Mental Health Matters

I have experienced major or minor mental breakdowns several times in my life, including some of the most severe cases: The first time was during my pubity, the second was during my early adulthood, and now here comes the third. It is possible that I currently suffer from mild depression and anxiety. I can be highly irritable along with some physical unwellness, such as feeling out of energy and tired, so that I have to lie down to rest. I can even start crying without any reason. I just haven't been able to be my true self lately. These changes are definitely something new.

This reminds me a friend of mine back in school, who was a talented girl with a good personality. I remember that she used to ask me for something to eat on way much too frequent basis. Although I was feeling confused, I didn't ask her anything. Everything must have its reason. Every time she asked I'd just offer her whatever I had, and she always thanked me. I was even happy to bring some high end snacks to school and share with her. 

Then I noticed more of her unusual behaviours from time to time, such as oversleeping in class and daydream talking. Personally I had seen her acting like suffering from anxiety. By the time I also heard some rumours about her that she was mentally ill and taking medication. This actually came from one of our classmates who went to her previous school, like he exposed her to the whole class. 

In this case all those behaviours started to make sense: It was the side effect of the mental medicine which made her addicted to eating and sleeping, then ended up with gaining weight. It was a pity that she used to be tall and slim, played volleyball in her previous school. She did tell me that she was undergoing some medical treatment and taking some medication. I didn't ask what for, because such a person must be unwell. None of the sick people want to talk about their illness over and over again. Ever since she was exposed, the whole class had been judging her and stereotyping her. Just because she was mentally sick, despite not being harmful at most times. 

Once she did something strange to me. She picked up a USB stick and made a move like stabbing towards me, saying "Hahaha, I have violent tendencies." I wondered if she was joking or playing with me. Had it been any sharp object, I could have been hurt without attention. However I had the ability to protect myself. Even though this happened, I didn't get mad at her. Just because I like her, she was my friend. She wasn't like other bitchy girls, I didn't feel exhausted while getting along with her. I could always accept whichever way she would become.

Overall she was doing well in high school, she was about the stop her medication. After we graduated, she said she felt relaxed to be with me, because I was not being judgemental. Instead she felt understanding and respect. People may wonder why. Well, I was able to tolerate the so called weird behaviours, because I knew mental illness is a real thing. I had been through a mental breakdown myself, fortunately I was able to get over it all by myself. 

Then a few years passed, I heard from an acquaintance that she got sick again. Her mum left all the work and looked after her at home. They lived in a city apartment in Melbourne, she said like there were mice in the apartment. I didn't know what else happened and how things went with her after within all those years. My blessing are with her in regardless. 

This is so sad. She was a volleyball player and an amazing soprano with angel's voice too. She sang opera way much better than I did at that time. It seems that even God is jealous of such beautiful and talented people. 

We all could get sick. If physical illness like flu and fever are acceptable, why not mental illness? Mentally sick people are deserved to be treated with humanity, their sickness doesn't make them second-class citizens. People who haven't experienced it never understand how difficult it is to struggle especially on their own. We don't have to understand, but at least have some sensitivity. As we never know what other people have been through. 

We may be scared that such people could do something crazy out of control, however we need to learn how to protect ourselves instead of bullying and picking on them. Show your understanding and support, a bit of kindness and respect could make big changes. Mental health matters! Over time I have realised how important mental health is as same as physical health.

The Concept of Defense Mechanism

In psychoanalytic theory, a defense mechanism is an unconscious psychological mechanism that reduces anxiety arising from unacceptable or potentially harmful stimuli. They are the brain's ways of keeping us safe from fully aware of unpleasant thoughts and feelings. They may result in healthy or unhealthy consequences depending on the circumstances and frequency with which the mechanism is used. Sometimes, we can choose to use certain defense mechanisms.

I'll keep on posting about the most common defense mechanisms with living examples along.

Are you a highly sensitive person?

As a highly sensitive person myself, to some extent, I struggle to fit in this world and be accepted as others seem to expect. People like me may attempt to change themselves to meet other people's expectations of being "lively", which is not healthy. Instead, we need to appreciate ourselves the way we are. It is okay to live a life other people don't understand.

Our delicate souls bring limitations, but also possibilities. The book Highly Sensitive People in an Insensitive World: How to Create a Happy Life by Ilse Sand helps us to discover our self-awareness and teaches us how to put ourselves in more comfortable situations to survive in an insensitive world. 

There is a misconception that the highly sensitive trait has been mixed up with introversion. However studies by the American psychologist and researcher Elaine Aron show that 70% percent of highly sensitive people are introverts and 30% are extroverts. 

This trait has also been mistaken as anxious, inhibited, shy, etc. Well these words only describe how it appears to others when highly sensitive people experience problems and challenges under pressure. We are also capable of deep happiness when we are eased in peaceful surroundings. 

Over years I have learned to appreciate my advantages and overcome my disadvantages as a highly sensitive person: 

- I can sense what usual people can't easily do, notice minor changes of people and things. 

- I'm able to develop empathy without putting myself into irrelevant or excessive guilt. 

- I allow myself to be a perfectionist within my possible ability. 

- I'm being kind with boundaries and sharpness instead of being a people pleaser, as such idealisation to make everyone happy with me is unrealistic. 

- I think carefully while planning things and make myself ready to accept the worst result it may lead to. However I don't waste my energy in worrying about things out of my control. 

- I prefer high-quality interactions. On the other hand, I know when to give myself a break from too much interaction with people. Most of the time I'd rather spend time alone to learn and think. 

- I never stop developing new hobbies. Being alone doesn't mean being lonely. 

- Maintaining mental health is important for me. 

Being highly sensitive is not any psychological disorder, it's just a trait of human characteristics. Read through this book so that you get a betting understanding of this term. At the end of the book, it comes with a Highly Sensitive People Test of Ilse Sand's own version. And here comes the link of Dr. Elaine Aron's version. A test can be used as a guideline regarding your own sensitivity. However Only some of the aspects are included and the results may vary according to your mood. 

https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/

Now I would say I have become a successful highly sensitive person with a rich inner life.

Pianist Performs for Handicapped Elephants to Help Them Heal

Paul Barton, a British pianist who plays the piano for rescued elephants in Thailand. He truly believes that it is possible to interact with them in such a heart-warming way.

https://youtu.be/om5mnQgkymQ

Pictured Paul Barton playing Silent Night for a blind elephant.

https://youtu.be/Ry3EepGT9PQ

I have a dream which is similar. My dream is to play the piano for cats at a cat cafe. 👧🎹🐱🐈🐾

The Piano Playing Cat and CATcerto

The piece of CATcerto theme was composed by Lithuanian conductor and composer Mindaugas Piečaitis featuring a solo performance by Nora, a piano playing cat. This first musical composition by Piečaitis has made himself gain international attention.

Official video: 

https://youtu.be/zeoT66v4EHg

Pictured Mindaugas Piečaitis with Nora

Cat Orchestra

Saw this from the page of Kyiv Music Labs. Looks so realistic. I wish this can be true.

How My Journey of Piano Technology Started

As a multi-instrumentalist, I am a musician with over 20 years’ experience since childhood. I have come across various musical instruments. I would say the piano is my favourite one that I enjoy playing the most. It is one of the best instruments for solo performance, and I have always been fascinated by its timbre and range. I like it when the hammers hit the strings, as if these cute little parts are dancing. The piano is a musical instrument which brings me forever joy, however it requires professional care.

I book piano tuning services every 6 months to a year to keep my piano well-tuned. An idea came across my mind: Why can't I tune my own piano and make a living on providing this service to my clients? As an introvert, I would like to be my own boss, have flexible working hours and concentrate on doing my jobs without any distraction. Also I would like to rework on my antique piano. As an artist, I have the passion to get into the art of piano technology. Then I decided to start my journey of piano tuning by learning from masters in this industry, so that I can work with my favourite musical instrument and achieve professional goals.

A good piano technician makes full effort to maintain brilliant services to clients, cares about clients' pianos and their needs more than just pay cheques. My goals are to present myself in a professional image to my clients, provide outstanding services, and deal with clients with emotional intelligence skills. Learning has no limits. I'm always up for new challenges and keen to learn new things in this industry. I will keep on improving my skills and professionalism at all times. I'm aiming to become a super star in the art of piano technology!

I would like to say thanks to those who have guided me to the right path of the piano technology industry. With the help of these senior professionals, I was able to get my life on track by having a good start of my professional journey. Thanks for your guidance and encouragement whenever I came across unforseen difficulties, which is lifetime and unforgettable.