Things you can do to feel better
AKA a short list of self care things you can (probably) do while going through a bad mental break. You won't have the spoons to do all or sometimes even most of these things and that's okay, but I promise they help.
Take a shower (don't make the water too hot or it could drain you even more though)
Drink something. Preferrebly water but whatever makes you happy except alcohol or coffee as that dehydrates you.
If it's not too hot get a blanket
Find yourself someplace safe for you to cry if you feel like crying
Have a snack if you can or eat something more if you're hungry for it
Even just a treat like some candy is good
Smooth out your hair and play with some soft fabric to sooth yourself
Put on some music that you like (it doesn't have to be something upbeat or loud if you don't want it to be)
Use an activity that doesn't take too much brain power that you like to do normally to distract yourself
Write in a journal/type out what you're feeling. If that doesn't feel right or you can't get it out right try writing whatver comes to you instead, even if its irrelevant, it'll still keep you distracted and if you're hand writing it feels nice.
Put on a fan or open a window to get some air flow and take some slow deep breaths to refresh yourself
Wash your face or brush your teeth if this is too difficult then wipe your face down with a damp tissue and rinse your mouth out with warm water.
Go watch the most wholesome shit that you like, break out that kids show you haven't seen since you were 8 years old, put on the most stupid romcom in existence, whatever just something thst you don't have to put too much tought into but is comforting.
Laugh at something funny. Know a YouTube video that always makes you laugh? Want to compile every bad pun you've ever heard? Want to laugh so hard you cry over the word egg with no context? Whatever it is that makes you laugh break that shit out now bc it will help you.
If you're tired and in a safe place for it, take a nap/go to sleep. When you've had time to rest normally doing these other things becomes easier and it will give you some downtime from being sad.
Just remember that while mental illness isn't something you can really get rid of, and "happiness is a choice" isn't even remotely accurate, that there are always things you can do to keep yourself afloat and to cope with it. You're just as deserving of love and joy and laughter on your bad days as you are your good days.
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