Author: Amanda Wilson

Hi! My name is Amanda Wilson and I am a writer and mental health advocate. I'm living with PTSD and GAD, so I am fighting the good the fight to break down barriers for people living with mental health issues! If you would like to learn more about my story, follow my blog at www.amandalwilson.wordpress.com
Mental Health, PTSD

To the Boss Who Kept Dismissing My Mental Illness

Amanda Wilson

Conflict in the workplace is unavoidable.

Whether you work at a large corporation or a small local business, conflict is an issue every workplace faces. Whether it is between co-workers, between you and your boss, or between share holders and suppliers, sometimes even with clients and customers.

Workplace arguments are bound to happen. Whether you and a coworker disagree on a project, or you’re having issues with a disgruntled customer, or you’re just having a bad day yourself and you lose your nerve. It’s unfortunate but it happens.

The bottom line: Conflict happens, but most conflicts can be overcome. Keep Reading!

Mental Health, Mental Illness, Music and Therapy

Why I Can’t Stop Listening to Linkin Park’s New Song “Heavy”

Amanda Wilson

I’ve been a Linkin Park fan for over ten years now.

And let’s be honest, I go on..and on…and on about how their music has helped me through some of the most difficult moments in my life.

I’m a firm believer that music can heal just as well as medication and therapy. For me, blaring LP in my ear buds and screaming  into my pillow has been just as therapeutic as crying to my therapist during a counselling session.

A lot of LP’s songs have provided me with comfort and a lot of reflection through the years, especially early on in my diagnosis with PTSD.

So of course, when Mike Shinoda’s teased a video of him playing a somber piano tune, I was STOKED! Keep Reading!

LBGTQ2S, Mental Health, PTSD

Why Lady Gaga’s Halftime Show Performance Matters (to Me)

Amanda Wilson

Despite all the mixed reviews about Lady Gaga performing for the Super Bowl Halftime Show, I have to admit, I was pretty stoked when the blonde beauty posted on Instagram a few months ago that she was going to be headlining the show.

But Lady Gaga is popular (and sometimes criticized) for many things.

Is she eccentric? Maybe, a little. Is she unique? Definitely. Is she beautiful? She’s absolutely ga-ga-gorgeous (or I think so). Is she a great performer? Absolutely.

Am I a fan? Hell yes! But not just because of her music. Keep Reading!

PTSD

When Words Fail, Music Speaks

Amanda Wilson

Last night, during a typical 2am, anxiety-overload, my-mind-won’t-turn-off bit, I started thinking about how far I have come since I started sharing my personal story about living with PTSD on social media.

I started thinking about my first blog post and how I vomited twice when I clicked “Publish” after I wrote my post that told the details of my illness. Then I started thinking about all I have accomplished in the last year, and of course, I started becoming giddy over how popular my post on The Mighty had become (“To the Cashier Who Realized I Was Having a Panic Attack”), which by the way, has gotten a second wind when To Write Love on Her Arms shared the article today on their page/twitter! (Thanks guys!)

So, as I’m lied there in bed, listening to Zack and Miesha snore away, and Arty purring next to my head, I realized it was finally 3am and I needed to get up for work in a few hours.

Great, another day of exhaustion and picky customers.

So, using my ol’ faithful playlist on my iPhone dubbed “My Lullaby List,” I was struck with a thought.

Music. Keep Reading!

Mental Illness, PTSD

A Blogger’s Year In Review

Amanda Wilson

Hello beautiful humans!!

I must apologize again for being so late in posting another article!

I could list excuses (‘Cause I have lots!) but honestly, between working 12-15 hour shifts at work and trying to survive the Christmas season without too many panic attacks or triggers is tough work for a mental health blogger.

Once again, I do say I am sorry! Keep Reading!

Mental Illness, PTSD

To The Cashier Who Realized I Was Having a Panic Attack

Amanda Wilson

To the cashier who realized I was having a panic attack,

First off, let me say this. Bravo!

While I understand working retail can be a crazy and fast-paced job (because I have worked retail jobs before too), I can only image the obscene things people must say to you, or the jaw-dropping scenes you must witness from time to time. Nobody is perfect, but sometimes shopping, especially Christmas shopping, can bring out the worst in us.

It’s hard enough for anyone shopping in big box realtor stores with cramped aisles and crowds of people, it’s even worse when you have social anxiety that stems from your PTSD. Keep Reading!

Mental Illness, PTSD

A Word of Advice on the Good Days

Amanda Wilson

If it there has been something I have been grateful for lately, it has been the beautiful days I have experienced over these last several months.

And no, I am not referring to the balmy summer weather that we were lucky enough to experience for more than one month this season or the fact there is a hint of autumn in the air, signalling the start of a new season. As much as I do love this time of the year, this is not what I am grateful for. Keep Reading!

Blog Awards

The Run.Rabbit.Run PTSD Award – I am Truly Humbled!

Amanda Wilson

I woke up to some good news…well actually great news this morning!

I have been nominated for the Run.Rabbit.Run PTSD Award (Previously known as the Blogger Recognition Award)!!

I have been nominated for this wonderful blog award by the ever-inspiring Courage Coaching! Thank you so much! I feel both humbled and grateful!

I’ve been following Courage Coaching for quite some time now and her posts never fail to offer sound advice and have helped me dealing with my own mental health issues while offering me different perspectives and insights into trauma. Her blog is always a joy to read and I feel very grateful to have been nominated! Thank you so much Athina Ehlen! ❤ Keep Reading!