Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Worry and Anxiety Processing By Keith Torkelson MS, BS

 


Daily Worry & Global Loss

 

Resilience after Losses Score – 17 Items (HSF)
Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI-21 Items) (General) (LSF)
Specific Worry Score 22 Items (LSF) = Worry Assessment (Specific)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) [Held Over]
Elements of Fear Score 22 Items (LSF)

Sad About

Things We Surrendered – Causes Buster to feel sad

We have not completely accepted many of these losses yet

Informal Restitution Philosophy (Near End)

Scored by and for Keith “Buster” Torkelson MS, BS

Resilience after Losses Score – 16 Items

HSF = High Scores are Favorable | SW = Share (d) With | RT = Real Time


Recurrent sadness about the same thing

Recurrent sadness about the same thing could indicate persistent depressive disorder (PDD), a chronic form of depression with long-lasting symptoms, or major depression with recurrence, which involves distinct episodes of sadness that return after recovery. It can also be related to rumination, which is the repetitive focus on negative thoughts or past events, a pattern common in other conditions like generalized anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

 

Psychological Rumination

Rumination in psychology refers to a repetitive and persistent thought process where individuals dwell on negative experiences, emotions, or events. It involves focusing on the causes, consequences, and symptoms of these negative experiences, often without finding solutions or moving forward.

 

Behaviors and Elements of Anxiety

Includes Losses

Scored by and for Keith “Buster” Torkelson MS, BS

Elements of Fear Score 22 Items

LSF = Low Scores are Favorable | SW = Share (d) With | RT = Real Time


FYI - Worry – PSQW (16 Items)

https://caleblack.com/psy5960_files/PSWQ.pdf

A specific worry assessment uses questionnaires like the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) to measure the frequency and severity of worry, often distinguishing pathological worry from normal concern. These assessments evaluate worry across different contexts and can be used to help diagnose conditions like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and monitor treatment progress. Other specific assessment tools include the GAD-7 and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, which also screen for and measure anxiety symptoms.

 

Beck Anxiety Index

The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is a 21-item, patient-completed questionnaire, developed to discriminate anxiety disorders from depressive disorders in an outpatient psychiatric clinic. Its questions primarily report somatic symptoms.

 

Normal Concern V Worry

Concern is a healthy, action-oriented response to a problem that focuses on what is within your control to solve, while worry is a destructive and unproductive state that fixates on "what if" scenarios and things you cannot change. Concern motivates you to make a plan and take constructive steps, whereas worry leads to inaction and emotional turmoil, often causing stress, tension, and anxiety.

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, combat, or assault. Symptoms often include re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, avoiding reminders of the event, and increased arousal or negative changes in mood and cognition. While symptoms may last only a few weeks, if they persist for more than a month, it may indicate PTSD, which can be effectively treated with psychotherapy.

 

Flashbacks

Flashbacks are vivid, intense memories of a past traumatic event that can feel like they are happening in the present. They can be visual, emotional, or somatic (body-based) and are often triggered by sensory reminders like sounds or smells. Flashbacks are a common symptom of PTSD and can be managed with professional therapy like EMDR and Exposure Therapy, as well as coping strategies like identifying triggers and practicing relaxation exercises.

 

Intrusive Thoughts

An intrusive thought is an unwelcome, involuntary thought, image, or unpleasant idea that may become an obsession is upsetting or distressing, and can feel difficult to manage or eliminate.  Intrusive thoughts can be a common experience, but they can also be a symptom of underlying mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety disorders.

 

My Intrusive Thoughts are getting better

It is a positive sign that your intrusive thoughts are getting better, indicating successful coping or that symptoms are improving naturally. To continue this progress, focus on self-care practices like good sleep hygiene and stress reduction. Continue to practice cognitive diffusion techniques, such as separating yourself from the thought by saying, "I'm having the thought that..." or by simply observing the thought and allowing it to pass without judgment. If you are concerned, especially if these thoughts are linked to conditions like OCD or PTSD, consult a mental health professional for tailored strategies and support.

 

Ruminating on Losses

Ruminating on losses is a form of repetitive, unproductive overthinking about past negative events or failures, such as a death, job loss, or relationship breakup. While some repetitive thinking is a natural part of the grieving process, chronic rumination can become a maladaptive mental loop that intensifies feelings of guilt, sadness, and hopelessness, leading to prolonged distress. To break free, you can use CBT techniques, such as distraction, journaling, and engaging in meaningful activities (behavioral activation) to interrupt the thought pattern and regain a sense of present-moment connection.

 

Depression Spiraling

"Spiraling depression" describes a cycle of worsening depressive symptoms, where mood, activity levels, and negative thinking can exacerbate each other, leading to a downward trend. While not a formal diagnosis itself, it is a pattern often seen in conditions like major depressive disorder or persistent depressive disorder, and can be characterized by withdrawal from social activities, increased self-criticism, and negative thinking that worsens over time.

 

Situational

"Situational" is an adjective meaning depending on or appropriate to a particular situation or context. The term can also refer to situational awareness (perceiving and responding to one's environment), situational ethics (judging morality based on circumstances), situational interviews (hypothetical scenario-based questions), or even a situationship (a casual, undefined romantic relationship).

 

Situational Awareness

Situational awareness is the ability to perceive, comprehend, and project the current environment and its potential implications to make informed decisions and act effectively to ensure safety and achieve goals. It involves continuously observing surroundings, understanding the context, and anticipating future events, enabling a person to recognize threats, avoid hazards, and seize opportunities. 

 

Scorer > Metadata >

Anxiety_BAI_23050301_Scorer V2025 (XLS)

 

LSF = Low scores are favorable

For Keith Torkelson MS

Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) – 21 Items

General Worry Assessment

Percent Anxious and Worried

In hind-sight all are actually higher


Interpretation - Moderate

If you receive a grand sum between 22-35 this indicates moderate anxiety. Your body is trying to tell you something. Look for patterns as to when and why you experience the symptoms described above. For example, if it occurs prior to public speaking and your job requires a lot of presentations you may want to find ways to calm yourself before speaking or let others do some of the presentations. You may have some conflict issues that need to be resolved. Clearly, it is not “panic” time but you want to find ways to manage the stress you feel.

 

High Scoring Items

Score MAX

>The original assessment uses a 3 point Likert type scoring method.  Using this method the maximum score for adjustment purposes is: 21*3 = 63.

 

Conflict Issues

Conflict issues, or sources of conflict, stem from a variety of factors including poor communication, differing values and beliefs, competition for scarce resources, unmet needs, and personality clashes. These issues can manifest as information conflicts, values conflicts, interest conflicts, relationship conflicts, and structural conflicts, and can lead to arguments, resentment, and a toxic environment if not addressed properly.

 

Toxic Environment

A toxic environment is a workplace or social setting characterized by negativity, hostility, and dysfunction, leading to a detrimental impact on individuals' well-being and productivity. Common signs include poor communication, lack of trust, bullying, harassment, and favoritism, which can cause high stress, low morale, and high employee turnover.

Daily Worry - Worry and What If List

Buster scores Buster

LSF = Low Scores are Favorable | H = Associated with Housing | SW = Share (d) With | RT = Real Time

Specific Worry Score – 22 Items


##

Item (Satisfaction With)

2023
0926
TH-RT
SW-TF
2024
0807
W-RT
SW-RJD

Note

01

Aerobic Health

0.00

0.50

Address Smoking Cigarettes

02

Great amount of property (H)

0.50

1.00

Need to move belongings

03

Loss of car resource

0.50

0.50

 

04

Poor contingency Bed (H)

0.25

1.00

Humane

05

Dental too much for too little

0.75

0.25

Won’t cover what is needed

06

Dependency on LAK

0.75

0.25

Graduating

07

Apprehensive to drive

0.75

0.50

New methods

08

Can’t afford car insurance

0.75

0.25

Auto

09

Can’t liquidate storage in one Hour (H)

0.00

1.00

Asking for help

10

Poor match and new roommate adjustment (H)

0.50

0.25

 

11

Little Room Harmony (H)

0.75

0.25

 

12

Poor quality Sleep (H)

0.90

0.25

High Weight

13

Poor quality of Sleep and SleepAbility (H)

0.90

0.25

High Weight

14

Smoking cigarettes

0.00

1.00

COPD & neoplasm risk

15

Uneasiness with Steph and EAK

0.75

0.25

BSA Virtues

16

Storage overwhelm & disposition (H)

0.75

1.00

Major concern

17

Uneasy with Storage Gal (H)

0.25

0.25

 

18

Succession (H) not complete

0.50

0.50

Family

19

Not enough time left to live and thrive

0.25

0.25

Publishing our material

20

Risk of travelling e.g. Los Altos (Future)

0.50

0.00

Avoid

22

Risk of visiting Gerard (Future)

0.25

0.25

Can’t see it

 

CALC

=10.55/22

=9.50/22

 

 

Specific Worry Score 22 Items (LSF) =

48.0%

47.5%

 


Told Causes don’t Matter in Behavioral Health

The statement that causes don't matter in behavioral health is widely considered problematic and often linked to stigma or a limited understanding of mental illness.  Here's why this view is disputed within the professional community.  Understanding is Key to Effective Treatment: Identifying the root cause(s) of a mental health condition (which can be a mix of genetics, brain chemistry, life experiences, trauma, and social factors) is crucial for developing an effective and holistic treatment plan. Without this understanding, providers might only address symptoms, rather than the underlying issues.

 

Onset 1988

When Buster went to the psych ward for the first time he was told by Drs. Dean and Graham that the causes of his affliction didn’t matter.

 

Avoidance Coping

Avoidance coping is a coping mechanism where a person actively avoids or disengages from stressful or difficult situations, emotions, or thoughts by using strategies like procrastinating on tasks, avoiding social interactions, withdrawing from relationships, using substances to escape feelings, and ignoring or denying problems, essentially trying to steer clear of dealing with challenges head-on rather than confronting them directly.

 

Challenges

>Here we deal with After the Injury (AtI).  Prior to 2007 we were offered several diagnoses: Depression, Bi-polar, Schizoid, Anxiety and a Sleep Disorder.  We were first diagnosed in 1989.  2007 stands out because the stakes were high: We had committed ourselves to starting and participating with a small business.  Why do we look for new ways to live?  Since our first diagnosis (Bi-polar) we have yet to be dialed in.  Dr. Arnold P Deutsch said there are no “Silver Bullets” meaning just medication will not cut it.  Our episodes go hand in hand with sleep problems.  It is hard to tell if the sleep issue in the primary issue.  When we get sick we have many mistaken beliefs.  Some doctors call it psychotic yet we feel mistaken beliefs describes them the best.  We definitely suffer anxiety.  We think Anxiety and a Sleep Disorder best describes our behavioral health. 

 

Apprehension V Anxiety

Apprehension and anxiety are related terms that describe feelings of unease and worry, but they have distinct characteristics:

 

Apprehension

Apprehension is a specific, focused feeling of unease or concern about a particular event or situation. Typically arises from a known or perceived threat. Characterized by a sense of anticipation and dread. May involve physical symptoms such as sweating, increased heart rate, and tension.

 

Anxiety

Anxiety is a more generalized state of unease or nervousness. Can be triggered by vague or unknown threats. Characterized by excessive worry, rumination, and fear. May manifest as physical symptoms such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.

 

Circa 2010 & 2023 - Bullies

>2010 was a challenging year in that we shared a room with Keith Wadding (KW) a self-identified bully and violent person.  He shared that his dad would beat him up until eventually he fought back and severely hurt his dad.  Our doctor at the time was Dr. Alan Vu MD in Newport Beach.  Keith W. was shopping online for a knife. We told Dr. Vu who said it was “Situational” and could do nothing to help.  Keith W’s bullying drove us to suffer Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Keith Wadding was one of the worst bullies we ever associated with.  In 2023 we shared a room with Theodore Francis.  TF was a passive aggressive bully.  Both bullies interfered with our sleep. 

 

Keith Wadding ordering a knife online

>We took Waddings announcement he was ordering a knife online a direct threat.  Again, we told our psychiatrist (Dr. Vu) about it and he just said it is situational.

 

Situational in Psychiatry

In psychiatry, "situational" refers to a temporary mental health response to a specific, stressful life event, like job loss or a breakup, which can manifest as situational depression (also known as an adjustment disorder) or situational anxiety. These are not chronic, long-term disorders but a reaction to a stressor, with symptoms like sadness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and difficulty coping that typically fade once the stressor is removed.

 

Situational Anxiety

Situational anxiety is a temporary feeling of anxiety triggered by specific events like job interviews or public speaking. It differs from generalized anxiety by being tied to a particular situation and often subsiding once the event is over. Symptoms can include physical reactions like a racing heart and rapid breathing, as well as emotional ones like nervousness, worry, and irritability. Common ways to manage it include preparation, relaxation techniques, and cognitive restructuring, but professional help like therapy or medication may be needed for severe cases. 

 

Traumatic Stress Disorder

If you are experiencing trauma, prioritize your safety by going to a safe space if possible. Ground yourself through grounding techniques or mindfulness and calm your body with deep breathing. Seek professional help if distress is ongoing, and avoid isolating yourself by talking to trusted people. If the situation is an emergency, call 911 or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

 

Trauma

Any disturbing experience that results in significant fear, helplessness, dissociation, confusion, or other disruptive feelings intense enough to have a long-lasting negative effect on a person's attitudes, behavior, and other aspects of functioning. Trauma can be a single event or a series of ongoing experiences. Common symptoms include anxiety, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and withdrawal, which can disrupt daily life. When these symptoms persist, they can develop into a mental health condition like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

 

Types of trauma

Single-incident trauma

Single-incident trauma, also known as acute trauma, is a psychological injury caused by a one-time, overwhelming event that threatens one's safety. Examples include car accidents, natural disasters, or a single episode of assault. Symptoms can include shock, confusion, fear, and lingering effects like flashbacks or anxiety.

 

Complex trauma

Complex trauma is the result of repeated, prolonged, and often invasive interpersonal traumatic events, such as childhood abuse or neglect. This experience can lead to lifelong difficulties with emotional self-regulation, relationships, and a distorted sense of self and the world.

 

Secondary trauma

Secondary trauma is the emotional distress experienced from indirectly hearing about or witnessing the trauma of others, which can lead to symptoms like mood changes, detachment, and difficulty with emotions. It is also known as vicarious trauma or secondary traumatic stress, and can affect anyone, though helping professionals like therapists and first responders are at a higher risk due to repeated exposure.

 

Insidious trauma

Insidious trauma is the cumulative effect of many subtle, negative experiences over time, such as macroaggressions, chronic criticism, or systemic oppression, which can be deeply damaging despite being less obvious than single, major traumatic events. This type of trauma erodes self-esteem and can lead to issues like anxiety, depression, or difficulty trusting others because the damaging influences blend into daily life.

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, causing symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and avoidance, even long after the danger has passed, but effective treatments like therapy (e.g., trauma-focused CBT) and medication are available, and recovery is possible with help. 

 

Self-Help

The action or process of bettering oneself or overcoming one's problems without the aid of others. Especially…the coping with one's personal or emotional problems without professional help.

 

Trauma Responses

 

Anger
Anxiety
Becoming isolated from family and friends
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty sleeping
Emotional and psychological trauma
Emotional numbness
Fatigue
Fear
Grief
Heart rate
Living in a traumatic atmosphere
Nightmares
Trauma trigger

 

Repeated Injuries

Repeated injuries are overuse or repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) that develop over time from performing the same motion over and over, leading to pain, stiffness, tingling, and weakness. Common causes include repetitive work activities like typing or assembly line work, certain sports, poor posture, and using hand-held tools for long periods. Prevention and treatment involve stopping or limiting the activity, using ergonomics, stretching, taking breaks, and applying ice or NSAIDs.

 

Injury Prone

An "injury-prone" person is someone who is frequently injured, often due to a combination of risk factors that can include past injuries, physical limitations, training errors, and psychological traits like stress or risk-taking. Factors such as genetics, poor fitness, and a history of injuries can increase the likelihood of future injuries in specific areas. Psychological factors like absent-mindedness, impulsivity, and coping styles are also linked to accident-proneness. 

 

Is it accident prone or abuse?

Whether an injury is due to accident-proneness or abuse depends on the specific details, such as the type, location, and consistency of the injuries, and how they are explained. Accident proneness is a concept that suggests some individuals are more prone to accidents due to factors like personality traits, but abuse involves intentional harm and should not be confused with a person's potential for accidents. It is important to distinguish between them to ensure appropriate action is taken, especially in cases involving children.

 

Stress

Stress is the body's and mind's natural reaction to challenges or threats, triggering a fight-or-flight response that can help us cope with difficult situations. This response involves a release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which increase heart rate and prepare the body for action. While a moderate level of stress can be beneficial, chronic or excessive stress can be detrimental to both physical and mental health.

 

Stopping the cycle of abuse

Acknowledge the abuse: The first step to breaking the cycle is acknowledging that the abuse is happening. This can be difficult, as denial is a common coping mechanism. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor for support. Educate yourself: Knowledge is power. May 29, 2023. For these reasons and more, the DoD (US Department of Defense) has made domestic violence prevention an item of specific concern. As a military commander, I implore you to act on the three Rs of domestic violence awareness: recognize, respond and refer.

 

Work Done – Bulling

https://housingadvisoryboard.blogspot.com/2019/08/housing-advisory-rent-shared-room-bully.html

 

Street Fighter

Street fighting or street combat is hand-to-hand combat in public places between individuals or groups of people. The venue is usually a public place, and the fight sometimes results in serious injury or even death. Some street fights can be gang related.

 

Situational (adjective)

Relating to or dependent on a set of circumstances or state of affairs - "team members need situational awareness to anticipate needs"…relating to the location and surroundings of a place.

"the situational aspect of homes"

 

FYI - Situational Meaning - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/situational-meaning#:~:text=In%20general%2C%20situational%20meaning%20refers,the%20options%20available%20for%20coping.

 

What does it mean to be situational?

To be situational means to have one's behavior, thoughts, or feelings be primarily influenced by external circumstances rather than by internal traits. In psychology, this concept is central to the "person-situation debate," which explores whether a person's behavior is determined by their personality or by the environment. In general, a person appraising ongoing events does so in terms of their potential impact on themselves and their well-being.

 

Personal Relevance

Personal relevance is the degree to which something, like a message, idea, or experience, connects with an individual's own life, beliefs, values, or circumstances. It is a subjective perception of personal importance and meaningfulness, and it can increase engagement, motivation, and emotional impact. For example, a lesson is personally relevant to a student if they can connect it to their own experiences or see how it will be useful to them.

 

Ability to cope

The "ability to cope" refers to your capacity to deal with stressful situations, hardships, and trauma by adapting and bouncing back. It is a component of resilience, which involves using skills like problem-solving, self-care, and social support to manage stress while maintaining emotional well-being. Coping is not a fixed trait but can be improved by developing and practicing various strategies. 

 

Options available for coping

Coping options include relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing, physical activities such as exercise and spending time in nature, social support from friends or family, and creative outlets like journaling, art, and music. Other strategies involve problem-solving and cognitive reframing, which means changing how you think about a situation to make it feel more manageable.

 

Situational awareness or situation awareness, that is…

It's Situational Awareness (two words), referring to the crucial ability to perceive, understand, and predict elements in your environment to make informed decisions, crucial for safety and success in dynamic fields like aviation, emergency response, and daily life, moving beyond just observation to comprehension and projection. It's the skill of knowing what's happening around you, its meaning, and what might happen next, using real-time understanding rather than just past experience.

 

Understanding an environment

Understanding an environment means recognizing it as the sum of all living and non-living things that surround and influence an organism, comprising the four spheres of Earth: the geosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air), and biosphere (living things). It involves recognizing the complex interactions within these spheres, the resources they provide, and the impacts humans have on them, which is the focus of environmental science.

 

Environmental elements in Psychology

Environmental elements in psychology refer to the physical and social surroundings that influence human behavior, mood, and mental health. These elements include both natural factors like daylight and green spaces, and social-built factors such as noise, crowding, and architecture in human-made settings like homes, schools, and workplaces. The field of environmental psychology studies this interaction to create healthier, more supportive environments.

 

How situational awareness changes with respect to a time vector or other factors

Situational awareness changes dynamically with respect to time, which requires continuous updates as new information becomes available. Factors like the rate of change in the environment, task characteristics, and individual-level factors such as attention, stress, experience, and training all influence how quickly and accurately a person can perceive, comprehend, and predict their surroundings. In high-tempo situations, SA is constantly being updated; delays in information processing or communication can lead to a lag in awareness and increased potential for errors.

 

Situational awareness is critical

Situational awareness (SA) is key for good decisions by letting you perceive, understand, and predict your environment, helping you spot risks, act quickly, and optimize choices in complex situations, from business to daily life, by linking past, present, and future to guide action

 

Situational Awareness

Situational awareness is critical for decision-making because it involves perceiving the environment, comprehending its meaning, and projecting future status, which allows for better risk assessment and more effective action. This skill is vital in various fields, from emergency response to daily life, as it enables individuals and organizations to react appropriately to threats, adapt to changing conditions, and make informed choices that mitigate harm and optimize outcomes

 

Coping Tools

Coping tools are strategies like physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and seeking social support, used to manage stress and difficult emotions. These tools can be physical, emotional, or cognitive, and they help regulate feelings and behaviors, enabling individuals to function better despite challenges. Examples include meditation, deep breathing, journaling, and problem-solving, which aim to reduce stress and promote emotional and physical well-being.

 

Cognitive

Reframing negative thoughts

Challenging negative thought patterns and replacing them with more positive ones can help improve emotional well-being.

 

Problem-solving

Identifying the cause of a stressful situation and developing strategies to address it can help reduce anxiety.

 

Setting boundaries

Setting boundaries by learning to say no is crucial for protecting your emotional well-being, as it helps reduce stress, prevent burnout, and protect your mental health. This involves defining your personal limits to protect your time, energy, and mental space, and communicating these limits clearly to others to foster healthier relationships built on mutual respect.

 

Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment without judgment, which helps reduce rumination by breaking cycles of negative thoughts and improves emotional regulation by increasing awareness and non-reactive responses to feelings. Practices like focusing on your breath or using your senses can anchor you to the present, while a non-judgmental attitude helps you observe thoughts and emotions without getting carried away by them.

 

Making a list of Positive Things

To make a list of positive things, focus on gratitude for simple things, people, and experiences. This practice, also called keeping a gratitude journal, can shift your perspective by challenging negative thoughts and increasing a sense of well-being.

 

Mistakes and Legal - Informal Restitution

Informal restitution refers to a situation where an offender, particularly a juvenile, makes payments to a victim to cover losses, but this is arranged outside of a formal court-ordered payment plan or supervised probation. It can be part of informal supervision under Welfare and Institutions Code 654.2 or result from the offender and their parents/guardians agreeing to a restitution order until it is paid in full. Informal restitution allows for the needs of victims and offenders to be met without the potential collateral harms associated with formal systems, such as increased supervision or long-term credit damage.

 

Debt to Society – Prosocial Behaviors

The phrase that describes a person's obligation to contribute positively to their community, beyond just avoiding criminal acts, is civic responsibility. It is often viewed as a call for civic duty and gratitude. Here is an elaboration of the concept: Definition: Civic responsibility is the ethical framework that holds individuals accountable for fulfilling their civic duty and taking actions that benefit society as a whole. Scope: This goes beyond basic legal obligations, like not committing crimes. It encompasses a broader range of pro-social behaviors and active participation.

 

Volunteering – Pro-social

Volunteering is the act of offering your time and labor to help others, a nonprofit, or a community, without receiving financial payment. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from helping at a food bank or animal shelter to contributing to environmental cleanup or disaster relief. Volunteering can have significant personal benefits, such as improved mental health, new social connections, and skill development.

 

As Good as it Gets!

What does as good as it gets mean?

Used to say that nothing better is possible or available.  It's not a great restaurant, but in this part of the city, it's as good as it gets. Used to say that something is very good and cannot be improved.

 

Setting things Right

"Setting things right" means to correct something, restore order, or make a situation fair. It can refer to physically tidying a space, correcting a misunderstanding or error, or improving a damaged situation. The phrase can also be used metaphorically to describe making amends or restoring fairness after a mistake or wrong has been committed, according to Cambridge Dictionary and Merriam-Webster.

Mistakes of a Transitional Aged Youth – Reframing & Limits

Flash’s Confession

Song by The Kinks ‧ 1974

I've just had a dream that I never will forget
And I wish I could erase
I was standing on the street with a whole crowd of people
And no one knew my name
And I was just another face
No one looked at me or touched me
Spoke to or acknowledged me
I had no identity or individuality
No thoughts of my own, no mind or personality
I was just a no one, a total nonentity
I'm just a number waiting to be called
It is time for confessing it all
I'm just another face
Yes, it's time for confessing it all…
 
Been a cheat, been a crook
Never gave I always took
Crushed people to acquire
Anything that I desired
Been deceitful and a liar
Now I'm facing Hell Fire
I can't believe that my time has come
For confessing all the evil
And the wrong that I've done
The reckoning's come
And now I'm just a no one
I confess to the timid and the meek
To the cripples and the beggars
And the tramps in the street
I confess my cruelty, my ego and conceit
I've opened up my body and looked inside
And I'm everything that I once despised
I confess for the thieves
The affected and deranged
I confess for the muggers and incurably insane
I confess to the ugly for being so vain
I confess to those I hurt for causing them pain
I'm just a number
Waiting to be called
And it's time for confessing it all

 

https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/kinks/flashsconfession.html

 

Not Quite Right

"Not quite right" means something feels slightly off, incorrect, or not perfect, implying a subtle issue or feeling that something needs adjustment, improvement, or a better explanation, but isn't entirely wrong or a major disaster. It can describe a physical feeling (like an uncomfortable shirt), a strange noise (in a car), or a general sense of unease (like a potential scam or derealization).

 

Qualities of a Viking (Barbarian)

Qualities of a Viking include bravery, courage, self-reliance, and ambition, which were highly valued and shaped their warrior culture. Other key traits were physical strength and endurance, honed through hard labor and training, along with industriousness, honor, and fidelity. While often seen as brutal, they also had advanced skills in craftsmanship, navigation, and trade.

 

Deficits of Vikings

It's been said a lot, but the 'Vikings' were scary because they generally conducted quick raids against small communities and monastery's - killing, raping, burning and carrying off anything of value. Jan 10, 2020

 

What percentage of Scandinavians have Viking blood?

A definitive percentage is difficult to establish due to the long time since the Viking Age, but estimates suggest around 10% of modern Scandinavians have "Viking DNA," with figures varying by country. Some more recent studies show much higher percentages, suggesting a more complex picture of genetic ancestry.

 

Pillage and Plunder

"Pillage and plunder" refers to the act of stealing goods by force, often during war, raids, or other conflicts. "Pillage" typically refers to the destruction of property and taking of goods, while "plunder" is more specifically about the goods or loot that are taken. The two terms are often used together to emphasize the violent and comprehensive nature of such acts.

 

Accountability

Accountability refers to the acceptance of responsibility for honest and ethical conduct toward others. A company's accountability extends to its shareholders, employees, and the wider community in which it operates. Accountability also implies a willingness to be judged on performance. Apr 10, 2025

 

Age of Accountability

The "age of accountability" is a religious concept, primarily Christian, suggesting a point when a child becomes morally responsible for their own sins, often linked to understanding right from wrong, varying by denomination (e.g., age 7 for Catholics, 8 for Mormons), but not explicitly defined in the Bible, which hints at gradual development, making it a matter of faith and interpretation rather than a fixed number. Some traditions believe children before this age go to heaven, while others believe all are accountable from birth, depending on their understanding.

 

13 - Age of Accountability

The age of accountability is a theological concept about when a person becomes responsible to God for their sins, with 13 being a common suggestion due to the Jewish Bar Mitzvah (becoming a "son of the law") at that age, symbolizing transition to adulthood and responsibility. However, the Bible doesn't specify a fixed age; it varies by child's understanding of right and wrong, with some suggesting Jesus at 12 in the Temple as a marker, while others believe accountability starts earlier or later, focusing on gradual moral development rather than a hard number.

 

Right from Wrong

Right from Wrong: My Story of Guilt and Redemption is a memoir by Jacob Dunne about his journey after he was convicted of manslaughter for a fatal punch he threw in 2011, detailing his time in prison, his struggles with homelessness and guilt, and his path to redemption through restorative justice, education, and reconciliation with his victim's family, becoming a husband, father, and advocate for criminal justice reform. The book explores themes of personal responsibility, the justice system, and the possibility of change, and is the basis for the play Punch.

 

Angry at self

Feeling angry at yourself is a common emotion, often stemming from past mistakes, negative self-talk, or external factors, and it can be managed by practicing self-compassion, learning from the experience, and taking time to reset. To cope, it's helpful to acknowledge the feeling, try to reframe your thoughts, and take a break or engage in a distracting activity to gain perspective. For persistent or severe feelings, seeking professional help from a therapist or psychiatrist can be beneficial.

 

Negative Role Models

Bad role models are individuals exhibiting negative traits like dishonesty, aggression, selfishness, or irresponsibility, whose harmful actions can negatively influence others, though sometimes observing them can motivate people to choose better paths by showing what not to do, such as substance abuse, bullying, or unethical behavior, leading to poor outcomes in relationships, health, or finances.

 

Rationalization in Psychology

In psychology, rationalization is a defense mechanism where people create seemingly logical but false reasons to justify unacceptable behaviors, beliefs, or feelings, protecting their ego from guilt, shame, or anxiety, often by minimizing flaws, blaming others, or convincing themselves something bad was actually good (like "sour grapes" or "sweet lemons"). It's a way to reduce cognitive dissonance (mental discomfort from conflicting ideas) and maintain a positive self-image, but overuse can hinder self-awareness and growth. 

 

Rationalization in Sociology

In sociology, rationalization, a key concept from Max Weber, is the historical shift where societies move from tradition, emotion, and mysticism towards logic, efficiency, calculability, and predictability, seen in the rise of bureaucracies, science, and capitalism, but also leading to "disenchantment" and the "iron cage" of impersonal systems. It's about justifying actions through reason rather than custom, creating formalized structures that streamline life but can strip it of meaning. 

 

Vulnerability and Behavioral Health

Vulnerability in behavioral health involves circumstances (social, environmental, personal) that increase risk for mental health issues, but also the courageous act of showing up authentically, which is crucial for healing and connection; it's facing uncertainty and potential emotional pain to build genuine relationships and self-acceptance, contrasting with rigid "false invulnerability" that blocks growth and fosters isolation. Factors like trauma, poverty, stigma, loneliness, and genetics heighten vulnerability, while embracing it (with trusted support) fosters intimacy, resilience, and authenticity, allowing for true self-care and recovery from mental health challenges

 

Victimization

Victimization refers to the experience of individuals who suffer harm or loss due to various events, which can be categorized into three primary sources: natural events, non-criminal human actions, and criminal acts.

 

Putting an End to Anxiety

Putting an end to anxiety involves a mix of immediate coping skills (like deep breathing, the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, and light exercise) and long-term lifestyle changes (healthy diet, regular sleep, avoiding caffeine/alcohol) to manage symptoms, alongside professional help like therapy or medication for persistent issues, focusing on calming the body and reframing negative thought patterns for lasting relief.

Appendix – PTSD & Related Scales