Mental Health
In this section, I share my personal journey with mental health. I’m being vulnerable, open, honest, and doing this without shame. It took me a long time to realize that taking care of myself had to come first, but I’ve learned just how true and necessary that is.
Since receiving my diagnoses, so much has become clearer. I’m proud to be neurodivergent. I believe we all carry hidden superpowers. We all have the quiet strength it takes to move through the world that often misunderstands us.
Mental health is the foundation of our well-being, and it deserves to be nurtured with compassion and care. If you’re struggling and need a story to relate to, I hope some of mine help you feel a little less alone. You’re worthy of support, rest, and a life that feels good to live.
Mental Health
When You Can’t Stop Thinking About Things That Already Happened
Ever find yourself replaying a conversation or remembering something embarrassing from years ago? I do it more than I’d like to admit. My brain has a way of bringing up old moments when I least expect it, and sometimes it’s harder to move on than I’d like.
When Your Feelings Catch You Off Guard
Sometimes, a comment or situation can affect us in ways we don’t expect. I reflect on why certain things get to me, how I handle my emotions, and learning to accept my sensitivity.
When You Can’t Explain Your Thoughts the Way You Want To
Have you ever known exactly what you wanted to say, only to struggle to get the words out? I often think of what I wish I’d said long after a conversation is over. It’s frustrating when your thoughts make perfect sense in your head but don’t come out the way…
When You Know What Would Help but Can’t Get Started
Learning more about my ADHD and autism has helped me understand myself, but knowing what I need doesn’t mean I can always do it. I’m still learning how to deal with the frustrating gap between understanding my struggles and making changes in my everyday life.
Small Talk, Social Anxiety, and the Pressure to Keep Talking
I’ve never been the best at small talk. I understand why people do it, but I often struggle with what to say beyond the usual questions and answers. I’d much rather have a conversation that feels natural than feel like I have to keep talking just to fill the silence.
The Pressure to Turn Every Struggle Into a Learning Experience
We’re often expected to find a lesson in everything that hurts us. But not every difficult experience needs a positive takeaway. It’s okay to feel disappointed, take your time processing what happened, and figure things out when you’re ready.
What It Means to Make Peace with Where You Are
It’s hard not to compare your life to other people’s, especially when they seem to have the things you’ve always wanted. I’m learning that making peace with where I am doesn’t mean giving up on what I want. It means recognizing that my life still has value, even when things…
Understanding My Feelings When I Can’t Find the Right Words
Sometimes, I know something is bothering me, but I can’t find the right words to explain it. Between overthinking, processing my emotions, and feeling pressured to respond, communicating isn’t always easy. I’m learning that it’s okay to take time to understand how I’m feeling before trying to explain it to…
Mental Health Is More Than What People See
Mental health struggles aren’t always visible. As I’ve learned more about my own mental health, I’ve started to understand myself better and realized how important it is to talk openly about what we’re going through.
When You Outgrow a Version of Your Life
Lately, I’ve been feeling a force pulling me in the direction of change. It’s not necessarily what I want, but I’m realizing that some things no longer fit the person I’ve become.
Being Sensitive Has Never Been Easy for Me
I’ve been called sensitive more times than I can count, and for a long time, I took it as criticism. Learning about ADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria helped me understand why rejection, criticism, and feeling judged can affect me so deeply.
ADHD Awareness Month: What People Don’t Always See
ADHD has been a big part of learning to understand myself. My diagnosis gave me a different way of looking at the things I had spent years criticizing myself for—and reminded me that there’s often a lot happening beneath the surface that other people never see.
My Brain Has a Very Strong Opinion About the Temperature
I’ve always been sensitive to heat and light, but my recent trip made me realize just how much they can affect me. Between the heat, bright sun, crowds, walking, and everything else, I started to understand how much my environment can impact my neurodivergent brain.
The Moment Was Over. My Brain Wasn’t
Sometimes the situation ends, but the feelings don’t. I’ve been thinking about how easily I can hold onto anger, rejection, embarrassment, and difficult moments long after they’re over—and what it means to finally start letting some of them go.
I’m Not Starting Over. I’m Starting From Here.
Coming home after almost a month away felt a little strange. I missed my routines and my own space, but I also wasn’t ready for the trip to be over. Somewhere between the excitement, exhaustion, difficult moments, and everything I learned, I realized I don’t need to start over. I…
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“Your mental health is a priority. Your happiness is an essential. Your self-care is a necessity.”–Unknown
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