first newsletter i’ve read from you and i think i will read every single one after it. this made me realize that i also do the comparison of mental health as a barometer for my own wellness. it stinks! it feels weird to be pretentious about something i also preach understanding and mutual aid for. why do we do this? i don’t know, and maybe i don’t really need to know—i just need to learn and grow. not isolate myself through comparison all the time. thanks lolo this was a pleasant 3-minute read.
Wishing you the best on your recovery journey. Reading books has been the #1 best way to reclaim my brain from the internet. It feels really weird being less plugged in the past month or so, though, with all these mask-off political moves.
something i’ve learned over time, both as a psychology major and as someone in therapy (lol), is that all behavior is communication, and it often is communicating some sort of need.
in the beginning you mentioned addiction to technology, noting that it’s fueled by the interactions you have online. i think instead of viewing your use of technology to fill the need for interaction as a personal failure, it might be more helpful to view it as your body/mind trying to communicate its needs. if the behavior (over-using technology) is something you’d like to stop, it will be easier to do so if you can find another way to fill the need it currently satisfies.
i know from personal experience that my previous attempts to change a behavior without really taking into account the “need” that particular behavior filled always inevitably lead me to failure, which only added to my self contempt, so i hope this can help (if not you, then anyone else who might read this)
Lolo, if you haven't already I would highly recommend looking into Ketamine therapy. Unsolicited advice I know, sorry. It's genuinely changed my life though. I went from driving around finding a perfect tree to drive into, to acceptance of myself and my life. Wish you well, much love
Thank you for posting and I hope that the public/internet support is motivating and not stress inducing! A lot of people resonate with your posts & want the best for you <3 If it ever feels like a burden or imposition, don't forget you don't owe us anything. All that to say - I enjoyed reading
You've engaged in no small feat. I tried several times to get sober by myself, to no avail. It was only when I made the attempt with the support of others that I was able to make a lasting improvement. I didn't have to check into anywhere - I just needed to be transparent with those around me, as well as finds some community that understood the monumental task.
And let's be honest - our shared profession treats most substances as part and parcel of the gig. Finding real community here is like trying to find a landlubber on a surfing squad. And while I've found no one gives me shit for being sober, I do get uncomfortable looks from those who know they should stop, too. And I am conveniently left out of many events and interactions - they expect a sharp mind will harsh the buzz. Maybe they're right.
Anyway, I've experienced a lot of what you're going through, and if you need co-counsel on this trial, I got you. You can do this. And believe me: life gets better after a few weeks. It's far from perfect, but it definitely gets better.
I will consider AI sentient when it can develop a substance abuse problem and horde cats
first newsletter i’ve read from you and i think i will read every single one after it. this made me realize that i also do the comparison of mental health as a barometer for my own wellness. it stinks! it feels weird to be pretentious about something i also preach understanding and mutual aid for. why do we do this? i don’t know, and maybe i don’t really need to know—i just need to learn and grow. not isolate myself through comparison all the time. thanks lolo this was a pleasant 3-minute read.
Wishing you the best on your recovery journey. Reading books has been the #1 best way to reclaim my brain from the internet. It feels really weird being less plugged in the past month or so, though, with all these mask-off political moves.
something i’ve learned over time, both as a psychology major and as someone in therapy (lol), is that all behavior is communication, and it often is communicating some sort of need.
in the beginning you mentioned addiction to technology, noting that it’s fueled by the interactions you have online. i think instead of viewing your use of technology to fill the need for interaction as a personal failure, it might be more helpful to view it as your body/mind trying to communicate its needs. if the behavior (over-using technology) is something you’d like to stop, it will be easier to do so if you can find another way to fill the need it currently satisfies.
i know from personal experience that my previous attempts to change a behavior without really taking into account the “need” that particular behavior filled always inevitably lead me to failure, which only added to my self contempt, so i hope this can help (if not you, then anyone else who might read this)
Lolo, if you haven't already I would highly recommend looking into Ketamine therapy. Unsolicited advice I know, sorry. It's genuinely changed my life though. I went from driving around finding a perfect tree to drive into, to acceptance of myself and my life. Wish you well, much love
Thank you for posting and I hope that the public/internet support is motivating and not stress inducing! A lot of people resonate with your posts & want the best for you <3 If it ever feels like a burden or imposition, don't forget you don't owe us anything. All that to say - I enjoyed reading
This found me right when and where I needed it, as things often do. Very moving and I am looking forward to seeing where this journey takes you.
You've engaged in no small feat. I tried several times to get sober by myself, to no avail. It was only when I made the attempt with the support of others that I was able to make a lasting improvement. I didn't have to check into anywhere - I just needed to be transparent with those around me, as well as finds some community that understood the monumental task.
And let's be honest - our shared profession treats most substances as part and parcel of the gig. Finding real community here is like trying to find a landlubber on a surfing squad. And while I've found no one gives me shit for being sober, I do get uncomfortable looks from those who know they should stop, too. And I am conveniently left out of many events and interactions - they expect a sharp mind will harsh the buzz. Maybe they're right.
Anyway, I've experienced a lot of what you're going through, and if you need co-counsel on this trial, I got you. You can do this. And believe me: life gets better after a few weeks. It's far from perfect, but it definitely gets better.
Have you read stolen focus?
reading now🤲