In My Head
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

In My Head

What it's like to live with a storm of mental illness inside you.

8
In My Head
Odyssey Online

We've all seen article on article about having depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, etc. They tell you what it's like trying to love someone who has these mental illnesses, try and explain what it's like to have these, how to cope, and on and on. This is probably going to end up being another one of those articles, but hey you might get something out of what I face everyday.

1. It's there with you when you're trying to get out of bed in the morning.

Especially with it being cold outside and grey, my motivation starts to fizzle out at the end of the semester. Now pile that on with my own battle going on in my head every morning. "Do I really need to go to this class? Can I really get this work done today? Can I bring myself to sit at my office job for five hours?" Even though I will go, it's still just this weight that makes me paralyzed for at least 30 minutes every morning.

2. It's there when you're out with your friends.

Picture this: You're out doing whatever with your best friends, everyone is laughing and just having a good time. All of a sudden the noise starts to become too much, you've reached your limit of being around other people and now you just want to go home. However, if you tell your friends that, they look at you like you have three heads because you were just fine ten minutes ago.

3. It's there when you start to like someone.

OH BOY. This one, let me tell you, it's probably the worst area of my life I suffer in. It's not bad enough that having feelings for someone is terrifying, but being nervous constantly of what you might say/do that could scare them off plays like a freaking annoying pop song in your head. It's like "hey I get it, I'm nervous, stop reminding me every time something is going alright!"

4. It's there when you hurt the ones you love.

Sometimes, not even the person realizes what is coming out of their mouth, or the look on their face. Sometimes you say something hurtful, or maybe even just the tone you have is aggressive. For me I get so worked up inside and try to push it down and then it comes out unexpectedly. That's when you get the other guilt that comes with it. After you see the hurt look on your mother's face, the short text you receive from your best friend after you blew up. It's always there afterwards to remind you of how you messed up again. It's not fun, not one bit.


If you are one of these people, don't be ashamed. Don't be upset that you are like this. If you are really struggling, it's okay to ask for help. It took me a long time to finally accept the fact and go talk to someone. If you're not quite ready to go out and talk to someone you don't know, do your best to confide in someone who makes you feel safe and has the best interests at heart for you. Nobody is perfect, simple as that. You are more than everything I have talked about, I just wanted you to know that you're not alone.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

86160
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

52066
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments