So I've been dealing with depression and anxiety for about 20 years now, and one thing that used to really help center me and give my brain something to focus on rather than killing me, was writing. I fell into it hard. I created a website with a group of friends and for a couple of years things were great. I did Horror movie reviews, comic strips and even wrote articles with tips on how to help with mental illness.
As with all things, the website eventually fizzled out due to various members leaving and I started doing freelance work for other sites. I even started writing my own horror novel and got about 3 quarters of the way through before the dreaded writers block hit me like a tree on the forest moon of Endor....
That was a few years ago now, and any attempt to pick up the pen has gotten me nowhere. My hearts just not in it anymore. Naturally, this left me searching for other ways to keep my brain quiet. I went from hyper focusing on doing all the puzzles I could get my hands on, to trying my hands at various crafts, but nothing seemed to work as well as writing had. Then a friend of mine bought me a Lego set as a joke present and boom, I'd found my new coping mechanism.
I know what you're thinking, an alt guy in his 40's building Lego sets, but I have to tell you. Sitting there for hours on end building something piece by piece really focuses my brain and stops me over thinking. It even works with normal model kits.
Anyway, all of this is just a long winded way of me saying, don't be ashamed of something that works for you. If it stops you from going stir crazy and keeps your brain focused and quiet, have at it!
And of course, if anyone out there is struggling with their mental health and just needs someone to listen. I'm always here. Sometimes talking to a stranger is easier.
