Howdy, y’all!
(via crosseddestinies)
We at Band Back Together are so saddened by the devastation in Oklahoma.
We are thinking of those experiencing such hurt, such pain, and so much loss.
It’s unfathomable to us that Mother Nature could do something so horrible, despite having experienced it time and time again. We shake our heads, stare blankly at our television sets, and hold our breath each time the numbers are reported.
Loss. Pain. Devastation.
Loved ones missing. So many tears shed.
The children. So many children.
Our hearts hurt as we try to process what has happened. We cannot understand. We are sure we never will.
As in any disastrous situation, we understand what you’re experiencing. We, the Band, feel it, too.
Howdy, y’all!
In the United States about 78 million adults have high blood pressure, which can lead to heart and kidney damage.
This is her story.
If we’re getting technical about it, my chart says “Primary Idiopathic Hypertension.” Translated, that means “We have no idea why your blood pressure is high. Here are some pills.”
I’ve had high blood pressure since I was eighteen.
In the beginning, no one even tried to figure out why. My doctor at the time just looked at my readings, said it probably explained my headaches, and sent me home with some medication. It worked, so I took it and didn’t think anything about it.
With Mother’s Day lurking about, I thought I’d share a story about mine.
If you’ve read my other posts for The Band or checked out my profile, you know my mother has Multiple Sclerosis. She was diagnosed somewhere around 1989, although I’m not sure of the exact date. I remember she’d gotten the MS diagnosis after I’d finished kindergarten because she’d stopped driving and I’d learned to walk to school.
Sadly, her case of MS is now so advanced that there’s no real treatment available.
I’ll admit that my relationship with my mother isn’t the best, which shocks most people. However, I’m sure some can relate to our story. I love my mother; I know I’m lucky to have her, but the chronic MS has taken away so much that it’s left a huge hole in our relationship.
Rape is a trauma that lasts with you a lifetime.
This is her story (trigger warning):
About a year ago, my best friend was really into this older guy, and I didn’t want to be around him; he gave me the creeps. But she always said, “Come on! I don’t want to go alone,” so I’d give in and hang out with them.
She’d always been a horrible friend, but I suppose I didn’t care (don’t worry, because thanks to my current wonderfully supportive, long- term boyfriend, I’ve since gotten her out of my life.)
(This is an excerpt from a resource page at Band Back Together. Find more here: resource pages at BB2G)
How To Recover From A Rape/Sexual Assault:
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault, you may not know how to feel normal again. You may feel that the emotional pain of a rape or sexual assault will never go away. You may feel shame, depression, anxiety and fear after the attack. No matter how you feel, know that things will become better, you will learn to heal, and life will go on in your new normal.
Here are some tips for recovering from a rape or sexual assault:
Physically:
Seek medical attention - even if you do not want to take the assault to the police, you must be seen by a doctor to receive care for any injuries and to be tested (and receive treatment) for any sexually transmitted infections.
Read more about sexually transmitted infections.
This post contains information of a graphic nature.
Please do not continue reading unless you understand that sensitive content about rape is contained below. That said, please support this brave woman as she shares her story.
Rape is more that just physical violation, it also has devastating mental and emotional effects.
This is her story.
What is it about rape that is so hurtful?
Sometimes, we at the Band know that part of owning who you are is admitting it to the world. It’s one reason why we at The Band work tirelessly to break down stigmas and find the ties that connect us all, the ties that remind us that we are none of us alone.
Please join us in standing tall and proud as we tell the world who we are.
What are you, The Band, The Face Of?
I am fairly open, I am aware that the only way people are going to understand various things is to have people speak out about them to be the face of them.
Up to twenty percent of all men will be raped in their lifetime.
This is his story:
Three days ago, I went out with some friends. We ended up at a local bar where I used to work. Working there meant that I got to know the locals - one in particular, a older man named John.
I always thought he was a cool, chill guy who liked talking to me.
I was wrong.
<a href="http://bandbacktogether.com/post/3839//"><img src="http://static.bandbacktogether.com/media/images/2013/02/Dose_Of_Happy_Monday.jpg"></a>
For those who need a reminder today.
(via melody-sillermoon)
(Source: i-live-in-a-fantasyy)
