You don’t need to “fix” your feelings. Learn how shifting from chasing better to practicing support changes everything.
Rachel Havocost is a writer and mental health advocate. She says mental health isn't about feeling good all the time. It's about learning how to navigate the full spectrum of emotions. You don't always have to feel better. You just have to care for yourself where you are.
Have you ever thought, I just want to feel better? It's a common goal, but sometimes that pressure actually makes us feel worse. Hi, my name is Rachel Havocost. I'm a writer and mental health advocate. And as someone who's been in therapy for a really long time, I understand that notion of, I just want to feel better. Like, when am I just going to be done? When am I going to be completed? The truth is that mental health isn't about feeling good all the time. It's about learning how to navigate the full spectrum of emotions.
And that includes feelings of pain, frustration, anger, resentment. And some days you're going to feel light and motivated, and other days you're going to feel heavy and stuck. So instead of trying to chase better, I'm going to challenge you to try asking, how can I support myself in this moment? Maybe that means calling a friend, stepping outside, or just letting yourself cry without judgment. And this shift takes away the pressure to be fixed, and it gives you permission to just be human. You don't always have to feel better.
You just have to care for yourself where you are. And that's what healing looks like.
Reactions and comments are for members. Joining is free and takes a minute.