Welcome to Crazy Talk: a mental health advice column written by yours truly, a mentally ill and queer writer reclaiming his “crazy” to educate and empower. In a world that tries to push us to the margins, I’m all about getting loud and kicking the stigma where it hurts. In this column, we explore what...
Author: Sam Dylan Finch (Sam Dylan Finch)
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Crazy Talk: Should I Get an Emotional Support Animal For My Mental Health?
This week, let’s talk about whether to get an emotional support animal (and my cat, because I’ll take any possible excuse to talk about my cat). Welcome to Crazy Talk: a mental health advice column written by yours truly, a mentally ill and queer writer reclaiming his “crazy” to educate and empower. In a world...
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Crazy Talk: Can Mentally Ill People Be In (Healthy) Relationships Together?
It’s an ableist assumption that people with mental health struggles can’t be together — it suggests that only neurotypical people are “good” at relationships. Welcome to Crazy Talk: a mental health advice column written by yours truly, a mentally ill and queer writer reclaiming his “crazy” to educate and empower. In a world that tries to...
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Crazy Talk: Nope, Overworking Yourself Isn’t an Accomplishment
Too often, I’ve encountered people who consider overworking to be the pinnacle of human achievement and productivity. But they’ve sacrificed their mental health. Welcome to Crazy Talk: a mental health advice column written by yours truly, a mentally ill and queer writer reclaiming his “crazy” to educate and empower. In a world that tries to push...
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Crazy Talk: Why Are Some Mental Illnesses Taken More Seriously?
We’ve created a hierarchy of mental illnesses. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been told, “Well, at least you’re not schizophrenic!” Welcome to Crazy Talk: a mental health advice column written by yours truly, a mentally ill and queer writer reclaiming his “crazy” to educate and empower. In a world that tries...
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Crazy Talk: I’m Suicidal. Should I Go to the Emergency Room?
I went to the hospital because I was suicidal and the only alternative for me was dying, and I figured if that was the only alternative, I would give this “living” thing one last shot. Welcome to Crazy Talk: a mental health advice column written by yours truly, a mentally ill and queer writer reclaiming...
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Crazy Talk: Your Glittery, Consumerist Self-Care Doesn’t Do Sh!t For Me
It’s unfortunate that the mainstream narrative around self-care has become synonymous with this capitalistic idea that we can put a price on things like balance and wellness. Welcome to Crazy Talk: a mental health advice column written by yours truly, a mentally ill and queer writer reclaiming his “crazy” to educate and empower. In a...
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Crazy Talk: What Free Mental Health Apps Should I Know About?
You’re probably thinking, “Sam, how does a raccoon wearing a fanny pack help with your mental health?” Don’t knock it until you try it. Welcome to Crazy Talk: a mental health advice column written by yours truly, a mentally ill and queer writer reclaiming his “crazy” to educate and empower. In a world that tries...
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“Transtrender” Is a Useless Concept; Even By Choice, We’re Still Valid
The term “transtrender” is a form of gatekeeping that harms the trans community. It’s sinister that transgender people have used this word to marginalize other folks. I’ve been told, more times than I could possibly count, that my identity as transgender is invalid — that with the increasingly visible transgender rights movement, I’ve hopped on...
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Turns Out I’m Not “Bad” At Being An Adult — I Just Have ADHD
People with ADHD work harder than anyone else I know — often depleting themselves to tackle tasks that a neurotypical person can do with ease. I remember what it felt like to finally have my “dream job.” I called my mom first (as usual), excited to prove to her that my so-called “useless” liberal arts...