Why You Should Stay Alive

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For a few months now I've been seeing a therapist. Some of the things I've learnt from her I think could be valuable to others so here we go:

1) When sorting things out with others
• People come in assortments. We deal with confrontation one of two ways; get angry and lash out or shut down and cry. When you're trying to work something out with another person;
- if they cry simply tell them that you'll talk to them once they've calmed down. This is because they've shut down and won't hear what you're trying to say.
- if they become angry and start yelling tell them the same thing as they also won't process what you're trying to say
• Think about what you're going to say beforehand so that you get the point across to them clearly
• Be kind to them but don't be afraid to rip off the bandaid. Everyone has feelings but sometimes in order to get the point across you need to be slightly harsh.

2) Focusing on the positives/motivation
• Many people tend to focus on the bad things that happen, myself included, but often the good things just simply go unnoticed so;
- get an exercise book and each day write down the positive things that have happened in the front and the negative things that have happened in the back that way you'll be able to reflect and focus on the positives.
- find a journal/sketchbook/notepad and google 'motivational quotes' (you can ever use song lyrics or things like that) then write them down and decorate around them then whenever you're in need of motivation look through them.

3) Dealing with your mind
• There isn't any escape from the thoughts in your head. Often they can be completely terrifying. To get things off your chest try;
- meditation. There's an app called calm that I use sometimes which focuses on breathing and clearing your thoughts
- writing poetry / writing down your thoughts or feelings. I've always been someone who loved the idea of literature so  I really enjoy reading and writing poetry and it can turn rather dark but it clears my head.
- Listen to music and just find ways to keep busy and distract yourself. This is the one I do most. I do a lot of puzzles and draw just to keep my mind busy.

There's are just ideas in how to deal but remember not everything works for everyone because we're not all the same. I hope this can be of some assistance. I'm always here to talk if you ever need.

-Andie (lipringxhemmings)
(I wrote two chapters because I felt the need to get things off my chest)