How was 2023 for you?

My mental health declined drastically especially in the second half of the year. I visited my horrible sister, and if you see what she’s actually like when she’s not putting on a facade you’ll be horrified at how bad someone can be. It was all okay before visiting her.

Some good stuff happened too, but rn my mental health is really bad, I lock myself in the room, watch tv all day so I don’t have to think, go to the kitchen twice a day to make myself something to eat, go to bed by 9pm hoping I don’t wake up the next day.

I’ll list the good stuff too, apparently that rewires the brain:
1) I got to work as a consultant endodontist, I enjoyed that, it was my first real job.
2) I took up a part time as a resident dentist and made amazing bunch of friends who actually liked me.
3) I learnt new stuff at the clinic.
4) I started driving by myself(it’s a big deal for me, it’s not as easy driving in india)
5) I passed the US board exam in my first attempt despite living in a very toxic environment and even tho I took it right after breaking up with the bf of 5 years.
6) I finally learnt how to conceal my dark circles nicely, and I realised with makeup I’m pretty darn hot.
7) I got hair treatment done so my hair looks a lot nicer than last year.
8) My baby cat became mommy.
9) I realised I’ don’t get anxious asking for things from the stewardess. (That was hard for me until like last year)

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Dainbramadge · 56-60, M

You might not realize it but you actually listed more good than bad.
It's really cool that you can still accomplish stuff even tho you are struggling with the mental stuff.
When my depression was out of control I spent all of my time hiding away from everyone and everything and did nothing.
My anger management counselor and my regular counselor really stressed that positive self talk. They had me looking in the mirror everyday and trying to tell myself 10 things I liked about me. You know how difficult that is? Even now that my depression is way better I struggle with it. Turns out it helps reprogram your way of thinking about the negative all the time and worsening your position. LOL
The driving stuff is huge. The simple act of driving yourself represents freedom and having control over, at least a little, of your life.
Keep fighting. You don't lose until you give up.
Also don't be ashamed of being you and having struggles.
That's one thing this place is really good for is letting it out.
Our struggles are what defines us more than our accomplishments.
I hope for more continued successes in the following year for you.