So lately I’ve been kinda whack. I mean, I used to be comfortable with myself and generally happy. But lately I’ve been falling back into avoiding social events with my friends and I become anxious around people. I used to have borderline dysmorphic thoughts to the point that I would avoid mirrors and things where I can see my reflection. I’m slowly reverting back to that state and it sucks. Idk I mean I’m working hard and getting back to doing things that helped me get out of that funk the first time (such as , eating well, exercising, meditating, etc.) but like my parents have started to notice and they just tell me I’m being dramatic. My family kinda has that “mental health issues aren’t real just deal with it” approach so I can’t really talk to them about it. And I’ve tried to talk to my mum about it but I can’t convey it clearly and she says “why do you think about that? What are you telling yourself?” I have absolutely no idea. I know it won’t last forever because I’ve gotten through it before. I guess this was more of a rant but yeah ha-ha. Anyways thanks to whoever read this. <3
HELP YOURSELF:
- Thank you so much for sharing your story with the TeenCentral Community, we appreciate it! Life can be a rollercoaster of ups and downs and it’s really good that you can recognize the moments when you are struggling while knowing you have the strength and tools to be able to overcome it. Great job!
- It’s really powerful when people have an understanding of what is going on with their mental health and the knowledge of what steps to take to improve it. Keep going! All of the things you mentioned like eating well and exercising are great habits. Under our LEARN tab we have information about WELLNESS that may help you work out of that funk and keep progressing towards your goals.
- It must be pretty hard to feel like your parents have different views regarding mental health. Unfortunately you are not alone in that experience. Struggles with mental health can be difficult to accept or even talk about which can make finding support feel challenging. We encourage you to check out some of the stories on our site of others who are going through similar situations.
- Don’t give up trying to make those connections with those in your own life, especially your family. Sometimes seeing people in person can be hard. Maybe just a text or a call when you aren’t feeling very social is a good step. Don’t give up on trying to convey your thoughts and feelings to your mum. Perhaps we just have to try a different way.
WHERE TO GO FROM HERE:
• If you are having a hard time talking to your mum about your mental health, could you try writing to her instead? You could write her a letter or if you prefer to talk to her in person, you could use writing to organize what you want to say. It is absolutely normal to become anxious around people from time to time and healthy coping skills like writing or other creative outlets can be great in managing it.
• Keep doing the positive things that make you happy and feel good about yourself. Experiencing “funks” is very normal and having a list of things you can do to work through it is a great job on your part.
• Keep the HOPE. Half of the battle is being able to see the light at the end of a dark road and it seems like you do that well. Anytime a person can overcome their challenges it only makes them that much stronger and resilient. YOU GOT THIS!
