Have you ever found yourself feeling all blue and not really wanting to talk to anyone for a couple of days? Yes, you have, don’t lie.
Sometimes I start feeling so overwhelmed and so naked, I just want to be invincible for a while and disappear from social media. But it’s not necessarily the social media I’m trying to get away from,it’s the people. The replies to posts and all that giving of attention to other people – which I can’t even make available for myself , because I’m emotionally drained.
I’m sure we all handle this differently, in ways that suit us. What I do is, I’ll usually tell those I communicate with on a regular basis that I’m taking a timeout and I need to breathe… Yeah, they agree and swear they understand and will always be there for me. “They’re only a call away” They say. And so I take my break until I feel okay and in the right winds again until it’s time to go back out there. Man, and isn’t it a challenge? Going back out there? How do I even start talking to people again? I find it so hard and even more draining because how do I just go and decide to come back? Isn’t that like selfish? I start feeling like an emotionally selfish person, who disappears on people without considering how they’d feel. I’m saying this because even if I do decide to give those close to me my “I’m taking a break” notice, I don’t give reasons. I don’t feel the need to. Do I though? I don’t know. What if THEY start assuming different scenarios as to why I’m taking all these breaks? What if they start blaming themselves? What is the right thing to do? I mean, you don’t really owe anyone explanations and no one really likes to tell people about their problems because well.. They didn’t ask and you don’t always want to be the one complaining about something and that’s more than enough.
If you’ve ever felt that way? Like myself? Best believe, it’s normal and I believe you do the right thing by letting people know you need a break. This is actually better than just ghosting people because that could be selfish to their own mental health. Start by not always assuming what other people might think and ask them instead. “Would you prefer I tell you I’m going on a break instead of just going a-wall or no?” Either way, communicate with those close to you. Let them know it’s not they’re fault. It’s really important to let them know they’re not to blame and if someone in your circle is actually contributing to your mental breakdown? Tell them that whatever it is they’re doing is affecting you in a negative way. If they don’t change? Cut them off. Don’t be scared to cut people off. If someone doesn’t care about your mental health? If someone isn’t interested in creating a safe environment for you? Mentally, emotionally and spiritually even? Honey they don’t care about you and you should cut all ties with them. If they really have your best interests at heart? They will support you.
It’s very normal to feel emotionally drained once in a while. Not having energy for anything. Feeling so demotivated. Feeling sad and weak. It’s normal and you’re not the only one. I feel that way sometimes too, ALOT of times actually. I’m very empathetic. Nonetheless, you’re gonna be okay- sometimes not as soon as possible and maybe also a temporary “okay” because it’s a cycle and you’re always going to find yourself back in square 1. As long as you take care of yourself and treasure your happiest moments, you’ll learn to accept the moments in which you’re at your worst. Moments where you can’t change whatever it is that’s bothering you. Don’t let people force you to be happy and to always stay strong. “Smile through the bad times”.. No. Sit yourself down, have conversations with yourself and get used to being vulnerable because there’s still a long way to go.
May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth Goodluck soldier!✨
