How To Deal With Shit

So this is where we start to delve into the heavy topics of this blog. I feel like it is important that I address two major setbacks in my personal life, mental health wise: depression and anxiety. When I was diagnosed last year, I sort of knew that it was coming. The few months prior to therapy were horrible; I could tell that something inside of me was so wrong, yet I couldn’t put a name to it. Even a year later, I still get those feelings where something just feels... off. I’m about trying and give my best tips as to what to do when this feeling hits, and I hope that at least one of them will be able to help <3

**I am updating this post to separate it into subtopics that I find myself frequently placing my thoughts into!

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Relationships

Draw or Write

I don’t care if it’s messy or perfectly layed out in MLA format. Jot down the prevailing thoughts in a journal or notebook. Just make sure you’re actually writing, and try to keep off your phone during this time. Your mind is already distracted enough. Use colors to indicate feeling. Include descriptors or events that could potentially be triggers.

I have talked to a few friends about what it means to have someone constantly in your head, and the number one thing that I always say is to let yourself feel! By trying to force the thoughts out of your brain, you're only increasing the chance of them coming back. I like to use the cloud metaphor - let the thoughts come and go through your brain, but don’t linger on one for too long or try to push them away. Let them just float.

Academics

Treat Yoself

Grab a snack that you love - This can be a quick something if you are running to get to class, or it can be more of a ritual where you put some time into whatever you are preparing. Don’t forget to drink water! You can put in lemon or mint or make yourself some tea, but just be sure it’s water that’s you’re drinking.

Go out and do something actually FUN for a few hours! Recharging your brain by traveling or trying something new can help you to focus better later on whatever task you have at hand. Not only is taking a break every little while healthy, it gives you an opportunity to put your life into perspective and realize that there are more things to college than grades and exams.

Self-Struggle

Call Your Bestie

This has probably been the biggest help when I feel like I am losing myself in myself too much. When I talk on the phone with my best friend and hear her voice, it’s like an instant soothing mechanism. Opening up to someone close to you can be a way for you to empty whatever you are carrying; it’s also a good opportunity for friends to listen to what is going on, and potentially give you advice. The subject always gets changed to something goofy by the end of the phone call, and you hang up feeling like someone has your back. When you aren’t sure about the world around you, things get scary. Adding insecurity about yourself into the mix can make things worse

Of course, there are many many more things that could help with feeling like shit. Depending on what your habits are and what you enjoy, you can see which strategies fit you best, and modify them from there. Until next time,

Anna xxx