Mental Illness – Find your Meaning with Ciara

Double Standards

Throughout my journey in therapy, residential treatments, day treatments, hospitalizations and safety plans, there was one belief I have had. I always believed that everyone else deserved to be happy and to reach recovery; everyone except me. I held a great deal of shame for the ways I reacted and behaved when I was notContinue reading “Double Standards”

It’s Not Just Anger

One of the most beneficial pieces of information I learned during my time in therapy was that anger is a secondary emotion. Emotions are complicated the way it is, but now there are different types of emotions; primary and secondary. And probably a few more that I am unaware of. So, for those who don’tContinue reading “It’s Not Just Anger”

Trust Me

I lost my parent’s trust for a while, when I was going through my mental health struggles. Every time I attempted, I lied to them as to where I was going before I did it. My first attempt, the car crash, I kept it a secret that it was intentional for almost a year. AllContinue reading “Trust Me”

You Matter

It’s September guys; which means it is Suicide Prevention Month. And today, the 10th, is National Suicide Prevention Day. I take this month very seriously because I am a mental health advocate, and have dealt with these challenges personally. And I wanted to use this post today for reflection purposes only. Usually I try toContinue reading “You Matter”

Therapy ≠ Solutions

A few weeks ago, I was talking with my friend about the different reasons people may be reluctant or hesitant to go to therapy. I started thinking back to when I was resistant to treatment, and what my reasons were behind that. I didn’t believe I was going to get better, because some of theContinue reading “Therapy ≠ Solutions”

Turning My Fear Into Passion

During my senior year in high school, I participated in a day treatment program for teenagers struggling with mental health. It was either that or go back to the hospital, and I was definitely not doing that. So, I talked with my guidance counselor about the options for treatment and how it was going toContinue reading “Turning My Fear Into Passion”

Radical Acceptance

Let’s talk about the most difficult skill, in my opinion, to practice. The way I define and understand radical acceptance is when you stop fighting reality, while also preventing pain from turning into suffering. For example, when I was in treatments and therapy, I had a really hard time accepting the fact that I wouldContinue reading “Radical Acceptance”

BPD Symptoms: Self Destruction

Why did I self destruct? The answer was never as simple as I wanted it to be. Everybody’s reason is different and and there is no clear cut solution. My self harm method was cutting, and I kept it at bay for a while. However, over time it turned more into a habit and IContinue reading “BPD Symptoms: Self Destruction”

BPD Symptoms: Fear of Abandonment

When being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, there are 9 symptoms/criteria that they look for. And in order to officially be diagnosed, you have to “fit” at least 5 of them. One of the main symptoms of BPD is fear of abandonment. This fear, for me, was the hardest one to cope with in theContinue reading “BPD Symptoms: Fear of Abandonment”