kittenwitchandthebadvibes

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

I try to keep anything that could be considered "discourse" off this blog, but I just wanted to quickly address this, because @violetvapours and @cosmic-elementalist have done exactly as I asked in the post; be brave and call out misinformation - even (or perhaps especially?) when it's ME spreading that misinformation. I absolutely want to be held accountable, learn, and be better!

I wrote this post in 2017, and have learned a lot since then. I didn't think to rewrite any of the information when I reblogged/reposted for World Mental Health Day 2021. That's 100% on me, and I appreciate being held accountable for that. One of the things I learned since '17 was that there's a lot of controversy around the idea of a "chemical imbalance" being the cause of mental illness, first because there's a lot more nuance to mental health than "just" chemical imbalances, and secondly because there's no proof that's the case.

The truth is, the world is still learning about the myriad of factors that cause mental illness. It was easy for me to believe in the chemical imbalance theory because SSRI's made the biggest difference in MY personal journey - but even then, that's NOT proof my mental health issues were CAUSED by a chemical imbalance, and it's certainly not an indication of what will work for everyone. I never intended to generalize or be reductionist, and I am so sorry if I made anyone feel that way!

My original intention was to summarise that mental illness is real and treatable. That was true in 2017, and is still true now, regardless of the things I learned and unlearned in getting here.

Thank you so much for being on this journey with me 💖

Softness & Warmth,

Tahlia

October 10 is World Mental Health Day, so let’s talk about how we can end the stigma surrounding mental health 🌱

🗨 TALK🗨

Start a dialogue about your own experiences 💖 Mental Health is still stigmatized and that can make it difficult to talk about openly, but the more we talk, the more we help to normalize the discussion. But it’s not just about helping the world see Mental Health differently, but about your perception too; talking about your problems can help you work through them, and see them in a more realistic light, and it helps the people around you understand your needs.

Challenge incorrect information 💖 If you see someone spreading incorrect information about mental health, be brave and step in. Remind people that mental illnesses are disorders of the brain, and are usually due to chemical imbalances, in the same way that disorders of other organs might be due to a vitamin deficiency, or the body not being able to produce the right amount of hormones.

Ask others about their experiences 💖 Encourage others to talk about their own mental health issues, if they feel comfortable doing so.  

💭 LISTEN💭

Provide a judgement-free environment 💖 Sometimes people just need to vent, rather than have a discussion, and as well-meaning as you might be you need to respect that. Ask if they’d like to discuss their issues or if they’d just like to vent and be given a sympathetic shoulder to lean on. Mental Illness can make us hyper sensitive to perceived criticism, and feel unable to open up. Create a judgement-free environment by giving them your full attention, and by allowing people to talk at their own pace, without interruption.

Ask what they need, don’t assume 💖 What we need and what someone else needs might be two different things, so ask and listen to what someone says when they talk about their needs. It might be tempting to think “they’re just being lazy” or “if I give them a push they’ll get there eventually”, but respecting their wishes is not just about whether or not they know best. Ask them if they need their boundaries pushed, or if today is a good day to try. There will be days where they are more open to pushing their boundaries. If you force them too early you may deter them from trying again, and it may hurt their trust in you.  

💬 CHECK💬

Check in 💖 Now’s a good time to check up on the people around you. Don’t just say hello, ask how they are feeling; specifically how they feel mental-health wise. It becomes a habit to say “I’m fine”, even when you’re not, and mental illness makes it harder to be forthcoming with how we feel. Give them the option to say “well, now that you mention it…” instead of the usual small talk.

Check up 💖 Have you been ignoring your own mental health needs? Procrastinating on getting proper professional help? Now’s a good time to make an appointment with your GP for a check up!

Check yourself 💖 Even the most open-minded of us need to keep our own privilege and bias in-check. If you hear someone talk about an issue or symptom they face that you think might be exaggerated, made-up, or their own fault, consider that your own bias, privilege, or lack of understanding may be clouding your judgement. Everyone’s experiences are different, so try to remember not to compare. Have a judgement-free discussion, give advice or offer alternatives, but in the end: trust THEIR judgement of THEIR situation.

#long post #reblog #kitten chirps

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

October 10 is World Mental Health Day, so let’s talk about how we can end the stigma surrounding mental health 🌱

🗨 TALK🗨

Start a dialogue about your own experiences 💖 Mental Health is still stigmatized and that can make it difficult to talk about openly, but the more we talk, the more we help to normalize the discussion. But it’s not just about helping the world see Mental Health differently, but about your perception too; talking about your problems can help you work through them, and see them in a more realistic light, and it helps the people around you understand your needs.

Challenge incorrect information 💖 If you see someone spreading incorrect information about mental health, be brave and step in. Remind people that mental illnesses are disorders of the brain, and are usually due to chemical imbalances, in the same way that disorders of other organs might be due to a vitamin deficiency, or the body not being able to produce the right amount of hormones.

Ask others about their experiences 💖 Encourage others to talk about their own mental health issues, if they feel comfortable doing so.  

💭 LISTEN💭

Provide a judgement-free environment 💖 Sometimes people just need to vent, rather than have a discussion, and as well-meaning as you might be you need to respect that. Ask if they’d like to discuss their issues or if they’d just like to vent and be given a sympathetic shoulder to lean on. Mental Illness can make us hyper sensitive to perceived criticism, and feel unable to open up. Create a judgement-free environment by giving them your full attention, and by allowing people to talk at their own pace, without interruption.

Ask what they need, don’t assume 💖 What we need and what someone else needs might be two different things, so ask and listen to what someone says when they talk about their needs. It might be tempting to think “they’re just being lazy” or “if I give them a push they’ll get there eventually”, but respecting their wishes is not just about whether or not they know best. Ask them if they need their boundaries pushed, or if today is a good day to try. There will be days where they are more open to pushing their boundaries. If you force them too early you may deter them from trying again, and it may hurt their trust in you.  

💬 CHECK💬

Check in 💖 Now’s a good time to check up on the people around you. Don’t just say hello, ask how they are feeling; specifically how they feel mental-health wise. It becomes a habit to say “I’m fine”, even when you’re not, and mental illness makes it harder to be forthcoming with how we feel. Give them the option to say “well, now that you mention it…” instead of the usual small talk.

Check up 💖 Have you been ignoring your own mental health needs? Procrastinating on getting proper professional help? Now’s a good time to make an appointment with your GP for a check up!

Check yourself 💖 Even the most open-minded of us need to keep our own privilege and bias in-check. If you hear someone talk about an issue or symptom they face that you think might be exaggerated, made-up, or their own fault, consider that your own bias, privilege, or lack of understanding may be clouding your judgement. Everyone’s experiences are different, so try to remember not to compare. Have a judgement-free discussion, give advice or offer alternatives, but in the end: trust THEIR judgement of THEIR situation.

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

Make a habit of scheduling in (and defending!) your break time 📖 🧘‍♀️ And I don’t mean running errands while you scarf down your lunch 🥪 🏃‍♀️ Take a break that revitalizes you, that helps you regain your energy and peace of mind. You don’t need to earn your breaks, you deserve them, and your work and well being will be better for it! 😌

What does a break look like to you? 💖

#breaktime #mindfulness #wellbeing #relaxation #take a break #kittenwitch #kittenwitchandthebadvibes #kitten witch #kitten witch and the bad vibes #gif

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

5.29 Billion Doses Worldwide so far! 💉🌎 Let's keep it up, babes! 💪

#covid vax #vaccine #get vaxxed #vax #gif #kitten witch #kittenwitchandthebadvibes #kitten witch and the bad vibes #drawkittenwitchinyourstyle #I got my first dose today!

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

When you feel like hell, being told “but one day you won’t!” can often come across as dismissive, trite, and disingenuous. Like, yeah, one day, but not this day. So if that’s where you are right now, smack dab in the middle of The Bad Times, it’s ok that the promise of a better future isn’t enough to make you feel better in the present.  Yeah, you’ll get there one day, but in the meantime; know that you are intrinsically worthy of kindness and love, even when you’re angry and hurt and not ok 💖

#mental illness #mental health #mental health support #kindness #recovery #kittenwitch #kittenwitchandthebadvibes #kitten witch #kitten witch and the bad vibes #gif

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

We’re all going at different paces, and we’re all making different sized splashes, but we’re ALL going TOGETHER ☔🌈🐌 A slightly different post this week, as I play catch up; my husband had an impromptu trip to the ER (he’s fine and back home now! 💪💖) If you saw us at Melbourne Supanova earlier this year you might have already seen this piece, this is on some of our new merch, which will be available when the store is up and running!✌

#artists on tumblr #hydrangea #rain #illustration #bunny #snail #kittenwitchandthebadvibes #Kitten Witch and Bad Vibes #Kitten Witch #kittenwitch

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

Sometimes it’s scary to stand up for what’s right, not just because of the bad guys, but because we’re afraid of being judged by our fellow activists! 🙀 But don’t let that stop you from showing up; be willing to show up imperfectly, and be willing to learn, apologize, and make right, if you do something wrong  😌 Be willing to be imperfect 💖  

#activism #disability #ally #LGBTQIA #blm ally #kitten witch #kitten witch and the bad vibes #kittenwitchandthebadvibes #kittenwitch #gif #show up imperfectly

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

#depression #mental illness #self love #love #gif #kitten witch and the bad vibes #kittenwitchandthebadvibes #kitten witch #kittenwitch #you don't know how bright you shine #ok but I kept singing Linkin Park during this #AND THE SUN DOESN'T GIVE LIGHT TO THE MOON ASSUMING THE MOON'S GONNA OWE IT ONE

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

What it means when we say You’re Not The Only One:

There are people out there who understand how you’re feeling 👫

There are people out there who have made the same mistakes 😥

You are not some aberration out of 7.5 billion people 🌏

You are not the worst, you are one of many. You are not alone. 💖

#mental illness #mental health awareness #mentally drained #mental health recovery #mental health support #kitten witch and the bad vibes #kittenwitchandthebadvibes #kitten witch #kittenwitch #gif #kindness #you are not alone #food #food warning #food trigger #food trigger warning #tw food #food tw #cw food #food cw #food / #ed tw #tw ed #ed warning #ed trigger #ed trigger warning #ed/ #ed / #food/

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

Helpful and Preventative Stretches for Writers, Artists, and Gamers 💪🎨✍🎮

If you type, write, draw, game, or generally use your hands a lot (especially if you’re prone to RSI or Carpal Tunnel!) try these stretches as both a preventative measure, and on the spot relief. Take care of yourself and your body, friends!

Start with hands up, fingers stretched out.  Stretch your thumb as far as you can over your palm. Hold and repeat 4 times.

Touch each finger to your thumb. Hold each for 30 seconds. Repeat on each hand 4 times.

Start with a fist. Open half way, hold for 2 seconds. Stretch fingers out, hold for 2 seconds. Repeat 4 times.

Start with one arm out, palm up. Pull your fingers back with your other hand. Hold for 10 seconds. Do the same with your other hand. Repeat 4 times

Start with arms up, palms out. Bend wrists down until you feel the stretch, but keep your fingers loose. Hold 10 seconds. Bend wrist upwards, until you feel it in your wrist and arm. Hold 10 seconds. Repeat 4 times.

#rsi #carpal tunnel #artists on tumblr #stretches #gamers of tumblr #kitten witch and the bad vibes #kittenwitchandthebadvibes #kitten witch #kittenwitch #ironically had to use these stretches when I was drawing this

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

If you need permission to do nothing today, this is it. You need to rest to be at your best! 🔋😴

#recovery #mental health recovery #self care #mental health #kindness #kitten witch #kittenwitch #kitten witch and the bad vibes #kittenwitchandthebadvibes #you need to rest

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

#mental health #mental wellness #greif #mental illness #positive #kittenwitchandthebadvibes #kitten witch and the bad vibes #kittenwitch #kitten witch #gif #you got this #back on track #try again #relevant to our comeback!!

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

Our collab with Curious Empire has been extended, but only until Midnight THIS Wednesday night!

#clothing #plus size clothing #leggings #skater dress #plus size dresses #kitten witch and the bad vibes #kittenwitchandthebadvibes #kitten witch #kittenwitch #curious empire #curiousempire

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

Remember those magical things I said we have in store? Here’s one of them! Donate to charity and get DRESSED 💃👗👚 Curious Empire also offer a bunch of other fandom nerdery, and all available in gorgeous plus sizes, too! 💖 But these are currently only available until Sunday night AEDST!

#leggings #skirts #shirts #dresses #plus size #Curious Empire #Kitten Witch and Bad Vibes #Kitten Witch #kittenwitch #kittenwitchandthebadvibes

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

Let’s try this again, shall we? Kitten Witch went on an unintended (and accidentally extended) hiatus sometime in 2019. We tried a few different times to come back, but between the abhorrent months since then, and the whims of destiny, this wasn’t meant to be - until now. This is us trying to get back to regular posts and content, because we never stopped thinking about you guys! So we hope you kept our spot warm for us, because we already have some pretty magical things to show you, friends! 💖

#mental health support #self care #kindness #cute #witch #kittenwitchandthebadvibes #kitten witch and the bad vibes #kittenwitch #kitten witch

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

@creativepitstop got me living for this cute mama daughter moment 😭💖

Mama, your colouring is stunning! The way you've rendered their faces is so sweet! 💖 Lovin' your lighting and Kitten's curl especially!

Mama's girl, I really adore Kitten's darker purple, and her sweet, gorgeous face 😻 I can't wait to see your work grow and evolve!

@kittenwitchandthebadvibes

I wasn’t sure if you were doing this still, but I saw it as an opportunity for me and my daughter to draw together since she loves cats and I love anything magical.

My daughter says she loves how she drew the cat and he turned out so cute. And the robe was hard for her but she’s proud of herself. And I am too!

For me , I love my line less way of drawing , though for the cat I used lines lol. But my love is how I color things.

Thank you for this opportunity !

#kitten witch #kittenwitch #kitten witch and the bad vibes #kittenwitchandthebadvibes #kitten chirps #kitten witch fanart #lovely people drawing lovely art

[kittenwitchandthebadvibes]

I LOVE THIS! 😻😭💖 Congratulations on drawing every day @kirby-the-gorb that is not an achievement to take lightly! I'm in awe 💖!!

@kittenwitchandthebadvibes has wonderful heartwarming art, they had to take some time off but they’re planning to be back soon! they drew a [post] and encouraged followers to redraw it in their own styles to share! kirby decided he wanted to draw it :v

(re: the catch: I like that I’m getting better at making kirby expressive, and that I’ve been really consistent about drawing every day! and kirby likes the colors he chooses, and how much fun he has drawing.)

drawn in drawing desk for iOS (on sketch desk)

#kitten witch #kittenwitch #kitten witch and the bad vibes #kittenwitchandthebadvibes #kitten chirps #kitten witch fanart #lovely people drawing lovely art #feeling a bit star struck thank you for drawing my characters Kirby 🤣💖