HI! I’m so excited to start this new monthly post. so many people have reached out to me, privately and publicly, and I can’t wait to start responding! so let’s go…
“What inspired you to create this blog? »
I wanted to make mental health information easily accessible to teenagers. in times when I felt so lost, over-stressed, maybe even anxious and overwhelmed, I could never find a blog/account that would go beyond the surface. quotes like “everything will be fine” and “just keep going” weren’t going to be the answer. I wanted to feel a real connection with the author, and I wanted to know that…I WOULD really be okay. that so many people around me have similar experiences and thoughts. I started this blog around a motto that I hope will change people’s outlook on life: look for the positives. Through my blogs and posts on my social media platforms, I hope each of you can feel more heard and know deep down that you are not alone and that your feelings are extremely valid. I understand you, I feel you and I am here for you. Your internet best friend forever! No filters.
“How do I get out of friendships that are starting to wear me down? »
friendships are important – not only for our social well-being, but also for our emotional, mental and physical well-being and health. we all need an outlet or a shoulder to cry on when life gives us a hard time. but often it can be one-sided where one person is just venting and the other is just comforting. helping the people we care about, showing compassion and empathy is fine, but when your friend’s stress and anxiety becomes your stress and anxiety can quickly drain you emotionally and mentally. Here are some signs of emotionally draining friends:
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you regularly make sacrifices to make sure they are happy, but they rarely care about your happiness and your needs
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your positive feelings towards them gradually disappear. emotionally draining friends often make you anxious and resentful, which can cause the positive, happy feelings you once had for your friend to fade over time
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you censor your words around them. you hesitate to talk about your feelings, fearing their reaction. you are not your true self around them
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you can’t ask them for advice. with them constantly voicing their issues, you never get a chance to ask them for advice or even support
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your friend is rarely there when you need him
as I mentioned above, I’m not here to spit the problems at you. I’m here to help you by creating hopefully useful solutions. So what can you do?
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set limits —> limit the time you spend with them. in the long run, boundaries are important for maintaining a healthy friendship. you cannot be too dependent on them and be co-dependent. I always promote Emma Chamberlain podcasts 🙂 but I promise….this one is a must listen to set some boundaries. it’s called “balance in relationships”
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be honest + direct —> communication is key!! Make your friend aware of your limits and let them know how you feel. it’s not selfish when your needs aren’t met and it’s a one sided relationship
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avoid solving their problems —> your friend needs to understand that as long as you are there for them, you are not there to solve or fix the problems in their life. you can comfort them, go out with them to clear their minds, but you are not their therapist. offer them help, but let them solve their problems on their own.
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keep your distance -> it is important to distance yourself from a friend who leaves you exhausted and drained. emotionally distancing yourself from someone you care about is difficult, but for your mental peace it is important
your peace matters too. you have to make sure that your emotions and your energy are there, and you have to take care of yourself above all else. make sure you take some time for yourself, and if this friendship isn’t bringing you much benefit, even though you’ve shared these concerns with your friends, it might be time to move on. there are plenty of people out there waiting for you to be friends with them…those who care about you and won’t cost you your mental and emotional peace. I hope this helps you!
“Favorite apps/products for wellness and wellness?”
I LOVE this question… it makes me so happy 🙂
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top 3 apps —> pintrest, spotify, calm
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top 3 products —> my trusty yellow hydro bottle, 5 minute gratitude journal, brighter super rebound serum (self-care is SO important and makes you feel so good about yourself when inside you can feel a little down)
IF YOU GOT HERE, THANK YOU! it was my favorite way to spend my Sunday and I’m so happy that so many of you want to be vulnerable and share your stories with me. Hope this helps, I would love all feedback, and I look forward to doing this in August. See you later friends !
xx,
eliza