so many self-care posts on tumblr just tell you to eat chocolate and watch movies, but that’s not gonna help much if you’re in a depressive episode, or something worse. sure, that can help if you have a bad day, but if you’re struggling with a mental illness, it’ll just make things worse. so i created this list for other mentally ill people who are sick of seeing those posts and need some real tips.
hygiene. it’s really hard to feel better when you’re greasy and you haven’t changed your underwear in two weeks. if you can, shower. that’s gonna be the best thing - by far - that you can do. but if you can’t? i get it, it can seem like a lot. spray some dry shampoo in your hair and brush it through; change your underwear and your socks, even if you put your same clothes back on; brush your teeth, or at least swill some mouthwash around your mouth; rinse your face with some warm water and dry it; put on some deodorant.
eat something. forgetting to eat is so common, but is one of the first steps to dragging yourself out of a depressive episode. eating anything will help, but preparing something nutritious will go a long way. it’s okay if all you can manage is a granola bar or some cereal, if that’s the case, grab a piece of fruit or some veggies too. your body and your brain will thank you. drinking is also so important. grab your biggest glass or bottle and fill her up with some cold water, and drink the whole thing. fill it up again and take it to your room. i keep a full water bottle in my room, along with some relatively healthy snacks, so that this step takes minimal effort.
environment. struggling with your mental health often leads to your bedroom or home becoming messy. it’s okay ! it happens to most of us. but cleaning it up will really help. it’s okay if you can only manage one room, or one section of one room. start with your bedroom. crack open a window. take out all the cups and plates. put away any clothes - even if you just stuff them in your closet. pack away any stuff you won’t need for the rest of today - school supplies, books, etc. you’re probably spending most of your time in bed, right? change the sheets, if you can. if not, pick up your blanket and shake off any crumbs, and turn your pillow(s) over.
exercise. before you skip this section, you absolutely do not have to go the gym or go on a five mile jog. you absolutely do not ! you just need to move your body for a lil bit. taking a walk is something that really helps me. go out in the fresh air for a bit, don’t go on your phone, look at pretty flowers, and clear your head. yoga is also supposed to be very useful, though i’ve never tried it. if this seems too much, at least stretch your limbs and wrists/ankles, especially if you’ve been sat in the same position for a while.
reach out. letting someone know what’s going on and how you’re struggling will help more than you know. having someone there, to distract you or to just talk it out, will be the thing that helps you the most when you feel like this. this person can be anyone you trust - a friend, a parent, a sibling, grandma, literally anyone you can rely on. if you do only one of these, please choose this one.
relax. make sure this is the last one you do, if you choose to do multiple of these. now you’ve taken care of all the stupid things that humans need to stay alive, you can take it easy. this is the time for the cutesy tumblr brand self-care - watch a movie, listen to music, eat some candy, whatever you want to do that will make you smile.
be kind to yourself. i know it’s hard, but you’re trying. that’s all that matters. i’m so proud of you for hanging on and pulling yourself out of this spiral. please know that you’re loved, cared about and needed. you’re going to be okay, and things will be brighter soon, i promise.
turnnoffyourmind
jacobvanloon
vaporwave
theartofmadeline
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dededos
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baratheonpilled
