Been back for a few days now and I'm still just getting used to the outside world again.

It was lots of individual and group mental health therapy mostly, with some occasional outings for recreational activities and shopping and stuff. They provided my room and food for 7 weeks, almost 50 days. The organization very generously ate many costs for me after hearing my story and the resulting struggles with intense suicidal ideation.

I learned a lot and made some serious personal breakthroughs. With more confidence than I've ever had, I can say I love myself sincerely and no longer need the validation of others to justify my actions or existence. 🧡

I didn't get healthy unconditional love as a kid so I grew up with a distorted view of what genuine and wholesome love was. Now, I can provide it for myself in a variety of healthy ways!

But my healing still isn't done. There remain a lot of traumatic memories, negative thought patterns, and unhealthy behaviors to be addressed. I need to recreate the stability and supportive environment they provided for me for those weeks. It's a giant project and it may never be fully done, but I'm happy with the changes I've made and the ways I've grown.

Even though my challenges continue, my thoughts are becoming more and more enabling. That's a significant transformation, even though it hasn't (yet) made me sprout scales! 🧡

If you want to help me out, you can repost this journal, send me FA shinies, or send tips/donations to my PayPal or Venmo accounts. Even thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

To say the very least, I'm thankful to everyone who has already helped spread word and/or given help! I grant you blessings of dragon magical good fortune!

-Iothisk