Jacquelyn's Space

I love Mackinac Island, Michigan. I have loved it since my parents first took me there as a little girl. Of course I have only ever been in the warmer months. I would love to spend a year on the island to experience all the seasons – someday is what I tell myself.

For years I thought the islanders were basically stuck on the island through the winter but a few years ago I learned when it gets cold enough the straits freeze and an ice bridge is formed, allowing people to get to back and forth to the mainland. Cool! I heard that it is already frozen over this year. Plus I found out there are regular flights to the island also.

Someday I will make over there to see the island in winter. I have heard that cross country skiing is great on the island and I would love to try it. I must get in shape first.

That is my winter dream, a new goal to achieve … well to add to the list: Get in shape and go skiing on Mackinac Island.

According to one equation devised by Dr. Cliff Arnall, a British researcher from Cardiff University, Jan. 24 is 2011’s most depressing day, termed ‘Blue Monday’

MSN Health

Most Depressing Day Article

So today was being billed as the most depressing day of the year. It wasn’t such a bad day for me. Aside for the urge to stay at home in bed, snuggled under the covers while the wind whistled outside my window, I made it through the day fine. Thankfully I am feeling a lot better than I have in a while, certainly much better than this past fall, and past winter seasons/semesters. I am hoping it lasts -scratch that – I am going to make sure it lasts =)

***

I really like the video contained within the article that points out the fact that the way to beat depression is a combination of medications and talk therapy. I truly believe that meds are not effective enough without talk therapy for most people. I wish more people would seek out therapy  – there are a lot of people out there that need treatment.

There are many reasons why they don’t seek treatment – time and money 0r lack of insurance being among the top reason, but also some people still have a negative view of therapy. Sadly, there is still somewhat of a stigma attached to going to a therapist. So many issues, so many problems in this country could be helped/healed if more people were open minded, sought help for their problems and sought help for healthier ways to deal with life.

More research fodder. It is all about writing down your fears/worries before a test – those that wrote did better on the test. This reminds me of the research I read about a few years ago when I first started this blog and going back to school – that writing about school and your schoolwork ultimately helps you do better.  Cool!

I must state though, it is not the act of writing that gives the benefit but the act of processing your thoughts through writing.

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/68774/title/The_write_stuff_for_test_anxiety

I am learning all sorts of stuff this morning…

Link between allergies and depression? I have often wondered and I just watched a short news clip that researchers seem to think there is a link. I would love to do some research on this myself. I wonder if I could get some approved, or find a psych prof at UM-Flint who would be interested in investigating this with me. I can’t forget this:

Allergies and Depression

One of my most favorite songs, from one of my most favorite musicals but on the jazz side tonight. Love this:

It’s great to write to.

Serene Forest on Mackinac Island

Serenity now…

Another reason why I am anxious today is I am starting to investigate grad schools. I told myself not to get anxious, take it slow, one thing at a time but it is hard not to think and worry about all the possibilities, good and bad. I have a plan in my head on how everything should play out but of course nothing ever goes according to plan. Case in point – I had planned to have graduated with my bachelors already but I got sidetracked thinking about 2 degrees.

I almost did apply for graduation this past week (and I have to apply by the 31st of January) but getting 2 bachelor degrees is still on my mind and I stopped myself. That and the fact I am planning on being around UM-Flint next year while I study for the GRE, get some more  research experience, and become more involved with Psi Chi.  I decided to go see an counselor first.

I talked to the counselor and I only need 2 more semesters after this one to get a Bachelor of Arts in English – Specialization in Writing, in addition to my Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I want it so bad!! I don’t know if it will make me more employable or more desirable to grad schools but since I am going to be around anyway…

I think I am going to go for it. I just wrestle with the fact that I want to graduate soon though. Plus I hope I can fit everything in that I want to do. I was hoping to take in easier next fall while I study for the GRE and apply to Grad school. That is a job in itself. But I think if I start lining up all the info now, start getting all the applications and required paperwork ready little by little I may be able to do it.

Because of that I started looking at all the APA accredited Clinical Psychology programs in the country and I narrowed it down to ones in Michigan and also in states closest to me. You have to keep an open mind when applying to grad school because the programs are so competitive (A professor told me getting into medical school is easier). I have a 7 page list of schools/programs I need to research (the list of programs in the country is like 30 pages long!). There are only 7 doctoral programs in Michigan, 6 of which I plan to apply to. I hope I get into one because having to leave the state would be so much harder, and more expensive. That is what makes me anxious.

My age also makes me anxious. Of course programs can’t discriminate but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it doesn’t happen. That is on my mind and simply my ability to do it – will I have the time and the psychological and physical resources? The counselor I talked to about getting my English degree, I happened to ask her what her degree was and where she got it, etc. She has a Masters in Counseling. She said she decided to get that (I guess she graduated with it in 2006) and not pursue a doctorate because of her age. I found out she is a year younger than me!

I want a doctorate though. I think it will bring more opportunities. That is my hope. I think it has to be a PhD and not a PsyD too. I am more suited to a PsyD but again the PhD allows for more opportunities in the long run. I just need to find the right program.

So with all that in mind, I think my plan is:

Slowly research grad programs/visit campuses/get paperwork in order

Study for the GRE

Get through this semester

Get to know the faculty better

Get involved in research

Get more involved with Psi Chi

Study for the GRE

Apply to the English program

Apply to the Honors Program

Apply to Sigma Tau Delta (English Honor Society)

Study for the GRE

Attend UM-Flint next year while I…

get more research expereince

Study for the GRE

Take GRE in October 2011

Apply to grad school (Michigan programs first)

Whew!! Anxiety level is high. Can I accomplish all that?  We’ll see…. I certainly intend to try.

Serenity now, serenity now…

Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes

Oh well, I can always fall back on my back up plans if I don’t get into doctoral program – Masters degree in counseling, and/or P.A. school OR law school. No worries, LOL.