Anxiety Entry from 2017
I was deep cleaning my room yesterday and found an old bullet journal I tried to start in 2017 at 20 years old. At the time I was experiencing a LOT of anxiety and OCD symptoms- I wasn't aware I had OCD yet.
My therapist I was seeing at the time would give me homework to complete after our sessions, this one was to "Recall Your Chunks of Happy." I flipped through magazines and cut out pictures that I felt reflected me deep down, and resonated with what I was going through.
Looking back, I see that I've grown immensely and I've always had this unwavering strength deep down, even though I went through hell mentality between then and now. OCD and anxiety is really no joke, but I'm glad I had a caring, compassionate therapist over the last year who really listened to my internal struggles, and helped guide me through healing some of my traumas.
I wanted to post this to let YOU know that if YOU are struggling at ALL, there is a part of you that is so resilient and strong. You might just have to do the internal work, and dig a little deeper to find that part of you. I know how isolating and LONELY it is to feel so god damn much, and go through mental struggles. You GOT THIS, take that step to healing.
Am I fully healed? NO. Do I struggle? ABSOLUTELY. But I'm taking it one tiny step at a time, and that's enough.
Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often manifest in deeply personal and challenging ways, as illustrated in this reflective journey beginning in 2017. The method of using a bullet journal to capture "Chunks of Happy" serves as a therapeutic tool to cultivate mindfulness and track emotional progress. This practice aligns with evidence-based approaches in cognitive-behavioral therapy, where reflection and grounding activities help individuals manage anxiety and obsessive thoughts. Incorporating creative therapies such as journaling or art can foster emotional resilience. The phrases from the journal, including "Self love is an ocean and your heart is a vessel," and "Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul," underscore the importance of nurturing self-compassion and autonomy in mental health recovery. It’s essential to acknowledge that healing is not linear; progress often includes setbacks, which require patience and ongoing support. Professional guidance from a compassionate therapist plays a critical role. Therapy homework assignments like "Recall Your Chunks of Happy" encourage clients to focus on positive experiences and personal strengths to counterbalance anxiety and intrusive OCD symptoms. The integration of a support system—whether through therapy, friends, or mental health communities—can reduce the isolation commonly felt during mental health struggles. This narrative highlights the significance of recognizing internal strength despite ongoing difficulties, emphasizing incremental progress: "I’m taking it one tiny step at a time, and that’s enough." Mental wellness journeys benefit greatly from such affirmations coupled with actionable steps like self-help strategies, mindfulness, and gradual exposure to fears. For those experiencing similar emotions, engaging in reflective journaling, seeking professional support, and connecting with mental health resources can be transformative. Combining therapeutic techniques and self-care routines fosters sustainable mental health improvements. By embracing vulnerability and resilience, individuals can find meaning and growth even in the face of anxiety and OCD challenges.