The 'Ugly' Side of Self-Care We Don't Talk About
No one talks about the “ugly side” of self-care. Self-care isn’t always candle lit bubble baths or reading a book by the pool or sipping hot drinks while watching reruns of old school sitcoms. Most of the time self care is forcing yourself to get up in the morning to go to work because otherwise you can’t afford food and calling in sick isn’t an option. Often, it’s taking a shower even though you would rather be in bed. It’s taking your medication and pushing on with the day. It’s forcing yourself to engage with your friends even though you’d rather be crying alone in your room. It’s feeding the cat every morning even though you would rather die than move out of your bed which has become your haven. It’s going to countless psychiatry appointments and taking in their advice. It’s using coping methods rather than drowning yourself in self-destruction. It’s forcing yourself to eat your dinner and smile in the mirror. Self-care isn’t always beautiful — most of the time self-care sucks, but it’s what has to be done.
If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.
If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741.
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Thinkstock photo via Natalia_flurno.