Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Longevity.
It's Not Your Fault
I'm 31 years of age. At the age of 5 (or so I'm told), I attempted to hang myself with my school tie. At 31 years of age, it breaks my heart to attempt to fathom how hopeless life must be for someone so young to take the decision to end it all. I only remember bits and pieces from those days. I know that I had difficulty forming friendships with other children. I know that I had a tendency to take people at their word; to assume people were always honest, and of course this made me vulnerable and it was easy to take advantage of me. I was naive. Other kids seemed to realise this very quickly and this was the start of it. Being the butt of jokes and the source of amusement for other kids. I remember it was hurtful but I also know I didn't always realise when it was happening. My parents loved me very much of course, but the pain I was suffering must have been so great that I didn't want to live anymore. Had I succeeded in my suicide attempt, it would not have been their fault. They raised me to be honest, and to see others as honest and encountering the worst in people was clearly a shock to me that I didn't understand.
By Neil Cochrane7 years ago in Longevity
Tired And Sluggish? Go Pro!
Today it seems you can’t pick up a magazine or watch a television commercial without being inundated with advertisements touting the health benefits of probiotics. If you have digestive tract problems, you may have bought into the hype and started consuming yogurt with active cultures or taking an advertised probiotic supplement without consulting with your doctor or understanding just what you are ingesting into your body.
By Marlene Affeld7 years ago in Longevity
Losing Days to PMDD
Not too long ago, I had some company come to town, had an art exhibit, and did some travel with my visiting friend. For an introvert like me, I probably took on too much. Soon, I was in the thick of PMDD and living the repercussions of overdoing it. I suspect I’m not the only woman with that problem.
By Cheeky Minx7 years ago in Longevity
My Mental Illness Is Real: Stop Making Me Prove It
I read an article on The Guardian website a couple of weeks ago that got me thinking. The article talked about society's apparent need to conceptualise mental illness as a 'real' thing, in a way that is physical and material. It's something that has bothered me for a long time; there seems to be such a divide between mental and physical illnesses and as someone with mental health problems, it can be exhausting trying to validate an illness that others can't see.
By Kate Elliott7 years ago in Longevity
What Is a Personal Trainer?
When the term 'Personal Trainer' is mentioned, a lot of images are conjured up in the mind. Most involve pushing people to their limits, whilst the trainer is shouting at this poor sweaty person, who looks like they are about to pass out, vomit, or worse, both. But we really aren't like that at all (Unless, of course, you ask us to be!)
By Bronwyn Sutton7 years ago in Longevity
A Shock Absorber For Your Joints
SAM-e supplement (S-Adenosyl methionine), pronounced as “Sammy”, is a synthetic form of a naturally-occurring amino acid derived from an essential sulfur-containing amino acid known as methionine, an integral component of most of the proteins in the body and the energy boosting compound adenosine triphosphate (ATP) the primary source of energy found in the cells.
By Marlene Affeld7 years ago in Longevity
Just Another Story
FOR AWHILE AT LEAST: Tales of a struggling, victorious tortured soul... This book is dedicated to all my fellow warriors who fight the battle valiantly; the ones who have won, that still struggle and those who have no idea what I am talking about.
By ELIZABETH Rotchford7 years ago in Longevity
Put On A Smile
For as long as I have remembered, I've been different. For a long time, I thought it was related solely to my interests in relation to my family. They liked sports, I liked books. They were extroverted, I am hella introverted. But as I entered middle, I began to notice some changes that spanned beyond typical differences in opinions.
By J.C. Marie7 years ago in Longevity