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- Drop 024: Bringing Light to Mental Illness: Alessandra Torresani Shares Her Story
Drop 024: Bringing Light to Mental Illness: Alessandra Torresani Shares Her Story
Kris Crews
June 20, 2023
Welcome to Drop 024! We took the day off yesterday for Juneteenth but we’re back today with your weekly dose of 1% better. Here’s what we’ve got for you today:
Discover the healing power of nature with ecotherapy
Learn how to build an efficient home gym on a budget
Stay financially safe by learning to recognize and avoid scams
Cultivate enriching relationships by managing cultural differences
From Diagnosis to Dialogue: Alessandra Torresani on Living with Bipolar 1 Disorder
Embrace the Healing Embrace of Nature: Exploring Ecotherapy
Ecotherapy is a therapeutic practice that emphasizes the healing power of nature. Discover how connecting with the natural world can bolster your mental health and bring tranquility to your everyday life.
Start with simple outdoor activities: a walk in the park, gardening, or a picnic.
Explore mindfulness outdoors: concentrate on the sensations of the wind, the sound of birds, or the scent of flowers.
Consider outdoor group activities: such as community gardening or hiking groups, to combine social interaction with the benefits of nature.
💊 How To Take Your Dose:
Dedicate 15 minutes every other day to mindful nature walks for the next month. This way, you'll be nurturing your mental health and building a stronger connection with the world around you.
Flex Your Financial Muscles: Creating a Home Gym on a Shoestring Budget
This dose for your body uncovers how you can create an effective home gym without breaking the bank. With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can stay in shape and save money.
Opt for multipurpose equipment: resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, or an exercise ball.
Use household items: full water bottles can replace weights, and stairs can be your step machine.
Take advantage of free online workout resources.
💊 How To Take Your Dose:
Invest in one piece of multipurpose workout equipment this month and use it three times a week. This way, you'll be investing in your health without emptying your wallet.
Safeguard Your Savings: Navigating the World of Financial Scams
As technology evolves, so do the tactics of scammers. Learning to recognize and avoid scams is a crucial skill for financial wellness.
Use the "4 Ps" of Scam Detection to safeguard your finances:
Pretense: Scammers often impersonate familiar organizations or individuals. Independently verify any unexpected communication
Problem or Prize: Scams typically involve sudden issues or unrealistic windfalls. Be wary of urgent money demands or too-good-to-be-true promises
Pressure: Scammers rush you to decide without thinking. Remember, legitimate organizations give you time to make decisions
Payment: Beware of unconventional payment methods like cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards, as scammers prefer these for their anonymity
💊 How To Take Your Dose:
Invest 30 minutes a week to stay updated on scam tactics:
Week 1: Dive deeper into the "4 Ps" and learn about common scams.
Week 2: Identify and bookmark reliable financial news and updates sources.
Week 3: Learn about your consumer rights and the steps to take if scammed.
Week 4: Assess your financial habits. Are you secure with sensitive information? Do you verify unexpected contacts?
Sharing this knowledge with loved ones can help protect them too, as scammers often target the most vulnerable. Stay safe and financially secure!
Building Bridges, Not Walls: Managing Cultural Differences in Relationships
Culture - it's the backdrop to our lives, the framework of our worldviews, and a rich tapestry that adds color and depth to our interactions. However, when two cultural worlds collide in a relationship, it can sometimes seem more like a challenge than an opportunity. Let's change that perspective.
Here's an enhanced 4-step framework, derived from relationship experts, to help you create a bridge of understanding across cultural divides:
Understanding and Acknowledging: Start by recognizing the presence of cultural differences and understanding that each person's cultural background shapes their beliefs and values. Know that these differences aren't a barrier but a chance to learn and grow together.
Active Learning: Educate yourself about your partner's culture. Read about it, ask questions, and show interest. This not only helps you understand your partner better but also demonstrates respect for their heritage.
Respect and Appreciation: Always show respect for each other’s cultural practices and beliefs. Differences in culture can be a source of enrichment and learning, adding a unique dimension to your relationship.
Compromise: With cultural differences come different expectations and norms. Learn to compromise and find a balance that honors both of your cultural backgrounds.
💊 How To Take Your Dose:
Week 1: Understand and Acknowledge. Reflect on the role your cultural background plays in your life.
Week 2: Active Learning. Initiate a conversation about cultural backgrounds or values with a partner or friend.
Week 3: Respect and Appreciation. Identify one cultural practice or tradition from your partner or friend that you find interesting. Show appreciation by participating in it or learning more about it.
Week 4: Compromise. Discuss any cultural differences that might have caused misunderstandings in the past and find ways to compromise and build a common ground.
Remember, the goal is not to erase or ignore cultural differences but to embrace them as a beautiful part of your shared journey. By following this four-step framework, you're not only deepening your relationships but also expanding your cultural horizons.
Alessandra Torresani Opens Up About Her Diagnosis with Bi-Polar 1 Disorder
“I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 when I was 21 years old after being misdiagnosed when I was younger. I had no idea what it was. And after being properly diagnosed, it wasn’t until the age of 30 that I could properly talk about it in an open and honest conversation.
As an actress in the entertainment industry, I was told by people in the business that I shouldn’t share about my mental illness and that it was a good look. They didn’t want me to have certain labels, but finally, I told myself I was over it because I was ready to talk about it. I was hearing other people’s stories, and I thought if someone could help me, maybe I could help someone.
And from that moment, things started to unfold, and I talked more about my mental illness, bringing it to light, and I also talked about maternal mental health and the importance of that because it’s not something that’s talked about at all.
I’ve been lucky to have an amazing support system, especially with my husband and mom. I know that many people don’t have that, so I’m so thankful for them and how they’ve seen me or even been there as I’ve worked on regulating my emotions or when I’m having a hard day or on the brink of having an episode. I look to give that type of support to others, too. And I’ve been able to do that on my podcast.
On my podcast, EmotinAL Support, I’ve been able to talk about my mental illness more, and it’s been the most incredible thing in the world. I couldn’t find anything on bipolar disorder and pregnancy anywhere, and to hear other women’s stories like that or to have people write to me or share their stories has been so touching and fulfilling to know that I’m even making a difference in someone’s life.
The more we talk about this, the better. It’s really fun for me to connect with people this way, and I’m so grateful. Even with the negative messages I receive or seeing the awful things people say to me, I say, “Well, you’re listening still, so I must be doing something right.” And that keeps me going – I'm content as long as I’m reaching people and continue bringing people on to the show to connect with others. This truly makes me happy.”
***If you'd like to be featured in our Real Stories From Real People section, fill out this form. You could end up in one of our weekly drops and inspire thousands of readers with your story.
That's a wrap for Drop 024! We'll see you on Friday for some "Extra Sauce" 😏🍝 Remember — 1 Step At A Time, 1 Day At A Time, 1% Better, Together. ☝️👆
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