Friday, March 23, 2012

Anorexia

I'm pretty sure that we all know what anorexia means, but for those of you who don't, it basically means severely starving yourself. Girls, many of you may turn to starving yourself for weight loss, but trust me, it is NOT worth it. This may be the cause of many other health problems such as:
1. Heart problems
2. Osteoporosis (thinning of bone tissue)
3. Mental health issues
4. Slowing of the heart rate
5. Low blood pressure
6. Irregular heart rhythms
7. Heart failure
8. Death

Signs of anorexia may include:
1. Eating only safe foods usually very low in calories and fat
2. Doing wierd things such as cutting food into little pieces
3. Spending more time playing with it than eating it
4. Cooking meals for others but not eating
5. Compulsive exercsing
6. Dressing in layers to hide weight loss
7. Becoming isolated from friends and family
Horrible right?
-Ashlyn

Sunday, March 18, 2012

"Cool."

Is it just me or is being 'cool' just overrated? You know, in my opinion, being cool is like being a follower. You do what everyone else is doing, Being cool defines you. So, you're cool if you smoke and drink, or say you do, if boys wear their long socks, and girls are wearing the cool shirt that practically cuts their circulation off because it's soo tight. You're cool if you talk how people want you to, act like the 'cool' crowd, and you're just not your own person.
No, your PERSONALITY defines whether or not you 'cool.' But in the long run, who cares if people think you're cool?? Does it really matter? Why get accepted by the cool people if it means throwing yourself away and acting like everyone else? For me, I was always the type of person to worry about what people thought about me. I wore way too much makeup, I wore things that everyone else was wearing, and I even talked the way everyone else did. But that all changed once I got a glimpse at reality. None of that matters anymore. I got my own daring hairstyle, I wear whatever I want and just not care, I talk how I want to, and I act like myself. I barely wear any makeup anymore. I am finally realizing that it shouldn't take me hours in the morning to make sure I look perfect. Was all that time for wasted for me? Nooo, I wasted that time for everyone else. I shouldn't have to do all these things to impress my peers and the guys that I like me. They all should like me for ME and not the little show I put on for them. This is hard to get across to a lot of people, but I guess just take the time and think about who you're doing it for. Yourself..Or everyone but you.
-Ashlyn

Friday, March 9, 2012

Teen Suicide.

Sorry I haven't been on here for a while..I didn't know what to write about until yesterdayy. So, a freshman at my school passed away on Tuesday. Rumors are flying around, and a lot of them are that he committed suicide. It's truly a tragedy. But I just want to give some advice and let everyone know that there is NEVER one option. What most people don't realize is that this doesn't just affect your parents or family. It affects your school, your friends,  even your whole town. I didn't know this boy personally, but I feel absolutely horrible for his family. So may you rest in peace Devin.
Okay so here are some facts about teen suicide. Some things that could cause it are..:
1. Divorced parents
2. Violence in the home
3. Not being able to find success in school
4. Being bullied
5. Feelings of worthlessness
6. Rejection
7. Substance abuse
8. Death of someone close

Hints of someone considering suicide:
1. Talks about death or suicide, even if it's jokingly. Either way, it's extremely serious
2. Plans ways to kill his or herself
3. Expresses worries that no one cares
4. Has attempted suicide in the past
5. Dramatic changes in personality and behavior
6. Withdraws from friends and family
7. Shows signs of depression
8. Shows signs of substance abuse problem
9. Acts recklessly
10. Begins to give away sentimental possessions

This is a huge issue that needs to be addressed. So if you notice ANY of these signs, please tell someone. Don't think about whether or not that person will hate you or whatever, just do the right thing. You could possibly save someones life. In school, there are usually counselors there all the time. Go talk to one if you know someone who acts like this. They might be able to help. After a counselor speaks with him or her, they would decide if they need further help and from there, they would probably go get better help or even be put in some type of facility. These people need help and it seems like no one is willing to step up. Put others before yourself in these types of situations..
-Ashlyn