Marteene Pringle who transitioned to a female in 2013, wants to share her journey to inspire others to be proud of who they are, and to know that support is out there. Marteene now works as a patron of Sparkle Charity, which supports Trans rights and the positive representation of Trans people in the UK and worldwide. She said: "When I was 7 I knew I was in the wrong body. I gravitated towards female things, and used to play with my sisters toys. I didn't understand what was happening to me." Marteene didn't have the support of her parents. They used to beat her, and repeatedly told her to man up. It was a difficult existence, and Marteene was deeply depressed and tried to commit suicide. To try and encourage her to be more 'manly', she was forced to join the army, like her father did. The squadron she was in was initially based in Bath, but they moved up to Hull, which left her isolated and feeling alone. This started another spiral of depression and led to two more suicide … [Read more...] about “I wanted to share my transitional journey, to help break down the stigmas around transgender people”
I want help with my depression
‘I was hospitalised with anorexia, but now I help other women love the skin they’re in.’
I was four when I began to worry about my body. Starting primary school, I was suddenly aware I didn’t look like everyone else – I was chubbier. I’d look at how much space my thighs would take up on the chairs and compare it to my classmates, and I’d come home clutching my stomach and asking my dad why it was so much bigger than the other girls’. It didn’t take me very long to learn part of being a girl is dieting, monitoring your appearance and being attractive. By the age of five, I’d absorbed the idea that being fat is one of the worst things you can be, and I took that message to heart. By the age of 10, I was fully dieting. Food became a source of stress. Everything was either good or bad, and my portion sizes became miniscule. At first, people complimented me on my willpower, praising me for losing weight. But at the age of 14, my worried parents took me to the doctor. They told me I was very ill with anorexia, but I found this confusing … [Read more...] about ‘I was hospitalised with anorexia, but now I help other women love the skin they’re in.’
A Young Mother’s Journey with Major Depressive Disorder
(BPT) - “I didn’t realize that depression was more than just sadness.”Like most people, Ali, a single mother of two children, had this common misperception about major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as depression. Depression is a complex mental health illness that affects approximately 16 million people annually. Part of what makes depression complex is that people with the condition experience multiple symptoms.Most people don’t know that depression includes many symptoms beyond sadness, such as loss of interest or pleasure doing things, feeling down or hopeless, changes in appetite and eating habits, tiredness, sleeping too much and difficulty concentrating on things or making decisions. Many MDD patients recognize the mood and physical attributes of depression, but may not recognize other symptoms, such as cognitive symptoms like trouble concentrating, may also be part of their depression.“With my depression, I was sad and I also noticed that I … [Read more...] about A Young Mother’s Journey with Major Depressive Disorder
Meet the displaced women of Syria still fighting for change who say: ‘I want you to feel our suffering’
Seven years into a civil war that has left devastation in its wake, campaigns and aid are beginning to dry up in Syria. The suffering of those still facing untold hardships fades from public view as the world moves on to the latest crisis. Thousands are still displaced, living with limited access to basic necessities such as food, electricity and fuel. Unknown numbers are detained or missing. Many of those left behind are women doing what they can to support their families, often mourning the loss of loved ones. Even though there are fewer battlefields, fighting continues, leaving civilians in mortal danger. The message from women in Syria rings clear: “I want you to feel our suffering.” Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month … [Read more...] about Meet the displaced women of Syria still fighting for change who say: ‘I want you to feel our suffering’
‘I hit rock bottom, I needed help’
Highlands & Islands By Gerald Lennon BBC Scotland News website 15 December 2018 Share this with Facebook Share this with Messenger Share this with Twitter Share this with Email Share this with Facebook Share this with WhatsApp Share this with Messenger Share this with Twitter Share Share this with These are external links and will open in a new window Email Share this with Email Facebook Share this with Facebook Messenger Share this with Messenger Messenger Share this with Messenger Twitter Share this with Twitter Pinterest Share this with Pinterest WhatsApp Share this with WhatsApp LinkedIn Share this with LinkedIn Copy this link https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-46508494 Read more about sharing. These are external links and will open in a new window Close share panel A veteran from the Highlands has been telling of his … [Read more...] about ‘I hit rock bottom, I needed help’