Read “Cursed” Online!

I am so incredibly honored that my short essay, “Cursed”, was shared on the HWA Mental Health Initiative page. Why not stop and read the Mental Health Initiative Charter? Shatter the stigma, my friends. You can find this painfully honest essay here. <3    

TMS Therapy Posts in Order!

I am so delighted and humbled by all of the sweet people who have reached out to me asking about Transcranial Magnetic Therapy. Mental health is so important and let’s smash the stigma surrounding it, yes? It’s been a while since I finished TMS, and I’m still feeling great without it. Of course I have good days and bad days, … Read More

I Completed My TMS Therapy!

It went swimmingly. Do you see this smile? This is a genuine, happy smile. It was, indeed, a time commitment, but it really flew by quickly. It felt good to get up, get dressed, and go somewhere every day. It was powerful to take that step especially when all I originally wanted to do was stay home and hide under … Read More

TMS Therapy: The First Week [video]

We did brain mapping and then it was time for the first session. The magnets were next to my skull, but not actually touching it. They would click loudly (wear earplugs!) for four seconds, be silent for 11 seconds, and then click for another four seconds. Rinse and repeat for about 20 minutes. Even though nothing was touching my skull, … Read More

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy: Brain Mapping

Brain mapping. Frankly, I didn’t know exactly what to expect and the sound of it was terrifying. In reality, it was no big deal. TMS targets the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is the area of the brain that is most known for executive functions like working memory, decision making, and motor planning. It’s also connected to other parts of the brain that … Read More

Miss Murder Starts TMS Therapy: An Introduction

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and it’s a technique used for medication-resistant depression. Hello. I’m Mercedes and I have clinical depression. I’m a wife, a mother, a writer, and a friend. I love pets and I dance in the rain and I struggle with suicidal ideation nearly every single day of my life. It’s a bit of a juxtaposition. … Read More

Say What Is Truth with Joni Haws! Honesty, Vulnerability, and Trigger Warnings

My friend Joni Haws is an absolutely amazing person. She is one of my very favorite people in the entire world. Joni just started the Say What is Truth podcast, where she sits and has conversations with (extra)ordinary, everyday people to discuss what goes on in their lives.  She’s wise, insightful, and these conversations hit hard. Exploring life’s defining moments, … Read More

Our ISP (Individualized Support Plan) for Niko. Gah.

We had an ISP for Niko today. An ISP is an Individualized  Support Plan or Individualized Services Plan. In short, we’re opening a case file for Niko so we can have support when he transitions out of high school. We want him to be able to contribute to society and engage with those around him, but we need help facilitating … Read More

Happy Scorpion Anniversary!

It’s a year to the day since I was stung by a scorpion while doing dishes. A lot has happened since then. Today Miss Murder seeks her revenge. To celebrate, I made a Youtube video. Happy Scorpionversary!      

Free Day! Read a Free Short and Download Nameless!

What do you do when someone you love goes truly dark? I have a free short story titled “Waves and Darkness” up at Pen of the Damned. Why don’t you stop by and give it a read? Also, today is the last day to pick up my first novel Nameless: The Darkness Comes for free. Want a fun and creepy summer read? … Read More