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Setting goals is great, but setting realistic goals is even better. It’s the beginning of a new year, which means it’s the beginning of New Year’s resolutions season. While thinking about my self-improvement, I believe it’s important to set realistic goals that are easier to maintain and won’t leave me feeling like I’m fighting against the impossible.
As I approached the New Year, I found myself drawn to the age-old tradition of setting resolutions for mental health empowerment. For someone navigating the intricate path of mental health diagnoses, the idea of New Year's resolutions takes on a special significance. These resolutions, far beyond the usual promises of hitting the gym or saving money, can become allies in my quest for self-esteem and purpose amid the complexities of mental health recovery. Learn how to create empowered mental health through New Year's resolutions.
Gambling addiction recovery extends beyond breaking free from the grips of compulsive gambling. I learned the importance of identifying and cultivating healthier outlets for stress and excitement to prevent relapses and embrace a fulfilling life in recovery. My addiction was primarily fueled by excitement and stress, and in my recovery from gambling addiction, I have discovered activities that offer a sustainable and enriching alternative to gambling.
The road to recovery from borderline personality disorder (BPD) has been a tumultuous journey. You will get no arguments here. Life might be a tad smoother minus the BPD baggage, but catching those glimmers of hope and progress on the journey to recovery from BPD? That's where the real soulful rewards lie.
Verbal abuse can happen in team sports. Sports have existed for thousands of years, available to people of all cultures and ages. Unfortunately, so has verbal abuse. When these two worlds integrate, the results can be devastating. Verbal abuse in team sports can come from coaches, players, parents, or spectators, affecting everyone. 
Confession: I don't want to make eating disorder (ED) recovery resolutions this year. In the past, I have dutifully written an exhaustive list of all the milestones I intend to reach in my healing journey, but as 2024 rounds the corner, this ritual suddenly feels more like pressure than motivation. I am a firm believer that recovery is not about ticking off certain boxes or following an arbitrary schedule. I set goals for myself, but I have learned to release expectations as to when I might achieve them. Maybe I'll form a healthier relationship with my own body as soon as tomorrow—or maybe it will take me a lifetime. Either way, I am done trying to force specific outcomes, so I don't want to make ED recovery resolutions this year.
I've found that emotional flashbacks are not as commonly discussed as "regular" flashbacks in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When I was first diagnosed with PTSD, I questioned my diagnosis because I hadn’t been experiencing the common symptom of a “flashback.” Flashbacks are a major part of PTSD, typically occurring in the form of visual memory and negatively stimulating our physical senses. However, I learned that many people — myself included — experience “emotional flashbacks,” or intense feelings of fear, shame, anger, and despair that are associated with a specific trauma.
As uncomfortable as this feels to admit, my version of self-love is conditional. Memes and mantras extolling the virtues of radical self-love are splashed across my Instagram feed, but I can't seem to take in the message. I have no idea how to accept and affirm myself, no matter the circumstances. I measure my value in terms of factors like outward appearance, work achievements, fitness performance, and societal contributions. I know it's not right, but my version of self-love is purely conditional. Maybe I should get to the root of this issue in 2024.
I just tested positive for COVID-19 on top of managing schizoaffective disorder and anxiety, and having just had the second of double knee replacements.
Practicing self-care is not selfish. If you struggle with caring for your needs, you aren't alone. Individuals who are targets of verbal abuse often neglect themselves because they are hypervigilant about their abuser's behaviors. This increased alertness can cause extreme sensitivity to your environment, causing you to overreact in some situations. Living in this continuous state of fear and anxiousness drains you mentally and physically, creating a self-care deficit. It's important to learn that it's not selfish to practice self-care.

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Jimmie Thompson
yes what is a good book for the partners of a person with DID to read to better communicate with the love one?
Kat
Hi. There can be medical exemptions for this. I suffered from severe full body Psoriasis as well as SH issues. It opened me up to the problem with bullying and further sh. I spoke to my pediatrician at the time and they wrote a letter stating that I should be allowed have my free period follow gym so that I could shower after the other people. They made accommodations for me from dressing to shower from 4th grade through high school. It’s worth looking into
Joseph
Don’t worry, Garvin. I agree with you; for the most part. I have had, mostly, the same experience you have had. I did, however, find a Christian therapist once that, even though she wasn’t able to help, the fact that she shared the love of God with me, did; and she tried her best. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of bad Christian therapists out there, too. However, don’t give up. I am currently in the Catholic Church, and praying to Our Blessed Virgin Mother, Mary, for her intercession with her son, Jesus; and it’s helping. As for the medication, I know, it sucks. However, that’s trial and error, also. God bless you, brother. Pray the Rosary!!!
Katie
Hi Em
This is long answer sorry.
I’m not sure how extensive, straight, fresh, color your skin, why makeup you have tried as I might have good suggestions. How obvious in general is it that these are not any other kind of scars? Easist is to pass it off on different injuries. Not at easy if you are actually cutting. Iis your family aware of your situation to a degree and would go along with skirting the truth with the teacher? He asks, say “I have a medical condition. My family and I are trying to have it treated.” If she gets nosey and says what.? Say “I’m sorry that’s in appropriate”. If you are from the states you can also tell her that it is also something frat falls under a reasonable accommodation for a person with a disability to make the modifications of allowing you to cover your arms. She can not ask you what your disability is. Self-harming behavior may be the symptom of a protected disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act
On the flip side when young I said some scars came from things that happened but no real injuries so I didn’t mess up. Like falling through a sliding glass door,th. As I became less and less and older and I had legitimate nasty scars from working with animals everyone assumed I cut. Not saying I hadn’t had a small lapse her or there but I I leaned full in. Told them nah just bad at my job. That on was a Rottweilers paw. He almost made it perfect so I just finished his work off couldn’t leave it with 3 nails what do you think?. When people whisper or even saw she desecrated her body lol when I’m in a sundress I say this is how I mark my memories “I couldn’t pick enough tattoos for all the memories, I wanted something more extreme. This are arm is the joy I don’t want to forget . This arm is so when I go to hell I know how many souls to bring with me 🤪. “Honestly I am a light hearted good girl but the pearl clutching is fun.. Evenif I know I am still often in pain inside. We all have different reasons. I never could remember emotional pain got better but physical pain did. So that’s why I did it. Now I’m tired of being reminded of all those times I was made to feel so voiceless. For years with my scars. You have good and bad days. You’re a dancer. Put your feelings into that. Volunteer somewhere. Wayne teach kids to dance? The things you hate someone will love. I have to hear it so many times a day. It drives many away. The right people it would though. The right will hold you tight when you feel so much you can’t find a way to get it out. If you want to talk IG:@katgirl18
Kirsi Cannaday
Thank you for your comment. I hope you'll find trying out the tips I shared helpful. It really will get better! Some days are hard, but as I use my coping skills and conquering tools I find I can overcome my anxiety and irritability and I know you can, too.