If you need support, understanding, and love, let us know here.

Thank you - and much love and light to all the parents on here. And yes, I came back on here now because I can feel the healing vibes!! Less coughing over the last hour or two, chills dissipating.

There are 2 epidemics I see: one is the physical one (urgent care was packed today) - I know people from ages 20 to 80 that have been sick like me all winter on and off. It's not the flu, probably paraflu (aka croup) or possibly RSV. And then many of us get secondary bacterial infections because we don't have stellar immune systems to begin with.

The other is the epidemic of mental illness in young people, especially teens to early 20s. My daughter has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (with cyclothymic characteristics), ADD, Executive Dysfunction and mild borderline personality disorder. We raised her with love, kindness but boundaries also. She has zero coping skills, no ability to foresee consequences of anyone's actions (especially not her own), and no self-awareness whatsoever. We keep her in therapy with an excellent psychiatrist, which helps a little, but she doesn't really engage well, which is a shame because I think Dialectal Behavior Therapy would be helpful for her (but it requires self-reflection and journaling, which she refuses to do).  Many of my friends with similar age kids are facing similar issues: bipolar, suicidal ideation, addiction, etc. I think a lot of it has to do with social media and perfectionism.

@bluebelle @honeybee @lovendures @ghandigirl - ❤️ ? ❤️ ? ❤️ ? ❤️ ? 

Love to you mothers. ❤️ Seeing your child in pain is the hardest thing. My son is 13 and I am bracing myself, since his dad and I both struggled with depression.

Just wanted to chime in about the "epidemic" of mental illness among young people. I teach freshman at a university and we see so much struggle with this. Many of my students tell me they have a hard time getting out of bed and they are so anxious and depressed that it is hard to keep up with their work. Many of them also feel pessimistic about the future, as in "what is the use if climate change is just going to destroy everything." I don't believe the cause of a crisis like this can be attributed to one thing, like cell phones or diet--so many factors come together, but we have a larger social issue when we see this many people struggling. I'd like to believe that we are seeing more deeply sensitive people coming of age, people with greater kindness, empathy, and awareness of interconnectedness than we've seen in generations past, to help push us out of this patriarchal, capitalist society that has plundered and caused mass extinction and the brink of collapse. (Kind of hard to avoid anxiety and depression in these circumstances, right?) With the sensitivity and vulnerability I see in these young people, I also see strength and a fighting spirit deep down. There is hope. Let's keep praying to support them as they grow into the powerful change agents they are becoming. 

@lovendures

I just read your post.   My heart goes out to you.  I too have a 20 year old daughter, the last of my four children.   She has had challenges from an early age.   She’s been in therapy since she was 8.  In short life can be hard, almost unbearable at times.   Just hold on to each other.  Unconditional love is the constant and will ultimately be the gentle hug that will follow her.  It’s hard for parents to watch their kids struggle.   I will pray for your daughter and for you all.   Sending you love, peace and wrapping my arms around you all.   

This  is why I love this place.   It’s a safe haven for our fears, worries, heartache and joy.  It’s our village and I’ve been blessed by it.   Sending you all double doses of peace and light.   We need it. ❤️☮️

Could you please send my husband some healing prayers?  He's been sick twice with a bad respiratory bug since early December.   The bug returned late last week.  He's on a second round of antibiotics, because this seems to have turned into an infection.  And could you also include me in your prayers, so I won't catch it from him?   I got really sick during the Christmas holidays, and didn't feel better until a week ago.

@laura-f, I'm sorry that you've gotten sick again.  I am sending healing light your way, and pray that you recover quickly.  There are some nasty bugs going around.  Two I've heard about:  one upper respiratory, and the other a stomach flu.  Seems like each time I'm out, I meet someone who has/had the respiratory one.  It can be quite stubborn.  And there is one flu strain that isn't helped much by the flu shot.   My husband got the flu shot but it hasn't helped him with this.   Because of my ongoing autoimmune problems, my integrative doctor advises against my getting the shot.  When I got sick over the holidays, I ended up on antibiotics.  Even after my symptoms abated, I became so depleted and fatigued from this bug that I could barely function.  My integrative doctor administered a Meyers and Glutathione IV.  That intense dose of vitamins and detoxification seemed to help my fatigue.   

@lovendures, how is your daughter doing now?  Like you, I am also perplexed as to why so many people are ill this year, but I have my suspicions.  Although these viral and bacterial bugs are real, I believe our resistance can be compromised because of the ongoing national and global stress we are experiencing.  Can you imagine what this constant onslaught of bad news and toxic energy is doing to our physical bodies?  As well as the climate crisis we are experiencing.   It's all creating a form of trauma, which I believe is wearing us down.  The mind/body connection.   I know that's often true for me.

A reminder for us to take care of ourselves, and each other.  I am sending protective and healing light to all of you.  We will all get through this together.

@deetoo sending both you & your husband light and healing. While I am at it- sending it to the whole world. It seems light is needed to address this physical, moral, emotional, and spiritual funk in the world  ( which I realize is an understatement).  ❤️❤️❤️

@ghandigirl, I wish you were here with me now, so I could give you a big hug.  So you could rest your head on my shoulder, and hopefully find some peaceful rest.  I'm feeling your energy right now, and that enormous heart you have.  As I think about what you’ve shared of your life story,  I am always amazed by your grace, strength and courage.   You may not always feel it, but it’s there.  And I feel your angels there too. 

I am so glad that you are sharing with us here.  Please continue to post whenever you feel the desire or need.  I am sending you love and a blanket of healing, protective light.  May it keep you warm, safe, and at peace. ❤️ ? ❤️ 

@deetoo

I'm also on my third go-round since early December, second round of antibiotics too. I decided last night to do my best to clear my schedule for the next 2 weeks and just rest, including a much-needed massage, but I don't want to get my favorite masseuse sick! My functional/integrative/primary doc remains 3,000 miles away (haven't found anyone here who is as good and who I can afford), so detox for me will consist of doing a bit of a purge diet when I'm more recovered.

Let's all just hold hands in the virtual/spiritual realm, make a circle, and try to lift each other up out of stress, trauma, and illness.

@laura-f, funny that you mentioned massage.  When my husband was ill the first time, I initially avoided getting sick by taking a steady dose of Vitamin C and homeopathic remedies (Umcka and Zicam).  I had some congestion in my head, but it wasn't bad at all.  Then I went to my physical therapist for some much-needed cranial stability work.  All of her work on my head and neck opened up the floodgates; by that evening, I felt sick as a dog with the coughing, drainage, low-grade fever and fatigue.  That stubborn bug was hiding until she pressed the magic buttons.  For as uncomfortable as it was, I guess this thing just had to  run it's course. 

Glad to hear that you're clearing your schedule and resting.  Have you ever done lymphatic drainage on yourself?  If not, I've got a couple of good videos that I can share with you, if you're interested.

@deetoo

I've got a homeopathic tincture for lymph drainage. I suspect it's just vodka in a dropper bottle, but it works ?   and yes, please, video links would be much appreciated.

@thebeast

Wow! A wild ride through space, time and your visions and thoughts on the cosmology of the human soul. 

A fascinating take and journey of thought that will give many of us so much more to think about that you might imagine!

@lovendures

Oh sweet lady,  I don't think there's a parent here who doesn't see, hear and feel themselves and our children in your story and in your words.

I would be baring my soul, my full and aching heart here daily I think if I could, to let you know you are not alone because the light of empathy, compassion and love is so great.

I remember we all once talking here about helping our own children and how one needed to ask for their own self not the child for a lot of personal choice, self and will reasons for others.

And I realized how simple it is to say light and love is being sent but how deep and complex that sacred energy truly is to manifest in a way that actually benefits others.

So, you have done exactly what is best. You reached into your own heart with the light of recognition and asked as a hurting mother would truly ask.

So today and every day knowing that part of you that is your daughter and part of me and my own daughters are so connected in so many ways.

I send you so much caring, compassion, mercy and wisdom through the grace of spiritual light that all you understand, know, believe and have deep faith in will evolve and be shared within every fiber of your own being to become what you and she both need in this lifetime.

Holy praise and joy for such love and faith that already lies within you and is already radiating out today and every day. For the power of a mother's love is more powerful that most would or could ever dream or imagine.

???

@laura-f,

Assuming it's not vodka?, do you have the name of the tincture? Or is it something that you get from your doctor?

Attached are the two videos.  The first is for general head congestion, the second focuses on clogged ears.   My PT gave me additional instructions for head drainage, using a gloved hand  inside the mouth and massaging the upper palate, running clockwise and "tracing the rays of the sun."   (Yes, you heard me right.)  I found the latter too unpleasant, so I won't pass that along unless you're really interested.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA-wi0d7-Ro&list=PLnOn3YH7khchcqZUumIkpFb-gZW_Yzicv&index=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAs9uFYvcrk&list=PLnOn3YH7khchcqZUumIkpFb-gZW_Yzicv&index=3&t=0s

@deetoo

Thanks for the links. No, won't be sticking fingers in my mouth - I have hyper-gag reflex.

The tincture is called Lymph II, you can only get it from chiropractors and acupuncturists, the company won't sell direct, so we order it every year from our old acupuncturist in FL. When she retires we'll be screwed...

BTW I have found reposado tequila to be nearly as helpful, especially if mixed with a citrus-mango juice.

@herondreams

Posted by: @herondreams

With the sensitivity and vulnerability I see in these young people, I also see strength and a fighting spirit deep down. There is hope. Let's keep praying to support them as they grow into the powerful change agents they are becoming. 

You may be on to something, A connection of anxiety and depression with the climate crisis regarding our youth is very interesting..  I  LOVE  your statement of hope above.  So hopefulful and empowering.

Thank you for your prayers!

@febbby23

I love what you said about this place being our village. In so many ways too.  

Thank you for your prayers and all that sent love.

@jeanne-mayell

I always feel your love when you send caring messages as you so often do.  They are always appreciated and give so much support and healing. And hope.  Can't forget the hope. 

Thank You! Thank You!

Posted by: @michele-b

@lovendures

Oh sweet lady,  I don't think there's a parent here who doesn't see, hear and feel themselves and our children in your story and in your words.

I would be baring my soul, my full and aching heart here daily I think if I could, to let you know you are not alone because the light of empathy, compassion and love is so great.

I remember we all once talking here about helping our own children and how one needed to ask for their own self not the child for a lot of personal choice, self and will reasons for others.

And I realized how simple it is to say light and love is being sent but how deep and complex that sacred energy truly is to manifest in a way that actually benefits others.

So, you have done exactly what is best. You reached into your own heart with the light of recognition and asked as a hurting mother would truly ask.

So today and every day knowing that part of you that is your daughter and part of me and my own daughters are so connected in so many ways.

I send you so much caring, compassion, mercy and wisdom through the grace of spiritual light that all you understand, know, believe and have deep faith in will evolve and be shared within every fiber of your own being to become what you and she both need in this lifetime.

Holy praise and joy for such love and faith that already lies within you and is already radiating out today and every day. For the power of a mother's love is more powerful that most would or could ever dream or imagine.

???

@michele-b

My intention was to highly a particular thought which struck me while reading your post.  But while I re-read it just now, I realize EVERYTHING moves me.  So I thank you for your words once again.  They are very loving and caring.  They always are, for all of us.

I am sending yo a great big loving  hug my friend.

@deetoo

Thank you for asking about my old daughter, the music educator. 

She is a very strong empath.  She is teaching at a title one school.  Children with LOTS of needs, more than you would ever dream.  She also is dealing with behavioral issues in classes and is responsible for teaching 8 classes a day, and is responsible for between 600-700 students for music over all.

 Lots of germs.  Absorbing all of the emotional baggage the kids are feeling and trying to stay on her game is a bit overwhelming for her immune system I imagine.  I think today is a decent health day.  Yesterday she was worried she was getting the stomach flu, but ginger helped.  She needs a long break.  She is working about 12 hours a day between actually teaching, lesson planning, grading and parent conferences.  I would say another 6 or so hours over the weekend.  

She has actually gotten MAD about getting sick so much.  I am hopeful she is done with everything that is out there contaminating the world right now.

@laura-f

and @deetoo

Hi, hope you don't mind me giving my 2 cents to recommend something I'm currently taking that has helped me from getting whatever cold my husband has (and he seems to be getting over it faster than normal too). We take these two products: Gaia Herbs Whole Body Defense Liquid Phyto-Capsules, 60 Count and gaia quick defense immune support at onset

https://www.amazon.com/Gaia-Herbs-Defense-Liquid-Capsules/dp/B00F1J80T8/ref=sr_1_10?crid=GBEKOFQS9LBW&keywords=gaia%2Bquick%2Bdefense%2Bimmune%2Bsupport%2Bat%2Bonset&qid=1579724431&sprefix=gaia%2Bquick%2Bdefense%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-10&th=1

Better than zicam or anything else we've tried :)

@triciact, Thanks.  I've seen those in Whole Foods and will give them a try.   Umcka usually works well for me, but this bug was determined to stick around.

@lovendures, Your daughter is under a lot of stress.  Teaching so many children with special needs, being so dedicated, and an empath, makes it all even more challenging.  And then there's the exposure to all of those kids' germs.  Our next door neighbor, who is a teacher in elementary school, recently said to me, "I've been sick for the past few months because of my exposure to live bacteria on my job."  Being so foggy-brained I took her literally, thinking that she changed professions.  It occurred to me after the fact that she was talking about her students!  She has a rather wicked sense of humor.

Your daughter is a gift to her students, and her profession is a sacred one.   I will keep your daughter in my prayers, so that she receive divine direction, balance, and any support she needs.