I learned a new word today: enmeshment. Apparently this is a phenomenon, originally to describe parent-child relationships, where there is such a lack of boundaries that it becomes difficult to be your own person. I feel like I fall into this category with my mother.

Part 1 of 2: I just watched a very interesting documentary called "Join or Die", which is an extremely alarming name, but is actually about the importance of joining clubs and socially interacting with a community of people. They talk about it in the context of its effect on democracy as a whole

I have to continually remind myself of this.

Looking for ways to improve my mental health. Therapy is out of my reach, but I'm trying to exercise more, eat better, journal, spend time with friends. I've been told about psychedelics and CBT, but I'm also open to any other suggestions people might have that I haven't thought of.

My name is Melissa Brooks. As a way of dealing with my past, I have written a memoir in an attempt to heal and cope. My story is true. I hope telling it helps me. You can read my book here: www.amazon.com/dp/B0GMNXSFW3