May has just started and it is Mental Health Awareness Month so I figured it was only right to address it here. I think by now, everyone knows how much of an advocate I am. In my opinion, the best way to end the stigma and help others is to openly talk about my experience. So here I am.
If you’ve been with me since the beginning, you know I have Bipolar II Disorder and Generalized / Social Anxiety. I manage my mental health by taking medications and participating in therapy. I am not in therapy at the moment, because my therapist and I both decided that we have done a lot of work together, I have come a long way, and I’m in a good enough place that I don’t “need” it at the moment. That said, I won’t hesitate to go back if I feel I’m getting worse again. I’ve done that a couple times now. Therapy works, guys - I believe it’s just a question of finding the right therapist with the right techniques, and that can take a lot of trial and error. It certainly did for me. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
Now that I have the tools my therapist gave me, I am confident in handling any unfortunate setbacks or mood swings. Healing is not a linear path - it has its ups and downs. One of the most important things I’ve learned is to be gentle with yourself. It’s ok to have bad days, but they are just that - bad DAYS. They will pass eventually. Give yourself a little grace in those tougher times. Other tools I use include journaling, aromatherapy, and having a “happy place” in my mind to focus on when needed.
What tools do you use? Anything that might be special when you’re having a bad day/moment? What rituals are included in your self-care? 👻
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