2024 learnings and decisions I made for my mental health
Deleting apps, dodging drama, and figuring out what actually works.
This started as a Twitter thread—some unfiltered thoughts on mental health, ADHD, and letting myself just be. Sharing it here too.
Staying away from anything that made me compare myself with others. I either took a break, changed something, or quit altogether. I deleted Instagram and Twitter apps. Quitting these for a long time reset me.
Accepting that I don’t want to work on my traumas at this point in my life. I want to focus on the present and my future. I dreaded therapy for a long time and realized that coaching and a goal-oriented approach may work better for me right now.
Working with an ADHD coach helped with my thought process, approach to daily chores, and organization. I always thought, “I have to” do certain tasks (folding laundry), but asking, “Why do I want to do this?” made me focus on the “why” (organized wardrobe ✨), which is actually motivating.
Having a dedicated psychiatrist and seeing her once a month. I didn’t know my med dosage would need adjustment based on the improvement or worsening of my symptoms. After seven years of recurring depression, I am finally getting better, plus diagnosed and managing ADHD.
I had many “hobbies” that I didn’t actually enjoy; I was pursuing them hoping they would benefit me in the future. Drawing to share or recording to post was a chore. I have stopped forcing myself into any hobby. I am not a dictator to myself. If I want to binge-watch, I will.
Not liking something and looking for alternatives. I want to exercise, but I don’t like going to the gym. I was forcing myself at first, but I’ve come to accept this. I will explore other options, such as aerial silk, calisthenics, etc., to see if I enjoy them.
Thinking of myself as the main character of a Netflix show. What would I think of her? Does she annoy me? How can she do better? I realized I’d be very frustrated with my character, which somehow made me try much harder to use my willpower.
Feeling guilty about something makes me feel depressed, but I don’t always know why in the moment. This usually happens when I’ve been procrastinating on a task or feel irresponsible. I need to ask myself, “What task have I been avoiding? I want to do it now to feel better.”
I have a “social battery” that I need to recharge by spending time alone. I realized a bit late that I also have an “indoor battery,” which I recharge by leaving the house. Since I work from home and order groceries online, it’s important for me to make an effort to get outside.
Going outside at least once a day makes me feel alive. If I have no plans, I go down to the entrance of my apartment, take ten seconds to decide what to do: go to the supermarket, take a walk, or go somewhere else. If I am not in the mood, I can also return home.
That’s all! Thank you for listening. Be a friend to yourself.
You might like this post about my healing journey.
