While experiencing the unpleasant symptoms of our mental health illnesses, some of us tend to lose ourselves. Sometimes we won’t get out of bed simply because we lack energy. Not even to get up to brush our teeth, wash our faces, or eat. We won’t leave our homes for days at a time- neglecting work or other essential tasks that should be taken care of during the day. We’ll keep our phones on silent or do not disturb to avoid conversation with our loved ones. We keep to ourselves because we get so down that we don’t know how to get back up quickly. We lie there stuck in our thoughts and feelings, thinking of everything going wrong in our lives- what we can and can’t fix, etc. Not because we want to be down but because those are the symptoms that are challenging to overcome sometimes.
Being stuck in these unfortunate moments can take on toll on anyone enduring them. Likewise, being lost can take a toll and then worsen by the month, week, day or minute. But sometimes, we must push ourselves as hard as possible to get out of those depressing moods, even if it is just for a brief moment. Sometimes we must take that phone call to get a small giggle out of ourselves from a loved one. Maybe they’ll bring up one of our favorite memories that we may have forgotten about. Perhaps someone wants to make us our favorite comfort food or dessert we haven’t eaten in a long time. Or maybe, we’ve been cooped in the house for so long we could use a fun night out to take our minds off of the things bothering or triggering us.
A couple of nights ago, I was able to do just that. For a change, I was able to force myself to get up; I found a cute outfit with the tags still on it in my closet, I refreshed my hair, and then I drove an hour to hang out with a good friend. I even beat my face with some Fenty makeup for the first time in a while. For the first time in a long time, I felt beautiful. I felt good about myself. Although still fresh in my brain, I tried my best to put aside the things that had been bothering me for the past few months. I was able to go out, enjoy the great company and atmosphere I was surrounded by, and I was able to feel like myself for a change. It felt good. Even though I knew I’d be stuck back in my troubling ways the next day (as I was/am). Getting dressed up and out of my home helped me realize that better days are coming soon. At least, that is what I’ll tell myself to bring some sort of peace of mind.
I write this to say even amid our troubles; there is still room for fun and excitement. The enjoyable moments might not last forever, but they are still there to happen. Of course, not every day will be “happy-go-lucky,” but at least getting out and trying to enjoy the moment is a start. So even if we have to fake it until we make it and are finally out of our depressing periods- find the time to try to “Live a Little” as best as possible.
#YouAreNotAlone
Much Love Hooters,
-Cherry and the Hoot