Just breathe

Take a deep breath, dust yourself off, and start all over again.

When things go wrong, I tend to run away from those issues or suppress my feelings for the sake of the other person. I'm a people pleaser, certainly. But at the end of the day, hiding from these issues and feelings only becomes more damaging to both parties, leading me to more often become a people "displeaser".

I don't pretend to know everything about mental health, but I think that my personal experiences have allowed me to become very knowledgeable on the topic, and I obviously know a thing or two about OCD.

When someone reaches out to me for advice regarding his/her mental health condition, I usually give two suggestions:

1. See a therapist

2. Consider medication

Of course that's the most basic advice I could give, but just like how you see a primary care doctor when you're concerned about your physical health, you need to see a specialist for when you're concerned about your mental health... or whenever you just need a checkup! Taking care of yourself is the most responsible thing you could do.

Unfortunately, I haven't been practicing what I preach.

Lately I've been letting my anxiety fester and infect me. I've been avoiding my personal issues and distancing myself from people I truly care about. The longer I let this infection go untreated, the more steps I'll continue to take back. Luckily, I know the proper protocol for when I seem to be drifting back into my old OCD habits. But I need to be the one to take that step towards making a change. People can push me to do so, but ultimately it's my prerogative.

Sometimes it takes an unexpected event to snap you out of hurtful habits.

For the sake of myself and the people I care about, I am going to try immensely hard to get myself back to a safe, healthy, and positive mental space.

I'm also making it a personal goal to become more vulnerable and open about what is affecting me in the NOW instead of leaving the conflict for later.

If you're struggling right now, please know that I am here for you and am proud of you. Taking care of your mental health is no easy feat. Perhaps we can do it together.

Just remember that it's okay to take a breather and address the situation. What is meant to be will be.

And as always, have a lovely afternoon.