The Good, The Bad and the Notecard

I do not even remember how long it has been since I first started using The Notecard. Little did I know how much it has helped me to grow and deal with the daily challenges which go along with having a mental illness. Little did I know the impact it would make, especially as I answer the questions in a journal in order to process thoughts and difficult circumstances.

The Notecard is just that... it's a notecard. But it has "special powers," mainly allowing me to pause, reflect and help me get out of a paranoid or psychotic state independently and creatively.

The Notecard has gone through many revisions, as I have found some questions to help me more. The current state of The Notecard is probably at the best it has ever been. Taken from suggestions, feedback and advice from those around me, I have created questions on The Notecard to help me to cope best with what I deal with every single day.

So here are the questions I use, as they may help you or someone you know to cope with mental illnesses.

Drumroll, please...

• What can I do NOW to cope with these thoughts?
• Is there a more reasonable way to think about these thoughts or the circumstance that I need to deal with?
• Am I focusing on things that are irrelevant? Is my mind trying to piece things together that makes my mind more chaotic or frightened?
• Is there anything I need at this point or are there ways to cope or deal with these thoughts or this difficult situation more independently?
• Are any of my thoughts distorted (i.e. black/white thinking or catastrophization)? If so, how can I think differently, stop or lessen these thoughts?
• Are there any situations or thoughts that are stressing me out? If so, what can I do to "destress" (i.e. meditation, going for a run or a walk)

 
Overall, The Notecard helps me through many situations, even the good and the bad. It keeps me moving forward and I have used it on grocery trips (since I have been known to have paranoia in the grocery store). I have used it in all sorts of situations and I feel blessed to have something so quite simple that has made a profound difference in my life.