It can be hard to figure out what a “normal” response to our current situation looks like, but it’s even harder for those who have mental health issues. Here are some things I’m doing to try and embrace our new reality, while at the same time cutting myself some slack.

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6am Hit the snooze button several times, friend. It’s too early. Nothing good happens before 7am.

7am Look in the closet. Close the closet. Open some dresser drawers. Close some dresser drawers. Get in the shower.

7:15am Review the chair pile of I-Wore-It-Once-For-Like-An-Hour (IWIOFLAH ) clothing in the corner. …

Self-care is important. It can also be triggering and harmful. It can feel out of reach for those with mental health issues. It’s definitely gone off the rails of common sense in some areas.

Retail therapy, taking a trip to a foreign country, spa days, or buying the latest gadgets…

Trigger Warning: This story contains descriptions of assault and rape.

I don’t believe in heaven.

I was raised on a steady drip of Jesus and a Heavenly Father who created me, and who not only knows my name, but also cares deeply about each and every decision I’ve ever made…

We are two 40-ish (almost heart)broke(en) queers who are starting over, together.

We are both still married (and almost divorced), to supportive and kind men who themselves are now in happy, fulfilling relationships with people they care about.

We each have four kids between the ages of 4 and 29…

My daughter calls me using the magic of the future. I can see her face and the faces of my grandchildren on my cellphone. I grab a fourteen-inch, posable, superhero action figure and a small, purple, plastic vegetable with a face and pretend they are flying with each other. I…