#pdxcrybabies

I was talking to my therapist this morning about self care, and how I   play video games to take care of myself sometimes. I love so many games, and so many different types, but my favourite games are the ones that are relaxing and low stress. I've been playing the Animal Crossing franchise since it first came out, and it's always been such a soothing thing for me. I even have an extension on Google Chrome that plays Animal Crossing music based on what time it is. Some other favourites are Stardew Valley, Starbound (anything by @chucklefishgames), The Sims, Solitaire, etc. It's easy to get lost in them because of how calming they can be. How many of you play games as a form of self care? What relaxing low stress games do you like to play? (Also, feel free to ask us for our handles/friend codes for various games and platforms!)

I finally picked out a new journal today! I have a total of 5 different journals at the moment, but my thoughts journals are my favorite. I have been keeping a journal since I was a little kid. My grandma bought me one for my birthday, and ever since then I've been hooked. It has been incredibly therapeutic for me, and it's neat to see how much I have grown and changed over the years. Not all of the content is interesting, a lot of it is me rambling in order to break the writer's block, but writing in it always gives me a sense of relief. Sometimes I dream about turning them into a biography, even though my life hasn't been terribly interesting, it would be neat. I encourage all of you to try out journaling! Whether it be a journal dedicated to a specific subject, or an "anything goes" kind of style, venting and expressing yourself using written word can be very helpful, calming, and fun. -Paige

@disapppointment shared some writing with us

FAST is an interpersonal effectiveness skill from DBT used to maintain self respect during an interaction. It is a good skill to use when no is just not working. F: Be Fair to yourself and the other party A: Apologize less, only take responsibility when appropriate S: Stick to your values and don't compromise on your morals or integrity T: Be Truthful and avoid exaggeration or acting helpless

@helsab0t's art is always relevant.

We had a little coffee shop meet-up today, and it was super productive! We all brainstormed and came up with a lot of awesome ideas for future meet-ups and activities, and I'm super excited to put everything together! Our original location didn't work out, but @tinyscoffee was super accommodating and we will more than likely meet there in the future for more laid back meet-ups like this! We also left a few business cards if you're interested in picking one up. We have our bigger meet-up at @marrowpdx on the 11th next month, and Marrow has their grand opening on the 3rd, go check it out and support local businesses!

Loving @helsab0t's art as usual.

Repost from @breenware with one of our patches 💜 ・・・ My favorite patch. It's cute and reminds me that I have a fighting chance, and that you can suffer mental illnesses and be a bamf in the midst of it. It's from #pdxcrybabies, a Portland-based support group of people with depression. I am so grateful to live in a generation that is working towards visibility and ending the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. #BadassSadass #mentalhealthallies #endthestigma @pdxcrybabies