#but also you could just be depressed or need to deal with your burnout

[sittingupwiththedead]

I've done that.

I've absolutly done that. You wanna know how to make sure a house you think is haunted isn't haunted? There's a list. The most important parts of the list are:

Step 1: GET A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR.

Step 2: Make a list of the weird things in the house. The cold spots, the weird sounds, the door that won't stay shut. Get a house inspector, give him the list and ask. "Can you have a look see at what could be causing these?" You may have to give them money.

Step 3: Get a therapist. Don't talk about the ghosts but like about the other stuff in your life stressing you out. Or go to church. That works better then therapy for some people. Or the gym. Or join a club or get a hobby. Go to a stitch and bitch. My point is get a support system.

There's more on the list but those are the big stuff.

The list makes for shit TV. It's not funny or entertaining or spooky. The list to make sure your house isn't haunted is also basically the list for taking care of yourself and your home.

You're house could still be haunted, even if you do the whole list. That's okay. Some houses are haunted. Sometimes pain is so deep and so big and so real it etches it's self into the very walls. That's okay. When you meet the pain greet it, say good morning, say "I'm baking cookies" say "I'm sorry."

Remember that you are alive. You are here, now and all the ghosts are old memories of pain long past. You are here, now, alive and they are dead. Tell them you're sorry. Tell them you love them. Tell them they're welcome to stay but they cannot hurt you. Tell them you're done.

I'm serious about the carbon monoxide detector though.

[mikajunie]

how to deal with failure when all you know how to do is beat up yourself (as an adhder)

please read this if you are a chronic self-loather like myself.

i used to hate myself for everything i did; the way i talk and walk, my accomplishments, my daily activities, how i cannot keep up with my peers, all that jazz. and especially as a late-diagnosed adhder this gets worse overtime. i ended up getting into a 6-month burnout, failed 3 classes and have to extend one semester, and i had lost my identity as a person.

overall i was just a breathing, walking flesh with depressive thoughts every day.

but after many many months of rediscovering myself, i have come up with the conclusion that life gets easier when i don't fucking hate myself.

shocker, right? ik this is probably like a 'obviously' type of thing, but i think many ppl with adhd can confirm that this is one of the hardest pills to swallow.

but trust me, you don't need to feel bad!!! and i will tell you how to do it down below. pls read, i hope it helps.

(keep in mind im not a psychiatrist or a therapist btw i just wanna help fellow ppl with adhd)

reminder #1: adhd makes you more prone to making mistakes - beating yourself up for every failure is torture.

as people with adhd, we are more prone to making more mistakes and questionable decisions. we are just built that way. we can work on it, but that's our baseline.

self loathing encourages you to beat up your baseline. your default state. your non-productive mode.

beating yourself up for making a mistake is literally like beating up a cat for sleeping. humans are bound to make mistakes, and us with adhd are bound to make more. it's fine, let yourself breathe. im not saying we cannot do anything right or that our mistakes are permissible, but missing an alarm clock or forgetting things we want to say are not surprising. it's just embedded inside us, so either be miserable for the rest of your life or work on reframing your thoughts on failure in general.

reminder #2: you can learn how to be better even if you don't beat yourself up for it

these neurotypical adults who tell you that you should feel bad about failing are stupid. and whoever tell you that negative reinforcement is needed for you to get better are the dumbest motherfuckers ever.

you don't need to feel bad to ge better.

in fact, once you don't feel too bad about it, you can focus more on how to do better in the future instead of replaying the past over and over again.

literally after almost failing college, i only realized that i should not be hard on myself. literally. i remember deciding i should try being nice on myself and now boom! i feel better AND i actually have been working towards fixing my life more and more.

and you know whats the best part?? i can finally start enjoying my life again!!

reminder #3: not everything you do is a failure. seriously.

this is a thought pattern i keep seeing in every person with adhd.

"nothing i can do is right" WRONG!!!! you do some things wrong but you also do some things right!!!! quit discrediting yourself

now try acknowledging your failures:

cry about it first. let yourself sit in and feel your feelings first. you can continue after you finish crying about it

do some form of meditation that helps you clear out your mind. i suggest just 5 minutes or until you don't feel as heavy anymore

let yourself know that failing is an action and consequence, not a part of your identity. it is not you: you are someone who succeeds and fails sometimes. you can fail, but that does not mean everything you do will be a failure.

identify what kind of failure you're thinking about , why you feel so shitty about it, and what you should do for next time. it'd be good if you could write this down. here is an example from me:

failure: failing out of class

what happened: i failed bc i kept procrastinating and ended up sleeping in, so i could not submit on time

consequences of event: i had to retake the class, paid a significant amount of money, and now i cant graduate on time with my friends

why i feel shitty: i feel so left behind and stupid. i feel like this is such a stupid mistake that was easily avoidable.

and now i have so many thoughts in my mind right now, like "how can i be so stupid? how can i be so careless? this is such a stupid mistake."

now notice. if you also think like this, you are actively judging yourself. you are being so mean to yourself, and for what? would you ever told your friends they are so stupid and dumb for making careless mistakes? even if it's stupid, you wouldn't say it to their faces.

after identifying everything, confirm what actually happened, reframe your thoughts, and apologize to yourself:

"How can I be so careless?" -> It's not intentional, and I did try my best to work on it. It's not my fault my executive dysfunction took over the better part of me.

"How can I be so stupid?" -> Just because I cannot initiate tasks as well as the others, it doesn't mean i'm stupid. i am pretty good at other things, i cannot expect myself to be good at everything.

"This is such a stupid mistake." -> It is stupid, and that's... okay. It's fine. I accept it, I'll work on how to make it better in the future.

when you combat negative thoughts, make sure you combat them not only with facts but also with empathy and future action-focused thoughts.

the key is to focus on what you can do now, not what you should have done.

because focusing on the past is very very unhelpful.

now please focus on what you can do now:

Make small goals for the future.

What you should not say:

"I promise I will try harder to focus" -> Nope, you are relying on your ADHD symptom to not be ADHD anymore... which is impossible.

"I promise I won't forget next time" -> Same thing.

"I promise I will make a routine that I will stick to" -> This is too idealist, don't commit to anything for a long run, it's just setting yourself up for more failure.

What you should say instead:

"Next time, I will try to write it down so I won't forget next time" -> Tell yourself the clear steps on what you need to do. You cannot rely on your brain to just be better, come up with actions that can support you!

"Next time, I will set more alarms and ask a friend to remind me. In fact, I will do it now" -> Commit to things you can do immediately! The faster, the better so you won't lose this momentum. Stop thinking that your future self is 100% reliable. Always assume you need to do it as soon as possible to help yourself in the future.

"Next time, I will try out this routine and see if it works or not" -> Experiment with routines. Routines don't last long, so don't give youreelf empty promises. Instead, accept that your routine will chance every once in a while so you need to learn what works or not.

Apologize and forgive yourself

Say sorry to yourself.

It's normal to make mistakes, and it's unrealistic to think you won't make more.

Move on

Seriously. Don't sit on it too much.

Once you know what you need to do to not fail in the future and you have written it down... just let it go.

You don't need to feel bad to grow. You don't need to feel bad to be better.

You are allowed to feel good about yourself.

In fact, you should feel better about yourself now because you are showing your commitment to getting better by reading this long ass post.

Pat yourself in the back.

Failure has its consequences already, you don't need to punish yourself more. Please get something nice.

Failing is EXHAUSTING. Please give yourself a snack or some gaming time.

Allow yourself to breathe.

We are humans, we are not failures. We succeed and fail sometimes, not all the time.

Be nice to yourself, you have been through a lot.

[i-yap]

Disorders batboys s/o have( dick and jason ver)

Im a psychology student and i think everyone in this world has some symptoms if not full blown disorders. I also struggle with GAD and I have worked in 2 psychiatric hospitals so far in one I got a lot of readings+ 2 months , 8hrs on weekdays hospital shifts in 4 sectors. I don't mean to offend anyone but if you have a certain disorder it does determine a lot of your personality traits and therefore make you incompatible with certain types of people. this is just a " oh I think the batboys could take care or be compatible with someone with this disorder enough to not hamper their healing "

Anyways..(im so scared to post this)

Dick grayson- mood disorders (major depressive diroder. bipolar disorder, seasonal depression, burnout)

Dick is this silent mother hen sort of figure. he loves taking care of others, it fills him with altruistic feelings and helps him feel needed. Someone with a mood disorder needs someone they can go and be sad with without feeling judged. Dick understands that burnt out feeling really well. He understands how sometimes you just want to let your feelings go through you. He is warm sunshine personified, joyful calm and reliable. He likes taking care of you, the small quiet moments. He will find small personal ways to make your mood a little more bearable however he can without overwhelming you.

"he comes back from his crime fighting to find you in bed. he recognizes your mood instantly. slowly approaching you and gently kissing you awake .

"hey baby ", "youre back dickie" "mhm how long have you been in bed?" " I don't know" "I'm starting a bath, would you like to join me" "I don't really feel like moving" "ill carry you" ."

Jason todd- anxiety disorders ( generalized anxiety disorder(gad), phobia, panic attacks, separation anxiety disorder(sad))

gad- the fact that jason literally fights crime every night and is super impulsive/doesnt care about his safety, so seeing you almost ripping your head off from worry for him not only warms his heart ( he thinks you hate him and struggles to believe that YOU could give someone like him any attention but here you are) but also makes him take better care of himself for your sake. he hates seeing you worried but he loves calming you down. holding your hands tight, replecating meditation style breathing and mindfulness practices. kissing you overthinking head. hugging you when you stress cry, giving you massages.

Phobia- he understands triggers better than anyone else, he will be your big bad protector making sure to help you avoid the item that's causing you phobia. holding your hand and hiding you behind him if you have social anxiety, making sure to avoid triggering environments if you have agoraphobia, killing all snakes in the world if you have a phobia of them( he seriously suggests it but you stop him cuz it'll hurt the ecosystem)

Panic attacks- he has them too, either you have learned a way to deal with them and teach him or he has learned a way to deal with them and helps you . if he hasn't before meeting you, he has a new much stronger motivation to learn techniques or medication that can help deal with them for your sake and therefore also accelerate his healing

seperation anxiety-.. he has it too so like.( ik its more common in kids but adult sad is also a thing) both of you are clingy, its a win win for you two , fuck the rest of the world

again this is just my opinion okay? don't make mental health a taboo , if this post was about batboys x blind! y/n no one would have an issue. mental health is a condition and sometimes its out of our control, it depends on so many factors. Its nothing to be ashamed or scared of.

[literaticat]

Publishing aunty please help. Need advice, not publishing related.

What do you do when you're just tired, feeling unfulfilled and want to run away from everything? :( 

That sounds like a classic case of Burnout to me, though it could be combined with something else -- like Depression, or even a medical problem.

(For example, at one point a couple years ago, I was absolutely exhausted for no discernable reason and burst into tears at the drop of a hat -- I chalked it up to "winter blues" and ignored it -- come to find out, eventually, I had severe anemia and my body was not absorbing iron at all and actually it was an autoimmune disorder and became a Whole Thing! Uh... oops!)

This article from the Cleveland Clinic gives a lot of advice about what to do about Burnout -- but the most salient points, I think:

Be gentle with yourself. Everyone goes through it sometimes. You aren't a failure, you're going to be OK, you just have to take care of yourself before you can properly take care of anyone or anything else. So with that resolved:

TELL YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM HOW YOU ARE FEELING. Keeping this stuff undercover is not going to help. Being honest with your friends/family/partner or whoever your "people" are will lighten your mental load AND they will want to help and support you.

Figure out what your stressors are and tactics to deal with them. Part of this will be linked to the previous part, probably -- For example, if you are burdened by too much work -- DELEGATE or ASK FOR HELP! You've told your support system what's up with you -- now tell them what you need to move forward.

Set Boundaries. If you're the type of person that says yes to everything and then you feel overwhelmed -- remember that it's OK to say NO. It's a good thing, actually. You'll be more "on" for the things that are actually important if you are able to protect your own boundaries and aren't wasting energy on bullshit things. I can't stress enough how important this is (and it's something I am always working on, because it can be tough!) -- but my life CHANGED when I made certain rules for myself and stuck with them. For example, mine: No checking email after 7pm or on weekends. At all. I gotta tell you, my life suddenly got a lot better. (I have forgotten this one recently, and my life has gotten markedly worse -- so I gotta get back to that!)

Go to the doctor. Yes, going to the doctor sucks! But they can make sure your bloodwork is OK, you aren't Vitamin D or Iron deficient, rule out any problems (like, I dunno, severe anemia)... etc etc. Like, step one of Self Care is knowing what your Self is working with. (And if you think you might actually be capital-D Depressed or have anxiety, etc -- ask for a referral to a psychiatrist to see about getting some medicine. IT WORKS!)

Practice Self-Care. Yes, that means the boring stuff like "hydrate" and "make you are getting enough sleep" and "eat your veggies" and "meditate" and whatnot -- but also, you want to "run away from everything"? DO IT. Take a vacation -- or even a staycation -- or even a DAYcation -- where you are literally not doing ANYTHING for anyone else, no email, no nothing. Get a pedicure with extra massage, sit in sunlight with your favorite drink, read a book or just think about NOTHING -- you have no responsibilities except to yourself during this time. It's rejuvenating!

Get toxic feelings out of your system. Find a therapist, if you can afford to do so. (There may be free or inexpensive options if you are a student, or with some insurance, some therapists have a sliding scale for patients, etc) A therapist can give you at least somebody to talk things out with who doesn't know you and isn't judging you. If that's not for you -- journal? Do something artistic? Go to a rage room? Climb a mountain and scream a lot?

Now you are on the road to being healthy, physically and mentally, you hopefully have less stress and are getting your forty winks and all that good stuff -- and hopefully you'll be MUCH better soon.

Good luck!

[aplaceinthedark]

chapter three: ONE TASTE of the LIFE

Summary: The Appalachian Mountains hide numerous monsters, and it's up to Taylor and the Bad Omens to prevent them from causing any harm.

Word Count: 2,945

CW: Supernatural themes, Star Wars spoilers, Hand Jobs (male receiving)

A/N: I am so sorry this took so long. For the past several months, I've been dealing with job issues and major burnout depression. Whereas that's still hanging around, I think I might be in a better place to write more. If you're still hanging on despite my hiatus, thank you very muchness.

This is RPF, and thus will contain real people, but names and events will be changed. If this bothers you too much, then please leave this temple without causing harm.

Divider by: @saradika-graphics

“Taylor? Are you listening to a word I said?”

I jumped, nearly knocking my water bottle over. “N-No. I’m sorry. What were you saying?” I asked sheepishly.

Rachel smiled sympathetically. “Still worried about the break-in?” she asked. I nodded, as I had told everyone that that was the reason why I was so jumpy.

I liked Rachel. Despite being almost twenty years older than me, she was sort of my only friend outside the circle of misfits and monsters I had embedded myself in. She also didn’t live in New Hope, thankfully. She was a transfer from a bigger town, since our library desperately needed one after one of our librarians “mysteriously disappeared” last August.

Said librarian’s assistant had also “mysteriously vanished” as well, leaving a job wide open for me to fill. I didn’t mind it, being Rachel’s assistant. I might have to do grunt work a lot of the time, but at least she helped instead of just dumping it all on me.

“Anyways, as I was saying, I’m pretty sure no one has gone through the donation bin this decade, if you want to make a dent in it.”

Sitting on my ass while I sort for the next two hours? “Don’t threaten me with a good time,” I said, earning a chuckle from her as I stood up and left the front desk.

There were several boxes. She wasn’t kidding. This was going to take longer than I thought. Setting my phone off to the side, I pressed play on one of my safe-for-work playlists and started humming along to some Chappell Roan.

It had been a few days since the incident with the pale creature that had come onto my porch. There had been no repeat occurrences at our place, but someone had said something about seeing a sick-looking coyote at the edge of their yard. I hadn’t mentioned that to Nick, since I wasn’t even sure that it was the same thing that I had seen. 

And Nick was… I couldn’t burden him with any more problems. Between his time at the new tattoo place, townspeople coming to him for remedies to their ailments, and not being able to sleep very well, he was exhausted. I had woken up to him passed out on his couch this morning, Lydia loafing on his back. If I could make him sleep for an entire day, I would do it in a heartbeat.

I pulled the next box towards me and dug through the dusty contents. I was sure now that most of these donations were just from older ladies dumping the contents of their attics off on us just to free up some space. Several of these books so far were the same cookbook in different states of decay. 

I was just about to ask Rachel for a mask since I was tired of sneezing out dust when my hand pulled out a book that was different from all the others. A quick flip through revealed it was a journal. Either their handwriting was terrible or it was written in a different language, because I couldn’t make heads or tails of what it was saying. But some of the drawings in it intrigued me, so I set it in the Keep Pile, with the intention to ask Rachel what to do with it. If someone donated it without knowing, they might want it back.

By the end of my shift, my back and lungs didn’t appreciate what work I had gotten done. “Being in your thirties must be rough,” Rachel laughed as I tried popping my back several times. “Maybe you could get that cute boyfriend of yours to help you out later tonight.”

I felt a brief flush rise to the surface of my skin as I thought about Nick’s skilled fingers. “Quit it,” I mumbled, earning a cackle from her that would normally get someone in a library in trouble.

“What’s that?” she asked, pointing to the journal in my hands.

“Oh, I found it in one of the boxes. It looks like somebody might’ve accidentally put it in the donation box. Should we ask if they want it back?” I said.

Rachel shook her head. “Sorry buttercup,” she said, using her nickname for me. “Those were anonymous, and who knows how long ago it was donated. There’s no way we’d be able to trace it back to its owner. Unless it has historic value, we’re supposed to throw it out.”

Something in my face must’ve changed her mind. “Well, if you don’t want to, I could conveniently look the other way when you leave,” she said. 

I was about to say that no, that it was fine, that I didn’t need another written book in my house when Nick was still combing through Granny’s hex books, but the words caught in my throat and I thanked her instead. Maybe if I could find its owner, that would be one good deed I’d done for this town, since they were still wary of me several months after I had moved in.

The library closed at seven, but I didn’t get to go to my car until half an hour later. Late April still meant that it was dark out when I left work, but the building was in the middle of New Hope, the forest a ways off. I dashed to my car through the rain, the water from the puddles splashing up as my feet crashed down in them. 

My fingers were wrapped around the car’s door handle when  a cold rush of air blew through my denim jacket, and the hair on the back of my neck stood up. I froze as the door automatically unlocked, the sound as loud as a gunshot despite the sound of the rain. Something in the reflection of the car window caught my eye.

Someone was behind me.

I slowly turned around, trying not to startle it. Meanwhile, my mind was racing in confusion and fear. Nothing came out of the woods. The town was safe.

The boys couldn’t help me if something were to happen to me out here.

So what was the shadowy figure doing in the middle of a parking lot?

It didn’t move as I stared at it. It was almost formless; I could just make out the thin, vaguely humanoid shape of it. Even if I wanted to say something, my throat had closed shut. The chill of the night increased, the wind picking up and sending some bits of trash skittering across the asphalt. But it didn’t disturb the shadow. 

I opened my mouth to say… something? Shout at it to scare it away? But another voice startled me into screaming. I whipped around. 

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Taylor!” Rachel swore, hand on her heart. She was standing a few feet away under her umbrella. “What’re you still doing here? Are you okay?”

“Uhh… yeah. Just thought I saw something,” I said. I turned back around.

Other than us, the parking lot was empty.

The smell of food coming through a cracked window greeted me as I stepped onto the front porch. My knees felt weak at the thought of Nick cooking after the heart attack I had had. I took a moment to compose myself, exhaling as I turned the doorknob and stepped into our home.

It was indeed Nick cooking, as he stood in front of the stove. His long black hair was tied up in a bun, and he was wearing his thick-rimmed glasses. “Hiya,” he said, not even turning around. 

I dropped my backpack onto one of the chairs at the kitchen table, immediately walking over and hugging him from behind. “Woah, hey. Everything alright?” He asked. His hand moved down to cover both of mine.

I should tell him; I need to tell him. Instead, I nodded into the space between his shoulders. Even though a part of me knew that the creepiness of the town's legends were true, I still couldn't believe that something would come out of the woods and into the safeness of the streets.

So what I said instead was, “I missed you,” into his shirt. 

“Missed you more,” he said in return, despite seeing each other this morning. 

“What are you making?” I asked, peering over his shoulder. 

“Just some hamburger pasta. Thought it would be good for an easy night, since it's just the two of us until later tonight.”

“Really? Not even Folio?” I asked. 

Without looking up, Nick pointed over at the kitchen calendar with the spoon in his free hand. A little black circle was drawn on today's date and the next two days. The New Moons meant that Folio was stuck in his Grim form until the first sliver of the moon shined. Kind of like a werewolf but opposite. 

“It'll be done in a few. Go get comfortable and I'll put on a movie,” he said, his own way of shooing me out of the kitchen. As I parted with him, I saw that he hadn't done the same with Lydia, who was watching from the floor with her hungry eyes. 

As I changed into some lounge pants and an old sweater of Nick's, I tried to think of a way to bring up the encounter with the shadow person. There was no way that he wouldn't get upset about it, that was a fact. Maybe after we ate.

When I came back out into the front room, Nick had helped himself to making my plate and putting it on the coffee table. I sat down next to him, I pulled my plate onto my lap. He had pulled up Rise of Skywalker for us to watch.

“So who’s coming later?” I asked as he started the movie.

“Noah,” Nick mumbled. There was an undercurrent of something in his voice, so I guess Noah had transferred something to his mind that annoyed him. 

“That's fine,” I said, squeezing his thigh. 

After eating, I curled up into Nick, and he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “We should dress up as Kylo and Rey for Halloween again,” he said.

“Your hair’s getting too long for you to be Kylo,” I said, poking the side of his head.

“Yeah, because Rey is totally a blonde.”

“It was last minute!”

We kept up the light commentary for most of the film. I was fine up until the part when Rey sacrificed herself to kill the Emperor. As Ben Solo sacrificed himself to resurrect her, I threaded my fingers through his. A moment passed, and then Nick squeezed my hand. 

When the credits rolled, I tried to get up to take our dishes back to the kitchen sink. Nick pulled me back down. “And where do you think you’re going?” he asked, pulling me onto his lap. He wrapped his arms around me.

“Was gonna do the dishes, since you made dinner,” I said.

He pulled my head gently to rest on his shoulder. “Just stay here. With me,” he said, quietly. He would do this if he thought I was about to have one of my moments. 

He started playing with my hair, making my eyes flutter shut. “Okay,” I said. 

He kissed my forehead, but as he was pulling away, I reached up to cup his face and direct him further down. His lips brushed mine before pressing down once, soft and tender, but then he tried pulling away again. “Are you su–”

“Nick,” I pleaded, his name coming out in a rush. If he had any resolve before, it came crumbling down within milliseconds.

He was still a bit hesitant, flicking his tongue against my lips. But I wasn’t made of glass, so I pushed his chest until his back was pressed onto the couch cushions. I crawled up him until I was straddling his hips, my knees pressing into the sides of his waist. The kiss never broke.

It didn’t take long for him to harden beneath me, and I couldn’t help the small, satisfactory grin that rose to my lips. I ran my hand down his chest, down his stomach to the waistband of his shorts. When I finally parted with Nick, his hand shot up to curl around the back of my head. “Bun–”

“Can I touch you?” I asked.

“Oh, fuck yes. Please,” he pleaded.

I lifted myself a little bit, just enough to give me some room to slip my hand underneath the waistband of his boxer-briefs. The angle might’ve been a little bit awkward, but it didn’t really matter when I wrapped my fingers around the considerable size of him.

“Fuck,” he groaned, throwing his head back against the pillows. The movement caused him to bare the pretty tan skin over his throat, and I practically descended upon it. The minute I mouthed over his pulse point, his hips rolled up, rutting into my hand. On the upstroke I rubbed my thumb over the tip, and he made my favorite sound of–

Click.

We both froze, my hand down his pants. I quickly raised my head and our eyes locked on each other at the sound of the door unlocking. As the front door opened, I quickly rose up to stand on my knees. Noah stopped dead in his tracks, confusion written on his face. 

“Am I interrupting something?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said immediately, Nick echoing my words from below me.

Noah’s eyes roamed over me for a second, and his face hardened. “Please, continue. I don’t want to interrupt you guys making out in–”

Nick sat up, crawling out from underneath me. If he stood up, Noah could easily see that we were doing more than making out. “When we agreed on later, I mean late.” 

“It’s after eleven. I think that’s late enough,” Noah said, striding across the kitchen to the fridge, where he took out a beer. 

As Nick straightened himself, I caught the look on his face that said he was communicating with Noah through the bond that he had with everyone. Was there something agreed upon that didn’t require me knowing about? 

My thought was all but confirmed when Nick put his hand on my waist. “You wanna go to bed, Bun?” he asked, looking up at me with big green eyes. In this lighting, they were dark as the evergreens outside.

“No, I’m not tired,” I said. I fixed him with a look that said that I wasn’t going to be kept in the dark. Again.

He sighed. “Hang on, I gotta get the hex book,” he said, standing up. He then walked to the spare bedroom.

I looked over at Noah, who was leaning back against the fridge. He perked an eyebrow. “How was work?” he asked before taking a sip of his beer.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “I was gonna tell him.”

“But you got distracted, didn’t you?”

“Fuck off, Bambi.”

“Oh, I’m about to do worse than that.”

I tilted my head. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

Nick came back with a small, leatherbound notebook. He tossed it onto the kitchen table, as if it personally offended him. “We’ve been doing this all wrong,” he said. He practically collapsed into one of the chairs. 

“Doing what wrong? What is ‘this’?” I asked.

“There’s a reason why the Valley has been getting worse these past few years. More things showing up, resurfacing, growing bolder enough to where people can catch glimpses of them. Pale Things showing up shouldn’t be a surprise, really.” He was babbling, practically. But then he took in a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“Those sacrifices weren’t just for Vessels. They were also to keep the Woods from getting worse.”

Noah’s lips thinned. “I told you, I’m not killing any more innocent people.”

“Yeah, I know, and I think I found a way around that, but…” Nick trailed off. He then silently opened the hex book and flipped to a page he had marked. He then held it out towards me.

“Why me?” I asked.

“I’ve already seen it,” Noah said. 

I took the book and glanced at the pages. It wasn’t in any readable context: Granny wrote in some kind of “language” that had been passed down through her family as to keep their practice a secret from others. Nick had been slowly translating them over the past few months into his own notebooks.

“What is this?” I finally asked. 

“It's a… Fertility Ritual.” Nick swallowed thickly. “My ancestors would send someone into the forest so the Forest would be… sated.”

“A sacrifice. Like what happened with you guys.” I waved a hand over Noah. 

“No! Well… sort of,” Nick said. He bit his lip. 

“That was more the Black Stag's version. Though it wanted sacrifices so it could take a mortal form.” Noah folded his arms over his chest. “This is a… less bloody version.”

I skimmed over the page again, and it finally clicked. “When you say ‘fertility’, you mean… Noah's got to knock someone up?”

“No!” The two shouted at the same time. “God, fuck no,” Nick sighed. “But the baby making process is the main part.”

“He has to have sex with someone?” I asked incredulously. 

“Not just someone…” Nick lowered his voice to a mumble. “Someone with a… someone of the opposite sex.”

“Well how the fuck is he gonna do that?” I asked. “Everyone around here will recognize him, and then you got the antlers to deal with.”

The two were quiet suddenly. Nick put his head in his hands. “Bun…”

“What?”

“He's talking about you,” Noah put bluntly.

tysm for reading! If you enjoyed this, please reblog to share the word of the Revered Father. Next chapter coming soon.

Featured Creatures

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@screamsinsilver @darksigns-exe @nojoyontheburn @baddestomens

[cherryblossomchronicles]

Bae Seok-Ryu and Song Hyeon-Jun

I am surprised by the turn writers took for their relationship. It’s such a copout to make him cheat on her after the cancer detection and make a villain out of him - an easy thing to do too.

But.

The writers chose to show us the nuanced version of how you can just drift apart, of how you can be unsuitable for each other without it being anyone’s fault.

Hyeon-Jun loved Seok-Ryu with everything he got - he supported her, put his life on hold, held her hands while she was dealing with this new curve the life threw at her. He never faltered in his care for her when she had surgery or was even going through the chemotherapy. In fact, he was her pillar of strength and someone who believed that she would overcome this hurdle of life as well and come out of the other side as a champion. He would have happily continued to support Seok-Ryu for as long as she wants but where it all fell apart was that he, alone, had to bear the burden of looking after her.

One of the first things I was taught as a psychologist was the importance of a proper support system. It was emphasized that I can never or rather should never put the burden of all my physical, emotional and social needs on one person. It is no one’s duty to carry that baggage for us. We all have a different person who fulfills the need for a different part of our personality. Maybe there is someone specific you go to have deep, existential level of conversation or someone else altogether when you want a good session of bitching about someone to just vent it all out. Someone to go on hike with, someone to take you down the nostalgia lane or even someone who’s hug could make you forget everything else in the world. All these someones are different people in our life.

What happened with Seok-Ryu and Hyeon-Jun was the lack of support system and the vacuum it created because of Seok-Ryu’s decision. I am not blaming her for not telling anyone else in the support system about her illness (that beast will be tackled later) but her decision of keeping the fact from everyone and his decision of respecting that was the point where the first crack came in their relationship. And even then, he held fast for her treatment for stomach cancer. What threw an unexpected curveball in the entire scenario was the depression Seok-Ryu had to deal with. When everything was finally making sense and going back to how it was, Seok-Ryu’s depression made them take four steps back.

“If you drag me down with you to the bottom, are you going to stop then?”

It is extremely emotionally and mentally exhausting to take care of someone who faces ailments such as cancer or depression. Having to do so without there being anyone else who could give you a break to sort out your own emotions is exhausting. Hyeon-Jun was just a victim of caretaker burnout. Yes, he shouldn’t have said those words to Seok-Ryu - they were the final nail in coffin of their relationship. But I can’t blame him for saying that even if had meant to (which he didn’t). He was trying his best to be understanding and supportive like a good partner should be but even the best trained caretaker would feel the resentment creeping in if they were the one and only support system of someone. And Hyeon-Jun?  He was just a normal human being trying and not being enough.

“You really tried your best. I know that better than anyone.”

As Seok-Ryu said, he was not at fault, but cancer did change her life. She will always worry about remission; she will always worry about her tomorrow and Hyeon-Jun was not equipped to handle that. She doesn’t fault him for it, but she also knows that they both can’t continue to live like that. He might still love her, she might have some lingering feeling for him, but love cannot be enough for them to last.

[thoughtsforsoob]

txt - how their help their academically burnt out s/o

a/n: welcome back! this one is extremely self indulgent bc yeah. also, this is for whoever is struggling in school rn or whoever has struggled in school in the past. I wish I could confidently tell you it gets better (I’m sure it will) but I don’t feel that way at the moment. So, without further ado, enjoy this writing! Requests are also open!

warnings: discussion of depression, burnout, etc… other than that, comfort all around. Lmk if I missed something :)

yeonjun

takes such good care of you during these times. he physically had to pry you off of your desk chair for you to even listen to him. "babe! listen to me and get up off that chair! you need a break this instant!" he immediately prepares a warm bath for the both of you to enjoy, you in the tub and him on the side, helping you wash your hair and keeping you company. After, he takes your towel out of the dryer and brings it so you can dry off and he helps you do skin care and anything else you have in your routine. the best way he knows how to help is with acts of service and not as many words.

soobin

he only finds out you’re burnt out during a midnight conversation. He’s asking about school and you casually mention how you feel burnt out and like you just wanna call it quits. he was stunned by how casual you spoke of wanting to leave school behind because he always listened attentively when you spoke about how much school meant to you and how much you wanted your degree. he immediately sits up and the tone switches to something more serious. “are you sure? let’s talk about this. i just want to make sure your making the decision that’s going to make you happy.”

beomgyu

he knows that this is not the time to act silly. his usually unserious personality does a 180 when he realizes the state you’re in. at your desk, sobbing into your hands, papers and notebooks scattered about the desk and your laptop open to your current assignment. he keeps calm and walks up to you, place a gentle hand on your back. “My dear? What’s the matter?” If you allow him to, he’ll hold you throughout your whole crying session. He just wants to comfort you and help you figure out where to go from your current position. he hates to see his s/o suffer this way.

taehyun

so understanding. I feel like he is the type that if he sees you with your hands all tangled up in your hair pulling at your roots, he would gently hold your wrists before you can pull anymore and kiss your hands. "come on, my love. let's take a break? talk this out? ill make you some milk tea (or whatever your favorite drink is :)." he understands the stress of having so much pressure on your shoulder so he just does what he would want you to do for him (which you always do!) he helps you figure out the best course of action to go about dealing with burn out. if you need a break from school next semester, he won't fight you because he knows you need it. Supports you no matter what.

heuning kai

the pout on this boy's face when he finds out is unreal. he always assures you you can go up to him at any time to ask for a hug and that's exactly what you did. your face was red and puffy from crying about your last assignment and how burnt out you felt. he shows his little pout and holds you as close as possible to his chest. "my love. wanna go cuddle for a while?" please agree because this is the best way he knows how to help you. he knows he'll probably ever understand what you're going through, so he tries his best to be as sympathetic as possible.

[heyyallitssatan]

I was reading study tips and came across one that made me mad.

It says “we all procrastinate our school work by saying we’re tired and not motivated. And look at how much time we waste when we could be productive and study. So erase those excuses and take out all your distractions and start studying!”

I’m gonna preface this rant with: this doesn’t apply to everyone, some people procrastinate their work because they just don’t want to do it, and I’m guilty of having done that, I’ll admit it, and some people need to push themselves harder about doing their work, for some people this may be helpful advice, but it’s not for me and it pisses me off, so with that out of the way I’m gonna rant (under the cut cause this got much longer than intended)

It pisses me off so bad because of all the years spent being told that I’m just lazy and I need to stop making excuses and try harder, when I’m reality I was trying so fucking hard but for some god damn reason I just fucking couldn’t. I couldn’t just white knuckle my way through it, no matter how hard I tried, it didn’t fucking work, and I was left more exhausted and stressed out then I was before. I’ve since learned that trying to force myself to work when it clearly isn’t working for whatever reason was doing way more harm than good, so was framing it as laziness and failure in my mind. The best way for me when I’m exhausted/burnout/depressed/dealing with executive dysfunction is sometimes to just stop. It doesn’t matter that I really need to get this done, or that I’m behind, or anything else, I need to take a break, and eat something/drink something/shower/sleep whatever has to happen for me to reset. Doesn’t matter what it is, but something besides “grit your teeth and deal with it” needs to happen. It has been instrumental in dealing with stuff, especially school. Doing this has helped to both stave off the burnout so that I’m dealing with a lighter version, and it takes longer to set in, it also makes it easier to deal with when the burnout hits, it’s also a good policy for depressive episodes. I’ve also noticed that letting myself take breaks and rests has allowed me to get more work done, knowing that I can rest if I need to is incredibly helpful

Now, the work has to get done eventually, so here’s my advice if you’ve made it this long, I applaud you you’re a wonderful being

So the original post was trying to give you tips on not procrastinating, so here’s some that actually kind of work for me.

1. Do work ahead of time, when you have the extra spoons and time to dedicate to school and studying, do it, even if you’re all caught up on homework and notes, work ahead, you’ll be thanking spoonful you when that bad episode hits and you aren’t falling as far behind

2. Because sometimes episodes last a long time and you are still required function in society, try making a time limit. I saw a great post once about it, but basically set a limit for 50 minutes of work (or however long you can reasonably expect yourself to work and focus) and then take a ten minute rest, then set a timer for forty minutes of work (or ten minutes less then your of time) and then ten minutes rest, then thirty minute timer, you get the just, just keep going til you run out of time, it works for me, helps me get work done, setting timers makes me feel like I’m racing the clock to finish Task is that time so I can start a new one when the next timer starts. Another way to do this if you don’t like this method is an adaptation of STPs, basically, work for twenty minutes, break for ten, work for twenty, break for ten, repeat ad infinitum, or as long as necessary. Shoot for five reps, ten if you’re really going for it. Honestly, there’s a lot of interesting workout reps that you can’t turn into study things, I suggest looking at some, especially if they’re already part of your workout routine and you know they work for your there, cause that’s a better chance of them working for you here

3. Make it fun. A lot like timers, if you’re trying to beat someone/something then it can add dopamine to the activity, so you’re more likely to do it. I recommend this video which detail a quest type system to keep you on track, it can’t be translated to studying with both the original how ever much you do gives you points to use against the monster, or the way I do with both the og and bonus points for getting good grades on homework/tests, whatever works for you

3a. You can also try making a friend/rival in class you’re trying beat, I am a big proponent for what friendly competition can do for you. (This can also set you up for a slow burn rivals to lovers college au, so you know, bonuses)

All I got for now, but I may add more later.

[trashbinbackyard]

10-15 for emil n odesa

Two blorbos with terrible main character energy

10) How does your OC handle their mental health? Do they take care of themselves?

Somehow, despite his near crippling guilt and the horror of being in early 20s, his mental health is ok taking in the variables. It’s more of a struggle of identity than any mental affliction. Sif and Arvid are there to help him navigate it all, and he has his faith to turn to (even though its at odds with  his lived experience). He does get a grip of his identity once all the shackles of normalcy and polite society are thrown off

She’s depressed and an insomniac so she makes herself useful. Takes time to herself very rarely and is nearing burnout most of the time, but having Kerim with similar issues they look after each other. She also has Samalan and Naveen to remind her that she doesn’t need to do everything all by herself. So she has people to lean on.

11) What was your inspiration for your OC?

So I discovered Insomnium earlier this year and their concept album Anno 1696 and there’s several characters that were a jumping off point for the forest gang in general. For Emil it’s the witch hunter and the witch’s husband (songs White christ and The rapids). I made Emil younger and more pathetic. And also those tumblr posts about christianity can't find them right now but “i am the priests favorite sacrificial lamb” and “you were born wretched and it took killing a god to make you redeemable” is what i can remember

Odesa literally started as, and is, an Odysseus ripoff, cringe is dead and I feel zero shame. I got into the iliad again last summer and went, huh, I really want a rat bastard professional liar and horse guy as a blorbo, with a terrible haircut, and lo and behold! She! And then i projected my own insecurities to her and shipped her off with a short king, she's the complete package

12) Does your OC interact with other people's OC? If so, who's their best OC friend?

Oo this is a tough one, no crossovers as of now. On the surface he’d fit with the fuckerwoods fellas and hunters, the werewolves specifically. I’m having a hard time with this but someone a bit freaky, spiritual and family oriented

Again no crossover but tossing her into the spymaster mix could be in a “this will end up horribly for multiple people involved” way

13) Does your OC have a rival? How did it start?

Just the concept of organized religion once the puzzle pieces click together. No particular person bc he believes in the innate good in people, and those who have crossed swords with him are dead so, yeah

She plays a little cat and mouse game with the silver court, she has nothing personal against them, but their interests are just clashing, her best rival is Queen Rosanna. They’re both very smart and subtle in their dealings and Odesa finds her visits to Hirien Zilarr entertaining because of the queen

14) Who's a character your OC cannot stand! It's on sight when they see them!

The Cardinal in charge of the convent he was raised at. Once again, if he ever met them again he wouldn’t jump at them but he would grit his teeth and turn heel. (hasn’t seen them in years and years)

It has to be the templar commander, he doesnt even have a name yet but his place in the silver court in my notes is “leads the templars, everyone hates him, is competent unfortunately”

15) Will your OC ever retire? Do you see them making it?

Lol nope, he got roasted to a severe degree and then comes back as revenant to haunt Eha (his fate was sealed at the very beginning bc i do like contained stories, it’s a about the journey)

She has better odds of making it, but after the war will either be won or in an eternal stalemate, she’ll go back to sailing, a very perilous life she leads. Might make it to 50, most likely goes out in a shipwreck under the stars in a very poetic manner. Or she retires and become an island lord, dunno, still figuring out the whole area so we’ll see

[alyjojo]

Thinking of You - June 🤞 2024 - Capricorn

Whole of their energy towards Capricorn: 10 Wands rev

This person does not have it together, and by it I mean anything. Finances, emotions, anxieties, they’re like a tornado 🌪️ of chaos. Or that’s how they perceive you. Finances especially, someone may not be working, or they’re receiving some kind of assistance. Workers comp, government checks, disability, Accident seems to tie-in with the heavy financial spread coming out. Someone has massive anxiety and some sort of attachment issues, codependency, trauma maybe that’s caused this. Or they’ve recently lost a job, maybe a job you share, possibly due to an injury. Or they caused this for you?

Feelings: 8 Pentacles rev

They see you as making zero effort towards them, you’ve cut them off, you’re avoiding them most likely. Or they’re just well aware they’re avoiding accountability or making the situation better. They want another chance but there’s no effort in that direction, so hard telling. I do see this person on the edge of burnout - with things other than you, and this is like just another thing weighing on them. Out of many, 10 Wands rev is so much pressure you can’t handle this anymore. It’s crushing them. They’re hoping, or were, that making up with you would be easier, but that’s work too and they’re up to their neck in *can’t function* so like…you’re on the list. If someone is lazy that’s being pointedout as something needing to be addressed.

Intentions: Queen of Pentacles rev

They’re taking their time even coming towards you. They want another chance that’s clear, Judgement and Temperance are both reconciliation, making things peaceful again, starting over in a brand new way. But where they are currently, or that’s you, doesn’t support that desire. Like they literally can’t. Or they’re terrified of being judged harshly by you based on what they can’t actually offer you. They can’t give you 10 Cups because they don’t have it to give right now, they can’t even give an Ace. If this was romantic, something happened to make you see this person in another light and they really want to change that. Or they expect you to get it together first. As it stands, they know it wouldn’t work.

Actions: Page of Wands rev

They’re not saying anything in June. They may type something up, ten pages full of passionate and heartfelt word vomit - that they later delete in favor of keeping it professional. Work is heavily involved in this connection, if you work together they are more mature than to just obsess at work. They’re giving you no indication whatsoever that feelings are even involved. Both of you could be focused on work, your financial situations, I’m not getting a super feely kind of person unless anxiety counts as feely - if so oh yeah. Major anxiety. “On edge” is the dominant mood. They’re willing to wait however long it takes to approach you correctly - kinda mirrors Sag’s message but flipped, could be dealing with one.

Messages:

Their side:

- Questionable past/morals

- Please give me another chance 🙏

Your side:

- Love at work

- Uncomfortable Tendencies 🥴

Oracles:

Accident 💥

Danger - Caution - Injury

Fright 😨

Depression - Phobia - Paranoid

Possible signs:

Heavy Sagittarius, Virgo, Taurus & Capricorn

If you’re dealing with: Queen of Swords

This Queen is friendly, open, accepting, and ready to speak her truth as well as to hear yours. Buuut if that “truth” ain’t matching what she already knows to be true, off with your head. She uses her head over her heart and logic in order to make decisions, but those decisions are also guided by what’s fair, she’s very protective of her peace. Could be dealing with a Libra or have it in your own chart. Ace of Pentacles underneath could be regarding money/work💰

Aries - your ex? You might work with them? Could be this person with that energy. If not, this person makes solid decisions same as you, you could feel like they balance you out

Taurus - no real feelings other than obsession/lust, and even that’s over with

Gemini - could have a breakup with them, they’re not happy and need to be free 🦅

Cancer - moving forward and being completely transparent, or maybe confessing some things

Leo - constantly busy every second of the day 😅

Virgo - doesn’t want things to end but would like to discuss how things may need to change

Libra - knows exactly how to manipulate you to get what they want, you know this and do nothing about it /ignore it

Scorpio - irritated & holding a grudge because of something you say or do

Sagittarius - possibly losing their shit and then turning around and apologizing for it

Capricorn - no movement but feels like they didn’t make that decision either, it’s forced

Aquarius - said what they said and have nothing else to say 🤷🏼‍♀️

Pisces - chalks this up to a failure & it’s done

[greatfruitboo22]

I'm going to rant because I don't feel like I have anyone I can talk to about anything, really. I don't have money for a therapist, and I don't want to be a burden. I have been struggling and honestly the urge to just disappear is so fucking strong. First my mental health is pure shit right now. My depression at an all time high. All I want to do is is sleep. I have no motivation to eat, or do anything honestly. I can't sleep through the night. The only peace I have, no people to bother me and no one to prove myself to. Then I sleep all day, avoiding my responsibilities and others. I know part of it is because of my ADHD and Autism. Which until recently, I didn't realize I had both. And when I talk about it, I just get push back from my mom saying, "You aren't autistic I would know if you were. Or It only works if you have an official diagnosis, "but that means that it could be used against me because it's on a document that others can see. And that scares me. There are still so many places and people who use that against you. I'm scared that while I'm re-learning how to function without masking and not pushing myself back into burnout that someone will use it against me. I have gone back to a dark place where I want to die because I have lost my footing, and because I don't know where I'm going, it feels like a never-ending pit. I feel nothing and everything all at once. I don't feel like I have support anymore. Since my burnout, I quit my job that I liked because I couldn't handle being a mask, and getting statements like your face needs to show more emotion. I'm sorry that in order for me to function, I can't make faces. I don't want to smile to appease someone. Because I left that job, I have no money, one of my accounts negative, and when I think I fix it, it just gets worse. I started a new job, got two weeks in, and missed an entire week because all I could do was sleep. Depression isn't a real illness, so why did I miss it right? Jobs don't allow for mental illness days. Only sick days. But I am sick. Mental illness is a sickness of the brain. My brain that tells me these people can hear you make calls, they are judging you. They make fun of you behind your back. People are hard for me. I want friends, and I want to be kind, but eye contact makes me anxious, talking makes me anxious, and keeping conversations makes me anxious. I get anxious getting out of bed each day. I get anxious about eating in front of people. It's overwhelming. I am also dysforic. I started using they/them pronouns about a year ago, and only like five people in my life made an actual effort to use them. I am non-binary and while I still prefer femme presenting, I don't feel like a female. My family won't use my pronouns. My dad was confused and didn't try. My mom gets mad when I correct her. So many times I say those aren't my pronouns I get back no one will use those for you, how do others know, you aren't correcting them, you are my daughter. My aunt barely accepts I'm bisexual. My sister tried for a little while but stopped when it got too hard for her. I just want to feel like me in my skin. I am dealing with weight gain due to PCOS, and I hate it. I feel like I can't lose any weight. I want to live somewhere without the rest of my family, but I cannot physically afford to live on my own. Everything is so expensive. It feels like all these things are just piling on, and I want it to stop. I want to feel some freedom. I feel so isolated in the place I am in right now. Everyone around me is growing up and moving on. I don't feel like I have friends anyone. I don't know who is there anymore. Not that I would ever say anything about how I feel. I just wish I could breathe.

[blogofmastermind]

"Diabetes & Mental Health: Why Your Mind Matters Too"

When most people think about diabetes, they think of blood sugar levels, insulin, and carbs. But what often gets left out of the conversation is mental health. The truth is, managing diabetes can take a toll on your emotional well-being. It’s a daily balancing act, and sometimes, it feels like your mind is working overtime to keep things in check.

Let’s talk about why your mental health matters just as much as your blood sugar, and how to make sure both are in sync.

1. The Emotional Rollercoaster of Diabetes

If you’re living with diabetes, you know the drill—highs and lows, and we’re not just talking about your blood sugar levels. Managing a chronic condition can bring up a range of emotions:

Frustration from feeling like diabetes controls your life.

Stress from constantly monitoring your blood sugar and counting carbs.

Guilt when your numbers don’t cooperate, even if you’ve done everything "right."

Anxiety over the future and potential complications.

It's perfectly normal to experience these feelings—diabetes isn’t just a physical condition, it affects your mental state too. The good news is, it’s okay to acknowledge these emotions, and you don’t have to go through them alone.

2. The Link Between Diabetes and Depression

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing depression, and it’s easy to see why. Diabetes can feel all-consuming, especially when you're juggling medications, lifestyle changes, and worrying about long-term complications.

Diabetes Distress: This term refers to the emotional burden that comes with managing diabetes. It's not just about the disease itself but the mental load of monitoring, adjusting, and maintaining control.

Depression: Studies show that those with diabetes are more likely to experience depression than those without. It’s thought that the constant demand of diabetes management, combined with fluctuations in blood sugar levels, can affect mood and energy levels.

If you’re feeling down or disconnected, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional. You don’t have to "just deal with it."

3. The Anxiety of the Unknown

Diabetes is unpredictable, and it’s this lack of certainty that can lead to anxiety. Blood sugar levels may fluctuate for reasons beyond your control—stress, hormones, or even the weather can affect how your body reacts. For many, the fear of future complications can also be overwhelming.

Blood Sugar Fears: It’s common to feel anxious about what happens if your blood sugar goes too low or too high. You might worry about what could happen in an emergency, even if you’re doing everything right.

Fear of Complications: While it’s important to manage diabetes to prevent complications, fearing what could go wrong in the future isn’t productive or helpful.

Living in the Moment: Focus on managing the present, celebrate small wins, and give yourself credit for the work you’re already doing.

4. Diabetes Burnout: When You Just Can't Anymore

Diabetes burnout is real, and it happens when the constant management feels too overwhelming. You might be tired of counting carbs, taking medications, and monitoring your blood sugar.

Signs of Burnout: Feeling emotionally drained, giving up on healthy habits, or just mentally "checking out" from diabetes care are all signs of burnout.

What You Can Do:

Take breaks from constantly thinking about diabetes.

Set small, manageable goals for your health.

Talk to a therapist or counselor about your feelings.

Reach out to others who understand—diabetes support groups are a great way to share experiences.

Remember, it's okay to take a step back. Your health and well-being matter most.

5. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Take Care of Your Mind

When you’re focused on managing diabetes, it’s easy to neglect your mental health. But just like your body, your mind needs care and attention.

Relaxation Techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Apps like Headspace or Calm are great for beginners.

Social Support: Don’t isolate yourself. Surround yourself with people who understand and can offer support. Whether it’s family, friends, or a diabetes community, connection is key.

Prioritize Rest: Sleep plays a huge role in blood sugar regulation and mental clarity. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help reduce stress and improve your mood.

6. Seek Professional Help When Needed

It’s crucial to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health, and sometimes you need help managing both. Here’s how to get the support you deserve:

Therapy: Speaking with a mental health professional can help you process your emotions and develop strategies for coping with diabetes-related stress.

Support Groups: Online or in-person groups can provide a sense of community. You’ll find that others share similar challenges, and you can learn from their experiences.

Diabetes Educators: A diabetes educator can offer guidance on managing the disease, which may alleviate some of the stress and anxiety you feel.

7. The Power of Mindfulness and Gratitude

Sometimes, diabetes management can feel like a battle, but a mindset shift can make a big difference. Practicing mindfulness and focusing on gratitude can help you reframe your thoughts.

Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment rather than stressing about past mistakes or future complications. Mindful breathing, journaling, or even spending time outdoors can help calm your mind.

Gratitude: Take a moment each day to acknowledge what you’re grateful for. Whether it’s a healthy meal, a supportive friend, or a blood sugar reading in range, recognizing the positives can shift your focus.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

Managing diabetes is hard work, and your mental health deserves as much attention as your physical health. If you're struggling, it’s okay to ask for help and take a break from the constant demands. Remember that you’re doing your best, and there are resources out there to help you every step of the way.

How do you manage your mental health while living with diabetes? Share your tips in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going!

[ericvivianmatthews]

We stan having ur ex best friend of 5 years reach out and apologise for how your friendship ended, having a brief conversation saying you want to talk but have too much going on right now, and then at some point in the next month or so her blocking you on every platform without another word, I guess.

she contacted me right smack bang in the middle of the two weeks between two of the biggest events of the year and I was still processing one and dealing with the drama from that while getting ready for the next

And I came off that event and almost immediately had to throw myself into finding a new house

I kept thinking I should message her to let her know I'm not ignoring her on purpose I just wanted to deal with some shit that was going on irl so I could give the conversation the emotional energy it deserved

But I also kept expecting all the problems I was dealing with to be over, but they keep dragging on and getting more complex and suddenly two months have passed

And like, I'm coping, but fuck. I'm in such a big anxious/depressive slump and the thing that's usually my escape is the source of the problem. I'm at my wit's end and it's been two months since this bullshit drama started and things have only gotten worse.

That on top of trying to find a house...we were going to house inspections every other day for 5 weeks before we got a place. I was so fucking tired. I still am.

I tried messaging her a while ago but couldn't, I figured it was just Tumblr mobile being stupid. But nope.

It's just dug up so many more emotions I didn't need right now. It's all a self feeding cycle at this point. I'm pretty sure part of the reason I'm in the mess I am at the moment is because I was trying to teach myself to be vulnerable and trust people again after everything that happened with her. to trust people when they said they'd be there for me.

I'm so tired.

At least I'm coping. This time last year I was in a much worse state. I just hate it. It seems like this entire year has been problem after problem, anxiety after anxiety, and none of it has been my fault? Like genuinely? But it's so fucking hard to feel like there isn't something wrong with you when you're the common denominator.

But I've grown. I'm not letting other people tear me down - letting their projections and bullshit impact what I know is the honest truth about myself. I just wish I hadn't had to suffer through so much utter bullshit in quick succession over such an extended period of time to get here. I've been in nigh-constant burnout this entire year.

And it's not even that I'm taking on too much - it's that I keep getting absolute bullshit thrown my way. That I keep having to wait weeks at a time as an anxious mess for The Powers That Be to come through.

If you've read this whole thing, damn. I appreciate it. I kind of just need to scream into the void - writing down all my thoughts privately hasn't quite been cutting it.

I guess that's what it all comes back to. I miss having someone to talk to about everything. Before I was so scared that eventually, people will get sick of me and snap, just like she did. And I feel...guilty? For not trusting people who try to be there for me. And I end up isolating myself further.

How do I even conclude this? I thought I had then wrote a whole new paragraph.

I know I'll be okay. I just didn't need another thing to process right now.

[uxuepsikologia]

Signs You Need to Seek Help from a Mental Health Therapist

Everyone has mental health just as they do physical health but very few take care of it or even know when it is time to get help. If you get to points where you are struggling, stressed, or confused about what you feel, then you should see a Mental Health Therapist. Knowing what these signs are can go a long way in enhancing one’s health and the overall quality of their day-to-day living.

This article will explore the key signs that indicate you may need professional support and why working with a Mental Health Therapist could be the right decision for your mental and emotional health.

1. Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Hopelessness

Everyone gets depressed sometimes but if you are feeling sad or hopeless for weeks or months, that could be a sign of depression. It is now possible for a Mental Health Therapist to meet with you and discuss how these emotions came to be and how you can deal with them. Depression always slows one down and reduces his or her capacity to perform the tasks that are expected in the day, so it should not be ignored.

2. Excessive Worry or Anxiety

Anxiety is a part of everyone’s life at some point or the other, but when the anxiety reaches its peak, it becomes disabling. If your anxiety is making you jumpy, your mind is racing or you avoid situations out of irrational fear then it is probable anxiety is impacting on your life. A Mental Health Therapist is a person who can explain what leads to them, how one can learn how to deal with them, and how to do it properly.

3. Difficulty Sleeping or Changes in Sleep Patterns

Sleep is very essential to your psychological and emotional health. Lack of sleep, being awake often at night, and oversleeping, all are indicative of a deeper mental health problem. A psychologist can assist you in understanding if the causes of your sleeping disorders are due to anxiety, depression, or stress, and how to change bad habits.

4. Loss of Interest in Activities You Once Enjoyed

If you find that you are no longer as interested in doing things that used to interest you, hobbies, friends, and family, then your mental health may be at risk. Such disconnection usually points toward depression or other mood disorders. To help you get through this phase, if you seek assistance from a psychologist then he can assist in promoting the activities that Fascinate you, suggest you set achievable goals and slowly start to get interested in the pleasures of life again.

5. Struggles with Relationships

People’s interpersonal relationships can be synthesized with mental and emotional states. If you realize that you’re arguing often, pulling away from the ones close to you, or feeling as though you’re not being understood, it may be beneficial for you to consult a Mental Health Therapist. This therapy can assist you to learn how to talk, and how to control emotions besides the relationships of individuals with others.

6. Feeling Overwhelmed by Stress

Stress is inevitable seeing that the world we currently live in is full of so much pressure. If you are experiencing chronic burnout, have feelings that you can hardly cope with daily tasks, or are on the verge of burning out you can turn to a psychologist. Stress produces reactions like headaches, they cause stomach problems and people feel sleepy most of the time they are stressed. You can pick up effective stress-relieving techniques through therapy including muscle relaxation, time management skills, and mindfulness.

7. Unexplained Physical Symptoms

It is also quite common for people with mental disorders to have somatic complaints including chronic pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, or fatigue. If you were ever diagnosed by a physician and there is nothing physically wrong with you it might be caused by a mental disorder. A Mental Health Therapist can assist you in finding the relationship between your feelings and other symptoms of your disorders and search for the optimal treatment plan.

8. Trouble Focusing or Making Decisions

They could be symptoms of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder if you have difficulty focusing, poor decision-making, or disorganization. A psychologist can assist you in concerning what may be causing such challenges and teach you strategies on how to enhance your focus and choices made.

Conclusion

Recognizing when you need help is the first step toward improving your mental health. If you’ve identified with any of these signs, don’t hesitate to seek support from a Mental Health Therapist. Therapy can provide you with the tools and guidance needed to overcome challenges and lead a more fulfilling life. UXUE OLAZIREGI is here to support you on your journey toward emotional well-being and peace of mind.

[thecpdiary]

Soul Exhaustion

The Soul is Tired: Navigating Illness, Stress, Anxiety, Depression and a Lack of Support

There’s a unique kind of exhaustion that doesn't come from a sleepless night or a physically demanding day—it’s a deeper fatigue that gets under your skin, permeates your every being, affecting your heart, mind, spirit and soul. This exhaustion signals when the soul is tired. It’s an invisible weight carried by many, but often misunderstood, as it creeps in during prolonged periods of illness, chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and lack of emotional, mental or social support.

When the soul is weary, it feels as if every aspect of life is just too much, too heavy, too overwhelming. Tasks that once brought contentment now feel a burden. Relationships that you navigated with a little more ease, may feel strained, distant, or even unfulfilling. It's in these moments that the soul calls out for healing—a kind of healing that can’t be found in a quick fix, but rather through an intentional journey of self-care, reflection and renewal.

The Connection of Illness and the Soul’s Weariness

Chronic illness is one of the most profound causes of soul fatigue. Physical pain, and the limitations that illness imposes, mental and emotional pain can make life feel heavy, oppressive, overwhelming, suffocating. A body that is in constant discomfort impacts the spirit in ways that aren't always obvious. When you’re dealing with a prolonged mental or physical illness, the exhaustion isn’t just in your muscles—it’s in every fibre of your being – your sense of self. The mind struggles with not being able to function at its best, and the soul feels draining.

Healing from illness is not only a physical process, but an emotional and spiritual one too. It’s about finding ways to cope with the limitations – the isolation – that comes from being on your own – not feeling like yourself. Where illness lingers, the soul can feel forgotten in the pursuit of physical recovery, yet it is the soul that often needs the most attention that the wider population will fail to pay attention to.

Stress and the Soul’s Unraveling

Stress has a way of creeping into the corners of life, wrapping itself around your thoughts, affecting your sleep, and altering your mood. The burdens of life – of relentless pressure, whether from work, family, or financial strain—can lead to burnout. When stress becomes chronic, it slowly drains the energy from your sould, leaving you feeling disconnected from your identity, your passions and purpose.

The soul craves peace, but in a world that demands constant engagement and productivity, finding moments of rest can seem impossible. When stress is left unchecked, it transforms to a state of being. You become irritable, anxious and maybe sometimes even numb – it then becomes even harder to reconnect with your inner self.

Anxiety: The Soul’s Silent Agony

Anxiety, at its core, is a state of fear. It’s the fear of what could happen, of what might go wrong, of things beyond your control. When anxiety takes hold, it not only affects your thoughts and emotions, but also your soul. Your soul feels restless, constantly on high, or red alert, waiting for something to happen. It's exhausting on every level.

Living in a constant state of anxiety, creates a disconnect between your mind and soul. Your mind is always racing, thinking of worst-case scenarios, while your soul longs for the peace – and for the calm. The disconnect makes it difficult to experience even simple contentment. The fear becomes all encompassing that even the quiet moments feel unnerving.

Brexit, Covid-19, Long-Covid, Loss, Grief

Soul exhaustion can arise from major life events and crises. When considering modern challenges such as Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, Long-Covid and experiences of loss and grief, it becomes clear that soul exhaustion is a cumulative effect of physical, emotional and mental strain.

Depression: When the Soul Feels Numb

Depression is often described as a heavy fog, a deep sadness – a sense of emptiness. But for the soul, depression feels like a numbness, a disconnection from vibrancy of life. The soul’s tiredness in depression is not just from the weight of sadness. but from the absence of meaning, joy and connection.

Depression strips away the things that makes life feel worthwhile. Your sense of purpose fades, your relationships suffer, and even the things you once loved lose their excitement. This emotional deadening drains your energy and makes even the simplest tasks feel out of reach.

But the exhaustion of depression is more than just feeling "tired"—it’s a spiritual weariness, where the essence of who you are is buried beneath layers of hopelessness and your motivation is zapped. Healing from depression means connecting with yourself, finding meaning in the small moments of life and reconnecting with your passions.

Lack of Support: The Soul’s Isolation

Human beings generally thrive with connection, in knowing that others understand and support them. But when that support system is lacking, or stops altogether – whether through isolation, strained relationships, or a lack of empathy from those around you – the soul feels abandoned.

Feeling alone in your struggles amplifies every difficulty. Without a network of support, illness feels more isolating, stress becomes unbearable, anxiety intensifies and depression deepens. The absence of meaningful connections leaves the soul without the emotional nourishment it needs to heal and thrive. This lack of support creates a sense of invisibility, as if your struggles don’t matter, and you’re left to carry your struggles on your own.

My own 'story'

I've spent a lifetime dealing with neglect and trauma that has led to stress, anxiety and low moods. I find comfort and peace in my blog, it's my go to place – but then I still have to deal with a difficult life. My writing helps to unburden my soul of a difficult past. For those who follow my blog, thank you. With no emotional support on a difficult past – writing became my refuge. In the pandemic and with a mental disability it has become that much harder. For everyone facing soul-deep exhaustion, know you are not alone. Many of us are walking this journey together, and I stand with you.

These are my understandings of soul exhaustion, being mentally tired, being less motivated – it'll be interesting to hear how fatigue manifests for you?

In my next blog, I shall talk about the 'soul's healing.'

For more relatable, inspirational and lifestyle blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

[tonitheloftwing]

I’m sorry to be this guy. But I need to mention Barenaked Ladies. Not all their songs are super creative in terms of narrative, but topics include:

“Fuck. I hate Halifax”

Ninth graders b wildin

A really fucking good song about creative burnout using Brian Wilson as a framing device

#YokoOnoDidNothingWrong (although this one is also a love song)

Song that has the double meaning of either being a love song, or a song about the aftermath of someone killing their partner

“lol this old man is getting no pussy”

A song about how a #1 hit single ends up ruining a man’s musical career because his fans just want more of that, which is ironically exactly what happened to Barenaked Ladies (they also performed this song at the Junos in clown makeup)

guy loves fish sticks more than his gf

“Do you guys think New Kids on the Block get depressed”

“If I Had $1000000” (technically a love song, but I view it as a platonic love song about how the band loves each other rather than being about romantic or sexual love)

An mpreg rpf. In song form. About the lead singer

“I’m an alien, I come in peace. Stop being racists. I am fruity”

A song about the other lead singer’s sadness over his brother’s death

“IM A COW AND IM GONNA BEAT YOUR FUCKING ASS!!!!!”

A song about the other lead singer’s complicated relationship with his neglectful father

A song about binge eating disorder that is actually really respectful and doesn’t make us out to be jokes???? wtf????

A song about a man who is convinced Canadian singer Anne Murray is writing love songs specifically to him, and when she doesn’t answer his letters, he goes and shoots her to death

Whatever the hell “I Know” is supposed to be about

Song about the potential feeling of total emptiness resulting from being medicated for mental illness

“What if a window washer reallyyyyy hated his job and wanted to be free from it. But he has to wash windows”

Song about someone dealing with the trauma and grief that resulted when he shot his best friend when they were 11

“I wish we’d taken the furniture when we moved”

A song about sex work that doesn’t specify the gender of the singer and is entirely respectful

“I HATE SPIDERS”

Song about the puppet that Gepetto made before Pinocchio being super jealous that Pinocchio came to life and is getting all the affection. They want to be able to come to life, too, especially if it means they get to murder Pinocchio

The bassist’s extensive list of kinks

A love song… about reincarnation

A love song… dedicated to “white trash” and hydro electricity

“I’ll Be That Girl” is… definitely queer but can be taken a billion different ways

Another song about one of the lead singers dealing with the grief resulting from his brother’s death

A song about the detriments of alcoholism that is very easily misinterpreted as being pro-alcoholism by bad-faith listeners (or people who want it to be about that)

“Capitalism sucks”

“I can’t sleep”

A love song… dedicated to the lead singer’s infant son

“I love period sex”

A song about Dale Gribble

I could go on but that’s just within the period of 1991 - 1999, within their first four albums (plus some bonus tracks and live performances and the PSA). This band is fucking insane and I miss Steven page being in the band so bad god damn it

“ohhh i’m so tired of love songs i wish people would write more original stuff” literally listen to lemon demon. some of his song topics include

Ronald Reagan fights his evil shadow self

Guy is trapped inside an evil arcade machine that kills people

You can do what you want to your body! dye your hair! get that tattoo! pull your teeth out! stick screws in your eyes! rip your arms off!

disgraced scientist is disgraced

I forgor 💀

Guy died and a bunch of cool haunted shit happened and it was really spooky

Please date me i’m a really nice ghost i mean normal man

I’m eating a corpse and it’s soo tasty and homoerotic come join me

ohohoho i am a Creature

well you probably know what two trucks is about