#self injury

March 1st is…

Fruit Compote Day - The word compote is French for “mixture.”A compote is a dessert originating in 17th century France. The French believed that fruit cooked in sugar syrup balanced the humidity’s effects on the body and led them to invent compotes. Recipes called for whole or pieces of mixed fruit in sugar syrup. The whole fruits are cooked in water with added sugar and spices. 

Horse Protection Day - The horse holds a legendary mystique in American culture. In North America, the legendary horse is embedded in our culture and runs deep into the roots of our history. As the country grew, our indebtedness to the horse grew, too. While few people see the horse as much more than a recreational animal today, they still serve on working ranches. As a therapy animal, horses relieve the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and other disorders. Long past their age as a plow horse or part of the cavalry, they continue connecting to humans, and we continue to rely on them. However, many go unwanted, abused, or neglected despite their legendary status. This day is about addressing those issues. Around the country, several organizations support horse rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption. Their programs offer shelter and veterinary care for horses that have been neglected or abused. Many of them provide a sanctuary where the horses live out the remainder of their lives. Once rehabilitated, many of the horses become available for adoption.  

Minnesota Day - The Land of 10,000 Lakes is recognized. Minnesota joined the union on May 11, 1858, making it the 32nd state in the United States, and it shares its northern border with Canada. Angle Township on the north edge of Lake of the Woods makes Minnesota the northernmost state of the continental forty-eight. Also known as the Gopher State, it extends along the northern shore of Lake Superior.

Pig Day -  Pigs are clever and intelligent animals. However, most people are not aware of their high level of intelligence. Some are household pets that can be trained and taught tricks.  There are hundreds of different breeds, most of which descend from the Eurasian Wild Boar. The female is called a gilt or sow and can produce 10 piglets in a single litter.

Pancake Day -  Also known as Johnnycakes, griddle cakes, or hotcakes, this batter-made breakfast item dates back more than 30,000 years. In fact, it may be the oldest breakfast food in history.

Self-Injury Awareness Day - When someone causes deliberate self-injury or harm, the action is an indication of emotional distress. According to research from the Journal of American Board of Family Medicine, approximately 4% of Americans self-harm, with a majority of those being college students. The day aims to help friends and family recognize the signs and help those in emotional distress find help. Self-injury occurs in many forms, including cutting, scratching, punching, and ingestion of chemicals. Those who self-harm do so for a variety of reasons. Some of them include coping with fear, stress, anxiety, or inducing positive feelings.

World Music Therapy Day - Many people refer to music as a universal language. Music therapy is rooted in the healing effect it has on human beings. Music therapy has proven to be an effective way to address physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of children, seniors, and people with disabilities. People with cerebral palsy, autism, learning disabilities, and many other types of disabilities see benefits of receiving music therapy. Music therapy often includes singing, listening to music, creating music, moving to music, and using instruments.

Zero Discrimination Day - Celebrates the right of everyone to live their life with dignity, including living a full and productive life. The day also highlights inclusion, compassion, and becoming a movement for change to end all forms of discrimination. When someone is treated differently based on their age, race, religion, social status, or gender it’s called discrimination. Sadly, people with sickness and disabilities are also discriminated against. Even in the advanced civilization in which we live, discrimination is still a huge issue. This is largely due to the fact that it is human nature to categorize people. In most cases, discrimination is a learned behavior. Discrimination also occurs when there is a lack of understanding

Joy Oladokun shares her experience growing up in Arizona, being the only black person in her area, and how that affected her. She also shares her struggles with self injury,  and trauma, and how therapy has helped her process all she has been through and heal. I appreciate her taking the time to share her mental health journey with us and I hope you found it as insightful as I did.