Stop lying about being fine. Stop locking your bedroom door so no one accidentally walks in on you sobbing. Stop faking your smiles and laughs and interest in other people.
Stop assuming that your life is never going to get any better. Stop thinking this is as good as it’s going to get. Stop losing faith in yourself and your future.
If you want to lie to your friends and your family and strangers on social media about being fine, go ahead (even though real friends would help you through whatever you’re facing). But whatever you do, don’t lie to yourself. Don’t act like you have everything together when you’re secretly falling apart.
It’s okay to admit that you need help. It’s okay to admit that you need to make a change. It’s okay to admit that you need to start going to therapy or that you need to get the hell out of your hometown or that you need to leave your toxic relationship behind. It’s okay to be honest with yourself. It’s better to be honest with yourself.
Instead of pretending you are happy when you’re on the brink of tears, grab a tissue box and cry until your eyes are dry again. There’s no weakness in your tears, only strength.
Instead of pretending you are in the mood to get drunk and party with your friends, sit them down and explain what has been on your mind lately. If they love you, they would love to help you through it.
Instead of pretending that there is something wrong with you for being unhappy, remind yourself that you are not alone. You are not the only person feeling this way. You are not out of the ordinary.
In 2018, promise yourself that you will put more effort into your mental health. Even if that only means taking bubble baths instead of showers so you have the chance to relax every week. Even if that only means writing your feelings down inside of a journal instead of stuffing your emotions deep down in your chest so you don’t explode with anger randomly.
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t require you to do anything too life changing. It could mean using one of your sick days when you are too mentally exhausted to leave the house. It could mean drinking water instead of beer when you go out with your friends. It could mean saying no to others when you have too much on your plate and can’t handle anymore.
If you’re ready, you can make bigger changes, too. Change the voice inside of your head that usually only says negative things about you. Change the people you surround yourself with so they uplift you instead of knock you down. Change your diet so you will have more energy in the mornings. Change your exercise routine so your body is as strong as your mind.
In 2018, make a promise to take care of your mental health. See a therapist. Join a support group. Visit rehab. Take whatever steps you’ve been needing to take but have been putting off.
In 2018, make a point to love yourself. Make a point to improve the way you see yourself. 
