May is Mental Health Awareness month. My mental health is not good. To even say that is an understatement. I wish I could blog more, but right now one post ever couple of months is the best I can do. If I told you how many times I worked on and edited this post, it would be quite embarrassing.

This post is a shameless self-promotion by way of sharing Amazon Affiliate links, but it is also a real list of things I use to help me through the dark days of a “mental health crisis” as one doctor called it… better known as a good old fashioned nervous breakdown. I would love to hear what helps you through your darkest days.

The #1 answer is lots of love and support, but I have not figured out how to monetize that yet, so here are some items that I use in an effort to boost myself out of the ditch.

SAD Light

This is May and the days are finally getting longer, but if your depression is worst in the winter, you should know about SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lights. Sitting by one of these for about 30 minutes each morning during winter is essential.

Weighted Blanket

When I first heard about weighted blankets, I thought it was a terrible idea. They are actually very soothing to me during high anxiety episodes. Also good for watching old episodes of 21 Jump Street.

Ninja Coffee Maker

This wonderful machine replaced the first one I bought when Covid/Work from Home started. Let’s hope this lasts longer. I love my Ninja blender, so I decided to go with the brand name on my next try. I love that I can brew a pod or a pot. 10/10. Highly recommend.

Stuffies/Support Group

I was going to insert a picture of my “support group” which consists of a Scentsy stuffed Baby Yoda, a stuffed monkey from the Tulsa Zoo, and a Gritty plush. I decided I don’t want to get up, take a picture on my phone, send it to myself, upload it, etc…. so you just get to hear about how, at the age of 46, I still love my stuffies.

Hokas

When you are abysmally depressed, one thing you can count on is that people, professional and otherwise, will suggest that you get more exercise. Feel free to cuss them out, but do it wearing comfortable walking shoes.

Hickies

But get these cool little doohickies (hence the name) so your depressed ass can just pull those shoes on without tying laces.

Wool Slippers

For the other days, these are my go-to’s. I love the solid bottom which means I can wear these to the mailbox once every two weeks when I check the mail and discover forms that should have already been filled out and submitted. FML.

Audible Subscription

Y’all know I love to read. Right now I just can’t do it. Audiobooks are literally saving my soul. This screenshot is actual top picks for me. I use the library app whenever possible, but sometimes things aren’t available, and I have to dip into my audible credit stash.

Calming Lotion

This is called Sleep lotion, but I love it all the time.

Swear Word Adult Coloring Book

I got one of these coloring books for Christmas, per my request. Coloring is a soothing activity, but it is more fun when it contains swear words. Don’t just take my word for it, though. Try it for yourself. I couldn’t find the exact one that I have even though it came from Amazon. Some are definitely better quality than others, so try to check the images and reviews before you decide which to get.

Five-Year Journal

When writing in a journal feels too hard but you want to document certain aspects, a 5-year journal is perfect. This gives you a few lines for each year, so you have to keep it short. I like to look back at previous years and it helps me see that my life runs in cycles, right down to watching the same movie on the same day or other synchronicities. I bought this new one to replace one I decided not to finish. I just started on my third year, so each day I can check what I did two years ago. It has been a rough few years, but there are plenty of highlights.

Take Care of Yourself FIRST

It has taken me half the month to put this post together. I am not in a good place, but I am doing my best and I am certainly making it a priority to take care of myself. I have regular appointments with my mental health team. I prioritize sleep. I exercise. TLDR; I do all the things everyone says to do and I still “ain’t right.” However, I am much better off than I would be if I didn’t take those measures. Do your best to take care of yourself, but also get whatever additional help you need. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, help is available here, or call 1-800-273-8255.