𝑪𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉

Studying with Mental Illness

Advice•Techniques• Help

Many of you may or may have not known but here we go! My name is Lina and i suffer from high functioning severe depression, panic attack disorder and generalized anxiety, suicide and self harm. Finishing off my sophomore year in high school i started developing depression. it got to the point of turning to the internet and getting caught up with online predators for attention and “happiness” after moving to another town not too far away, it turned into serious suicidal thoughts and attempts. Little did my parents know i was going to finish sophomore year and had a plan to end things from there. My parents found out that i was talking to strangers online and were very upset about finding all my suicidal thoughts on the internet. Still not sure as to the seriousness, i got in trouble. My parents were told to take me to therapy and psychiatric help right away. That is when my parents knew what was happening and the seriousness behind it. After months and years of switching meds, rigorous therapy, constant supervision…I was finally able to become stable. But as high school went on, things were getting stressful and i turned to self harm. I had even made another suicidal attempt. Self harm is still something i have a hard time stopping but as soon as I graduated, got a job and started college, I was happy with my life and doing very well to this day.

This was a long process, it did not happen in one day. So how did i continue to study and balance my mental health?

Schools

•you will need to decide what school fits you! personally, public school was just fine for me; having to get used to talking to people and learning social skills. but maybe that’s not the right one for you! and that’s ok! consider a charter or private school for a smaller group of students and more “attention” towards each student. Look at schools in your areas that are specific to mental health. I know plenty of friends that had to attend a different school that could accommodate to their needs no matter the illness. If you still want public, make sure to pay attention to class sizes and statistics on scores and grades. Every school is different. Ask around the internet or to neighbors or others that have attended the school and see what the people were like. I started hs in a super rich and spoiled town but i then switched schools my junior year of hs and there was a lot more diversity of students from races, ethnicity, sexuality, disabilities and more. People were a lot more humble about their money. It was the best thing I could have done for myself.

teachers/professor

•now you have your school, but let’s look at the teachers. even if you tried your best, not ALL your teachers will be your favorite:( But here’s what should happen in order for things to work out. when starting a class, most teachers want to get to know you. fav color, hobby, subject etc. Then they ask for “others things i should be concerned or know about?” this is where you and your parents/guardians come to play. Write down a note or something that gives a general idea of what your mental health is. For example, my parents would write a note or email to the teacher explaining the circumstances and having the teacher contact THEM if they noticed anything wrong.

medication

•PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make sure you are taking your medications correctly and everyday if needed. Always keep a backup dose in your backpack or purse or whatever in case you were running late. Never miss a dose. For example, i have to take effexor for my depression. this medication is the kind that you CANNOT just skip a dose or two. if i skip even just one dose, i get headaches and feel nauseous and throw up. This is also one that has some anxiety help component to it therefore keeping me awake so that means i have to take it in the morning so that i am not tossing and turning during my much needed nights sleep. i have to have at least a couple hundred calories eaten with my meds. i also take clonazipan; my anxiety meds. lately i’ve been doing well and haven’t needed it everyday (this is me personally, talk to your doctor about what you should be doing i am no doctor) so i take it as needed for extra stressful moments and if i accidentally took my effexor at night.

•MEDS ARE HERE FOR A REASON! MAKE SURE YOU ARE TAKING THEM AND TALK TO YOUR PSYCHIATRIST ABOUT EVERYTHING YOU EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR MEDS

You are more important than your grades/studies:

•if you need to walk out of a classroom to take a breather, then do so. if you need to cry and let it out, excuse yourself and go. if teachers give you any problems, ignore them. talk with your parents. they will back you up or talk to an administrator if you do not have that family support. If you absolutely, cannot do your homework because of a circumstance (do not use this as an excuse; do your best) then take the time to heal mentally. you will not be able to do your absolute best if you are not in the right mental state.

Be gentle and kind to yourself:

above is a list of suicide hotlines from around the world. please do not feel as though you are alone, it is important to remember that you are not alone and there are thousands experiencing the same thing you are. there is always someone who is willing to listen to you and stand by your side during these dark times.

there needs to be a constant and ever growing conversation about mental health and how harmful and deadly it can become. we need people to no longer be scared to reach out, to speak, to share, to no longer feel trapped and suffering in silence, scared of what others may think.

Because you deserve the best on your birthday!

Witchy Things To Do:

Birthday magic

Cute little suggestion

Some ideas of what to do!

More ideas of what to do!

5 simple birthday rituals

Spells:

Birthday spell

Morning birthday spell

Simple lil’ birthday spell

Candle and cake birthday spell

Birthday wishes spell jar

Masterpost of wish spells

Tarot Spreads:

Birthday spread (5 card)

It’s my birthday! Spread (7 card)

The yearly spread (11 card)

Birthday spread (17 card)

Emoji Spells:

To feel like royalty on your birthday

Happy birthday emoji spell!

So you’ve just figured out that you’re an empath. What should you do now? Here’s a quick list of essentials to get you started. 

Shields: You need these. I mean need them. Going out without a shield is like leaving your house on a freezing day buck naked. To create shields, visualize the element you are the most connected to surrounding you in a protective shape. For me, it’s earth. My shields are made of very large visualized boulders surrounding me in the astral plane. You can also keep certain crystals around to strengthen your shields. 

Practice: Just as they say, practice makes perfect. You can harness your abilities and use them to your advantage, and others’. Read your potential boss and use your findings to nail that job interview. Use your ability to communicate with your deities, or household spirits. Become familiar with your friends auras so that you always know where they are in the house. Read new potential friends so you can better communicate. Practice reading the energies of various stones and objects.

Project your aura: Some of us have always been powerful, and have never known our true strength. Because of this, we never knew how to control it. When I feel something strongly, everyone around me feels it. When I am angry or sad, everyone around me becomes angry or sad. I don’t have to say a word or make a face. This is another reason for why shields are so important. We as empaths feel things so deeply that it can and will affect those around us. 

Meditate: Meditation allows us to practice and get in touch with ourselves. It will help us discern whether or not the emotions we are having are our own, or from someone near us. 

Astral travel: This will make you help you harness your abilities, as well as control them. In the astral plane, it will be much much easier to set up shields and work on your shiz. Plus, it’s really fun.