As most of you know, I struggle with my mental health. There are some things that I do daily or have that help me with my mental health on a daily or just normal basis. I wanted to make a list in case any of you needed a little support. Here we go.
1. Weighted blanket.
I have a weighted blanket that I sleep with on a daily basis. I have had one for a little over 2 years and it is by far one of the best things I have. The pressure feels really nice and helps with a couple things. My weighted blanket helps keep me calm and feel grounded. It also helps to keep my tics away.
2. Stitch plush.
I got a stitch plush back in 2016 from Disney World. This thing has been with me through the ringer and back. The week I couldn’t stop ticcing in 2018, I had this near me the entire time. I might’ve messed up the arm because of my grabbing and thrashing him around. Not great but he is still intact so it’s all that matters. I love giving him a hug when I just need a hug or when I am struggling with anxiety, depression, or even just plain old sadness. He is a huge comfort item of mine.
3. Comfortable pajamas.
This one sounds a little crazy I know but bear with me. Before I would always just wear a pair of shorts or sweats to bed with a black tank top. Since then, I have invested in a couple sets of pajamas from Target and these have helped me so much. Comfort is a big thing. If I am struggling, I want to be comfortable. I want to be in clothes that make me feel good. And these pajamas from Target do just that.
4. Water.
Now this is one that I just started but wow does it help. I did not really drink water for the longest time. I would sometimes drink the sparkling ice drinks but that is the closest to water I got for a while. The past few weeks I have increased my water intake by a lot and it has helped me feel physically better which helps with my mental health. If I don’t physically feel good, I probably won’t feel good mentally either.
5. My bible.
This is an obvious answer I know. But reading my bible helps me a lot when I am struggling even if it is something I have read a thousand and two times. I really enjoy reading certain psalms during this because I feel like they understand and can display how I am feeling.
6. My poetry/free write journal.
One thing that helps me is not keeping all those emotions in. This can mean writing them out in the free write way that I love to write. This is where I get the most vulnerable and raw. If you want to see some of the reality of my disorders, this is where to look because it’s where I am the most honest about what is going on. Also even when I am not struggling, getting out the feelings that come up is really important to me.
7. Comfort books.
I have a couple books that I would consider comfort books. These are the books that I’ve read the most or just feel attached to. These are books like The Reason by Lacey Sturm and Come Matter Here by Hannah Brencher.
8. Music.
Music helps me tremendously. Usually if I am feeling something, there is a song to go with it. I will stick to certain artists during certain times usually based on how I am feeling. I do the same thing with specific albums or songs. Things will be on repeat for days on end if it makes me feel better or is what I need to hear.
9. Comfort food.
Comfort food is a big one for me. As you may know, I have struggled with an eating disorder for a lot of my life. This can make food a big challenge for me. I like to keep certain foods in my apartment that are comfort or safe foods for me. These are things like applesauce, pizza, and canned fruit. These are some of my go to comfort food items.
10. Pets.
My pets have helped my mental health a lot. Especially finn finn. Both my pets know when I am struggling and come give me attention. Finn will not leave me alone and be by my side hours on end if I am really struggling. He will paw at me when I start to zone out and bring me back. Both my cats are amazing and I am so glad to have them.
This is a list of some of the things that have helped my mental health. There is a lot more that were things I did like moving out, going to the gym, find a job that I love, etc. that have helped that I will talk about in a later blog post.
Hold onto hope and stay strong.
Madison Rae <3
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