#52SmallThings: A Weekly Self-Care Challenge

Happy Monday, Mighty fam! ⭐

Today’s the perfect day to get started on this week’s self-care challenge, which is all about the connections we have in our lives. Whether it be with family, friends, our health care providers, co-workers, bosses, or even strangers we encounter while out and about, the connections we have with those around us impact us immensely — in ways both good and bad.

It’s natural and "normal" to have a closer connection with some people in our lives, and not so much with others. Knowing ourselves as well as what we value in our social and support circles can help us to establish which connections are the most important to us.

Who in your life do you feel most connected to?

Share in the comments below! ⬇️

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie

Sometimes we just need to hear some happy stories, so let’s share a few of the positive experiences we’ve had when it comes to reaching out for help and actually receiving it.

Following an unpleasant experience in college, Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks started therapy in 2019 after not seeking help for her mental health for over three years. She was really happy she made the step to ask for help because she then found a really kind and empathetic therapist in return!

Note: It’s totally OK if you feel you haven’t received the help you deserve and needed in the past. We’re here with you and extend our support in any capacity we can. 🌟

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie

In the poll we asked earlier in the week, 58% of the group said that you ask for help sometimes but would rather do things on your own and 25% said that you only ask for help when it's an emergency, so we’re curious what your experience is when helping others. Do you find it easier? How come?

P.S. We’ve heard so many community members share that they enjoy helping out those around them, especially those on The Mighty who are struggling. We applaud and commend all who have made The Mighty what it is today.🏅

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie

For some, reaching out for help and support can be really challenging and even exhausting sometimes, especially if they're used to relying on only themselves. We totally get that!

What advice would you give to someone who experiences that challenge, but wants to seek support from others?

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks shared that it took her years to ask for help and found it really challenging to open up to others. Although it took her awhile, practicing smaller gestures — like asking her mom for water when anxious or to go on a walk with her — allowed Nina to gather up the courage that made asking for support a more regular habit.

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie

Asking for help is not always easy, and can be especially challenging for those of us who have had traumatic, negative, mixed, or empty results in the past.

What area of your life would you say is the hardest for you to ask others for help? Do you have areas that are easier?

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks says the hardest area of her life is with her finances or with money in general, and the easiest is with her mental health.

👏 P.S. You are definitely not alone! Know that your experiences are valid and you deserve and are worthy of seeking the help you need.

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie

Let’s get right to it: Managing the symptoms of a health condition (or three of them! or five!) in the moment can be really tough. But on other days, when our symptoms slowly simmer or start out as just a whisper, they’re a bit easier to anticipate and get on top of.

On your more accessible or gentle days, are you able to get ahead of your symptoms before they spiral?

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie

Whether it's going outside for fresh air, taking a few moments to collect your thoughts, or carving out a few hours for self-care, taking intentional breaks can help prevent burnout and overwhelm, especially on those more busy days.

What are some ways you can take a break today?

💌 Friendly reminder: You are worthy of taking the breaks you need today.

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie