my mental health diary

just a mentally unstable student who might be able to offer some advice for others struggling out there <3

[mentallyunstabletherapist]

[mentallyunstabletherapist]

Trust that things will work out in the end

If you’re reading this and you feel like lately your life has just been a mess, and no matter what you do things just feel impossible. My one message to you is please just hang on and don’t give up. 

Yes, I know it may seem easy for me, a stranger on the internet, to tell you this, but no matter what is going on in your life right now, I know that you can make it through. You will probably look back on this time of adversity and feel so proud of yourself for getting through this. Whether you are struggling from a divorce, the death of a loved one, or just don’t want to go to school today, remember that your feelings are always valid and you have the right to be struggling and you can always ask for help when you need it.

In times when you feel overwhelmed, stressed, sad, confused, angry or lost, it can be easy to fall into your mind’s trap of thinking “This is it, I’m never going to feel any better, my life is just always going to suck like this”, but please challenge these thoughts. You CAN feel better and you WILL feel better. Sometimes it takes time, sometimes you can’t do it alone and might require some help from family, friends or a therapist, but there is hope and things will get better.

Every single person on this Earth has had struggles but don’t think that your problems aren’t “bad enough” for you to be struggling. As I said earlier, it’s a subjective process and you don’t have to meet the criteria for what society sees as “worthy of help” because you are always worthy of help and you are such a strong person if you do reach out for help.

Overall, I just want to remind you that you are strong, and deep down you know it too. You can get through this and I know it sucks a lot, but just take it easy on yourself, and remember to look after your mind and body. If you feel like you haven’t been taking proper care of yourself lately, check out my other post for some ideas on how to look after yourself and why self care is so important. I love you all and I’m so proud of how far you have all come <3

[mentallyunstabletherapist]

Why self-care is important

Self care can be as simple as taking a nice warm bath after a long day, making a nutritious meal, or choosing to go to bed early rather than going out drinking with your friends. It emphasises small decisions and habits that prioritise all aspects of health and involve putting yourself first.

I feel like these days it’s so easy to overlook self care, as we all have so many responsibilities and a never-ending to-do list. However, I can’t express enough how important self care is, and trust me, if you make time for just a few small acts of self care each day, you will see the benefits and feel so much better.

Here are some examples of some of my favourite simple self-care habits that you can incorporate into your life to show yourself some love:

- stretch when you wake up in the morning: just pick 5 different stretches each day to keep it simple

- journaling: you can find journal prompts on the internet to get more specific or you can just let your mind go and vent about anything you want

- drinking ice water: adding some ice to your water can make it a lot more refreshing especially in summer and keeps your body hydrated

- go to bed early: I know it can be tempting to watch episode after episode of your favourite show, but the next day you will regret not getting a good sleep

- take some time to be present: whether this is meditation or just simply taking the time to notice what is happening around you, or what day it is can help you be more mindful and present

- moving your body everyday: remember not to force yourself, but going for a nice little walk or doing a quick video workout might make you feel better:)

- cook your favourite meal: it’s important to consume a healthy diet, but remember to allow yourself to eat whatever you feel like, because a restrictive mindset isn’t healthy nor self care

- take it easy on yourself: if you don’t want to workout today, don’t fret over it, or if you’re just too tired to study right now, take a break, the world won’t end :)

Remember self care doesn’t have to be getting up at 5am, going for a run, showering and having a green smoothie (although if it is, that’s great too!), as self care is subjective and it should be about doing what your mind and body need rather than what looks good on instagram. 

Please try to take some time today to show yourself that you care and be kind to yourself, because you deserve it and you are amazing <3