Not Feeling Like Yourself? (10 Simple Steps to Consider)

Something is wrong. You can't pinpoint it, but you know it's there. Or not there. Something is off, a
Not Feeling Like Yourself? (10 Simple Steps to Consider)
Something is wrong.
You can’t pinpoint it, but you know it’s there.
Or not there.
Something is off, and you don’t feel like yourself.
In fact, it’s starting to negatively impact your life.
Wouldn’t it be nice to know what to do about it?
To solve the problem once and for all?
It would.
But what if it isn’t about doing?
What if it’s about being?
About acknowledging?
About internalizing a few very important, simple steps?

"I Don't Feel Like Myself" (A Short Story)
Let’s start with a short story, and then we’ll dive right into the lessons and next steps to be gleaned from it.
I’m in my early twenties, about ten years younger than I am now.
I’m out of college and out of a failed stint with the Peace Corps, where I had to leave after only 8 months due to health issues and bureaucratic failure.
But it is I who feels like a failure, and I certainly don’t feel like myself.
Luckily, I see some signs to head out to Montana, and I find a way to get out there.
I accept a position with AmeriCorps to complete a service year helping a nonprofit in the state’s capital.
But I just don’t feel like myself.
Because I don’t know who I’m supposed to be.
I make friends within the AmeriCorps program.
I get involved in the local political scene.
I try to position myself for success after my service year is up.
I hike as much as possible.
I travel as much as I can on my service-year stipend.
It’s a beautiful place I’m in, and that feels like the only saving grace for my spinning mind.
I’m doing a lot, but I’m not understanding why I’m doing it.
I’m trying so hard to impress others and do it all when it hits me.
Is this who I even want to be?
Who am I?
What It Means to Be Yourself / Find Yourself
Life is about discovering what's right in front of you.
Life is about discovering what's right in front of you.
This, I think, is where it starts.
To not know who you are is a good thing.
It’s the start of something big. Something healthy.
Because when you question who you are, it means you’re curious enough to know if there is a real you, if there’s a person that is authentic and whole and complete.
It’s where it all begins.
If you’re not feeling like yourself, you might have some of these thoughts:
Why do I feel this way?
My life doesn’t feel like my own.
What am I supposed to be doing?
This isn’t me.
I don’t want to be doing any of this.
These seem like bad thoughts, but hold on just a second.
The bad is where the good comes from. There are two sides to everything.
It’s in that odd reality that you find yourself.
The Simple Process of Becoming Yourself
Remember, simple doesn’t mean easy, but when you’re not feeling like yourself, you need to get back to basics.
Follow these 10 steps. Post them on a mirror. Be present with what happens:

  1. Lean into the negative emotions
  2. Acknowledge the negative emotions, whatever that means for you
  3. Start to consider what the negative feelings are telling you
  4. Realize your body knows who you are at your core
  5. Realize that if you have negative emotions, they are still telling you something about yourself
  6. Start to consider what’s on the other side of the negative emotion
  7. Know that you are a complex, yet whole, individual
  8. Grasp for the other side of the negative
  9. Really try to understand what the negative is telling you
  10. Follow that path, with complete curiosity, wherever it takes you

Again, simple does not mean easy.
Simple does not mean guaranteed.
What it means is a basic acknowledgment of what’s going on for you, in your life.
Because the weight of the world can be crushing.
There will always be people who demand your time and attention. There will always be somewhere to be and something to do.
And that is why it’s so very important to follow the simple path back to yourself.
It’s a journey of question and answer, of black and white.
But who you are is in there, somewhere in the solid middle ground, if only you carve out the space and time to discover it.

I hope you got something out of this. I can’t give you the exact answers that will uncover who you are. You need to do the work. I just know what’s worked for me and the many, many stories I hear, read, and compile in my brain. Walk the simple path. Get back to basics.

Sending you the strength to do the work and the awareness to know what to do with the answers you find,

Jordan

P.S. You’re a good person. Don’t ever forget that.
Did you enjoy this issue?
Become a member for $10 per month
Don’t miss out on the other issues by Jordan Brown - Mental Health Newsletter Writer, Poet, Social Worker, and Advocate
Jordan Brown - Mental Health Newsletter Writer, Poet, Social Worker, and Advocate

The Mental Health Update provides you with authentic mental health articles that make mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and OCD meaningful AND accessible.

This is different from typical mental health newsletters and articles.

It's not just an Anxiety Email Newsletter or a Depression Email Newsletter - It's two weekly articles packed with timeless mental health wisdom and inspiration to start your day in a thoughtful, uplifting way.

I was tired of other newsletters blasting out generic lists of links and depression articles.

And I was especially tired of them not focusing on the everyday reality of mental health issues.

So I decided to come up with something I wanted to read.

This health newsletter is like a caring friend that just wants you to feel better.

Mental health awareness articles don't need to be all doom and gloom and filled with jargon.

With The Mental Health Update, you'll get practical mental health information, tips, and new ways to view the world. Especially now, with people reeling from the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic, we need trusted voices telling it like it is.

We discuss topics like anxiety, depression, OCD, the mental health to mental illness spectrum, social and communication skills, and much, much more.

This is what a few subscribers had to say about The Mental Health Update:

"If you haven't yet subscribed to Jordan's mental health newsletter, you absolutely should. It's chock full of good stuff to read and will help make your day better. Not unlike a daily vitamin for your mental health and soul..." - JR

"Encouragement from someone who has “been there” when it comes to mental health struggles. Comes in the form of stories and simple, actionable tips for reframing and working with - and through - your issues. One of the few newsletters that has survived my ruthless inbox decluttering sprees. Highly recommended!" - Kelila

"Jordan's mental health update is a welcomed email in my inbox. It often provides me with a chance to break from the mundane tasks of working in an office and take a moment for myself to hear his thoughtful and well put together thoughts on many aspects of mental health. As someone who works in the psychology field it's often a nice reminder and way of grounding myself to all the great work that's going on and the journey we all must take in supporting mental health. Thank you Jordan!" - Rob

I take my no-spam policy very seriously. I consider it a mental health obligation to not abuse your trust.

Newsletter articles sent on Monday and Wednesday.

Members receive detailed information from those articles on Tuesday and Thursday AND an exclusive Friday email as well.

You can manage your subscription here
If you were forwarded this newsletter and you like it, you can subscribe here.
Powered by Revue
Missoula, MT

Older messages

"Daylight Savings Time" is an Everyday Mental Health Issue

Monday, March 15, 2021

I hate Daylight Savings Time. OK, that's not really fair. I strongly dislike having my body clock thr "Daylight Savings Time" is an Everyday Mental Health Issue By Jordan Brown - Mental

Ever feel worthless? (3 minutes to mindset change)

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

"I have no value. I'm worthless." Have you ever had these thoughts? We don't always like admitting th Ever feel worthless? (3 minutes to mindset change) By Jordan Brown - Mental

Does it ever get better? Yes, but...

Monday, March 8, 2021

There's a repeating and concerning theme in many conversations in my professional and personal life. Does it ever get better? Yes, but... By Jordan Brown - Mental Health Newsletter Writer, Poet,

Not Doing "Enough" - My Honest Realization

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

I'll just say it. I often feel I'm not doing enough. I know, I know. It's a problem. What is enough? Not Doing "Enough" - My Honest Realization By Jordan Brown - Mental Health

3 Anxiety Demons You Might Recognize

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

It might seem overly dramatic to call anxiety a demon, but I disagree. It really, truly can feel that 3 Anxiety Demons You Might Recognize By Jordan Brown - Mental Health Newsletter Writer, Poet,

You Might Also Like

The Year Bisexuality Stopped Being a Punchline

Monday, December 23, 2024

Today in style, self, culture, and power. The Cut December 23, 2024 Presented by YEAR IN REVIEW The Year of the Bisexual Once a pop-culture punch line, bisexuals spiced up some of the year's

Blake Lively’s Cleavage-Baring Red Carpet Look Was Basically Chic PJs

Monday, December 23, 2024

Plus, Beyoncé's holiday twist on the cowboycore trend, your daily horoscope, and more. Dec. 23, 2024 Bustle Daily A front-row seat at the red-sauce ballet. FOOD A Front-Row Seat At The Red-Sauce

11 Different Kinds of Checking Accounts, Explained

Monday, December 23, 2024

How to Get a Free Car If You Can't Afford One. Not all checking accounts are created equal, and some are created for specific people. Not displaying correctly? View this newsletter online.

A Man's Hotel Is His Castle

Monday, December 23, 2024

A grand buffet to close out our visit to China earlier this year ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Lost my seat to… what now?

Monday, December 23, 2024

— Check out what we Skimm'd for you today December 23, 2024 Subscribe Read in browser Header Image But first: unlock more of what you love with a premium Skimm+ membership Update location or View

"2020 A Year to Forget" by Nancy Mercado

Monday, December 23, 2024

Earth put a roaring halt / to our empty rabid existence December 23, 2024 donate 2020 A Year to Forget Nancy Mercado Earth put a roaring halt to our empty rabid existence ceasing marathon plastic

And The #1 Hair Color Trend Of 2025 Will Be...

Monday, December 23, 2024

It's gorgeous. The Zoe Report Daily The Zoe Report 12.22.2024 And The #1 Hair Color Trend Of 2025 Will Be... (Hair) And The #1 Hair Color Trend Of 2025 Will Be... “New Year, New You!” Read More

5 Ways You Can Lose Your Social Security Benefits

Sunday, December 22, 2024

These Apps Can Help You Remotely Access Your Computer. Social security is a big part of most people's retirement plans. But there are ways to lose some—or all—of your benefits, so be careful out

The Weekly Wrap #192

Sunday, December 22, 2024

12.22.2024 ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

New subscriber discount ends tonight!

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Quick reminder and thank you! ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏