Mental Illness May Give You a Different Life, but It’s Still a Life
Learn to cherish every day.
Life may not always feel positive. When I wake up at the start of a Familial Mediterranean Fever attack, I know that day will challenge me. Severe bipolar depression days are equally devastating. Most days, however, that you woke up is a reason to be happy.
Viewing life as a positive might mean changing the way you view it. One key to living successfully with mental illness is to learn to say goodbye to the life you thought you would have. Life might not be what you planned, but it can be just as good.
Focus on the good
Find comfort in the positive moments, even if they’re small. Choose joy in the everyday things: a sunny day, a cup of coffee, or a good book. These moments matter and make up your life.
It’s also important to do things that make you happy and help you cope with mental illness. Here are some ideas:
Exercise
It’s no secret that exercise is good for you. It can help improve your mood, fight off anxiety and depression, and give you more energy. Even a five-minute walk can improve your mindset.
Eat healthy
What you eat has a big impact on how you feel. Eating unhealthy foods can make mental illness symptoms worse. I get it. I’m the first to reach for the potato chips on a stressful day, but I’m also aware of the consequences. Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve your mental health.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is essential for good mental health. It can help improve your mood, memory, and concentration. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety. For the best results, try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
Talk to someone you trust
Talking to someone you trust about your mental health can be a tremendous help. It can make you feel better and help you understand your thoughts and feelings. It’s especially beneficial if they understand mental illness, but even if they don’t, a friend willing to listen is worth their weight in gold.
Make time for yourself
It’s important to make time for things that are just for you. Pick an activity that makes you happy, even if it seems small. It can be anything from taking a bubble bath to reading your favorite book.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. The most important thing is to find what works for you and do what makes you happy.
Keep fighting
Today, think about the good in your life — the people, the places, the food, etc. — and let those pleasant thoughts move you to a place of happiness. For me, that list includes my closest friends, the beach, and a four-cheese lasagna. I love me some pasta and cheese.
My mom loves to say, “Where there’s life, there’s hope.” Today might not be a good day, but better days will come again. Focus on the good in life and it will keep you going.
Journal Prompt: How is your life different from how you imagined it would be? In what ways is it better?
Creative Writing Prompt: For the next 24 hours, you can be anyone else. Who would you be? Write a story about how you would spend your day.
Until next time, keep fighting.
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