Mental Health Awareness Week

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. I will be wearing my GREEN proudly to help stomp out the stigma associated with mental health and illness.

There are so many myths out there about mental illness. I found this really good infographic that brings light to these myths and also shares with you the true facts about mental illness. (Sorry if it is heard to read.)

Just because a person has a mental illness, doesn't mean they can't be successful in life. Some of the greats have suffered in silence, here are some of them:

Please help me by spread the word about mental illness, the stigma associated and helping those who are suffering in silence.

Don't forget to enter for your chance to win: Caru Natural Stew One of Each of Their Four Flavors.

Today I'm joining the Thoughtless Thursday Blog Hop hosted by: Ruckus the Eskie, M.K.Clintion, and Love is being owned by a Husky 

Suicide Awareness Day

"Not All Disabilities Are Visible"

Suicide Facts

• 10th leading cause of death in U.S. adults.
• 3rd leading cause among U.S. adolescents.
• More than 34,000 individuals take their own life each year.
• More women attempt suicide each year then men.
• Men are four times more likely to die by suicide then women.
• The highest risk for suicide is people under 24 or over 65 years old.
• Who is at risk:
• Substance abuse
• Those who are intoxicated
• Access to firearms
• Chronic medial illness
• History of trauma
• Isolation
• Recent tragedy or loss
• Agitation and sleep deprivation

Warning Signs

• Making treats or comments about killing themselves
• Increased alcohol and drug use
• Aggressive behavior
• Social withdrawal 
• Dramatic mood swings
• Preoccupation with talking, writing or thinking about death
• Impulsive or reckless behavior

This is just a quick summery, if you would like to learn more visit: National Alliance on Mental Illness

If you know someone who needs help and is in an emergency call 911 immediately.

I have learned so much about the benefits psychiatric service dogs provide for those struggling with mental health problems from The Lola Project. While medications are the main course of treatment, more and more of my furry companions are being trained to support and help those with mental health disorders. 

If you are interested in learning more about mental illness and/or psychiatric service dogs I encourage you to visit The Lola Project. They are great at answering any question you may have on this topic. They also sell these bandanas you see in the pictures, if you are interested in one simply message them.

I love these bandanas I got from The Lola Project. They are a great reminder that not everyone's disabilities is visible. Someone may be smiling on the outside but hurting on the inside. 

I'm giving two of these bandanas away in a giveaway! Enter for your chance to win one of the bandanas you see on the wall. There will be two winners. Simply be a US resident who is 18 years of age and enter the rafflecopter below! Contest goes until 9/16/15 at midnight.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today I'm joining the Thoughtless Thursday Blog Hop hosted by Ruckus the Eskie, Love is Being Owned by a Huskie, and M.K.Clinton

Number One Toxin Among Dogs

Here's the scenario: You are laying on your bed, chewing on your favorite bone and all of a sudden you her a "ping." You quickly get up, run on over and you hear your owner freaking out, telling you to "LEAVE IT!" You ask yourself "normally they want me to clean up after them." What is different this time? Come to find out you human dropped one of their pills on the floor. 

Medication ingested is the number one toxin consumed by dogs across the nation. It is also the number one reason pet owners contact the Animal Poison Control Center.

These medications are not just prescription pills that are being ingested but over-the-counter and veterinarian medications as well. 

I came up with this infographic to help spread awareness and educate pet owners. Feel free to share!

I'm joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop hosted by BlogPaws.