Tag: Self-Help

I’m Taking a Break

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I love this podcast, and that’s why I think it’s time for me to take a step back for a little while. I just haven’t been feeling up to making new episodes, and with everything going on in my life, I’m just exhausted all the time. I want to take some time to step back and get into a better headspace, and I think that one way for me to do that is by taking some responsibility off my plate, and considering the fact that this is my 124 episode, I’ve had this responsibility for quite some time. I’m not giving up on the podcast; in fact, I have a lot planned for the future, but for right now, I just really need a break so that I’m excited about all the plans I have when I have more time to do them. I appreciate each and every one of you for listening. I’ll be back soon, but I don’t know if soon is a few weeks or a few months. Thanks, and I’ll talk to you later.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

Also, I wrote a book! https://www.amazon.com/Trying-Myself-Scott-Christopher-McKinney/dp/1735125105/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HJRD1Q2OGBG6&dchild=1&keywords=trying+not+to+kill+myself&qid=1595216485&sprefix=trying+not+to+kill+m%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1

Do You Ever Forget You Suffer From a Mental Illness?

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So, this probably isn’t the question you expected me to ask, but it’s one that I asked myself recently. After weeks of low motivation, irritability, and difficulty finding happiness in the things that used to keep me moving forward, it occurred to me that… I’M DEPRESSED. It’s something that I’m clearly aware of, but sometimes I just forget, and I end up giving myself a hard time for struggling to be happy and finding my motivation. In this episode, I’m going to talk about that “sudden realization,” if you can call it that, and how hopefully that’ll make it easier for me to work through this depressive episode.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

Also, I wrote a book! https://www.amazon.com/Trying-Myself-Scott-Christopher-McKinney/dp/1735125105/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HJRD1Q2OGBG6&dchild=1&keywords=trying+not+to+kill+myself&qid=1595216485&sprefix=trying+not+to+kill+m%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1

When Did My Depression Start?

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I know that it was in eighth grade that my depression really started. Before that, I was a happy-go-lucky kid who thought he was happy and great all the time. I still remember being that kid who, any time he could, he would run around hoping that one day he’d “lose enough weight to fly.” That kid still exists, and I’m constantly searching for more and more of the missing pieces of him that have buried themselves deep within me, but he’ll never come back completely. In this episode, I’ll tell you what specific event made me realize he was gone.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

Also, I wrote a book! https://www.amazon.com/Trying-Myself-Scott-Christopher-McKinney/dp/1735125105/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HJRD1Q2OGBG6&dchild=1&keywords=trying+not+to+kill+myself&qid=1595216485&sprefix=trying+not+to+kill+m%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1

Escaping From Reality: The Pros and Cons

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When something negative affects your life, there is no straightforward way to cope with it. No matter how you cope with the situation, it’s difficult because the situation itself is difficult, too. What I’ve learned about myself over the recent weeks is that I have a tendency to escape from reality when something unfortunate happens in my life. I do it through a variety of ways, such as YouTube, TV, video games, and endless social media usage, but that leaves an unanswered question: does escaping from reality help cope with a difficult situation?

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

Also, I wrote a book! https://www.amazon.com/Trying-Myself-Scott-Christopher-McKinney/dp/1735125105/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HJRD1Q2OGBG6&dchild=1&keywords=trying+not+to+kill+myself&qid=1595216485&sprefix=trying+not+to+kill+m%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1

I’m Publishing a Book!

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My book, Trying Not to Kill Myself, comes out THIS FRIDAY! It’s been a long process, from writing, editing, cover design, formatting, and everything else that goes into self-publishing a book, I’m glad to say that this project is wrapping up and launching! I’ve been excited about getting this thing out there for years, and it’s finally happening. This feels like a massive milestone for me, and I couldn’t be more proud of myself. In this episode, I talk about what it took to make this bad boy, and how it’s helped my mental health. Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you like the book!

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

Bitter With the Sweet

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Ya know, not everything in the world is great (as I’m sure you’ve already noticed.) That doesn’t make the world bad or terrible to live on, but it means that there are some less than perfect things that happen, whether it’s a dispute between you and a friend, some burnt mac n’ cheese because you forgot to add water to the Kraft you were microwaving, or you have a dog that WON’T STOP BITING YOUR SHOE LACES NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU TELL HER NOT TO, but I digress. Not everything will be great, but as the great musician, Carole King, said, “you’ve got to take the bitter with the sweet.” In this episode, I dive into what that actually means.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

What It Takes to Be Happy

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Ever wonder what the “Scott McKinney Solution to Happiness” (Patent Pending) is? Well here it is in all of its glory! But for real, I talk about what combination of things make me happy, how I discovered this magical combo, and how with work and hope, you can find what things you need to feel better too. Plus, my book, Trying Not to Kill Myself, is coming out on Friday, July 17th, so please check it out then!

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

The Effects of Burn Out

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We’re all stuck at home. We’re all tired of being stuck at home. We’re all stressed for a multitude of different reasons, whether it’s from being unemployed and searching for a job, missing family, or just exhausted at our jobs. It’s a hard time for everyone, and in this episode, I talk about what’s been a struggle for me and how I’m trying to overcome it.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

The Joy of Progress

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Hello and thanks for tuning into another episode of Acceptable Madness! In this episode, I talk about progress, and how progressing or improving in something that you care about feels delightful – and maybe even happiness-inducing. Yeah. It’s that good.

I also talk about how the Carousel of Progress broke down when I was riding it with my family, creating the most ironic thing that I’ve ever lived through.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

Why People Like Things

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Hello and thanks for checking out another episode of Acceptable Madness! Although the title of this episode seems kind of weird and super not detailed, this episode is about exactly what it says. People like different things for different reasons, and for the first time in my life, I was able to understand that instead of quantifying or questioning it, simply accepting that people like something is enough – and there’s no reason to fight that.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

What If You Don’t Have Hobbies?

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I know that in the past, I have talked about hobbies as almost entirely creativity-based ventures, and I believe that that is shortsighted. In this episode, I talk about hobbies of all shapes and sizes, ranging from watching the massively overrated Tiger King documentary to baking, and how no matter what you do with your free time, the only thing that ultimately matters is finding things that make you happy.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

Do Pets Make Depression Easier?

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The short to this question is a resounding… maybe? Last month, I adopted both a puppy and kitten, and in all of the running around to potty train, clean up pee and poop, make sure they’re all healthy and fed, I haven’t had much time to think about being depressed. How has that affected me? Is it a good thing because I’ve been able to stay out of my own head, or is it a bad thing since I haven’t been thinking about my mental health as much, so I haven’t been able to understand what’s making me feel way that I do? I honestly have no idea, but what I can promise you is that Halsey and Leia are super cute.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

Thinking of Those That You Miss

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As we enter another week of quarantine, I talk about how I’ve been holding up so far and how I’ve coped with the isolation. Along with that, I look for the positive in the mess that the world seems to be in right now, and then decide to never talk about Coronavirus on my podcast again because information is coming from all directions and I want this to be more of a break from that as opposed to another source of worry. Thanks for listening, and keep an eye on my Facebook page (link below) to see when I release my first self-published book, Trying Not to Kill Myself. Stay safe and healthy out there.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

Quarantined and Cooped Up

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It’s a weird time for everyone right now. Stores, restaurants and businesses are closed, people are stuck at home, and most everyone is scared to leave their house, even if it’s for the most essential of items. Right now is a hard time on everyone, and trying to stay happy through all of it is difficult as heck. So this week, I talk about how I’ve been trying to stay happy and healthy while I’m locked in my apartment with Alex, a cat and a dog with more roundworms than I ever hoped to see in my whole life.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

Living Amidst the Coronavirus

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I know everyone has already been talking about COVID, but I thought I’d throw my hat in the ring too. Stay healthy out there and try not to let this thing scare you too badly. It’s obviously a big deal, but so is acting rationally and doing everything in your power to handle it responsibly and without screwing over your neighbors (stop hoarding toilet paper.) Here are my thoughts on the virus and how it’s affected me mentally.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

Simple Things Pt. IV

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Why part four? Well, because I’ve written about the simple things in the past in a book I’m currently editing with Alex. Hopefully it’ll be edited in the coming months but I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself, plus, I don’t want this to be an advertisement. I just wanted to let you know I wasn’t going crazy. This week, I talk about the simple things that make me happy. I’ve been having a rough few weeks and this podcast isn’t a platform for me to vent, but rather a platform to share tips and tricks on how to be happier. So, I want to talk about what’s been making me happier. I hope it can help you like it helps me.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

The Depressed, Anxiety-Filled Thoughts of Scott

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Welcome to another episode of Acceptable Madness! This week, I just talk. I know you’re probably thinking, “but Scott, all you do is talk every week.” Well, that’s obviously true, but instead of following some theme, I go over what’s been going on in my life, how it’s been making me feel and how I’ve been trying to cope with it. Depression isn’t a sexy topic, but I think sharing some of the most unpleasant thoughts straight from the source can beincredibly helpful. I hope this episode can give you insight into my head, and proves to you that, no matter what, you’re never by yourself. I care for you. Lots.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

Learning to Stay One Step Ahead

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When I started this podcast, it was a mess. The volume was too low, I lost my train of thought to often and I didn’t really know where to put it. Now, one year later, it’s gotten significantly better, so much so that it feels like someone else entirely is making it. The only thing that blows my mind more than that is how different I know it will be in another year.

This week, I talk about learning and how getting better at something can be a rewarding experience that can take your mind off of the depressed thoughts that you might be struggling with.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

What Does it Mean to be Happy?

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Since I made this podcast, I’ve explored different aspects of depression and how it has affected me. It hasn’t always been a peaceful ride, and it certainly hasn’t always been fun, but it’s helped me to better understand my mind. While I’ve made all of these revelations, something has stayed constant that I will never be able to escape entirely; I’m still depressed. Recently, I’ve thought a lot about what it actually means to be happy, and wondered if I’ll ever be able to feel what others define as happiness, or if it will be some modified, duller version that I’ll be forced to live until the end of time.

In this episode, I talk about how I feel my life is different from those that don’t struggle with depression, and how difficult it will be to move forward.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg

Starting Fresh and Accomplishing Long-Term Goals

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I graduated from college in 2017. Since then, I’ve been laid off once, changed apartments three times, changed out of another job, and now I’ve moved to an all new city. On top of that, I start a brand new job tomorrow that is in the field that I studied in college where I’ll meet all new people, responsibilities and challenges. In this episode, I reflect on everything that’s happened to me over the past two years, and how I’m equal parts depressed and excited to see what happens next.

I am not a doctor, so do not treat this as therapy or medical advice. I just do this podcast with the hopes that it can help some people.

If you’re interested in other content by me, follow me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcceptableMadness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptablemadness/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpiT4JjAzziR-EODaBDPaJg