This caught my attention since I’ve been on a journey of figuring out how to balance my mental health with my relationship to substances. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, honestly, and I think it’s something that a lot of us grapple with, even if we don’t always talk about it openly.
A while back, I found myself using substances more as a coping mechanism than I realized. At first, it was just a way to unwind after a long day or to take the edge off when anxiety hit hard. I mean, who doesn’t want to escape sometimes, right? But as time went on, I noticed that instead of feeling better, I was just kind of… stuck. It was like a temporary fix that left me feeling even worse afterward. Sound familiar?
So, I decided to take a step back and really assess what was going on. I started to keep a journal to note how I felt before and after using substances. It was revealing to see the patterns—like sometimes I would lean toward substances when I was feeling particularly low, but other times, it was just to fit in or have a good time. I realized I needed to find healthier ways to deal with my feelings.
One thing that made a huge difference for me was finding activities that genuinely brought me joy and helped with my mental health. I started picking up hobbies again, like painting and hiking, which gave me that sense of fulfillment without the aftereffects. It’s amazing what a little nature can do for your headspace! I even joined a local community group, and it’s been refreshing to connect with others who are on similar paths.
I also made it a priority to talk more openly with friends about my struggles. I was surprised to find out that so many people had relatable experiences, and it really helped to not feel so alone in all this. It’s kind of liberating to drop the facade and just be real with each other.
I think the key for me has been finding that balance. It’s not about completely cutting things out but rather being mindful of how and why I use substances. I’ve learned to ask myself—am I reaching for something because I want to enjoy life, or is it to escape from something deeper? That little pause before reacting has made a world of difference.
I’d love to hear from anyone else who’s been working on finding that balance. What strategies have you found helpful? Any activities or practices that helped you reconnect with yourself? Let’s chat!