Introduction Ideas

Thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself. I noticed in your posting that you are primarily interested in mental health issues. You may find our PPD boards a valuable tool. It's great you are reaching out to others and I think you will find the experiences of other women to be a tremendous inspiration.

One such woman is Kristin Park, who works with us at EmpowHer.com. She has been very open about her battle with PPD and is active in several communities. She could be a wonderful and sensitive resource. https://www.empowher.com/community/forum/cond...

Also, Postpartum Support International can be reached by calling 1.800.944.4PPD. You can find their Web site at
http://www.postpartum.net/. http://www.afsp.org has information on suicide prevention and depression.

We're happy to have you here and look forward to your insight.

- Most people simply call me "Beth", although I will answer to "Hanahula".
- I now live in New Jersey, However, I was born in Boston, Raised in New York and attended college in North Carolina (which I miss terribly.)
- My favorite movie is "A Room With A View". "The Matrix" is a Close Second.
- I have been a bookworm since I learned how to read, but my favorite book is actually from childhood: "A Wrinkle In Time" by Madeleine L'Engle.
- I was drawn into empowerHer by BlogHer, although I do not visit that site frequently.
- I am a runner and have been since my freshman year in college. Cannot live without it.
- I don't eat it often, but I love pasta.
- I am experiencing withdrawal symptoms from Grey's Anatomy at the moment.
- I am more drawn to alternative music than any other kind, but I enjoy anything that I can sing and/or dance along with.
- Favorite quote: "We can do no great things, only small things with great love." - Mother Teresa
- Book that you are currently reading: "The Closers" by Michael Connelly
- Favorite person to talk to: My son
- How would you describe yourself: Sensitive, thoughtful, introspective
- Do you have a particular health condition that you're interested in? I know that the site is currently focusing on heart disease, but I am primarily interested in mental health issues, particularly suicide and depression.
- What do you find is the most valuable part of an online community? The positive support and sharing of first-hand experiences.

- Name/Nickname/Username: ToddHartley
- What part of the country are you in: Arizona
- Where you grew up: Manhattan Beach, CA
- Favorite movie: On Golden Pond
- Favorite book: Conversations With God
- How did you hear about EmpowHer.com? I was in the room when we came up with the company's name.
- Favorite hobby: Photography
- Favorite Food: Mexican & Greek
- Favorite T.V. Show: Brother & Sisters
- Favorite type of music: Classic Rock
- Favorite Quote: My wife says, "Smile and everyone, everywhere" and I love that. You should try it. It will change your day.
- Book that you are currently reading: Just work related stuff. Any recommendations?
- Favorite person to talk to: My wife. She's got the healthiest outlook on life
- How would you describe yourself: Fun!
- Do you have a particular health condition that you're interested in? Tell us more. My heart has an irregular beat. But if you've seen me dance, you'd already know that.
- What do you find is the most valuable part of an online community? Knowing that you can share honestly.
-Favorite Weekend Event: Holding hands with my wife as we walk to the farmers market.

Name/Nickname/Username: Tina T
- What part of the country are you in: Arizona
- Where you grew up: Arizona (adventurous, eh?)
- Favorite movie: Apocalypse Now, Pan's Labyrinth, Amelie
- Favorite book: Kafka on the Shore, Kite Runner
- How did you hear about EmpowHer.com? Hmmmm.
- Favorite hobby: Reading, traveling, yoga, cycling;
- Favorite Food: Pho (Vietnamese soup)
- Favorite T.V. Show: Scrubs or anything on HGTV;
- Favorite type of music: Gipsy Kings, Tom Waits, Reggae, Classical.
- Favorite quote: "Don't compromise yourself, you're all you've got" -- Janis Joplin
- Book that you are currently reading: Suite Francaise
- Favorite person to talk to: My turtle (she listens without judging) Actually -- my husband. He always challenges me.
- How would you describe yourself: Laid back, but energetic;
- Do you have a particular health condition that you're interested in? Tell us more. Have always been very interested in health and staying active.
- What do you find is the most valuable part of an online community? Those words of wisdom that you run across that sometimes make you feel like you've unearthed buried treasure.

Ok, here's a little about me...love to hear from others! (It's a great way to "post" your first message...it's nerve-racking to hit "post" for the 1st time...it's so final and public!) :-)

- Name/Nickname/Username: Alison
- What part of the country are you in: Central Texas
- Where you grew up: Texas and Virginia
- Favorite movie: Princess Bride
- Favorite book: So many! Right now, I'm reading Loud & Clear by Anna Quindlen. Love her! Also enjoyed Kite Runner.
- How did you hear about EmpowHer.com? Tina T.
- Favorite hobby: playing with my 15 month old son, softball, running (er, jogging slow), eating Tex-Mex (that's a hobby right?!)
- Favorite Food: oops..see above! Tex-Mex...I LOVE it!
- Favorite T.V. Show: The Office, Project Runway, What Not to Wear...anything on HGTV
- Favorite type of music: don't know...what "type" includes Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, and 80's Love Ballads?!
- Favorite quote: "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end."
- Book that you are currently reading: Loud & Clear by Anna Quindlen and Idiot's Guide to Parenting your Toddler (no, really!!! ha ha!)
- Favorite person to talk to: anyone who will listen! :-)
- How would you describe yourself: friendly, smart, nurturing, empathetic, good learner, good listener, shy-at-times and outspoken-at-other-times
- Do you have a particular health condition that you're interested in? mental wellness and it's effect on overall health.
- What do you find is the most valuable part of an online community? sharing, talking and listening! I love finding "nuggets" of helpful information from others.

- What part of the country are you in: Central TX
- Where you grew up: around the world
- Favorite movie: anything with Bette Davis
- Favorite book: how about play: Cyrano de Bergerac
- How did you hear about EmpowHer.com? online ad
- Favorite hobby: hmmm....so many! 6 months of every year, I'm a slow fat runner in training for a marathon
- Favorite Food: dark Belgian chocolate
- Favorite T.V. Show: House, Project Runway, Top Chef
- Favorite type of music: Classical, Flamenco
- Favorite quote: "Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death." Auntie Mame
- Book that you are currently reading: Jane Austen collection and several IT books
- Favorite person to talk to: my fish - hahaha! he doesn't talk back
- How would you describe yourself: definitely not boring
- Do you have a particular health condition that you're interested in? Tell us more. Lupus - I write about it a lot
- What do you find is the most valuable part of an online community? the ability to interact with people across time zones and geographic locations woo-hoo!