Good Morning!

I have noticed that a large number of people on this site (unsurprisingly, since it seems to run rampant among the creative) are either anxious, depressed, ocd, hypersensitive, or suffering some other form of mental illness or personality disorder. No shame. I have several of these.

Anyway. I have been having a hard time with dissociating lately. My writing has suffered because of it, and being as that is usually my outlet for my emotional instability it makes me dissociate more. A catch 22 cycle.

I just wanted to offer up a suggestion to everyone to something that has helped me stabilize in times like this. I rarely suggest books to people, but I have many times just mentally or physically referred to “first, we make the beast beautiful” by Sarah Wilson. It is great for not only reminding yourself that you’re not alone, but all of the great things that come from whatever diagnosis has been plaguing you. Because if I’m being honest, sometimes my emotional issues make me feel ill equipped for life (which can make life hopeless) until I look outward at the pros that come from it that emotionally “normal” people do not seem to have or experience. It’s also filled with many different coping methods, some focusing from the inside out and others from the outside in so that I can apply them situationally based. Anyway. If you haven’t read it, this is the one book I would recommend to every person. It’s great at helping you accept yourself and work on yourself in a healthy way, but it is also great for people who do not have these issues and may need some help understanding their partners or friends. Even if you feel like you’ve accepted yourself it can give you the words you may need to explain to the people around you why/how they can better accept you.

P.S. currently rereading this book myself and feeling all emotionally helpful. If anyone wants to talk, I’m always here for you.