Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 08-05-2026 “ You left me with a memory. But how can I live with that? I don’t need another reminder, that there was once a home, that almost felt like home.” -EaE Maybe I should start by sharing a list of things that I was promised, but did not receive. HelpContinue reading “Future Faking”
Author Archives: functionallymentall
O’ahu memories
Elisa A. Escalante 7-28-2026
Mental illness and Dating
Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 07-13-2026 Over the years I have noticed that there are certain mental health conditions that are compatible when it comes to dating or living together, while other’s are like ‘oil and vinegar’; they just don’t mix. Some even create a dangerous chemical reaction and cause toxic cycles/ explosions to occur. InContinue reading “Mental illness and Dating”
When the Brain dies before the Body
Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 06-06-2026 “Maybe it’s not about the problems that can be solved. Maybe it’s about the conflicts in the mind that never go away.” -EaE “Is suicide selfish?” They keep asking. “Suicide is when the brain dies before the body”, that’s my answer. It’s organ failure. After various compounding events, their brainContinue reading “When the Brain dies before the Body”
The Cave
Elisa A. Escalante / LCSW/ 6-11-2026 When PTSD is hard, it is inexplicably hard. But depression just might be the death of me. When these disorders combine, I go into a cave of isolation. It’s lonely in there, but it protects me and others. I’m protected from more triggers, and people are protected from me.Continue reading “The Cave”
Laughing & Crying Marine
5-30-2026 Interviewer: Elisa A. Escalante / LCSW/ USAF veteran / OEF Vet Interviewee: Adam Walker/ Retired USMC / OIF Vet/ Author ✍️ Book “Laughing & Crying as a U.S. Marine” , release date: June 2026 Adam Walker is a retired Marine with 25 years of service to include 3 combat tours to Iraq. He isContinue reading “Laughing & Crying Marine”
Jealous
Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 5-12-2026 I came across a very controversial stream of TikTok’s. The debate centered around a video in which a content creator admitted to being very jealous of one of her friends. She spoke about it so openly and honestly. She was vulnerable about it, I will admit. Some people praised herContinue reading “Jealous”
Mental Discomfort
Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 03-27-2026 Various mental health disorders/ issues require us to do the exact opposite of what we want to do, because we have the disorder. This is the strain of mental health. It isn’t rainbows and butterflies, rather, it’s pushing people to sit in discomfort, or to do the very things thatContinue reading “Mental Discomfort”
CPAP Sleep
Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 3-17-2026 For the past couple of years, my family and friends have been urging me to get another sleep study. I procrastinated because I wanted to stay in denial. I did not want to learn that I have sleep apnea and will be required to wear a CPAP for the restContinue reading “CPAP Sleep”
Surrender
Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 03-01-2026 At least once a month I receive another burnt out client with a goal to increase their productivity. This is obviously counter productive, but they are in denial. Some of the work ahead includes helping them learn to accept and surrender to their new reality. The reality being that theyContinue reading “Surrender”
Functionally Mental 