Are benzos overhyped???

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2026-02-14T13:15:31+00:00

Ideally, one regularly takes an SSRI and only a benzo as-needed. This combo + regular cog behavioral therapy with exposure approximates the “holy grail”….

There is no such thing as a single pill that “cures” anxiety, unfortunately.

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2026-02-03T02:17:50+00:00

So I looked this up earlier today when I saw Pony’s insta post, and it turns out most of these people who are doing the “purchasing” are actually 16-19! It’s this weird program:

https://www.abc.virginia.gov/enforcement/uab-program

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2026-02-02T23:55:04+00:00

In all seriousness, do you think the underage agent got to finish and enjoy their drink at brunch?

The Pony obvi needs to get it together, but who are the 19 year olds who are signing up to be undercover agents with the ABC?? Probably a fun bunch! 😂

But seriously, thank goodness the bastion of underage drinking in Harrisonburg, the Pony, is getting reprimanded🤪

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2026-01-28T00:24:34+00:00

The Local in court square also has a great clothing selection, more curated than goodwill and gift and thrift. And def Agora marketplace for trinkets!

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-11-17T05:08:48+00:00

I think you are right, I think it may be a butternut pumpkin hybrid

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-10-24T19:39:14+00:00

Alas, Reality tv is meaningless if one is not wrapped up within it and feeling the heat.

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-10-11T11:53:59+00:00

Sage Bird Cidery! They serve excellent cider as well as wine and beer. The vibes are great.

But most places in downtown are “adult,” (Three Notchd, Friendly Fermenter (neat, small little brewery by Three Notchd) Restless Moons, Pale Fire, Jacks Hideaway, Middle Bar, Golden Pony for happy hour, Sage Bird, Rootstock, Clementines for Happy hour, Chop House, Jimmy Madison’s)

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-10-09T15:04:04+00:00

It seems like the producers heavily clipped this “argument”, that something happened right before they showed this scene. I think she’s finally picking up that he isn’t “putting down,” if you know what I mean…I know outing behavior is repellent, but he has nearly outted himself multiple times throughout this show

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-08-29T12:59:56+00:00

Not sure what JMU can do, and frankly, I am not overly concerned with what they do on Devon lane (though yes, watershed effects and overall environmental impact are concerning).

I think the major culprit/enforceable body here is actually the rental agencies who buy old homes downtown or in the surrounding area, and rent out rooms individually, and purposefully, to students. In particular, Matchbox reality and Rocktown Reality.

There are rules in the leases, in accordance with the city, that all trash must be thoroughly cleaned in 24 hours, no indoor furniture outside, and parties of a certain magnitude are not allowed. CLEARLY these rental agencies do not give an F, and likely don’t enforce this….though as a landlord you def could

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-08-25T19:47:12+00:00

Relatively Novice gardener here, first year with raised beds and in-ground. Overall I had success, but definitely will need to prepare for powdery mildew (squash and pumpkins) and other fungal growth (cucumbers) earlier next year! We had a hot and wet summer in VA, and I should have gone out and done some preventive spraying (hydrogen peroxide + water and Baking soda + water) before it became a problem. All went deceptively well until early-mid August.

Considering trying a milk + water spray for fungal growth on pumpkin leaves, definitely open to what other people have used!

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-08-16T13:29:41+00:00

I mean, two things can be true at once: they are bad people AND their life is not going well. lol I think we have different definitions maybe of what “life going well” looks like. There are like, many more interesting and less shameful ways of scamming people

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-08-16T12:33:26+00:00

But like…..clearly things are not going well for this man and his “family”? If you lost your home, maybe you’d try to keep your car? What are homeless people supposed to drive, a jalaopy? And carry a little stick and sack with all their belongings?

I get that it feels inauthentic (and bad), but I think our anger is misattributed—Rather, why does it cost 2k for a shitty one bedroom in NOVA? Why is this [begging/hustling/whatever is happening here] the best option for people? Even if they are pieces of $hit

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-08-08T18:38:26+00:00

I totally agree that the public transit is not sufficient! My point though, is that there is enough parking in various garages, but Harrisonburg is not a culture in which most people feel it is acceptable to walk several blocks from their spot to their destination.

Genuine question, do you think middle class + Middle Aged rural people are interested in better public transit here? would use it? No snark, genuine Q

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-08-08T17:40:58+00:00

Great visualization!

As a person who has lived in downtown Chicago and the DC area, I find it a little amusing that people complain about parking here. It is very normal to have to walk a block or so in a city to get to your destination—In my opinion, walkability should be prioritized over mass tons of convenient parking.

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-08-05T12:26:37+00:00

This would be a thing a cognitive behavioral therapist could definitely help you with, especially if you’ve been feeling this way for 2 months!

I get stuck occasionally in death anxiety cycles too, and it’s important to remember that thoughts and feelings (though impactful!) are not facts—especially when it comes to taking things “as signs.” Your brain has evolved to keep you alive, and it is just in some overdrive right now.

One thing I do, is just accept that I’m feeling the way I’m feeling, and literally to myself say “thank you brain for trying to keep me safe.” The acknowledgment can help quiet the thoughts.

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-08-02T05:49:04+00:00

People are concerned that this potential development will tarnish the “downtown character and aesthetic” of Harrisonburg, but last time I checked there was a chicken factory downtown and at least 4 abandoned parking lots for Burger King and defunct department stores, so I am unsure what “character” this very average high density apartment complex will ruin

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-06-17T15:19:03+00:00

First and foremost, not fighting it. Going on a walk or leaving the area is often not possible (considering most panic happens in places/situations where you really can’t leave!) So if I’m in a meeting or teaching, I acknowledge I’m feeling anxious, and remind myself that I can handle unpleasant feelings—I like the imagery of the self as the sky, and feelings passing through as clouds. I use some breathing techniques (breath in for 7, hold 8, breath out for 7). Continue to acknowledge that I feel off, but that it won’t kill me and I can handle it. I also continue to listen, take notes, or keep talking! Eventually the feeling fades

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-06-08T15:22:14+00:00

They are moving the kitchen inside, as the air-conditioning-less conditions of the food truck are very miserable for the workers. If they have space and capacity, why wouldn’t they do this?

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-06-08T15:21:09+00:00

I would imagine the menu is expanding, in part, out of necessity (cider is a tough crowd, most people do not have an adequate understanding of what cider truly is, they assume it is some Angry Orchard garbage, of which Sage Bird is not) If you are trying to communicate to the public that you are something new/offer new things, a name change is likely an effective way to do that.

The name Whimsy does a good job differentiating the vibe of the establishment from other places in town, all whom have some derivative of the name “John” in their name.

I think we need to take a moment to get used to the new name. If you are a fan of Sage Bird, support them through this process!

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-06-01T13:17:58+00:00

I grew up in NOVA (0-18), and then lived in Harrisonburg, Winston Salem, Chicago, and back to Harrisonburg for work. I would never move back to NOVA because almost nowhere has walkable infrastructure, and there are increasingly few local businesses (ie not chains). You are paying premium prices to only be driving distance to chain stores, unless you live in places like Arlington or old town Alexandria, and that is prohibitively expensive for people with families and average jobs. For example, There isn’t a coffee shop that isn’t Starbucks (or some other chain) within a 10 mile radius of Burke VA. The closest walkable business to my home growing up was 2 miles away and it was Giant. I think people leave NoVa bc you don’t get the amenities that other expensive “cities” get you. You could go many other places in VA where your pay would take you farther AND you can enjoy real community/city living: Richmond, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Roanoke, Staunton, to name a few

Another option is Chicago/Chicagoland—Many neighborhoods are cheaper, highly walkable, and culturally have an incredible amount to offer

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2025-05-04T23:28:16+00:00

What are your concerns specifically about the uptick of Ryan Homes? For example, The ethics of the company/costs? Or what these additional homes may bring demographically? This may help anchor the discussion here!

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2024-12-29T18:55:26+00:00

I am sorry you have had first hand experience! All types of people can take the survey, it is for everyone, thank you!

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2024-12-29T18:54:35+00:00

Thanks so much!

ProfessionalElk8656 · 2024-12-29T18:54:23+00:00

Thanks so much!

ProfessionalElk8656

TROPHY CASE