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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 2, 2018)
6A FEATURES TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE Breakdown on Facebook Dear Annie: Recently, I’ve me is concerned that I’m passively noticed that a “friend” on Facebook witnessing a mental breakdown and has been making very erratic posts, thinks I should help in some way. sometimes going on religious, polit- What do you think, Annie? — Wit- ical and metaphysical rants for hours nessing an Online Breakdown Dear Witnessing an Online on end. No one else is commenting on the posts or interacting with him. Breakdown: I think you’re not the only person who’s been ner- One person did ask, “Are DEAR vously watching his troubled you OK?” He proceeded behavior, but you may be the to reply 50 times, going ANNIE only one to do something off on tangents about his about it. Start by sending a no longer being part of this message to one of the friends world, his being diagnosed with whom he’s recently as clinically insane, how he been photographed. Ask changed his name to better whether he or she has seen his fit with the church he’s cre- ated for himself and how posts, is aware that he seems Annie Lane everyone needs to join. to be experiencing mental ill- Creators Syndicate Inc. ness and is taking any steps to Though we were some- what friendly about 10 years help him. If neither that friend ago while in college, I have no con- nor others seem to be taking it seri- tact information for this guy, and none ously, research some mental health of our mutual Facebook “friends” resources in his area and share them still talks with him. Though he hasn’t with him directly. You can also use been threatening self-harm directly, Facebook’s reporting tool. Simply there are some very concerning posts, click the three dots in the upper-right and he’s mentioned past abuse. It also corner of one of his troubling posts appears as though he’s moved out of and then select “Give feedback on the country, so I can’t call the police this post” and “Suicide or self-injury.” Someone from Facebook will reach for a wellness check. There are recent photos with out and attempt to connect him with friends, so I assume other people are help. Of course, if he ever mentions aware of what’s happening. So part of suicide or any intention to harm him- me wants to just ignore it all and mind self or others, call 911. The National my own business. However, part of Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273- THE DAILY ASTORIAN • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2018 By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. 8255) is also a great resource. I understand your inclination to mind your own business. But you have nothing to lose by speaking up, and you might end up making all the difference. Dear Annie: I would like to respond to the letter from “Wonder- ing in Massachusetts,” who was frus- trated with your recommending ther- apy. As a therapist who’s also been in therapy, I’m always glad to see you refer people to therapy. Many towns and cities have low-cost counseling centers. I volunteer at one whose low- est fee is $5 per session, which most people can afford. I myself have a sliding scale that is very reasonable. There is absolutely no substitute for therapy in which someone trained in psychology, various treatment modal- ities and objectivity can help you resolve current problems, whether they are just about the present or they stem from the past. — Karen, LCSW Dear Karen: Well said. Therapy is more accessible than one might think. I encourage people to look for low-cost counseling centers or, if that’s not an option, to try web- sites such as Talkspace and Better- Help. Thank you for writing. Dear Annie: Please consider physical activity as an alternative to therapy. — Happy Walker ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your mind can either be your ally or your enemy. Choosing helpful thoughts is the habit to cultivate at this critical juncture. Don’t expect such thoughts to come naturally. Write them out. Repeat them. It’s forced, but it will work. easy to, and maybe even a pleasure to, keep. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There are no free passes for what you want to experience. You’ll be glad for this. Hard work forces you to confront and ultimately develop a better connection with your core character. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ve been drawn to both virtue and vice, and sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference. But down deep you know who is good for you and who isn’t. Stick with the people who are good for you. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There’s some- thing you don’t want to do, and yet you really must. So do it first. This will improve the overall quality of your day. Otherwise you’ll spend the whole day cozied up to a nagging feeling. CANCER (June 22-July 22). People don’t learn with their arms crossed. Learning is a posture. It’s a receptive way of being. The learning mind is open and curious, willing to do the things that reinforce the assimilation of knowledge. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’re capable of deep self-reflection but timing is key. For the most part, you’ll keep it light and do what you need to do today. Then tonight, you’ll choose your moment and go deeper into your own motivations. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Any feeling you have of being constricted will go away once you reduce your spending. Lower the expenses so you can show a profit, minimize your stress, and have the freedom you’ve longed for. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The path to success will be built from long strings of kept promises. Of course, the easiest way to keep your promises is to make promises that are FRANK AND ERNEST BLONDIE THATABABY SALLY FORTH PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN B.C. LOLA DILBERT SIX CHIX BIZARRO MUTTS NON SEQUITUR BABY BLUES WIZARD OF ID ZITS ROSE IS ROSE SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Neatness will make a difference in your work. It won’t make it inherently better, but it will make it more user-friendly, which will lead to more people making use of it. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Not long ago it was you who needed guidance. Now you’re the one giving it to others. You’ll do this with great patience, thoroughness and heart. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’re a bit of an impresario today, creating a “show” and selling tickets. On a deeper level, what you’re doing is helping others to see what’s extraordinary about that ordinary thing that’s been there all along. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The past is messier than it looks in the history books. The story we tell looking backward already has an ending. All we have to do is connect the dots in a way that leads up to it. The pres- ent has no ending. The story is up for grabs. TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Oct. 3). A surprising turn of events happens this month. You’ll be mentored by one who sees your enormous potential and can help you realize it. More highlights: a spontaneous trip that leads to love, a bargain catered just to you and the chance to perform before your colleagues and raise your position. Capricorn and Aquarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 33, 38, 25 and 17.
