@Akinna I'm really sorry to hear you've had a flare up of depression - it sounds so hard.
I wish there was something I could say - I know words don't really change things, but for what it's worth we're here and we care.
I really empathise when you talk about the pain in your chest - I've experienced that at times and it's not an easy thing to go through. 💜
Do you find it eases sometimes - if so, have you noticed anything that helps?
How was it being at TAFE today?
I think it's really positive that you're trying to be kind to yourself despite your high expectations. I think it's also meeting a really high standard to allow yourself to prioritise your own needs.
I'm not sure if that makes sense, but speaking for myself in some ways I've found it kind of easier to sacrifice my own needs in order to meet people's expectations. Other people would tell me it was a good thing ('high functioning'), but it never felt very functional really - it came at a cost.
Sometimes the hard (and authentic) road for me at least is allowing myself to be vulnerable, allowing myself to stop, or set boundaries, or know my limits.
That's just my experience... but if you could do anything you need right now without worrying about expectations or responsibilities, is there anything you think would be helpful and kind to you?
