Mental health and vet bills

This morning got off to a good start. Since we've gone back to stricter lock down again, I had organized a Google Meets with people from my depression support group, Unquiet Minds. Ended up only being four of us, but it was good to connect and one of the people is now in France and he had some great ideas from what he has experienced in France for support for depression. They have groups that offer activities for different interests. A friend in Australia who works in mental health support had also suggested this. When lock down ends can definitely try this out and in the meantime try have more regular online meet ups. Tomorrow I am a panelist speaker for a mental health webinar. Am just waiting to hear if we are live tomorrow or if the discussion with be shared later on.

Moderator: Lady K - radio personality

Panelists:

- Tony Friday - Global institute for emotional health and wellness / Radio personality

- Chenjerai Chigumbura - Lawyer / The Empowerment Trust founder

- Sandra - art therapy

- Wadzanai Garwe - Economist

- Michael Chiunda - LGBTQ+ activist / Hands of Hope / Singer/Songwriter

- Noku Sithole - DJ Noxxy / Gospel Artist /

- Ashler Jaya - The mixologist

- Rufaro - Poet

- Chengeto Brown - Singer/Songwriter

- Ruth Mbangwa - Jazz Musician

- Elli - Mental Health worker

- Indigo Saint - Musician / Activist

- Akrikka - Activist / Musician

- Chido Tengae - Actress

- Ritah The thought - Events and Creative Arts Management / Social and Community

Development / Spiritual and Mental Health Activist

- Diana Motsi - Activist / Photographer

- Michelle Juru - Visual Artist / Chief Creative Officer of Panda Stu.

- AneUnhu Gwatidzo - Creative Consultant / Multidisciplinary storyteller

- Tony Friday - Global institute for emotional health and wellness / Radio personality

- Vimbai Mukaronda - Tutor at Inspire tutors

- Sandra - Art therapy

- Dr Nyarai Paweni - Wellness coach - Naturopathic Doctor / Mental Wellness Advocate

- Wadzanai Garwe - Economist

- Katy Lanas - Unquiet minds

- Michael Chiunda - LGBTQ+ activist / Hands of Hope / Singer/Songwriter

- Agatha Chapeyama-Chipunza - The mental health trust

- Ashler Jaya - The mixologist

- Thandi Gula-Ndebele - Photographer/ Videographer

- Chengeto Brown - Singer/Songwriter

- Ruth Mbangwa - Jazz Musician

- Indigo Saint - Musician / Activist

- Akrikka - Activist / Musician

- Ritah The thought - Events and Creative Arts Management / Social and Community

Development / Spiritual and Mental Health Activist

- Diana Motsi - Activist / Photographer

Out in the garden after the online meet up, I suddenly noticed my dog Elsie had a gaping wound on her elbow. She gets pressure points there but this had turned into an abscess which had burst, and we had to take her to the vet. Coaxing her along with biscuits we got her in the car, whereafter she was very well behaved. The vets had a glass shield in front of the main counter and we weren't allowed into the consulting room with Elsie.  She panicked a bit at this but was OK. It all came to US$23, which is about an eighth of my salary, but had to be done. But between Elsie having to go to the vet and Jasper biting Given, our gardner, this week has been costly.