You know that moment when, for the first time, you start to feel a bit more like yourself again?
When your body has more energy, your thoughts feel clearer, and you begin to hope that maybe—just maybe—you’re on your way back?
Maybe you went for a walk, joined a coffee break, or laughed at something for real.
It’s a wonderful feeling.

But then, suddenly, it happens.
The crash.
The exhaustion.
The tears.
The anxiety.

And with it often comes the shame.
“I thought I was getting better. What did I do wrong?”

You did nothing wrong.

Let me say this clearly and out loud:
You haven’t failed.
You haven’t ruined anything.
You’re not back at square one.
This is part of the recovery.

Recovery isn’t a straight line.
It’s a curve, a spiral, a pattern of progress and setbacks.
Sometimes we feel a little better—not because we’re healed, but because we’ve reached a resting point. A moment of breathing space along the way.

Why does this happen?

When we start feeling a bit better, it’s natural to want to catch up on everything we’ve missed.
We take on more, lower our guard, try to keep up the pace.
But then the body and mind gently remind us:
“We’re not quite there yet.”
And that reminder can come as a crash, a wave of tiredness, or a flood of emotion.

A setback isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign that you’re doing the work.
That you’re on your way.
It may even mean you’ve been practicing something new, and that takes energy.

What can you do when it feels like everything is falling apart?

1. Pause and allow

Give yourself permission to rest. To cry. To say no. To step back.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
Resting isn’t a failure—it’s an active choice for your health.

2. Lower the bar

What’s the smallest thing you need right now?
Maybe it’s just getting out of bed.
Brushing your teeth.
Drinking a glass of water.
That’s enough.
Whatever you manage today is enough.

3. Write it out

Writing helps release the thoughts spinning in your mind.
It doesn’t need to be pretty or wise—just honest.
“I’m tired.”
“I feel lost.”
“I thought things were getting better.”

4. Ask for something small

You don’t have to carry everything alone.
Could someone cook dinner?
Send a kind text?
Hold you for a moment?
Dare to ask. Dare to receive.

5. Remind yourself it will pass

This isn’t your forever.
This is a wave. It will move on.
It’s a part of the healing—not the end of it.

You’re doing better than you think

The most important thing I want you to hear is this:
You’re doing well.
You’re brave enough to feel, to keep going, to slow down when needed.
That takes courage.

I know how a setback can shake you.
It can feel like everything is falling apart.
But sometimes, things need to fall apart a little—so they can be rebuilt, stronger and more rooted.

You are not alone on this journey.
And you don’t have to be perfect to be moving in the right direction.

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To the one who needs to hear this today:

💛 You are not a burden.
💛 You don’t need to perform to be worthy.
💛 You’re allowed to rest as much as you need.
💛 It will get better. Maybe not today. But soon.

Take care of yourself—in the small ways.
One moment at a time.