Connect With Yourself

It is important that you check in with yourself periodically. If you  do not then you may not realize that things are changing or getting out  of control. Checking in with yourself allows you the opportunity to  evaluate where you are in your recovery. You may find that you need to  readjust what step of your action plan you are on or try different  coping tools.

If you have had low times in the past you understand how hard it can  be to get out of those places. Learning all that you can about your  mental health condition will help let you know that your hard times are  not your fault. Making a list of accomplishments that you have achieved  is a good resource to turn back to when you are feeling low.

Another tool that may help you is to journal about your experiences.  Keeping a journal is a great way to learn about yourself. Being  completely honest in your journal is important; in your journal, you  should feel free to let your guard down. This will help you discover how  you really feel and vent your stress in a non-threatening manner.

Another method of connecting with yourself is to become an advocate  and share your story. There has been a lot of research that explores the  power of storytelling as a form of therapy. Sharing your own  experiences through writing or talking is an important stage of  recovery. Just as you are supported by reading the thoughts and  experiences of others you can also be the person that helps lift  another.