MightyMinute

We talk about masking a lot on The Mighty (both the immune-system variety, but also the emotional variety). In the Mighty story below, contributor L.M.B shared this definition, which really hits home: “[Masking] serves as a barrier between myself and the world. It keeps me safe from judgement and harm. What others don’t know won’t hurt me. I already have enough hurt inside, I don’t need any more.”

We’re curious about your experience and frequency of masking — no matter why you do it, how often you do it, or the environment/relationship where it keeps you safest.

📚 P.S. Want to read more on the topic? Read the full story here: The Masks I Wore to Hide From Myself and Others

#MightyMinute #Autism #ADHD #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #ChronicPain #PTSD #RareDisease #Disability #ChronicIllness #Caregiving

Unlearning (and subsequently relearning) things from when we were younger is a lifelong process. And it doesn’t even need to — though of course it can and does — relate to chilldhood trauma. It can “simply” be ideals, values, opinions, or ways of thinking and living that we no longer agree with. We also can grow out of things naturally as we age, and that’s valid and expected too.

What do you find yourself unlearning? How has the process been — painful or powerful?

#MightyMinute #CheckInWithMe #Childhoodtrauma #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #RareDisease #Disability #Grief #PTSD

Happy Earth Day! Let’s the start the week off with a little nature-inspired poetry, shall we? Haikus — a traditional, short-form poetry type that originated in Japan — follow this syllable pattern: 5-7-5.

☀️Here’s the one that @xokat wrote:

The sorbet sun wakes,
Stretching its warm, bright fingers —
“It’s your turn,” she says.

We’re excited to read yours! (And, if you’re feeling up to it, we hope you get a little fresh air and outside time.)

#MightyMinute #CheckInWithMe #MentalHealth #DistractMe #MightyPoets

Mighty staffer @xokat recently heard about something called the “intention cycle” — here are the five phases of it: Choose a word or phrase, set an intention around it, create specific goals, establish a routine to achieve those goals, and form good habits to keep it going.

Is this something you practice regularly? Does doing something intentionally give you a framework to make positive changes in your life or do you feel like it puts too much pressure on you? (Both experiences are valid, by the way!)

💫 P.S. If you need a hopeful read, here’s today’s pick: How Changing Your Mindset Can Open Up New Possibilities for Healing

#MightyMinute #CheckInWithMe #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #RareDisease #Disability #Caregiving #Grief #Parenting #Cancer #Autism #ADHD

There are a lot of factors that go into making a purchase — how much it is, how often you’ll use it, if it’s a need vs. a want, an item vs. an experience, etc. And for most of us, when we don’t have a lot of funds to fall back in, we have to save up to make the purchase (but, if anything, that gives us more time to triple-check with ourselves that we indeed want to make it… or at least that’s what @xokat tells herself so she can sleep at night).

What’s something you’ve been saving up for lately?

#MightyMinute #DistractMe #CheckInWithMe #CheerMeOn

In some ways, “good” health is a construct. What does that even mean? Is there a blanket definition? How do we each define it? What is within our means to pursue it, let alone achieve it?

But if there’s one thing we know about Mighties, is that we’re always trying to take steps forward (even if it’s just an inch in the right direction) to feel a little — or a lot — better. So we’re curious what you’re been trying lately. A new medication? A new coping technique? Have you joined a support group or an outpatient hospitalization program? Getting more movement in? Setting better boundaries to preserve your energy? Tweaked your diet?

Share your progress with us below. 💓

#MightyMinute #Selfcare #Spoonie #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #RareDisease #Disability #CheckInWithMe #CheerMeOn

No matter if it’s self-care, a hug, a face-sized bowl of ramen, or infinite puppy snuggles — a little boost of dopamine never hurt.

As Mighty staffer @xokat’s brother always says: “I hope your day is 1% better today,” so in honor of him, what would make YOUR day 1% better?

Thanks for being here this week. You are a light, a boon, a neon sign in the dark — and we’re grateful to share this space with you.

#MightyMinute #DistractMe #MentalHealth #CheerMeOn #CheckInWithMe

A few weeks ago, I struggled with depression. I had weaned myself off my meds hastily. Well, for the past 2 years since my diagnosis I felt fine. I was doing better than I had imagined. I recently started a new job, in an industry I loved. I was happy. I was alive and it felt great to be alive. I felt my life was moving back on track and, I was glad I was back to my old self again. What I didn't realise is how quickly all of that would end for me, the happiness that is.

My body shut down. I was at the gym and experienced a panic attack instantly. The calm I had known, became a raging storm. It was the feelings of inadequacy, an overwhelming sense of emptiness that engulfed me and it was the constant thoughts of doubt that flooded my mind. I felt extremely empty and fatigued. I knew two things:

If I relapse now, I will potentially have to be readmitted. I just started a new job and relapsing isn't a great impression when you trying to impress a new employer. I can fight this. I may not win the battle instantly, but small steps daily to deal with my triggers including; reaching out for assistance and taking my meds can make the journey easier for me. I need to realise it is okay to seek and ask for help. The challenge I have found with battling depression is trying to convince myself out of the existence and destructive nature of a reality I create in my mind. Which is often flawed compared to my present life and reality I live in now. I also am trying to learn to be kinder to myself and listen to my body more.

I have gone back to my meds, I realised that because I experience days when I am "happy", they are often far and few when I decide to actively go against doctor's orders by not taking my medication. It is okay not to be okay, but sinking a ship which can be saved is not worth it.

#MightyMinute #DistractMe #CheerMeOn #MightyPoets #CheckInWithMe #Journaling #Depression

In case no one has told you this lately: Your story is important. The Mighty is living, palpable proof that sharing what we’ve been through, however we choose to do so, gives collective strength to a choir of voices that might otherwise go unheard.

That leads us to today’s creative exercise: If you were writing a memoir about your life (it doesn’t have to be about your health, but of course it can include it), what would you title it?

Mighty staffer @xokat would probably name hers “Wobbler,” in honor of her bilateral vestibular loss that makes her swerve through life (and fundamentally changed the course of it).

#MightyMinute #DistractMe #CheerMeOn #MightyPoets #CheckInWithMe #Journaling #MentalHealth

No matter the scale, surprises come in two extremes: absolutely delightful and heartstopping-ly gut-wrenching.

So while we’re on the subject, we’re curious about what you’ve been surprised by lately. Did something happen — good or bad — in your health journey? Did you witness something beautiful? Have a pleasant, out-of-the-ordinary day at work? Accomplish a goal a little ahead of schedule? (Go you!) Suffer a loss of some kind?

📚 Here’s a Mighty story we’ve been loving lately: Why I'm Surprised (And Comforted) My New Therapist Mentioned Trauma

#MightyMinute #CheckInWithMe #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #RareDisease #Disability #Caregiving #Autism #Cancer