Sometimes life throws so much at us that our minds start to feel like they’re unraveling, and yet, we simply don’t have the luxury to sit with that breakdown. I’ve personally found that when I’m on the verge of losing my mind but must keep going, reframing my mental state helps me cope. Instead of letting the anxiety take over, I consciously tell myself that I’m okay — even if I don’t fully believe it at first. This "gaslighting" of my own emotions isn’t about denying my feelings but about choosing to focus on calm instead of panic. When I do this, I try little practices like deep breathing, taking a brief quiet moment, or shifting my attention to something productive. It’s a way to give my mind a temporary break without suppressing my true feelings long-term. Of course, it’s important to later acknowledge the stress and seek support or rest. But in hectic moments, self-gaslighting has been a surprisingly effective mental tool. It reminds me that I’m more resilient than I think, and that I can regulate my emotions enough to keep moving forward even on tough days.