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Of actually useful self care tips for when days are really bad.This is intended for neurodivergent people. If you feel the need to judge anything said in this thread, then it isn't for you.
Please keep comments kind.
1. Dry shampoo and wet wipes are a handy stand in for a shower if you don't have the energy. Mouthwash can help freshen you up too if brushing is too difficult
2. It doesn't matter what you eat, but please have something. I have ready meals in the freezer for the crap days. If you absolutely cannot eat, consider a smoothie. If you can't face a single thing, have tea with milk. If this is too much, please make sure you're drinking water
3. On a good day, make a list of your "safe" shows and movies. This way when the impenetrable boredom hits, you're already set. Same for music and books.
4. It's justified to sleep. Some days are just impossible. On these days, I nap. If you can't face the day, you can still make it to the next one
5. On a good day, prewrite out a text message in your notes simply stating you're not in the headspace and will get back to them tomorrow. This is a godsend if you struggle with conversation. You can write multiple messages to suit your needs then it's just a copy paste job
6. Change your clothes and get into something cozy. This small act won't fix things but you'll feel fresh getting back into bed, it's like a little present to your future, sleepy self
7. If you live in shared accommodation, try to designate yourself an area that no one can enter without your permission. This could be a bedroom, a room, a sofa, anything. The idea is to make yourself a little safe area that is just your own.
8. If you haven't been able to brush your hair in a while, use a wide tooth comb rather than a brush. This is gentler on your hair, won't break and snag as much as a brush and won't hurt your head
9. Set multiple alarms for your medications, label the alarm in block caps with the name of the med and dose. It's so simple to miss a dose, we all do it. But when we're bad, that potentially could make us worse and we don't want that at all
10. On the topic of alarms, you can use this method to remind you of things like food, water and pet meal times also
11. Every hour or so, if you are able, get up and have a stretch or a little wander around. This can help your body locking up and sometimes the change of view is nice
12. Open your window and let the air in. This is a fave of mine because I can't go outside (apartment block, scared of neighbours) it gets a bit of fresh air in which is always good
13. If you are able, designate a safe person. This is a person who you trust enough to tell them what is happening and can get you things if you can't leave the house.
NB! my dms are open for this reason. Do not ever suffer in silence
NB! my dms are open for this reason. Do not ever suffer in silence
14. Designate and write down "safe activities". Ideally these are things that can help distract you from the aggressive thoughts without being emotionally charged in any way. For me, I draw out spreads in my journal. Do I use them? No. But it kills a few hours. Makeup is great 2
15. Turn off your phone notifications. One of the most anxiety-provoking things for me when I'm having a bad day is knowing people are contacting me. I have my do not disturb set up so that only my parents and the job can contact me.
16. Let it out list
Can't stop the screaming thoughts? Grab a page and scribble it all down until you feel the voice is exhausted. Don't spell check or read back. Just let everything out. I like to burn the page when I'm done as a final fuck you to the voices
Can't stop the screaming thoughts? Grab a page and scribble it all down until you feel the voice is exhausted. Don't spell check or read back. Just let everything out. I like to burn the page when I'm done as a final fuck you to the voices
17. On a good day, write out your coping and grounding skills. Keep this somewhere you can easily access and refer to when the day has robbed your ability to think. You can make lists of anything you find helpful really!
18. For my non conversational friends in shared housing, don't be afraid to write out questions and responses on index cards to use. This can take the pressure away from conversation and saying the wrong thing
19. Write out your realities on index cards or in a journal. When you are questioning everything and everyone, it's handy to see your life written in black and white. Include your relationship realities too in case you start to doubt them
20. Similar to 19, write out your positive affirming statements. These can be as simple as "I deserve to be alive". When the thoughts go to a dark dark place, it's handy to not have to think but to have it so you can see it
We all have our bad days. And we all have days that are so horrible you cant face it. It's okay! This will pass! I just want you to know that I know you're doing your best, even if you don't think you are. There is NO shame in having negative mental health days.
You have already survived 100% of the horrible shit you've gone through and for that I am SO proud of you. It may seem so dark, but I promise there is always a light waiting for you. Take your time, let yourself rest. You're not a failure for listening to your needs 
21. Doing laundry requires a LOT of energy. If you're struggling, Febreeze can be used to freshen up your clothes
