The Mental Health Digest - Anxiety Journal/Jim Carrey/Pathly

1. Watch an 8-minute Jim Carrey video that brought me out of a funk 
2. Read a 5-minute article reminding you that people don't see you the way you see you
3. Consider an old-but-good book from one of the world's top trauma experts
4. Learn about a new, "Reflector" model for peer-based mental health support
5. Skim a scannable newsletter about making your brain smarter
6. See a discreet anxiety journal that immediately impressed me

Watch an 8-minute Jim Carrey video that brought me out of a funk
Why this inspirational video matters for your mental health

Long known for being a goofy actor, Jim Carrey's story is actually incredibly inspiring. I've watched a few inspirational videos featuring him, and this is one of the best. 

It's all about learning to be yourself and following the path that you know is right for you. If you need a pick-me-up, this is it.

Read a 5-minute article reminding you that people don't see you the way you see you
Why this Farnam Street article matters for your mental health

Have you ever felt like an impostor? Feel like people look at you and see you for all your flaws? 

This article breaks down why that's not true by explaining what the "illusion of transparency is." It's a good reminder that no one really cares as much as we think they do.

Consider an old-but-good book from one of the world's top trauma experts
Why this Bruce Perry book matters for your mental health

Bruce Perry was one of my favorite authors when I was in grad school for social work. He talks about trauma in a way that is understandable and uplifting. 

The Boy Who Was Raised As a Dog is a book that should get a lot more attention these days than it does. Don't let the title dissuade you--this book is uplifting and lets you enter the mind of a compassionate trauma expert.

Learn about a new, "Reflector" model for peer-based mental health support
Why this startup's model matters for your mental health

Speaking of Bruce Perry, this innovative startup's model is partially based on his research. Pathly is training "Reflectors" to pair with people who are going through a tough time. 

From what I've experienced working inside and outside the mental health system, the therapy model will likely never be accessible to everyone in the US, so I'm always looking out for peer and community-based models that might fill the gaps. Here's what a reflector is:

"A Reflector is a peer trained in behavior science to facilitate a collaborative mindfulness practice that empowers you to reflect, set intentions that align with your values, and feel supported in taking action towards your goals."

Skim a scannable newsletter about making your brain smarter
Why this highly readable newsletter matters for your mental health

I found this wisdom nugget in a recent issue of The Smarter Brain:

Arrogance = Ignorance + Conviction

Writer Tim Urban on the danger of arrogance:
"Arrogance is ignorance plus conviction. This is an especially deadly combo because it prevents you from improving. It not only leaves you without real knowledge, it deprives you of the humility needed to gain real knowledge or grow into a better thinker."
Source: The Thinking Ladder

Each week they share bite-sized ideas and tools from great thinkers.

See a discreet anxiety journal that immediately impressed me
Why this journal matters for your mental health

To be clear, I have not yet purchased this journal. I just have been spending a lot of time learning about mental health journals lately, and this one stood out. 

It's really well designed both to not make it incredibly obvious that you're working on your mental health AND to help you work through anxiety using cognitive-behavioral-therapy (CBT) principles. CBT is the gold standard for working on negative thoughts.

When it comes to tools that actually help, the framework being used is everything.

Finally, the song of the week to make you feel something: Wildfire by Mandolin Orange