Category: recovery

The Letter Project

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Last weekend, I was feeling incredibly sad. No, not sad. I was desolate. I was in my bed, just sobbing, and it felt like all of my limbs had fallen asleep. I wanted my brain to turn off, but everything that was upsetting me just kept replaying in my mind, and I kept falling further and further as my internal voice taunted me, telling me I didn’t deserve love.

But the thing is, I know I’m worthy of love, and more than that, I know I am loved! So, when I began to feel better, I called upon the people I knew loved me and asked them to do me a favor.

I asked them to write me a letter and mail it to me. My plan is to put these letters, unopened, somewhere safe. Then, whenever I feel the way I felt last weekend, I can pull out a letter and read words of love and friendship from someone I know loves me.

I’ve already gotten three letters, and I haven’t opened one yet. That’s great, but also, I really want to read what’s in them.

Know that you are so, so loved. I know that you have people in your life who would do something similar in a heartbeat, or even quicker. Those who love you want you to know their love. If you feel like this letter project is something that could help you, I urge you to reach out to your loved ones, and I know that they will respond.

Keep Calm and Carry On.

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Those who struggle with mental illness know this: coping skills are key to a successful recovery as well as life with mental illness. I’m going to make a “master list” of coping skills that either a) I’ve tried or b) YOU’VE tried and would like to share. If you’re interested in adding a helpful coping skill that is not on the list, simply fill out the form below. 

Happy coping!

Coping Skills 101

1. Journal

2. Write a letter to someone.

3. Call a friend.

4. Color.

5. BLAST music

6. Go on a walk

7. Look at pictures of puppies!

8. Rip paper into teeny tiny pieces.

9. take a warm shower, and sing as loud as you want.

10. Say a rosary, and concentrate on your breathing. Hail (Breathe in) Mary (breathe out) Full (breathe in) of (breathe out)… you get the picture.

11. Write God a letter. Tell Him how you really feel. Don’t worry about fancy language.

12. Have a playlist of stupid, funny youtube videos you can watch when you’re feeling down.