Mental Health

Resource for the Children of Addicted Parents

Posted on by Amanda Dodson Gremillion

I was recently contacted by a great resource for children who have lost parents do addiction, Boca Recovery Center. Their website is bocarecoverycenter.com. I personally lost my own father to alcohol addiction about 15 years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter. Even before I lost him, I was mainly raised by my stepdad, and my father was more like a fun uncle due to his addiction and mental illness. We also did not speak the last three years of his life. It is something that stays with you forever and affects your entire life, even after they are gone. Boca Recovery has a guide for children of Addicted Parents below I wanted to share. I do want to add in addition to this below, that no matter how much you do or how much you love them, ultimately someone has to choose to accept help. You need to set boundaries to protect your own mental health in the process of trying to help them. The only thing you can control is taking care of yourself and your own mental and physical health, seeking help you may need for dealing with their addiction, breaking the generational curse, and getting help yourself early if you realize you suffer with addiction as well, or avoiding possible addictions/triggers in the first place if possible and trying to pass the same onto the next generation.

“Trying to cope with a parent’s addiction can be extremely difficult. We at Boca Recovery Center understand that struggle and wanted to help by creating an in-depth guide for Children of Addicted Parents. This guide includes important information like breaking the stigma, finding help outside of the home, talking with your parent, and more. Please take a look here: https://bocarecoverycenter.com/addiction/guide-for-children-of-addicted-parents/“

Bio: Amanda Dodson Gremillion published her first book in 2012. She began revising it in 2019 and republished it as Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine. The story chronicles her experience with severe postpartum OCD, anxiety and depression. Amanda is a graduate of Auburn University, and now lives in Calera, Alabama, with her husband, Jay, their daughter, Aubrie, and their two dogs, Honey Girl and Cooper. She hopes to write more books in the future. Follow Amanda’s journey on Facebook,  or twitter at https://twitter.com/AmandaGremilli2 and order her book here.  Also, follow her on the Mighty here Amanda Dodson Gremillion | The Mighty Contributor or listen to her podcast here Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine • A podcast on Anchor . You can also find her on Instagram here Amanda Dodson Gremillion (@justbuyheradress) • Instagram photos and videos.

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Childhood Bullying Resources and Prevention

Posted on by Amanda Dodson Gremillion

I had Paula with NVISION, a free online resource dedicated to helping people live better by seeing better, contact me about children being bullied, specifically for vision impairment. I thought the information also had some good information on childhood bullying in general and how to handle, try to prevent, etc. so I wanted to share. “It is not uncommon for visually impaired children to be the target of bullying and harassment. To help students and families navigate and hopefully prevent this, NVISION recently published a free educational guide on childhood bullying for those who wear glasses. Please take a look:

https://www.nvisioncenters.com/education/childhood-bullying-glasses/“

Bio: Amanda Dodson Gremillion published her first book in 2012. She began revising it in 2019 and republished it as Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine. The story chronicles her experience with severe postpartum OCD, anxiety and depression. Amanda is a graduate of Auburn University, and now lives in Calera, Alabama, with her husband, Jay, their daughter, Aubrie, and their two dogs, Honey Girl and Cooper. She hopes to write more books in the future. Follow Amanda’s journey on Facebook,  or twitter at https://twitter.com/AmandaGremilli2 and order her book here.  Also, follow her on the Mighty here Amanda Dodson Gremillion | The Mighty Contributor or listen to her podcast here Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine • A podcast on Anchor . You can also find her on Instagram here Amanda Dodson Gremillion (@justbuyheradress) • Instagram photos and videos.

Interview with VoyageATL

Posted on by Amanda Dodson Gremillion

Please check out my recent interview with VoyageATL at the link below!

Life & Work with Amanda Gremillion

Bio: Amanda Dodson Gremillion published her first book in 2012. She began revising it in 2019 and republished it as Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine. The story chronicles her experience with severe postpartum OCD, anxiety and depression. Amanda is a graduate of Auburn University, and now lives in Calera, Alabama, with her husband, Jay, their daughter, Aubrie, and their two dogs, Honey Girl and Cooper. She hopes to write more books in the future. Follow Amanda’s journey on Facebook,  or twitter at https://twitter.com/AmandaGremilli2 and order her book here.  Also, follow her on the Mighty here Amanda Dodson Gremillion | The Mighty Contributor or listen to her podcast here Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine • A podcast on Anchor . You can also find her on Instagram here Amanda Dodson Gremillion (@justbuyheradress) • Instagram photos and videos.

Helpful Tips on How to Become a Go-Getter Again

Posted on by Amanda Dodson Gremillion

Image via Pexel

This is a guest post written by Charley Sunday at https://astrongfoundation.net/:

Life can certainly be a rollercoaster at times, with highs and lows that are hard to predict. And while it’s easy to feel on top of the world when things are going your way, it can be quite another story when things aren’t. So, if you haven’t been feeling like the most authentic version of yourself, here are some helpful tips on how to become a go-getter again, presented below by Just Buy Her a Dress and She’ll Be Fine.

Change your way of thinking

Sometimes all you need to feel better about yourself is to think and talk yourself into feeling better. For example, you’d be surprised at how well a few positive affirmations can work in instantly transforming your mood and your frame of mind for the better.

Take note of your appearance

Often it is our appearance that is one of the easiest things to let slide when we aren’t feeling at our greatest. However, it is vital to still take pride in your appearance, from the way you dress to the way you present yourself to the outside world. So take that shopping trip to buy some new outfits you’ll feel fabulous in. Or get your nails and hair done if your personal grooming habits need a bit of an update. Then concentrate on how you present yourself to people if you have been shying away from interacting with others as a result of a lack of confidence. For example, you could enlist the help of a life coach to start redirecting your life in a more positive direction and go from there.

Turn your home around

Perhaps your home is in a dismal state, and you just need to get rid of some negative energy and start injecting some positive energy into a space that desperately needs it. Furthermore, just a few simple changes like letting in more fresh air and natural sunlight could do the world of good for your mood as well as your family’s mood if they have been overly critical as of late.

Take a step and a new career direction

Perhaps you need to take a big step in your career to give you that confidence boost, in which case starting a business might be the answer. If you are planning on taking that brave step but don’t know where to start then you can search starting a new company online for valuable tips on how to create a business from drawing up a business plan to registering your business to thinking up a creative business name, and much more. Speaking of formulating a business plan, you can gain valuable tips on what should be included in your business plan including details pertaining to how to structure your business, how you plan on raising capital, and how you are going to project your financial forecasts going forward, etc.

Getting the additional help you need

Suppose you feel like you have tried everything possible in order to feel better about yourself, but you just need a push in the right direction. Then an online licensed therapist may be able to help. Plus there are many advantages to seeking therapy online including more flexibility if you decide to change your mind down the line, there are a range of therapists to choose from, and it is often more affordable than seeing a therapist face to face. Also, you don’t need to travel to consult with one, which means you can take it in your own stride in the place you feel most comfortable. Furthermore, with online consulting, you will often be offered a free consultation to find the right therapist match for you.

Certainly, getting your life (and confidence) back on track, especially if you’ve experienced setbacks, is achievable if you have the willpower to do so. And you’re committed to the process, of course.

How to Move Past a Low Point in Your Life by Moving to a New City

Posted on by Amanda Dodson Gremillion

Picture source is Unsplash and this is a guest blog written by Charley Sunday at https://astrongfoundation.net/

How to Move Past a Low Point in Your Life by Moving to a New City

We all face low points in our lives, and some are harder to get past than others. Sometimes, to move on, we need to make a big change, and moving to a new city might be exactly what you need. Here are some tips from Just Buy Her a Dress for how you can successfully move to a new city and start fresh.

Choosing a New City to Call Home

The first step that you will need to take is to find a new city that will help you to rebuild your life. There are many considerations you will need to make, starting with ensuring that you will be living in a place where you can find a job and be near the amenities that you need in your life. You should also look at things like the crime statistics in the area if there are good schools, how far your commute may be, and other concerns.

This could also be a time to try something new. So, if you live in a more suburban area now, then you can try a bustling metropolis to get the blood flowing. Or you can move from a large city to a medium-sized area. You’ll also need to consider if you want to continue to live near family and choose cities based on proximity. Take as much time as you need to make these decisions.

Finding a New House in the City

Once you choose the city that you plan to call home, you will want to think about where specifically you will want to live. Some people choose to rent when they move to a new place so they can get a better lay of the land, and then if they are comfortable, they may buy a house a couple of years down the road. If you do decide to go all-out and buy a house, then you should first research the home prices in the area and see if this is something you can truly afford. The housing market is constantly changing so you will want to take the time to research before you take the plunge.

Consider Starting a Business

Although you are looking for a chance of scenery, you will still need to pay for rent, food, and utilities in your new city, so you will want to research potential jobs. If you like where you work now, then you can ask your manager if you can work from home and that way you can move and still keep your job.

If you really want to start fresh, then this might be a good time to start your own business. Take a hobby that you enjoy, like writing or woodworking, and try to make a side-gig out of it. If you have never had a business before, then consider this guide which covers all the steps to start a new business. They recommend creating a business plan that will outline every step that you need to take to make your company a reality. That includes how you will find funding, how you’ll produce your product, how many employees you need, and how you plan to market your product. Get all of this down in writing and then follow your plan step-by-step until you have success.

Making the Move

Once you have taken the time to think about the best city for you and it is time for the actual relocation, it is a good idea to look into using professional movers. This is especially important if you are living thousands of miles away or you have a lot of furniture. Go online and research the best companies and then reach out to them to request a quote. Also, read the reviews from previous customers to ensure that they are a reputable business.

In the end, the choice to move to a new city is a decision that only you can make. To get the process started, take the time to think about choosing a city to move to, finding a new home, starting a business, and hiring movers.

Just Buy Her a Dress is a free blog and podcast about mental health, parenting, and more! Click here to check out the book!

“Victorious Parenting: Achieve the Peaceful Homelife you Deserve!”

Posted on by Amanda Dodson Gremillion

I wanted to share another great parenting website I really like:

https://victoriousparenting.com/

From the site:

“I’m Arabella Hille, founder of Victorious Parenting.

I am a mother, former teacher, and experienced Parenting Educator. I’m qualified in Behavioral Science through Swinburne University. I have been providing parenting resources and support to the online parenting community for years. Via my books and programs, I have now helped over 33,000 families worldwide!

I help parents & caregivers become Victorious by providing resources and advice, so they can help their kids grow into well-rounded adults who can take on anything life throws at them.

You can read more about my story click the button on my site to find a program that’s right for you.

Parenting can feel like an exhausting uphill battle & each child is unique. This can make it even harder to figure out how to;

  • Reach them when they don’t open up to you.
  • Deal with behavioral difficulties that arise from low self-esteem.
  • Teach them how to stand up for themselves effectively.
  • Manage their behavior without damaging them.
  • Effectively communicate and build relationships with multiple children especially when sibling rivalry is involved.

I’ve been there. I can help.”

Bio: Amanda Dodson Gremillion published her first book in 2012. She began revising it in 2019 and republished it as Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine. The story chronicles her experience with severe postpartum OCD, anxiety and depression. Amanda is a graduate of Auburn University, and now lives in Calera, Alabama, with her husband, Jay, their daughter, Aubrie, and their two dogs, Honey Girl and Cooper. She hopes to write more books in the future. Follow Amanda’s journey on Facebook,  or twitter at https://twitter.com/AmandaGremilli2 and order her book here.  Also, follow her on the Mighty here Amanda Dodson Gremillion | The Mighty Contributor or listen to her podcast here Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine • A podcast on Anchor . You can also find her on Instagram here Amanda Dodson Gremillion (@justbuyheradress) • Instagram photos and videos.

Information on Social Security Benefits for People with Mental Illness

Posted on by Amanda Dodson Gremillion

If you are currently suffering from a mental illness and it is affecting your ability to work and survive, social security disability benefits may be an option for you but can be a complicated subject for many. Knowing who qualifies, how to maximize your chance of getting approved, and how payments are calculated is crucial information to know. I recently had a law firm who offered a link to a guide about navigating social security disability benefits and includes just about everything they could think of. Check out the guide:

Social Security Disability Guide – m-n-law.com/social-security-disability-insurance-benefits-guide/

They put a lot of work into making this guide and thought it would be a great addition to my page. If you are local to Birmingham, AL I also know an attorney close to here personally that specializes in this same thing.

 
 


Bio: Amanda Dodson Gremillion published her first book in 2012. She began revising it in 2019 and republished it as Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine. The story chronicles her experience with severe postpartum OCD, anxiety and depression. Amanda is a graduate of Auburn University, and now lives in Calera, Alabama, with her husband, Jay, their daughter, Aubrie, and their two dogs, Honey Girl and Cooper. She hopes to write more books in the future. Follow Amanda’s journey on Facebook,  or twitter at https://twitter.com/AmandaGremilli2 and order her book here.  Also, follow her on the Mighty here Amanda Dodson Gremillion | The Mighty Contributor or listen to her podcast here Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine • A podcast on Anchor . You can also find her on Instagram here Amanda Dodson Gremillion (@justbuyheradress) • Instagram photos and videos. Amanda is also a Community Champion for a website and app about physical and mental health called Twill Care which can be found at https://www.twill.health/twill-care.

CaringBridge Website for Those on a Difficult Health Journey

Posted on by Amanda Dodson Gremillion

I recently had a former coworker pass away from a rare disease. Before she passed, I found out about her illness through a website called CaringBridge. The website kept me updated on her condition, educated me about it and also allowed me to communicate with her and to assist her family financially during her health journey.

CaringBridge is made for those who are currently undergoing difficult health journeys. Their product is free—supported by donors. But sometimes, it can be hard to suggest CaringBridge to those who are in health journeys, simply because they can be hard to identify. 

They work with hospitals and healthcare systems to recommend CaringBridge to patients, but the best referrals always come from word of mouth. 

So here’s how you could help. Do you know anyone who currently could use CaringBridge? Would you be willing to tell them about it?

It would give them all the resources CaringBridge has—the Journal, the Planner, and the vital connections, comments, well wishes, and messages during this critical time. If you know someone, feel free to forward them this email. Here is a link you can send them to start a site and find more resources. 

<<Click here to learn more about CaringBridge.>>

www.CaringBridge.org

Bio: Amanda Dodson Gremillion published her first book in 2012. She began revising it in 2019 and republished it as Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine. The story chronicles her experience with severe postpartum OCD, anxiety and depression. Amanda is a graduate of Auburn University, and now lives in Calera, Alabama, with her husband, Jay, their daughter, Aubrie, and their two dogs, Honey Girl and Cooper. She hopes to write more books in the future. Follow Amanda’s journey on Facebook,  or twitter at https://twitter.com/AmandaGremilli2 and order her book here.  Also, follow her on the Mighty here Amanda Dodson Gremillion | The Mighty Contributor or listen to her podcast here Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine • A podcast on Anchor . You can also find her on Instagram here Amanda Dodson Gremillion (@justbuyheradress) • Instagram photos and videos. Amanda is also a Community Champion for a website and app about physical and mental health called Twill Care which can be found at https://www.twill.health/twill-care.

What Helps Amanda, 39, with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Posted on by Amanda Dodson Gremillion

Normally when I have something published by the Mighty, a mental health website, it is usually a blog I have already published here, but this time, it is a submission I sent in regarding what helps me manage my illness. Please check it out at the link below….

https://themighty.com/2022/06/what-helps-woman-thirties-obsessive-compulsive-disorder/?utm_source=engagement_bar&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=story_page.engagement_bar%2F&fbclid=IwAR3Xn2_fEtCTBbuJRRQeg5yB_Ez5jVLfwgwgkCsfuG5mwbqBfusXSArMKCU

Bio: Amanda Dodson Gremillion published her first book in 2012. She began revising it in 2019 and republished it as Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine. The story chronicles her experience with severe postpartum OCD, anxiety and depression. Amanda is a graduate of Auburn University, and now lives in Calera, Alabama, with her husband, Jay, their daughter, Aubrie, and their two dogs, Honey Girl and Cooper. She hopes to write more books in the future. Follow Amanda’s journey on Facebook,  or twitter at https://twitter.com/AmandaGremilli2 and order her book here.  Also, follow her on the Mighty here Amanda Dodson Gremillion | The Mighty Contributor or listen to her podcast here Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine • A podcast on Anchor . You can also find her on Instagram here Amanda Dodson Gremillion (@justbuyheradress) • Instagram photos and videos. Amanda is also a Community Champion for a website and app about physical and mental health called Kopa which can be found at www.kopa.com.

Music Therapy

Posted on by Amanda Dodson Gremillion

I was recently contacted by Joseph, who is part of the Community Outreach team at White House Recovery & Detox, and their goal is to educate the public on life skills and essential therapies and resources for mental health and wellness, in hopes to raise awareness and prevention.  

After reviewing my website, they thought their new article on Music and Mental Health would be an excellent addition to my resources and I agreed, which you can see here, https://recoveryatwhitehouse.com/music-therapy-and-mental-health/ . I have also added their main website as a resource on the About section of my website.

Here is some more helpful information Joseph provided: “As you may know, mental health issues are at an all-time high with more cases of anxiety and depression than ever before. The silver lining to the pandemic is that the stigma around mental health has dropped, making it easier for people to seek the help they need. One type of therapy I’ve found interesting to learn about is music therapy. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is an evidence-based practice of a board-certified music therapist to help clients achieve non-music goals such as improving mental health and recovering from addiction.”

I have actually been meaning to add more to a newer section on my site called “Music and Mental Health” including some blogs and podcasts about how music has helped improve my own mental health, so keep an eye out for new posts on that soon! Please feel free to share in the comments how music has helped your mental health and what music specifically and how? Or as always, feel free to share with me privately if you want me to share your story confidentially.

Bio: Amanda Dodson Gremillion published her first book in 2012. She began revising it in 2019 and republished it as Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine. The story chronicles her experience with severe postpartum OCD, anxiety and depression. Amanda is a graduate of Auburn University, and now lives in Calera, Alabama, with her husband, Jay, their daughter, Aubrie, and their two dogs, Honey Girl and Cooper. She hopes to write more books in the future. Follow Amanda’s journey on Facebook,  or twitter at https://twitter.com/AmandaGremilli2 and order her book here.  Also, follow her on the Mighty here Amanda Dodson Gremillion | The Mighty Contributor or listen to her podcast here Just Buy Her A Dress and She’ll Be Fine • A podcast on Anchor . You can also find her on Instagram here Amanda Dodson Gremillion (@justbuyheradress) • Instagram photos and videos.