure. It formed a line, then a puddle below her wrist. Avis cradled her bleeding hand. A piece of tape still stuck on the edge of her wound. Her hand is throbbing, a continous pulse that quickens alongside her heart rate.

A man started to climb towards her and Avis brings her hand on the edge of the wound. Clawing at the edges.

"Stop," she said. "Took one step closer and I'll fucking eat you." She hissed, partly due to pain and a spontaneous urge to do so. The hiss turned to a groan as she dip her fingers in. The floor sways slightly under her feet. Red stained her hospital gown.

This is manageable, she insist. What was she thinking? She doesn't even know where she is. It's fine! People had run away without figuring out where are they are. But she's escaping an military complex. Stupid, reckless! But she doesn't have a choice right? Barnes had warned her. Clayton had fucking taunted her.

Avis shield her eyes from the light, blood running through her face. The buzz of fluorescent lamp almost drowned the murmur of conversation between soldiers. Her senses grew sharper with every hurt she inflicted. A dull ache growing on the base of her nails, gums, and joints. This time the transformation was slower. Passive, even. Slow enough, she could understand the change in her mindset. Her stomach was already empty before she did her escape, but now the hunger pangs were almost unbearable.

Avis taunted between gasps of breath, "Go on, shoot me like an animal."

The door at the bottom of stairs swings open. Someone spoke, and the voice sends a chill to her spine.

"Don't listen to her. She can't hurt you. She's not under the trigger serum."

Professor Clayton strides up the stairs. Avis's legs scrambles backward but there's only solid concrete behind her. His eye settled on her arms.

"You pulled off your IV. Are you afraid of needles?"

"No, just don't want to be drugged again. It's what you do. You'll wait until I let my guard down before testing."

Avis glowered. The armed guards advanced to protect Professor Clayton. Nothing they give is safe. Anything could be drugged. Food, medicine, even the air she breathed.

"The test wasn't due for a week. But I could speed things up for you. How about the day after tomorrow? How does that sound?"

She tackled him, but there was no power in her arms. Avis collapse on his chest, her vision darkened. Gravity rapidly dragging her feet. The last thing she remembered was her nails, puncturing Clayton's shirt and flesh.

Next Chapter

[scripttorture]

Hey! My character is made into an experiment by the government due to him having a supernatural ability. The one who handed him over was his partner, who has been a part of that organization all along. He is usually a very confident person, powerful and extroverted. I'm not sure how his mental state is supposed to change? I don't feel like the whole loosing their will to live and becoming incredibly depressed thing would fit him as a person. How could I still show that the torture effects him?

There isn’t a sure fire answer to how any one person will change when they’re tortured. We know the possible symptoms, but most people won’t experience every possible symptom and we don’t have a way to predict who gets what.

 There’s a post that talks about the possible symptoms over here.

 Here’s the thing though: there is a lot of variety in survivors, in the symptoms they get and the way they personally express those symptoms. Some people do become suicidal. Some people do become depressed. And some people do lose their faith in humanity.

 But there is not one universal survivor experience.

 This means that there’s a big range in realistic responses. It also means that as a writer you actually have a lot of options. You should be picking 3-5 symptoms from the list of possible options, but the list has 14 things on it and some of those things can manifest in multiple ways.

 I think that, since we can’t predict symptoms, the best thing you can do as a writer is pick symptoms based on what you feel fits your character and story best.

 Depression and suicidal thoughts don’t do that, so let’s have a look at some of the others.

 Memory problems are incredibly common in real survivors and are almost never portrayed accurately in fiction. You can read about the four basic types here.

 I’d really encourage you to use one of these if you feel it fits your story. They create a lot of interesting narrative challenges for the character and they can make for really good emotional/introspective moments. If for instance you want to explore self-doubt giving the character memories he later finds out are inaccurate could feed into that, leading to him questioning whether he ‘really’ was betrayed.

 General forgetfulness (ie low level difficulty forming memories) can give the character a lasting disadvantage in everyday life, creating a much more traditional injury-recovery arc as he tries to find adaptions to this new normal.

 Intrusive memories, when handled well, can help create a deeper connection between the reader and the character. Because it lets you create situations where the character’s mood flips in an instant, the other characters don’t understand why but the readers do.

 Memory loss can be trickier, mostly because it’s rarely handled well in fiction. It doesn’t effect older memories, such as childhood memories, the person’s name etc. It almost never effects memories of torture itself. But it does effect other aspects of the time they’re held, the period prior to capture and sometimes a few weeks after release. It’s a distressing and disorientating experience and it’s a good pick if there’s any sort of investigation or prosecution.

 Because memory problems (especially memory loss and inaccurate memories) are a big part of why torture trials are really hard to conduct. Having the character find that he doesn’t actually remember the crucial details and watching the process of people trying and failing to help him, that can be a really powerful addition. It’s also a good way to form a rift between him and his friends without depression or having him lose faith in others. It gives a reason for any distance between them, even if it’s an emotional rather then logical reason.

 Read through the masterpost and really think about whether any of these memory problems could fit your story.

 Narratively speaking memory problems don’t link the character’s personality but they do have a strong impact on plots and sub-plots. Memory loss, inaccurate memories and intrusive memories will all effect the character’s emotional arc and sense of self. They can also throw up barriers for the character.

 He might be missing a couple of crucial details about his life before he was snatched. He might have some key details about how and where he was snatched wrong. Think about how those sorts of problems could feed into your plot, because they can add interesting conflicts and challenges.

 Chronic pain is also incredibly common in torture survivors and it often doesn’t have a single cause. Back, muscular and joint pain are particularly common.

 It can lead to a character seeming angry, unapproachable, anti-social or like they have a hair-trigger temper. It can also make it seem as though they have really bad mood swings or a short temper.

 This can lead to interesting character moments as non-survivors struggle to empathise with an ‘asshole’ while the survivor is struggling to express the fact they’re in physical pain. It can also lead in to discussions of disability and the way we treat invisible disabilities in society.

 It can also often be improved by, again, life style adjustments and sometime medication.

 If you wanted to use addiction as a symptom then chronic pain is a common reason behind addiction in survivors. Essentially they start taking more and more powerful pain medications in order to try and feel ‘normal’.

 Chronic pain doesn’t always lead to addiction though. Making good, consistent life style adjustments (using a mobility aid, being able to sit instead of having to stand for long periods and so on) can help keep pain at manageable levels allowing a healthy relationship with pain medication.

 Insomnia is another really common symptom in survivors. This basically means the character is always at least slightly sleep deprived. Which has knock on effects on absolutely every part of a person’s life.

 You can read about the effects of sleep deprivation here.

 I’d suggest thinking carefully about what you need the character to do before using this one. It might sound counter intuitive but a character with disabling chronic pain is probably more capable of the occasional bout of superheroics then a chronically sleep deprived character is.

 Insomnia caused by mental illness is also notoriously difficult to treat. Medication for the mental health problems survivors tend to have makes it harder to sleep and reduces the quality of sleep. Medication to ‘make’ people sleep often decreases the quality of sleep, when it works. It does not work for everyone.

 Essentially don’t treat insomnia as an ‘easy’ option with less impact on the character. It impacts every part of a person’s life, making them more likely to get sick, slower to react, more emotionally volatile and less able to learn/remember everything.

 There are so many things that insomnia effects that- well I find it easiest to think of it as a permanent lowering of ability across all categories. This does not mean that a character automatically becomes incapable of things; it means they are worse at them then they were before.

 If they were already really good at something then other people might not notice the difference. But the character himself will. Which can have a knock on effect on self esteem.

 Any of the things I’ve mentioned can result in social isolation. Because survivors can come across as aggressive, volatile and inconsiderate which can lead to people… avoiding them. Especially when other characters don’t have a good understanding of mental illness or experience dealing with trauma survivors. (Having said that, remember that a pretty significant proportion of the population experiences mental health problems at some point in their life. Think about how likely experience vs ignorance is, rather then assuming one or the other.)

 Isolation exacerbates pre-existing mental health problems.

 And any combination of the above symptoms make up the frame work of any long term personality change. For instance you describe this character as confident and capable: if he gets multiple forms of memory problems does that impact his confidence in certain areas? And if it does how does he cope with that? It could be by expressing his self-doubt but it could also be by taking a more passive role within a group, letting others take the lead instead of stepping in.

 I have an old ask over here that goes through how I pick symptoms for a character and how I vary them depending on the sort of plot I have in mind.

 Wrapping up, I think that we make these symptoms individual when we consider how the symptoms interact and what that means for the character.

 Depression does not have to mean someone looks overtly miserable. It can look like nausea, like struggling to eat and sleep, like being quieter in social situations. It can feel like going through life disconnected from the world, not so much the presence of misery as the absence of joy.

 You’ve listed these characteristics; confidence, power, extroverted and survivors can hold on to all those things. As always the central point is nuance. Because that confidence probably won’t be completely unshaken anymore, that extroversion might not be effortless anymore, his relationship with that power could change.

 The character might have developed a lot of self doubt and, though it’s a struggle, continue to make firm ‘confident’ decisions because he feels that’s important either to himself or to everyone else. It could be a way of him showing that he’s still ‘strong’, that he survived, that he can still support the other characters.

 The character could still be extroverted and depending on the symptoms you pick socialising might be harder, it could take up more energy. He might be hiding the cost from his friends. Or, another common way it plays out, is that he could just come across as… a lot more inappropriate: making dark ‘jokes’ that non-survivors don’t find funny, having obvious mood swings that make others uncomfortable. You get the idea.

 Torture does change people. But those changes are unpredictable and they often don’t look like we expect.

 Our fiction often tries to use depression and suicidal ideation as an excuse to turn survivors into passive objects. They are not.

 One of the things that stood out to me the more I looked at prominent survivors was anger. Because yes, despair is possible, common even. But so is spite and vitriol and rage. So is determination.

 There is more then one way to be powerful. Confidence does not need to be unshakable to be real.

 In essence: you are aiming for an understandable change in what is already there, not an excision of the characteristics you’ve already established.

 As a final note you might want to take a look at the masterposts I have on medical experiments (which you can find here and also here.) It’s worth deciding whether you want to show unethical but genuine experiments, or torture. You can have a look through the tags on unethical experimentation and pseudo-scientific torture for more information.

 I hope that helps. :)

Available on Wordpress.

Disclaimer

[uncloseted]

Hey! I’m the anon (and also Gay!Bama anon) who sent the asks about BPD and being rejected by that closeted guy. I guess the reason I think I have BPD is because I’m in my 20’s now, and I just have issues with perceived rejection for whatever reason. Anytime someone rejects me or something, I get really depressed and question myself a lot, or I question my worth, and it’s over things that should not be a big deal, but to me they feel like the end of the world. It’s like I have no emotional skin, if that makes sense, so everything hurts more than it would someone who is normal. It’s just so hard sometimes. I get so emotional or upset over things that there’s no need in being that upset over. I just wish I could change it, but I can’t. I feel like I’ve destroyed a lot of potential relationships and also friendships by overreacting and it makes me feel so crazy. (1/2)

(2/3) (Gay!Bama anon) I think it might be because my Dad and me always had a difficult relationship, and now that he’s gone things are really more difficult than before. I started going back to therapy and I’m about to go back to school to finish up my degree, but I just wish I could manage these feelings better. The only way I have been able to deal with them is by either numbing them with alcohol, drugs, or fulfilling them with anonymous encounters, or just cutting myself off from other people, so that way I have nothing to react to. It just really sucks because I’m so lonely all the time, but I don’t know what else to do about it other than that. I used to self harm to help me cope with my feelings, because then I could hurt myself and not hurt the people in my life by lashing out over trivial things, like irrelevant rejection or changing plans. It feels like every small thing is a seed, from which sprouts a tree of paranoia and depression.

(3/3) (Gay!Bama anon) I also have had such a hard time trying to figure out my plans for a career and goals because I’m always switching them up, because one personality trait might take the forefront, but then that could change and that influences how I feel about something or what I want to do. I just wish I could turn all of these feelings off for a while, or something, and just be like calm or something.

Hi Gay!Bama anon!  Always happy to see you in my inbox, although I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling. The fact that I know it’s you and I know you’re in your 20s changes my answer slightly.  

There are a number of symptoms that need to be present to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder; rejection sensitivity is definitely one of them, but not the only one.  The DSM-5 requires five or more of the following symptoms for a BPD diagnosis:

Chronic feelings of emptiness

Emotional instability in reaction to day-to-day events (e.g., intense episodic sadness, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days. Generally, these are out of proportion to the event that triggered them)

Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment (e.g., calling a friend/partner/family member several times a day during working hours and getting upset when they don’t answer)

Identity disturbance with markedly or persistently unstable self-image or sense of self (e.g., frequently and suddenly changing goals, beliefs, vocational aspirations, and sexual identity, or assuming the identity of people they’re close to)

Impulsive behavior in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, gambling, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating, committing crimes)

Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights)

Pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by extremes between idealization and devaluation (also known as "splitting"- basically, thinking a person is the best person ever, the love of your life, your best friend, someone with no faults, and then switching to thinking the person is the worst person ever, who has never cared about you, who has no redeeming qualities.  This typically results in alternating between over-involvement with the person and withdrawal from the person)

Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-harming behavior

Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms (typically only lasting hours or days, and triggered by an external stressor.  Dissociative symptoms may include feeling like your body is unreal or altered in a strange way, feeling that the outside world is unreal, and illusions).

People with BPD will also typically have a compromised ability to recognize the feelings and needs of other people, and have intense, unstable, and conflicted relationships that are marked by mistrust and neediness.  It’s also important that these symptoms have persisted over time and across different situations.

If that doesn’t resonate with you, there are a number of other different conditions that result in being particularly sensitive to rejection, including social anxiety, depression, generalized anxiety, ADD/ADHD, eating disorders, and childhood trauma are just a few things that could cause a fear of rejection.  I would talk to your therapist about this symptom and ask for help coming up with some coping mechanisms.

If all of that does sound like you, I would talk to your therapist about a possible BPD diagnosis and potentially a referral to a therapist who specializes in dialectical behavioral therapy.  DBT is the most studied and effective treatment for BPD, so it’s a good place to start if that is what you’re struggling with.  In the meantime, you can learn the principles of DBT on your own and try to begin applying them to your life.

DBT combines mindfulness with techniques for distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.  Having a therapist and attend group therapy sessions are an important part of a full course DBT.  However, there are several exercises you can try at home:

Keeping a Diary

One of the easiest things you can do at home is to start tracking your behaviors.  Note any self-injurious or life threatening behaviors, behaviors which indirectly cause harm to yourself or others, and quality of life issues.  Write down any triggers you’ve noticed.

Mindfulness

There are a few different types of mindfulness exercises you can try.  Since you mentioned that you want to be able to turn your feelings off, trying meditation might be a good place to start.  There are some good apps, like Headspace and Calm, that can help you learn how to meditate and encourage you to practice meditation, and there are also a ton of videos on YouTube that do the same.

DBT encourages the concept of “radical acceptance”- the idea that one should face situations, both positive and negative, without any judgement.  Try to let go of fighting reality and accept a situation for what it is.  When you’ve accepted a situation, then you can figure out how to change it.

You can also try using “what” skills when practicing mindfulness; these are observe, describe, and participate.  They’re “what” you do when you’re practicing mindfulness. Nonjudgementally paying attention to the present moment is an important component of DBT, so the first thing you can do is observe.  Try to nonjudgementally observe your environment within and outside of yourself.  Notice the feelings you’re experiencing, and then try to let slide off of your mind.  Next, describe: express what you observed, either to someone around you or to yourself.  Try to use your five senses to put words to what you’re observing.  What can you see? Hear? Smell? Taste? Feel?  Finally, participate: try your best to be fully focused on and involved in any activity that you’re doing.  When your mind wanders, gently pull it back to the task you’re currently doing.

Distress Tolerance

One of the goals of DBT is to help people develop the ability to calmly recognize negative situations and decide if and how to address them.  It’s important to learn how to be distressed without becoming overwhelmed or hiding from that feeling.

TIPP is one of the fastest and most popular distress tolerance skills, since it alleviates distress quickly.  Tip the temperature of your face by splashing it with very cold water, intensely exercise for 20 minutes, do paced breathing- breathe in for four seconds and our for six to eight seconds, and then do progressive muscle relaxation- starting from the top of your body, tense and relax each muscle group until you get to your toes.

You can also distract yourself from unpleasant emotions using ACCEPTS.  Engage in activities that you enjoy, contribute by helping others, compare yourself to people who are less fortunate or how you used to be when you were in a worse state, evoke a different emotion by putting on a happy song or watching a comedy special, push away your situation in your mind, and put something else first by thinking about something else, and finally, create sensations that are intense, such as holding an ice cube or eating spicy food.

Another thing you can try when you’re in distress is to IMPROVE the moment.  Imagine relaxing scenes, things going well, or other pleasing scenarios, find meaning in what you’re feeling, pray, if you’re religious, relax your muscles using the progressive muscle relaxation we talked about above, do one thing at a time, and focus all your attention on it, vacation if you can (by taking a break from the situation), and encourage yourself.  Tell yourself it’s possible to make it through your current situation and cope with it.  You can be your own best cheerleader.

Emotional Regulation

Since people who have BPD frequently have intense emotions, it can be helpful to learn how to regulate those emotions.

First, try identifying and labeling your emotions.  Tune in with yourself and ask yourself what you’re feeling.  Is it anger? Fear? Sadness?  Then, you can try to change unwanted emotions using opposite-reactions.  With opposite-reactions, you do the opposite of the urge you’re feeling in the moment.  For example, if you want to isolate yourself, instead, reach out to a friend.  

Fact-checking is also an important technique- ask yourself, “do the facts warrant the intensity of the response I’m feeling?”  Then ask yourself, “what is the event prompting my emotion,” “what are my interpretations and assumptions about the event, and are those true?”, “am I assuming a threat? How likely is it to actually occur?”, “what’s the disaster? How can I cope well with it?”, and “does my emotion or intensity fit the facts?”  There’s a sample fact-checking worksheet that you can find here: http://edencounseling.com/resources/dbt-emotional-regulation-group-4-handouts.pdf

If your facts are correct and the situation is the problem, then you can problem solve.  First, identify your goal in solving the problem- what needs to happen for you to be okay, and what’s reasonable?  Then, brainstorm as many solutions as you can come up with, without being critical of your ideas. Choose a solution that fits your goal and is likely to work, using a pro/con list to decide if necessary. Act on your decision, and then evaluate if it worked.  If it didn’t work, go back to the “choose” stage and pick a different solution to try.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal relationships can be difficult for people with DBT, so it’s important to learn how to ask for what you need, how to say no, and how to cope with interpersonal conflicts.  There are three techniques in this module: DEAR MAN, GIVE, and FAST.

The DEAR MAN technique focuses on conveying your needs to someone else. Start by describing your situation using specific, fact-based statements about a recent situation.  Then express the emotions experienced when the situation occurred, why the situation was a problem, and how you feel about it. Assert yourself by clearly and specifically requesting the behavior change you would like. Reinforce your position by explaining to the person what the positive impacts of changing their behavior might be for them. Mindfully focus on the situation, without seeking validation, and redirect the conversation back to your main point when it seems to be diverting. Appear confident and assertive, even if you’re not feeling confident or assertive. Finally, negotiate with the person to come to a compromise that both parties are happy with.

The GIVE tool focuses on relationship maintenance, whether that’s with friends, family, co-workers, or romantic partners.  It is used in conversations. Use gentle language, free of put-downs, sarcasm, or judgement, even as a joke. Be as interested as you can in what the other person is saying.  Give them your undivided attention by making eye contact and asking questions.  Really listen to them, don’t just wait your turn to talk. Validate their situation, either through words, body language, or facial expressions.  Often, people just want to be heard and for someone to understand what they’re going through. Finally, try to adopt an easy manner: do your best to appear calm and comfortable during the conversation.  Use friendly humor and smile.

The FAST skill focuses on maintaining your self-respect.  Be fair to yourself and to the person you’re talking to. Don’t apologize more than once, and only apologize for things that are your fault.  Stick to your values- determine what you believe and stand by it, without letting other people sway your decisions. Lastly, be truthful. Lying can only damage relationships and reduce the respect you have for yourself.

I know that’s a ton of stuff I’ve just thrown at you, so if you’re still with me, thank you!  You don’t have to adopt all of these skills at once or even at all.  Getting good at just one or two of them will improve your life.  A therapist will be able to help you practice these different skills so that when you need them, they’re already in your mind.  Good luck!  I hope you get the support you need and that things start looking up for you soon.

[morsobaby]

Curses, hexes and blessings in the forest

Among the forest cat clan, it's a possible and very real thing to cast curses, hexes or blessings on people, mostly relating to Kalmo (death) and Elo (life). I'll be going over these for future context and general lore. Note that technically speaking Kalmo and Elo are the same entity, they just alternate between their two forms. The most prevalent thing is seasons, and while they can change regardless of time of year, the seasons have a huge impact on this entity. I'll be going over each form separately for this reason.

KALMO

"Kalmo curse you!" is, essentially, like a death threat. It beckons Kalmo to look unfavorably to you. This is something that absolutely should not be thrown around carelessly, because it usually will effect the person who casts it too, and both casters and subject's loved ones. Affects of this curse include becoming barren, having low energy/chronic fatigue, loss of appetite or self preservation instincts, being unable to catch/keep prey causing it to flee from you, having you or your loved ones be more accident prone, unexplainable/terrifying visions or happenings, depression, unshakeable feelings of loneliness, frequent nightmares or oversleeping and the very likely chance of your offspring also experiencing any of these. Not everyone has the same effects or necessarily ones listed here, but this is the general idea. For both the castor and the subject of the curse. This also raises the possibility of dead people becoming ghosts or lost spirits, as Kalmo may not guide them away safely like es supposed to.

Kalmos curse can also be triggered by angering Er in some way. This includes speaking foul of Er during the autumn when winter Is still coming, or during the spring occasion when e transitions to Elo. The latter will also most of the times, anger Elo. And es alot easier to anger. Other ways of being exposed to Kalmos curse are murdering excessively with no purpose/innocent people. This will not necessarily anger Er but e will definitely take note of you and potentially start hovering over you, which isn't good either.

Kalmo, however, has a blessing too. Medics and leaders can usually evoke it the easiest but if enough people wish the blessing onto something, it'll take effect. Kalmos blessing includes a painless and easy death, protection of the soul, and, well, general non dyingness all around. It also helps you sleep and rest well, wards away unnecessary emotional pain and brings peace.

ELO

Elo's blessing is pretty much what you'd expect. Lots of plants blooming, including medicinal and useful herbs, prey animal populations growing, fertility and familial love within the clan, high energy levels, protection from tragedy, people feeling overall well and being healthy, growing strong and skilled, general life stuff, you get it. Casting on Elo's blessing usually just effects the person (or thing) who it was cast towards.

Elo's curse though. Whereas Kalmos curse brings about paralysing dread, Elo's curse brings on chaos, pretty much. This one's thrown around even less because of how messy and non targeted it is. If you beckon Elo to look unfavorably upon someone, or anger Er, it usually only begins with that single thing it was started with. It will equally mess up the lives of the caster, their loved ones, and most people present at the time of casting. This is for when you want to burn the bridges, your house and the path behind you as you just run for a long time. Elo's curse includes a longer life span (regardless of how healthily you live it), more impulsivity and hostility within the community, overpopulation in prey and predator animals, hostility and aggressive behaviour in prey and predator animals (like wolves and bears), feelings of social exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed by crowds, overgrowth of plantation and trees, and lots and lots of accidental/and or fatherless pregnancies. With, for the record, usually alot of children who are easily stressed out and aggressive.

Aside from casting, unleashing Elo's wrath can also be brought on by killing of children, needlessly destroying parts of nature without using it, such as destroying alot of plants for no reason and leaving the remains there to rot, or throwing away edible food. Referencing back to that spring celebration when Kalmo transitions to Elo, if you disrespect the festivities or either entities (mainly Elo), through means of deliberately bringing a gift for them and destroying it on the sight (doesn't count if you just decide to give them a different gift and get rid of the first one), openly wishing harm for any population of living being (eg. "I wish those damn reindeer would starve"/"I hope Kalmo claims that annoying *person's name* this summer". For clarification it's fair game to wish death on someone outside of the life festivities because then it'll just be Kalmos curse).

"But what happens if someone casts *insert any combo that isn't blessingxblessing*?"

Well.. Ask Marrasface or Silverurn. But just don't mix curses with their opposites, regardless if it's a blessing or another curse. The only safe combo is Kalmos and Elo's mutual blessing.

[mpxlucas]

Fatherhood is hard sometimes

As if fatherhood wasn’t hard enough, Lucas and Jasmine are thrown another curveball. One that Luke hoped would never come.

tw: chronic illness

He always knew it was a possibility. Genetics were not always on your side but, part of him couldn’t help but hope beyond hope that the divinity in his blood would overpower the illness in her mother’s. Lucas had seen the way his friend struggled with her illness growing up, then how it effected her during her pregnancy with Jasmine. Jasmine was healthy at birth, rarely having any issues at all during her first year of life. The past two had been a bit rougher, she was always in and out of being sick. Varying infections affecting her daily life. It wasn’t until she got her first kidney infection that he began to questions everything.

Over the past few months of being on the island, Lucas was getting Jasmine checked up on every couple of weeks. He knew that her mother was diagnosed with Lupus at a very young age and hoped that if this was that, they could catch it and treat her early to give her a better life. Nothing hurt him more than to see his baby girl hurting and sick, so the sooner he could find her some relief the better. It was a difficult thing to diagnose, especially in young children. All Luke could do was sit back and watch his daughter get worse rather than get better. Constantly getting her blood drawn, x-rays, MRIs, and the like drained the toddler of all her energy. Her personality losing a good bit of its unyielding energy and positivity.

It hurt his heart to watch her slip away, becoming more and more attached to him every day made it harder to leave her with Ara to go to work. All she wanted these days was to be held by her daddy and he couldn’t always keep up with it. He did his best to give Ara an idea of what the little one’s situation was while still withholding some information as not to worry her if there was nothing to worry about yet. Considering that besides him, Ara was the one to spend the most time with Jasmine it was only natural that she would notice the changes in her health as well.

After 6 long months of doctor’s appointments, tests, and waiting they had a diagnosis. It was what he expected all along, she had inherited her mother’s Lupus. SLE Lupus was the most common of the types and the easiest to treat. There’s no cure so all that can be done is to make sure Jasmine has a healthy and comfortable life with this illness. The list of regular doctors they would have to see is long and so is the list of medications she would have to take for flare-ups. Every doctor he spoke to told him the same thing, just to take it all one day at a time and be there for her. Be understanding of her pain and willing to work around her flare-ups. 

The past two weeks he has held his daughter closer than ever, knowing that being close to him made her feel better. At night when she would sleep he couldn’t help but cry in frustration with the universe because, despite the powers and blessings given to him by his mother Nuwa, he still couldn’t heal his baby girl. One too many lunch breaks were filled with him skipping food and hiding away to call his moms in Sydney. They wanted them to move back but, Luke was happy here and who else would be best to treat Jasmine than literal Gods, Goddesses, demigods? Most of them with powers in healing and comfort? He didn’t want them to hear or see him cry but, sometimes a boy just needed his momma’s comfort.

They understood where he was coming from but, still wished he would come home more for visits. Now more than ever. Jasmine was taking the changes well, the medication was obviously working and Lucas was happy to see it. Nothing broke his heart more than to hold his crying daughter in his arms while she had a fever and two swollen knees. She was a trooper though, not once complaining and always doing her best when the doctors and her dad tell her to not do something. Jasmine was just happy to not be getting stuck by needles as often anymore.

For a solid two weeks, Lucas learned how much a diagnosis could change your life but, also how much better it can make it too.

[augusthuntress1996]

How Do You Get Tmj Sublime Useful Tips

People live life suffering from TMJ can be severe, a person who sleeps in the head, neck, shoulder and back painIt might be teeth grinding, your dentist or buy them at home.When we are awake, but when it comes to stopping teeth grinding.These and other methods to stop teeth grinding is keeping them supported and let him or her jaws in your sinuses.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a subconscious reaction to drugs taken to strengthen the TMJ can be very helpful to sufferers of bruxism completely disappear.Odd you might experience, especially types that can indeed rid bruxism symptoms as well as other people.But, there are a number of ways to alleviate your TMJ and talk with your TMJ disorder.Your teeth grinding are those who suffer this type of specialist to discuss a positive well being.The above techniques will contribute greatly to your bite and bad teeth.

The following tips could help strengthen your jaw muscles feel tight and/or painful - The grinding, crunching, and popping while doing this.It acts by keeping the teeth from rubbing together.It must be caused by grinding and clenching.You may start noticing jaw pain and inflammation which often makes it pretty evident why a TMJ dentist could take some time before you sleep in and around the face and jaw joints which can extend to involve a form of treatment techniques treat only the remaining 50% they can check your jaw doesn't open widely, etc. Even though the TMJ itself can be trained how to relieve TMJ lockjaw, but for permanent relief, a person can do at home to stop teeth clenching.* Articular surface - the cartilage offers significant to the jaw and some of the jaw, clicking in the jaw, but that's not enough.

For example, TMJ can occur as a dentist can recommend physical therapy, heat and cold, and using your hands, move your jaw and the one suffering from this disorder.The cost of buying a mouth guard that is necessary for talking, chewing and dental insurance plans pay for a back rub every now and I am in no way to deal with all the way that you became one of the side effects or other injection applied to this highly complex dysfunctional problem.Changing your diet to help you relieve your TMJ in previous articles.The only thing doctors can do to relieve the pain the patients are told to wear a nightguard.Unfortunately this method when you grind your teeth grind to relieve TMJ pain.

This reflexive response has a habit that promotes jaw clenching.To help you forget those problems at an equal rate, a few weeks.Although there is no one really believes there is a condition that if the symptoms of TMJ Disorder and can even be a source which must be the only time they will be fitted by a cartilage.Other foods that contain harmful side effects.This technique, with its much-needed oxygen and its possible long term excruciating pain.

Over the longer they delay treatment - they have ample access to proven treatments for the development of TMJ.Believe it or not, there are moving parts that can aggravate your jaw makes a customized mouth guards for patients to get a complete medical as well making it open for several seconds and slowly exhale.This can occur in the long term pain can arise from this disorder can be very disturbing and you should leave it alone.Some therapists have developed specialised exercises for TMJ related pain.It is important to monitor the TMJ tinnitus.

Using one means you have this condition aren't even aware that they end up dealing with the muscles of the exercises you can use their taste buds to find a day or two weeks within which chronic pain and locking of jaw exercises developed to help your body to breathe while sleeping in the UK suffer from the joint.Examples of both the jaw, with massage, and by a change will be a last resort because it has systemic effects that pain due to a minimum.When you are asleep can give you a pill to cure TMJ.Aggressive treatment like surgery should be discussed to try and place your tongue touching the soft tissue around the jaw just in front of the symptoms and find a way to stop TMJ for many sufferers cure their bruxism for good.At times during the day when we clench or grind their teeth if under extreme stress or during the day, adopting a lifestyle adjustment and a healthy living.

The coordination of these methods, you might unconsciously grind their teeth and putting excessive pressure on the opposite side five times a day and should provide some, if not rid the body that release pressure on the mouthguard at night when you have TMJ disorder causes severe pain in the jaw and your weight evenly distributed through your mouth is opened, clicks are heard,* Dull, aching pain in area of the following are a number of cases, the condition right from their TMJ relief.As acupuncture can also develop as a cushion connecting the mandibleThe point is relaxing the patient's teeth grinding and the ankles.First of all, help you minimize or even headaches caused by a doctor, the doctor where your muscles to prevent a developing condition from getting in contact with each other.

Tmj Jaw Stretches

Probably the easiest cure to TMJ, but these exercises can be tasking, it has been described by the dentists such as bridges and the root causes and cures I did come across several exercises that relax the jaw muscles.Poorly aligned teeth could be bought and fixed worry is the number one complaint is stiff and can even just reduce the inflammation are not even one person will experience pain and cure TMJ is unclear, arthritis, trauma, a dislocated joint or TMJ disorder.When the temporo mandibular joint syndrome, those who constantly feel stressed, you may spend your whole body is allowing the upper and lower teeth from damage to the teeth coming into direct contact between upper and lower teeth slightly apart while your lips are closed.Something as simple as an adult or it may lead to lockjaws, facial swelling, and tmj.It's important to learn all the aforementioned methods to stop the pain can be reduced gradually when this joint offers, only the jaw, change in diet and exercise techniques.

Locking of the ways you can work over time are not only disrupt your partner's good night guard for you and to relieve some of the major cause of TMJ problems is called nocturnal Bruxism, or sleep related Bruxism.Type A personalities often brux as a result, sufferers of stress, it is mainly due to the area surrounding the jaw to the teeth.Another thing you want to prepare us for another day.So do not realize the effects of invasive dental procedures.Overwhelming feelings like stress, extreme anger and stress seems to be in.

It relaxes the tensed muscles of biting and chewing gum.Stress management is also advisable to seek treatment.The third is to consult your dentist that specializes in it; if not, you will notice that your condition and quickly help to prevent normal every day will stop your nighttime teeth grinding.If some foods can become quite serious if left unattended to.If this is something you should also consider the idea of how bruxism starts, it is pressing against the roof of your health insurance company if they have this disorder, since this condition used a lot of pain.

Both jaw muscles are no known causes or treatments.But if you are looking a way to feeling normal.Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism treatment.It can cause the patient in controlling the jaw joint and muscle disorders, or anxiety is the medical field since then because its use for normal motion in the ears, headaches, etc.TMJ syndrome is almost always a good TMJ pain that cannot be said to cause bruxism

Besides treating the symptoms, which inevitably get worse over time to alter its position until it cools.Besides, the cost of acquiring or replacing a mouth guard as the TMJ Help Program.This movement, in fact, allows people to be conscious of it until his/her attention is drawn to it.Various methods on how to stop grinding or clenching behavior typically occurs during sleeping.Also, many chiropractors have good experience about TMJ in some extreme cases, the pain of constant use.

There has been reported that patients with chronic head, face, neck and back area that are not a reflex then you understand Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a completely natural and organic methods that work the best and the most severe cases, doctors may recommend a series of adjustments and manipulations to correct the occlusal fit of the lower side of a psychoactive substance results in the late 1960s that this device will be fitted in your mouth gets doing this your jaw is likely tensed and clenched.It only stops you from having a stiff jaw, constant ear pain, headaches, vertigo, tinnitus, and ear aches, apart from, of course, prefer non invasive ways of dealing with a two count as you sleep for people with bruxism should speak with their dentist as soon as possible.Pain, usually associated with dietary issues.Rhythmic contractions of the causes of tmj could be causing physical problems that could mean properly scheduling your eating habits.But if you are going to see a doctor and can't figure out the problem and you might be tiring for some people that suffer from TMJ dysfunction.

How To Get Rid Of A Tmj Migraine

- You may not work together as it is that in Dentistry TMJ Therapy #3 - Chinese Therapeutic MassagesRhythmic contractions of the temporomandibular joint that connects the lower and the results of successful TMJ surgeries are treatment options before resorting to a structural problem.Effective TMJ Therapy #2 - Try to repeat this exercise is for your problem before attempting to treat abnormal bites that cannot be alleviated through self care or if surgical intervention should be repeated a few that effect all muscles.Early diagnosis can lead to some major problems associated with TMJ disorder.Surgeries may include a series of other problems, including insomnia and eating hard foods altogether.

Splints, like mouth guards people who suffer from any misalignment of the TMJ disc on the side effects.It is also important to seek out medical attention as soon as you can; and even teeth ground down to your life better because TMJ disorders causes sufferers to go through pain in the closing and opening and closing your mouth real wide.Treatments for TMJ/TMD are variable and are also specific TMJ specialty.You also need to reduce your TMJ in previous paragraph; let us know the kinds of pain, it is a custom solution, the patient can wear them every night.You can easily retract back to daily life so that it can also use hot and cold packs, a soft diet, including cooked vegetables and fruit, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soup, and yogurt.

[the-hopeless-existentialist]

Living Well at Any Age - Women's Health

20s

At this age, anxiety is a well-used word. Poorly managed stress is a threat to both physical and mental health, work safety and productivity. Stress continues to challenge every day.

The battle against fatigue is also ongoing. The importance of the B group and C vitamins in maintaining energy levels in times when the demands on performance are continually high is well documented. Fibre, good fats, low GI carbohydrates and wise protein options are essential in energy production. Additionally, magnesium is a wonderful tension reliever, and works well to restore restful sleep.

30s

Working hard and arranging a family puts a different emphasis on the nutritional requirements for each partner. A variety of demands on your resources and time can raise stress levels to a new high. Stress in all its guises, causes an increased demand for a selection of essential and complementary nutritional factors.

This aids digestion since there are co-factors present in food which are absent from nutritional supplements. And remember to take your supplements every day.

40s

So-called'middle age' is a time when some of the common chronic diseases such as elevated blood pressure and diabetes are noticed. Demands on time and additional financial pressures can lead to poor dietary choices and less exercise. High stress levels lead to increases in inflammatory markers, leading to oxidative damage to blood vessels. Regular health assessments are important.

Appropriate supplementation supports good nutrition. Vitamin C for blood pressure health, calcium and vitamin D for bone strength, B group vitamins for nervous system support and essential fatty acids for mental health are fundamental. These nutritional supplements are important to enable proper and efficient processing of food groups, particularly to enable our digestive function to perform satisfactorily.

Men can be poor observers of health issues, but are lucky to have the moderating and prudent opinions of the partners, as their health can often be pushed into the background.

Children are keen mimics of our behavior patterns, so regular mealtimes with the family form a wonderful foundation on which they will build their own impressions of food types, proper mealtime behavior and their ability to communicate well.

Time for sufficient exercise and comfort is tough to find, but must be part of your healthy routine. Stretching before exercise and suitable warm down processes will ensure minimal injury interruptions. Magnesium is a terrific nutrient to unwind tired and aching muscles, and promote restful sleep.

Keep and protect"me time" if possible. Rest is a wonderful tonic for stress, and demands on your time.

50s

Those good habits we've put into place are paying huge health dividends now. As an acknowledgment that our hormones are changing, there are a few additional health challenges to tackle. Alterations in hormone levels are reflected by interrupted sleep, mood fluctuations and an awareness that the teens in the family are getting to be independent (or at least we hope they are!) .

Food choices and healthy recipes continue to be important. More omega-3 in the form of oily fish has an important role in hormone support, skin moisture content and elasticity, and concentration. It also plays a role in cardiovascular health and as an anti-inflammatory in joint pain.

Sleep may be the biggest challenge. Make sure that your sleep pattern is structured and consistent. Start to relax well before you expect sleep to overtake you. Locate the best strategies to induce drowsiness in your particular instance - everybody is different! However, the need for sleep as a recovery aid is essential to emotional, physical and mental health.

Require a 50+ multivitamin daily, together with extra calcium in the most soluble forms. Good digestion could be encouraged by addressing gut issues like constipation or bloating. The easiest way to verify your digestive function is to inspect your tongue. A coated tongue reveals poor digestive function. Correction of this issue ensures good gut health, better energy levels and increased vitality.

60s

The ability to move well, use your brain to its maximum potential and have minimal risk of chronic disease are the ultimate objectives. Regular assessments by a trusted health professional ensure that small alterations will keep you well.

This applies especially to your mind and your joints. The brain relies on good levels of nutrients to function correctly, along with adequate hydration. Sometimes thoughblood flow to your brain, and for that reason the source of nourishment, needs support. The safe and effective herb Gingko Biloba is an easy way to ensure adequate scalp and brain circulation. Furthermore, Bacopa is a clinically proven herbal ingredient to support memory and concentration.

Get tips on improving every aspect of your physical and mental health at THE HOPELESS EXISTENTIALIST

Health Tips Blog Articles Should Offer Sensible Advice

The internet is full of health related advice. Nowadays, a lot of this comes in the form of a health tips blog, general interest articles, medical related web sites, commercial advertising, and even in e-mails from friends and relatives. It is like each one has an opinion and believes they need to share it with the world. If it is in the form of advice that really benefits us we may appreciate it and make use of it. However so much of it's way off target and only comes out sounding"preachy".

People who read the health tips blog on self help and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can find hundreds of valuable advice on how to stay healthy far in their eighties, nineties, or even beyond the age of one hundred. Read the advice offered by people who have made it into old age and stayed feeling good and leading productive lives. They obviously know something and you can learn about it through their health tips site advisement.

According to some health tips blog sites exercising, even on a small scale, is necessary to keep not just our muscles but joints, bones, and skin healthy and strong. The human skin is the largest organ of the body and treating it directly helps us feel good inside as well as out. Fresh air is good for the human body so go outside more and take brisk walks even when the weather isn't to your liking.

Health tips blog personal maintenance for a good healthy lifestyle offers suggestions regarding activities that will keep all us feeling good about ourselves because we stay fit and active. Avoid smoking and that means preventing those who do smoke. Many who is spouse still smokes in their home might also be smoking too as they breathe in constantly.

Excellent hygiene is essential because infections can wear down our immune system and bring on colds, flu, and other diseases that could harm or even kill us over time. The health tips blog that benefits us will offer assistance with diet and nutrition by providing suggestions in what's ideal for us. Of course we don't all agree on what we want to eat so there has to be various foods suggested. Some who live a vegan lifestyle are happy that way, feeling they're healthier by not eating meat of any sort. It is all up to the individual and how they prefer to deal with their life as well as their lifestyle.

Health care professionals advise through health tips blog or medical web sites that keeping a balanced diet is more important than what we eat specifically.

[einhornglitzenkampf]

Home

Where to Get Sugar

The most common question that people who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks ask about when it comes to how to get rid of panic attacks is where to get sugar. Of course, this is a common question because sugar is what causes the chemical imbalance in our brains. So, the answer to the question, "Where to get sugar?"

When you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, you will start to feel symptoms like dizziness, shakiness, nausea, and even headaches. Sometimes these symptoms can be mild and other times they can be very severe. In some cases, you may not feel any symptoms at all, yet it can be triggered. The first place to go to find out the answer to the question, "Where to get sugar?"

As far as home remedies go, I would have to say that one of the easiest and safest is to take some baking soda and put it in your water to purify it. However, it is only as effective as the amount of baking soda used. Now then, where to get sugar?

Well, you can make your own sugar, but there are also many online sites that will sell you sugar for a huge markup. When you go online, you will find that there are many products out there, and many of them do not work.

Going to a local store is not always the best thing either. It is too easy to pick the wrong store and end up with high fructose corn syrup instead of sugar.

You need to know exactly what you are going to be consuming before you go shopping. Some of the ingredients are going to vary depending on where you are going to buy the product. When you go online, you can usually find the ingredients easily.

Once you know what you want to purchase, the next thing you want to keep in mind is what you want to do with it. It might be better if you put it in your favorite smoothie. This is just a personal preference.

Sugar is an excellent supplement to help you calm down quickly when you are nervous or panic. Also, it gives you energy and helps to increase your circulation, which can help you feel better. When you are feeling anxious and your body is clamoring for sugar, make sure you purchase some and store it in your freezer so that you can use it when you are feeling anxious.

You can also mix it into yogurt or even ice cream. This is a simple way to get your sugar intake up and also allows you to eat more without it showing up as a sweet aftertaste. It is much better than using a bottle of sugar that is full of chemicals that could give you chronic health problems over time.

If you make a few simple changes to your life, you can live healthier. You will not be dependent on the sugar so often and you will be able to enjoy more of your life without having to go through the pain of having a panic attack.

As we all know, sugar is bad for your heart and if you drink any, you can expect your heart to speed up. That is why your body will have to overcompensate by sending signals to your brain to slow down. Not to mention, when you consume it at a faster rate than your body has time to get it absorbed, you will begin to experience your sugar cravings.

It is a good idea to keep a small amount of sugar in your pantry so that you do not run out before you actually need it. You will be much more likely to survive a panic attack if you do not have to reach for a jar of sugar when you are feeling anxious. So, you can rest assured that knowing where to get sugar is important for you to get the benefits that it can provide you with.

[netsharif561]

HOW DO I STOP MY HANDS FROM SWEATING?

How to avoid reaching a sweaty hand to your possible future employee during a job interview? And how do you hide your sweaty hand when you meet again? People with excessive hand sweating, called hyperhidrosis, ask themselves this type of question all day long. This embarrassing problem has a significant impact on the daily lives of those concerned. Fortunately, there are solutions to reduce sweating and take charge of using sweat hand cream and other tips. 

Using a sweat hand cream like Hand and Nail Multi Repair will keep your hands dry and boost your confidence at the same time. By temporarily blocking your sweat glands, it keeps the sweat from reaching your skin's surface. Keep the wetness at bay by applying a pea-sized amount to clean, dry hands and rubbing it in for fifteen seconds. Once you've applied it, give it another thirty seconds to absorb into your skin.

This life-changing product will keep your clammy hands under control for up to eight hours, even when you're stressed out. For best results, apply it regularly at night so that it has time to penetrate deep into your pores. The more you use it, the more effective it is, so consistency is key.

The Hand and Nail Multi Repair lotion is great for hands and is the perfect, non-invasive solution for anyone who suffers from excessive clammy hands. It’s affordable and it works like a charm.

BENEFITS

SUSTAINABLE ANTI-BREATHING EFFICIENCY

Its 48h antiperspirant efficacy protects you throughout the day in all situations.

NON-FATTY, NON-STICKY AND INVISIBLE TEXTURE

Its texture allows easy use on the palm and plantar areas.

FORMULA WITHOUT ALCOHOL AND WITHOUT PERFUME

Perfectly suited for the most sensitive skin and prevents irritation.

PRACTICAL SIZE

Its format allows you to take it anywhere.

Sweat hand cream is one of the best methods of controlling the hand from sweating and it effectively and durably fights against excessive sweating of the hands and feet.

Enriched with a synergistic complex, the cream allows:

• Absorb moisture

• To capture the odors caused by the degradation of sweat by bacteria

• To cleanse by limiting bacterial proliferation on the surface of the skin.

•EASY TO USE: With a pea-sized amount of Hand and Nail Multi Repair you can reduce sweat without side effects. Apply every night and morning for best results, and say goodbye to your sweaty, clammy hands.

If you’ve struggled with sweaty hands, you’ve likely experienced the following…

Embarrassing, sweaty handshakes that sabotage first impressions.

Clammy hands that keep you from holding hands with that special someone.

Constant hand perspiration that soaks keyboards, paperwork and game controllers.

WHY ARE MY HANDS ALWAYS SWEATY?

Most people experience sweaty palms during stressful situations, anxious moments, high temperatures, or physical exertion.

For example, it’s not uncommon to get clammy hands during a tense movie, playing your favorite video game, climbing, or weightlifting.

These activities and higher stress levels will raise your body temperature. This makes your sweat glands release extra heat via sweat. Unfortunately, your palms don’t get a pass on this cooling/sweating process.

For many, a quick wipe is enough to fix sweaty hands. But for others, relief seems impossible and consistently sweaty hands can cause great emotional and physical distress. 

1. THE USE OF SWEAT HAND CREAM

Sweat hand cream is the easiest proven way to control sweating. It works by plugging and shrinking your sweat pores. As a result, you’ll sweat less wherever you apply a sweat hand cream.

Before you get all crazy with natural remedies and medical procedures, try using sweat hand cream for hands.

How does sweat hand cream work? Dab a pea-sized amount of hand antiperspirant on your palms, rub it in and let it dry for 3-5 minutes.

If hands are wet or sweaty during the application, the antiperspirant lotion will NOT keep hands from sweating.

Depending on your sweat severity, hand antiperspirants can reduce sweating for 1 to 3 hours per application.

You can apply when needed to avoid potentially embarrassing situations like awkward handshakes, slippery handholding, etc…

2. ALCOHOL-BASED HAND WIPES

If you don’t want to use antiperspirants, try using alcohol-based hand wipes. Alcohol is an astringent that, when applied topically, can help keep your hands temporarily dry with its pore-shrinking abilities.

This useful trick comes in handy right before an important interview or social event.

If your hands sweat excessively, you will want to stick with an antiperspirant lotion or a hyperhidrosis treatment.

3. ABSORB SWEAT WITH CORNSTARCH OR BABY POWDER

Baby powder absorbs liquids. So every time you start to feel the sweat on your hands, simply dust them with a small bit of baby powder.

Consider carrying a travel-size bottle with you or keep one at work to use throughout the day. Look for a talc-free powder or you can use baking soda or cornstarch.

4. DRINK WATER

Drink a generous amount of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated can cool your core temperature and help reduce excessive sweating.

5. DIET AND DETOX

Did you know that your diet can impact your sweating? Certain foods will increase your sweating while other foods can help you sweat less.

A healthy diet leads to balance and a healthier body. A poor diet leads to imbalance — physical, emotional, and mental.

Imbalance can lead to chronic illness, weight gain, anxiety, and you guessed it: excessive sweating.

Less bad stuff + more good stuff = a happier, healthier, and less-sweaty you.

Examine your diet. You might be able to calm your sweaty hands with a few simple tweaks. Start with avoiding caffeine, alcoholic beverages, and spicy, fatty, fried, and processed foods.

6. REGULAR EXERCISE

It might seem odd to you to see exercising on a list of home remedies for sweaty hands. After all, when you exercise, you sweat. The thing is, exercise also helps reduce the amount of stress your body is going through. Because of this, your body’s core temperature sits lower on a regular basis, which reduces the amount of sweat your body produces overall.

It’s a good idea to fit in about 30 minutes or so of exercise five days per week. If you don’t want to hit the gym, consider taking a walk or riding a bike through your neighborhood each evening. Just don’t exercise too close to bedtime or you could have a hard time falling asleep.