Try a skill you learned in therapy.

Even if your therapists suggestion makes your eyes roll, give it a try.

Their techniques are usually research-backed.

Go out and do something that you are nervous about.

It might look likeexposure therapywith a professional orDIYing your own exposure experience.

Exposure therapy can be helpful for anxiety, OCD, or PTSD.

Talk to understanding people.

Do you have someone in your life whom you could count on to be a judgment-free zone?

Feeling sympathy and acceptance from a caring person could be the first step to feeling better.

Not ready to share your feelings with another person?

Take aself-evaluationto recognize your experience within the diagnostic framework.

Read about your suspected condition or symptoms.

Reading articles or personal accounts have the effect of reminding you that you are not alone.

Try online forums, Facebook groups, or even Reddit threads related to your diagnosis or symptoms.

Share your story in a low-stakes way or just read what others have experienced.

Look for stories you’re free to relate to, either through online forums or articles.

This step could occur along with your efforts to feel seen.

When you encounter something it’s possible for you to relate to, tell the other person.

You are part of the seeing and being seen cycle.

Recognize your own empathy.

You may encounter stories you never thought you would relate to, but you do.

Acknowledge the part your ownempathyplays in creating your turning point.

Living with disruptions to your mental wellness can make it feel like things are out of your control.

Do the next right thing.

This can be a tiny step.

The key factor is that you decide what direction you want your life to go and make that step.

Be the bus driver.

What parts of your culture or self have gone unexplored?

Supporting others who have experiences like your can empower you to keep making progress on your own recovery.

Share your story publicly.

Much like seeing others and being seen, sharing your story adds to the cycle of validation.

If you are comfortable talking about your experiences to a few people, consider sharing on a larger scale.

Speak in a group session or write a blog.

Working in the community where you feel understood and validated reinforces your motivation to work toward wellness.

So part of it might be showing up, paying attention.