Welcome to another episode of “Rita Tries to Make Sense of Life.” This time around, we’re diving headfirst into the treacherous waters of mental health. Buckle up, folks—this ride is wild, unpredictable, and often feels like the universe’s way of reminding you that no, it doesn’t get easier, you just get better at handling it (hopefully).
My Personal Hell—Er, Journey
Let’s get one thing straight: I am not a mental health expert. I’m just a regular, somewhat cynical human who’s had her fair share of emotional meltdowns, therapy sessions, and “what the hell am I doing with my life” moments. My mental health journey has been less of a peaceful walk through the park and more of a roller coaster with broken tracks and no safety harness.
There have been days when I felt like I could conquer the world, followed almost immediately by days where getting out of bed felt like winning an Olympic gold medal. It’s a never-ending cycle of highs and lows, sprinkled with a generous dose of anxiety and self-doubt. But hey, that’s life, right?
Managing the Bad Days: The “F*ck This” Survival Kit
So, how do I somehow manage to keep things going in spite of all I’ve been through? Just keep on reading, and grab a cup of whatever drink keeps you going.
1. Embrace the Suck
First things first, acknowledge that some days are just going to suck. Pretending otherwise is like trying to convince yourself that pineapple on pizza isn’t an abomination. Embrace the suckiness. Accept it. Sometimes, you need to allow yourself to feel shitty without the pressure to fix it immediately.
2. The Magic of “No”
One of the worst things in my life is the constant guilt I feel when I say no to anything. From family favors to invites to gatherings, learning to say “no” has started to become a game-changer. No, I’m not attending that Zoom meeting where nothing ever gets done. No, I’m not pretending to be interested in your third cousin’s baby shower.
Saying no to things that drain you is crucial. Protect your energy like it’s the last slice of pizza at a party.
3. Move, Even If It’s Just to the Couch
Exercise is great for mental health, but let’s be real—sometimes you can barely muster the strength to move from your bed to the couch. And that’s okay. The key is to move in some capacity. Walk to the fridge, stretch your legs, do a little dance in your living room. Anything counts.
4. Cry It Out
Never underestimate the power of a good cry. It’s like hitting the reset button for your emotions. Grab a box of tissues, put on a sad movie, and let the waterworks flow. You’ll feel better, I promise.
5. Find Your People
Surround yourself with people who get it. Your mental health squad doesn’t have to be big, but it should be filled with folks who understand your ups and downs and don’t judge you for them. If you don’t have a squad, online communities can be surprisingly supportive.
Celebrating the Good Days: The “Hell Yes” Playbook
1. Savor the Moment
When you’re having a good day, savor it like you’re sipping a fine wine or enjoying a perfectly crafted cup of coffee. Don’t rush through the good moments; let them fill you up and remind you that life isn’t always a dumpster fire.
2. Do What You Love
Use the good days to do the things you love. Whether it’s painting, gaming, writing snarky blog posts, or binge-watching your favorite shows, indulge in activities that make your soul happy. These moments are precious, so make the most of them.
3. Share the Joy
Spread the positivity around. Send a goofy meme to a friend, call up a family member, or do something nice for someone else. Happiness is contagious, and sharing your joy can amplify it.
4. Reflect on Your Wins
Take a moment to reflect on your achievements, no matter how small they might seem. Finished a book? Cooked a decent meal? Didn’t kill your houseplant this week? Celebrate those wins! It’s important to acknowledge your progress.
5. Plan for the Future
Use your good days to plan for the future. Set goals, make lists, and dream big. When you’re in a positive mindset, you’re more likely to create plans that excite and motivate you.
Common Mental Health Advice: Fact or Crap?
Let’s take a look at some popular mental health tips and see if they’re actually helpful or just feel-good fluff.
1. “Just Think Positive!”
Oh, sure. Let me just flip the magical positivity switch in my brain. Thinking positive is great in theory, but sometimes it’s about as effective as trying to stay dry in a rainstorm without an umbrella. It’s okay to not be okay. Instead of forcing positivity, focus on acknowledging your feelings and finding constructive ways to cope.
2. “Exercise Will Solve Everything!”
Exercise is beneficial for mental health, no doubt. But suggesting it’s a cure-all is like saying a band-aid can fix a broken bone. Exercise can help, but it’s not a substitute for professional help or other coping strategies.
3. “Meditate to Find Inner Peace”
Meditation works wonders for some people, but if you’re like me, sitting still and trying to clear your mind feels like torture. If meditation isn’t your thing, don’t sweat it. Find other ways to relax and unwind that work for you, whether it’s through music, art, or a good book.
4. “Talk to Someone”
This one is actually solid advice. Talking to a therapist, friend, or family member can make a world of difference. Just make sure you’re talking to someone who’s supportive and understanding, not someone who’s going to dismiss your feelings.
5. “Take a Break from Social Media”
Social media can be a mental health minefield. Taking a break can be incredibly beneficial, but let’s be real—it’s hard to stay away from the endless scroll. If you can’t quit cold turkey, try setting limits on your screen time or curating your feed to include more positive content.
Final Thoughts
Surviving the mental health roller coaster isn’t about finding a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about discovering what works for you and embracing it, snark and all. Some days will be better than others, and that’s perfectly fine. Remember, you’re not alone on this ride. There’s a whole community of us out here, screaming into the void and doing our best to hold on.
So, here’s to the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Keep your chin up, your sarcasm sharp, and your sense of humor intact. We’ve got this.
~ Rita 🖤