#mental health suggestions

[desultory-suggestions]

Pay attention to what makes you feel on edge. If you’re feeling angry try to stop and assess what is triggering that anger. It doesn’t have to make sense. Is the sound of shoes squeaking on the floor grating? Is the way someone is asking you for something upsetting even if the ask isn’t? Understanding what is bothering us is the first step to diffusing our anger.

[unhinged-transmasc-man]

First: This is my first post since the one I made about transmasc issues blew up,,, thank you to everyone for the support, I’m glad it resonated with so many :D

Second: As someone who has sensory issues and struggles with executive function (and who struggled with depression for most of my life), I discovered a method for self-care that has actually made everything quite pleasant, and figured it would help a lot of people. Disclaimer that these tips won’t work for everyone. Please understand I have good intentions and am trying to use what has helped me to help others. For reference, I am a mostly able-bodied neurodivergent person (system, autism, adhd), so I don’t have much personal experience with mobility issues or severe chronic pain/other related issues. Feel free to add suggestions with those perspectives. And so, here’s a post with tips for Self-Care™️ for anyone with sensory/executive function issues:

Sensory issues: My main issue was that everything had too many steps, and that many sensations were too unpleasant, almost to the point of causing physical pain. After I tried out a brush for exfoliating (they’re hard to describe, but it’s an exfoliating device for your face), I found the sensation of it with the gel to be really really nice. I’d start looking forward to it as the center point of motivation for my skincare routine. So I realized the trick is to instead try and create or focus on new and more pleasant sensations. Get toothpaste for sensitive teeth, in a flavor that you can stand (I realized I can only do peppermint or I feel sick). Instead of focusing on the obligation of brushing, focus on how it feels to run your tongue over smooth teeth (sounds weird but I promise it helps). For showers, focus on how nice it feels when you’re clean. If you have body dysphoria, try showering with the lights off (this helped me a LOT). Try getting a nice fluffy bathrobe and good quality towels, small things can be really nice. They add a lot of motivation, which for me goes something like “Showering means I can put on the fluffy robe! Good texture!” A good bathmat also works wonders, especially ones with thick fibers like terry cloth that absorb water so you don’t have to endure a wet bathmat when you get out. Also, slippers!! Not having to touch a cold bathroom tile is nice!!! Soon you’ll be able to focus on those much more pleasant sensations, rather than the harsh ones that made everything difficult.

Executive function: First, you have to reframe your thinking. Instead of beating yourself down with trying to force yourself to do something, realize that you deserve to be clean. You’re trying as hard as you can, and you deserve a judgement free zone. And this goes for most things, but for self-care in particular there are way more steps than a lot of people (esp. neurotypical) consider. It really helps to write/break down all the steps for something like showering or a skincare routine, and focus on completing each one. For example: taking a shower is framed as having three steps (turn on water, get in and shower, and get out), when in fact is actually can be broken down into many more:

1. Prepare clothes

2. Prepare towels

3. Prepare hair care products (if using)

4. Undress

5. Put on bathrobe

4. Go into bathroom

5. Hang clothes on rack

6. Turn on water

7. Test temperature

8. Put hair care products near bathtub/shower (if using)

9. Get into shower

10. Use soap

11. Exfoliate/do whatever in the shower to be clean

12. Use hair care products (if using)

13. Turn water off

14. Use towel to dry off

15. Put on bathrobe

16. Get dressed

You may not have even realized how many steps those are, and are shaming yourself for not being able to do 16 tasks when you may feel like you barely have the capacity to do one! Hopefully seeing it framed like this helps 🫶

In general, I hope these suggestions help!! Please add additional suggestions or thoughts in tags and comments <3

[recoverr]

i don't know who needs to hear this, but guilt, self-hatred and shame are not sustainable sources of growth and healing. you can't hate yourself into feeling better, or being better. you can't repeatedly punish yourself for your flawed humanity and expect wholesome results.

[lover-suggestion]

today i overheard a girl say "no, f*ck that. i will be lovely to everyone. maybe some people will remember they have a heart."

[slfcare]

The positives of ‘putting yourself out there’ are worth it. Having a great conversation with a stranger will be worth the awkwardness of starting that exact conversation. Joining a small community of people you will see regularly is worth having to get through a scary first day. Getting your dream job is worth the scariness of chasing it. Don’t pick and choose experiences based on the level of ease now, but choose them based on how you want to come out of them.

[softdaisie]

maybe mediocrity isn’t wrong. maybe you don’t need to be the best at everything you do. maybe you don’t need to be the best at anything you do. it’s ok to simply do things because you enjoy doing them. its ok to not want to advance in your job. nothing has to be a competition. you don’t need to be better than anyone. you can do things just because they’re fun. you don’t need to read up on the history, and know everything about it. its ok to just exist. its ok.

[honeymooncupid]

Its okay if you need a longer time to adjust to new things than other people, its okay if you need a little more time to get used to new things, its alright if you take a bit longer to feel comfortable and familiar with new places, people and things. Dont rush yourself and take all the time you need to process everything. Sometimes the mind needs a little more time to take things in, and to let it sink in.

[moonlit-positivity]

You deserve a happy ending. No matter what the situation is, no matter how hard it is to survive and cope. You deserve a true genuine happy ending.

[neuroticboyfriend]

hi you! here's your daily/nightly reminder that:

your voice should be heard.

your health is important.

your pain is not insignificant or lesser than others'.

you are not on this earth to be "productive."

you are the only one who can define your experiences.

you are cared for, even if only by strangers. we care.

now go stretch, hydrate, nourish, and lay down (if you can). just do your best, and don't worry if other's think it isn't enough. it is, and im proud of you.

[desultory-suggestions]

Every day is another chance to seek love and joy! Know that if you didn't find it today you still can tomorrow, and there will always be another tomorrow.

[noritaro]

oops forgot to post this here- a bday gift for @cartoonsinthemorning

[elmofburford-blog]

Synapse XT is an enhancement produced using regular fixings. All components that involve a solitary Synapse XT container share one thing practically speaking. They all focus on the dark matter, furnishing it with fundamental supplements.

[recoverr]

i hope it hurts a little less. day by day. week by week. i hope the ache in your chest eases. maybe it won't entirely, maybe it will. may the thought of feeling joy again alone be enough to keep you going, even if for a while.

[recoversuggestions]

i am begging u to be kind to yourself!! it'll make ur life better!!! i promise!!!

[slfcare]

after it has been new, scary and uncomfortable, it’s going to be okay. isn’t that what we’re doing it for?

[softdaisie]

your mistakes do not define you. the trajectory of your life is not ruined because of one slip up. keep going. do not let this moment fester in your mind forever. it can be easy to keep analyzing your mistakes and wondering where you went wrong. but fight the voices that tell you that you could have done better. you are trying your best 🌱☀️