Category: mental health awareness

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 Living with OCD: A Journey of Order, Chaos, and Resilience 

At Modgepodgemystic.com and within the Mystic Mysteries, we weave magic into the everyday, embracing the sacred in all its shadows and light. Today, as Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, I’m opening my heart to share a raw, personal reflection on living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This is more than a diagnosis—it’s a dance with anxiety, a testament to resilience, and a journey of reclaiming control. My hope is to illuminate what OCD feels like, dispel misconceptions, and honor the strength it’s taught me, especially as we approach Mother’s Day, a time that stirs deep emotions for many of us. Let’s step into this cauldron of awareness together. 

The Architect’s Gift: A Strength Woven in Order  

Living with OCD is like being an architect of my own soul, crafting order from the chaos that threatens to unravel me. The disorder manifests in compulsions—counting steps with precision, checking locks until my fingers ache, ensuring everything has its proper place, and the relentless need to clean my space until it’s tidy, organized, and pristine. These rituals offer a fleeting sense of control, a high where the world feels safe and predictable, like a spell cast to ward off disaster. This structure has become a strength, a tool I’ve learned to wield with intention, grounding me when life’s storms rage.  

This gift of order allows me to see patterns others might miss, a mystical lens that turns chaos into a canvas of meaning. One alter might revel in the rhythm of sweeping the floor, transforming it into a meditative chant, while another finds solace in aligning objects with the precision of a sacred grid. It’s a resilience born from necessity, honed by years of navigating an inner world that demands perfection, and it deepens my connection to the earth’s own rhythms—like the lessons I’ve felt sitting on a river tree’s roots.  

The Shadows: Struggles of Exhaustion and Panic  

Yet this gift casts long shadows. The downs are a spiral of panic when chaos creeps in—a sock misplaced, a door unchecked—and my body and mind scream that catastrophe looms. The exhaustion is bone-deep, a weight that never lets me truly sit and be present. I’m trapped in a cycle of cleaning and ordering, leaving me drained, my spirit yearning for rest it can’t find. After my son was born, this intensified, the need for control surging as I feared for his safety, turning every spill into a threat, every untidy corner into a battleground. The compulsions grew fiercer, a shield against the vulnerability of motherhood.  

OCD was one of the last disorders I was diagnosed with, a shock that hit hard. Media paints it as a germ-obsessed stereotype, so I didn’t recognize myself in it. But OCD is an anxiety that births compulsions to relieve it—mine manifest as cleaning and order, rooted in years of my mother using these acts as control, abuse, and punishment. I still carry the memory of my nose breaking after she chased me down stairs into a closet for not folding socks fast enough—a wound that shaped my need for perfection. This trauma etched a belief that disorder invites disaster, a belief I’m still unraveling. 

The Quiet Rituals: A Subtle Unraveling 

Discovering my OCD was a slow awakening, not a sudden revelation. It hid beneath the surface, masked by my other struggles, until a therapist named it. The rituals weren’t always dramatic—sometimes just a twitch of counting under my breath or a compulsive glance at the lock. If you didn’t live with me, you might miss the shift, the way my hands move to straighten a pillow or my eyes scan for dust. It took time, introspection, and the gentle nudge of loved ones to see it for what it was—a silent spell cast by anxiety.  

This subtlety makes it hard to explain, especially when the world expects OCD to look like hand-washing marathons. But it’s real, a quiet storm that demands respect, and understanding it has been a journey of peeling back layers to meet the anxiety beneath.  

Embracing the Magic of Order 

Living with OCD is a sacred pilgrimage. The compulsions, once tyrants, are now threads in the tapestry of who I am, and learning to honor them with compassion is an act of self-love. I’m not broken; I’m a weaver of structure, turning anxiety into a tool for growth. Through DBT, I’ve learned to pause, to breathe into the panic, to use mindfulness to observe without obeying every urge. A ritual of sitting by a forest stream [from your nature post] helps me release the need for control, letting nature’s chaos soothe my soul.  

To those reading, I invite you to see OCD not as a flaw, but as a unique magic—a strength in disguise. Ask questions, listen with an open heart, and meet this part of me with curiosity. If you walk this path too, know your order is a power, a gift to wield with grace.

Six DBT Skills to Support Yourself if You Suspect You Have OCD 

If you’re beginning to suspect OCD, the journey of understanding can feel both sacred and overwhelming. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers tools to ground, regulate, and approach your compulsions with kindness. These six DBT skills, infused with gentle magic, can guide you (Note: Seek a professional diagnosis and therapy for clarity and care)

1. Mindfulness: Observe Without Judgment

Notice your urges to count or clean without acting on them. Sit quietly, like by a river’s edge, and breathe, asking, “What am I feeling?” Journal the thoughts to track patterns, building awareness without fear.  

2. Distress Tolerance: TIPP Skill 

When panic spikes, use TIPP (Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, Progressive relaxation). Splash cold water on your face or stretch to ground yourself, connecting to earth’s stability.  

3. Emotion Regulation: Opposite Action  

If anxiety pushes you to check locks again, choose to walk away instead. This shifts the energy, countering the compulsion’s grip.  

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: DEAR MAN  

Share your struggles with loved ones using DEAR MAN (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate). Say, “I need help with my checking—can you support me by not asking me to redo it?”  

5. Wise Mind: Balance Emotion and Logic  

Blend your fear (e.g., “Chaos will hurt me”) with reason (e.g., “I’m safe now”). Journal, “What does my wise self need?” to find peace amidst the urge.  

6. Self-Soothing: Create a Comfort Kit 

Build a kit with a smooth stone, lavender scent, or soft fabric. When compulsions rise, use these to calm your senses, inviting clarity like a forest meditation.

These are seeds of self-compassion—nurture them daily with a therapist’s guidance

Supporting Someone You Think May Have OCD: Tips for Loved Ones 

If you suspect a loved one has OCD, your support can be a lantern in their dark. Here are five tips, rooted in Cauldron Clarity’s ( weekly event inside The Mystic Mysteries ) open spirit:

1. Approach with Curiosity, Not Judgment 

Ask gently, “I’ve noticed you check things a lot—can you tell me about it?” Avoid dismissing it as “quirky,” honoring its depth.  

2. Be Patient with Rituals

If they need to reorder or clean, wait without rushing them. Offer, “Take your time—I’m here,” building trust.  

3. Learn Their Triggers  

If they share what sparks compulsions (e.g., a messy space), note it. Say, “I’ll help keep things tidy—let me know what works,” showing respect.  

4. Create a Calm Environment  

Reduce clutter or noise to ease their anxiety. Suggest, “Let’s sit by the window for peace,” echoing nature’s grounding.  

5. Encourage Professional Help Without Pressure  

Frame it as care: “A therapist might offer tools for this—want me to look into one?” Support their pace, like guiding a spell’s flow.  

Your love can be a shield—educate yourself via resources like the International OCD Foundation (iocdf.org) and stay present.  

My OCD Journey: From Tyranny to Transformation  

My life has been a tapestry of trauma, with OCD as one of its latest threads, diagnosed after years of battling other storms. It shocked me—media’s germ-obsessed image didn’t fit, but the truth hit hard: OCD is anxiety driving compulsions, mine born from my mother’s abuse. Her cleaning as punishment, like the broken nose from a sock-folding chase, wired me to fear chaos. After my son’s birth, it worsened, my need for control a fortress against vulnerability. The exhaustion was relentless, stealing presence, until DBT became my guide.  

Through mindfulness and opposite action, I’ve turned OCD into an ally. The ups—control, structure—now fuel my magic, like crafting orderly spells, while the downs—panic, fatigue—teach me surrender. This shift deepens my empathy, connecting me to others’ struggles, a truth that our shadows are part of our power. 

Acknowledging the Ongoing Journey

Healing is a spiral, not a straight line. OCD ebbs and flows, some days demanding rituals, others offering peace. I falter, but I ride the waves with DBT, using nature’s chaos to soothe my need for order. This acceptance transforms the struggle into a dance with my shadow—a lifelong spell cast with love. 

Expanding on Mental Illness This Month 

This month, we’ll explore OCD, alongside Bipolar II, BPD, BED, and DID, sharing stories, DBT skills, and magical practices. Each week, I’ll dive into one illness, offering insights and community space. Join me on this path—your voice matters.  

Final Thoughts  

As Mental Health Awareness Month blooms, let’s honor our minds—order and chaos alike. This is a cauldron of possibility, where awareness fuels empowerment. Dive deeper with Cauldron Clarity on Patreon, and explore the Embrace Your Shadow Self program starting June 7—details at Modgepodgemystic.com. Let’s weave this magic together. 

Join the sacred circle inside The Mystic Mysteries
About Me

I am Kayreign, the Divine Oracle of the Gods and Keeper of Mysteries, a solitary grey magic practitioner with over 15 years of experience walking the sacred paths of the unseen. As a mystic and relentless seeker of all knowledge, I weave together the threads of every magical tradition—light and dark, ancient and modern—to uncover the universal truths that bind us to the cosmos. My mission is to restore and re-enchant magic in this realm, igniting its spark in every soul I encounter, and guiding you to embrace the full spectrum of your being.

My work is rooted in the power of duality, honoring the dance between shadow and light as equal partners in your spiritual journey. I hold space for you to explore all magic paths and practices, drawing from the vast tapestry of mystical wisdom to help you uncover your unique magic and sacred contracts. As the Divine Oracle of the Gods, I channel divine insights to illuminate your path; as the Keeper of Mysteries, I guide you into the depths of the unknown, where true transformation awaits.

When you work with me, you’ll learn to live in energetic balance, embracing your darkness as a source of power, not just a stepping stone to the light. I’ll hold up a mirror to reflect your authentic self—unmasked, raw, and whole—inviting you to face your past wounds, traumas, and hurts with courage. Together, we’ll alchemize every chapter of your story, dark and light, into a blazing internal flame that lights your way on even the coldest nights. Through this process, you’ll find alignment with your purpose, release what holds you back, and step fully into your power.

Come join me for community, knowledge, and to restore the enchantment of magic in yourself and life today!

Shop Now!

Explore my offerings—personalized shadow work sessions, womb healing, eBooks for self-guided growth, Tarot readings for divine guidance, and more—in my shop. Let’s journey together into the mysteries, where duality becomes your greatest ally, and magic becomes your birthright.

Modgepodgemystic.com

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Dancing with Shadows: Healing from a Narcissistic Mother as Mother’s Day Looms

Beloved Seekers of the Mystic Mysteries. As Kayreign, Oracle of the Gods, Keeper of Mysteries, I stand before you under Taurus’s grounding stars, my heart a cauldron of light and shadow, ready to share a raw, honest truth. Mother’s Day, cloaked in May’s tender blooms, is a sacred celebration of nurturing love for many—but for some of us, it’s a jagged mirror reflecting wounds that never fully heal. Not all mothers cradle, cherish, or guide. Some, like my own, wield selfishness, hurt, and chaos, leaving daughters to navigate a labyrinth of pain. As Beltane’s fires (May 1) still flicker and Mental Health Awareness Month calls us to radical self-care, I invite you to join me in this mystical, magical, and unfiltered reflection on living with a narcissistic mother—my story, my scars, and the alchemical path to healing through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and radical acceptance. For those who ache as Mother’s Day looms, this is for you. Let’s weave a spell of resilience together, and I’ll share six DBT practices and a cord-cutting ritual to guide you through the shadows.

A Daughter’s Solitary Dance

I was my mother’s first child, born to her as a teenage mother, a spark of life she wasn’t ready to cradle. From my earliest memories (at the age of 10), our bond was a frayed thread, never woven into warmth or acceptance. There were no moments of closeness, no shared laughter, no gentle guidance. Every “I love you” came with a cost—a demand, a manipulation, a weight I learned to carry like a stone in my heart. Her help, when offered, was a tangled web of strings, each favor a debt I’d pay in loyalty or silence. Her love was a currency I could never earn, no matter how desperately I tried.

As a daughter, I longed for her to see me, to want me, to choose me. But her narcissism—a storm of self-absorption—left no room for my light. Every slap, every punch, every venomous word carved itself into my soul. “You ruined my life,” she’d hiss, her insults a blade slicing through my budding self-worth. The mental abuse was relentless: gaslighting that made me doubt my reality, silent treatments that left me starving for her approval, and lies that twisted my truth. The verbal abuse was a daily ritual, her words like thorns embedding in my spirit. And the physical abuse—her hands striking my body—taught me early that love could hurt.

But the trauma ran deeper than bruises. When I was a teenager, my mother set my home ablaze, an act of rage that sent her to prison and left me sifting through ashes, both literal and emotional. When my stepfather beat me, she didn’t protect me—she sent me to juvenile detention, blaming me for his violence. On my wedding day, a moment meant for joy, she declared she wouldn’t attend because it wasn’t “Christian enough,” only to appear uninvited, draped in a white dress, stealing the spotlight with her defiance. These are but the tip of the iceberg, fragments of a lifetime of betrayal, abandonment, and chaos. Each wound shaped me, whispering that I was unlovable, unworthy, unseen.

The Daughter’s Burden

Growing up as the daughter of a narcissistic mother is like wandering a forest where every tree casts a shadow of doubt. Daughters, especially, bear a unique burden. We’re taught to seek our mother’s mirror—to find our beauty, strength, and identity in her gaze. But when that mirror is cracked, reflecting only her needs, we internalize her rejection. I learned to shrink, to silence my voice, to tiptoe around her moods. My confidence eroded, replaced by a gnawing fear that I’d never be enough. My relationships suffered, as I sought love that mirrored her conditional affection, falling into patterns of people-pleasing and self-sacrifice.

The impact lingers like a spell cast long ago. Anxiety became my shadow, whispering her insults in quiet moments. Trust felt like a gamble, as I braced for betrayal. My sense of self was a puzzle with missing pieces, scattered by her chaos. Yet, beneath the pain, a spark of resilience flickered—a knowing that I was more than her narrative, a daughter of the multiverse, destined to heal.

The Alchemy of Radical Acceptance

In my darkest moments, I found Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a beacon of mindfulness and balance that mirrored my grey magic practice—honoring both light and shadow. DBT taught me radical acceptance, the art of embracing what is, without judgment, even when it’s unjust. I can’t change my mother’s actions—her fists, her fire, her words. I don’t know what wounds shaped her, what shadows drove her to hurt me. But I accept that these things happened, and though they were never okay, they no longer define me.

Radical acceptance was my first spell of liberation. It didn’t erase the pain but gave me permission to stop fighting it. I learned to hold my trauma with compassion, to see myself as a survivor, not a victim. Through DBT’s tools—mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance—I began to rebuild. I meditated under starlit skies, grounding in Taurus’s earth, and found my Wise Mind, a sacred space where I could grieve and grow. I journaled, letting my pain flow onto pages, and discovered my voice. I practiced self-soothing, cradling my inner child with the love my mother couldn’t give. This alchemy transformed my wounds into wisdom, my scars into sigils of strength.

6 DBT Practices for Mother’s Day Healing

Mother’s Day can feel like a storm for those of us with narcissistic mothers, but DBT offers tools to navigate its waves. Here are six practices to help you honor yourself this May 11, rooted in mindfulness and self-compassion, perfect for Mental Health Awareness Month:

1. Mindfulness Meditation (5 Minutes): Sit in a quiet space, holding a rose quartz . Breathe deeply, focusing on your breath’s rhythm. When painful memories arise, acknowledge them without judgment—“I see you, pain”—and return to your breath. This grounds you in the present, easing anxiety.  

2. Wise Mind Journaling: Write a letter to your inner child, affirming her worth: “You are enough, always.” Ask your Wise Mind, “What do I need today?” Let the answers guide your self-care, whether it’s rest, creativity, or solitude. This fosters self-love, countering your mother’s rejection.  

3. Distress Tolerance – Self-Soothing: Create a sensory kit: a lavender sachet, a soft blanket, calming music. When Mother’s Day triggers pain, engage your senses—smell the lavender, wrap yourself in the blanket. This soothes your nervous system, offering the comfort your mother didn’t.  

4. Emotional Regulation – Opposite Action: If sadness urges you to isolate, choose connection instead. Call a trusted friend or join my Patreon community (patreon.com/TheMysticMysteries). Sharing your story, even briefly, shifts the energy, reminding you you’re not alone.  

5. Radical Acceptance Affirmation: Stand before a mirror, holding a carnelian for courage. Say: “I accept what happened, and it wasn’t my fault. I release its hold on me.” Repeat three times, feeling the words anchor in your heart. This frees you from guilt and shame.  If you wan to dive into the skill radical acceptance more get access to this in my free sneak peak of the Clarity Cauldron here.

6. Interpersonal Effectiveness – Boundary Setting: If your mother is still in your life, practice saying no to her demands. Script a boundary: “I can’t attend this event, but I wish you well.” Rehearse it, feeling your power. This protects your energy, honoring your needs.  

These practices are spells of self-reclamation, weaving resilience into your spirit. Try one or all this Mother’s Day, and share your journey in my Patreon comments to connect with our circle.

Cord-Cutting Ceremonial Ritual: Releasing the Narcissistic Mother

To fully release the energetic ties binding you to a narcissistic mother, this cord-cutting ritual, infused with Beltane’s transformative fire and Taurus’s grounding strength, is a sacred act of liberation. Perform it under the crescent moon or on Mother’s Day for potency.

What You’ll Need:  

  • Black candle (for banishing, from MysticMysteries.com/shop)  
  • Rose quartz (for self-love)  
  • Obsidian(for protection)  
  • White ribbon or string (symbolizing the cord)  
  • Fire-safe bowl  
  • Matches or lighter  
  • Journal and pen  

Steps:

1. Prepare Your sacred container: Find a quiet spot. Ground yourself with three deep breaths, visualizing roots sinking into Gaia’s earth. Place the black candle in the center, rose quartz to the left, obsidian to the right, and the ribbon before you.  

2. Set Your Intention: Light the black candle, saying: “By Beltane’s fire and lunar light, I release all ties that bind me to my mother’s pain. I am free, whole, and loved.”  

3. Visualize the Cord: Hold the ribbon, imagining it as an energetic cord connecting you to your mother. See it pulsing with her words, actions, and wounds. Feel its weight, but know you’re ready to let go.  

4. Cut the Cord: Tie the ribbon loosely around your wrist, then cut it with scissors, saying: “I sever this cord with love for myself. Her pain is not mine. I am free.” Place the cut pieces in the fire-safe bowl.  

5. Burn and Release: Safely light the ribbon pieces in the bowl, watching them burn. As they turn to ash, visualize the cord dissolving into starlight, returning to the multiverse. Say: “I release you with compassion. I claim my power.”  

6.Nurture Your Heart: Hold the rose quartz to your heart, breathing in self-love. Visualize a pink light enveloping you, healing old wounds. Place the obsidian in your pocket for protection.  

7. Journal and Ground: Write: “What do I reclaim by releasing this cord?” Let your soul’s truth flow. Extinguish the candle, thanking the elements. Bury the ashes in the earth or scatter them in running water to complete the release.  

Aftercare: Rest, hydrate, and treat yourself to a soothing bath with lavender. Reflect on your strength, knowing you’ve reclaimed your light.

A Path Forward

Living with a narcissistic mother is a journey through shadow, but it’s also a path to profound resilience. As Mother’s Day approaches, I honor the daughter I was—unseen, yet unbroken—and the woman I’ve become, a mystic weaving light from pain. Through DBT, radical acceptance, and rituals like cord-cutting, I’ve learned to mother myself, to cradle my own heart with the love I deserved. You, too, are a daughter of the multiverse, worthy of healing, worthy of peace.

Join me in this sacred work. My Healing the Mother Wound Workshop has limited spots available for May 10th;  Register here!

Join the sacred circle inside The Mystic Mysteries

I am Kayreign, the Divine Oracle of the Gods and Keeper of Mysteries, a solitary grey magic practitioner with over 15 years of experience walking the sacred paths of the unseen. As a mystic and relentless seeker of all knowledge, I weave together the threads of every magical tradition—light and dark, ancient and modern—to uncover the universal truths that bind us to the cosmos. My mission is to restore and re-enchant magic in this realm, igniting its spark in every soul I encounter, and guiding you to embrace the full spectrum of your being.

My work is rooted in the power of duality, honoring the dance between shadow and light as equal partners in your spiritual journey. I hold space for you to explore all magic paths and practices, drawing from the vast tapestry of mystical wisdom to help you uncover your unique magic and sacred contracts. As the Divine Oracle of the Gods, I channel divine insights to illuminate your path; as the Keeper of Mysteries, I guide you into the depths of the unknown, where true transformation awaits.

When you work with me, you’ll learn to live in energetic balance, embracing your darkness as a source of power, not just a stepping stone to the light. I’ll hold up a mirror to reflect your authentic self—unmasked, raw, and whole—inviting you to face your past wounds, traumas, and hurts with courage. Together, we’ll alchemize every chapter of your story, dark and light, into a blazing internal flame that lights your way on even the coldest nights. Through this process, you’ll find alignment with your purpose, release what holds you back, and step fully into your power.

Come join me for community, knowledge, and to restore the enchantment of magic in yourself and life today!

Shop Now!

Explore my offerings—personalized shadow work sessions, womb healing, eBooks for self-guided growth, Tarot readings for divine guidance, and more—in my shop. Let’s journey together into the mysteries, where duality becomes your greatest ally, and magic becomes your birthright.

Modgepodgemystic.com

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 May is Mental Health Awareness Month: A Journey Through Healing, Awareness, and Empowerment

Welcome, dear seekers, to a month of profound reflection and transformation. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking the silence around mental illness, honoring those who live with it, and supporting the loved ones who stand by their side. As a grey witch who has navigated the shadowed depths of my own mind, I’ve come to see this month as a sacred invitation—a chance to weave magic into healing, to shed light on the unseen struggles, and to empower ourselves and each other. In this word journey, we’ll explore the history of this observance, its vital importance, what it means to those with mental illness and their loved ones, different therapy options, resources for seeking help, six simple DBT tips to start improving your mental health today, my personal story of living with multiple mental illnesses, and a preview of how we’ll dive deeper this month. Let’s step into this cauldron of awareness together.

The History of Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month traces its roots back to 1949, when Mental Health America (MHA), founded by Clifford Beers in 1909, first launched a week-long campaign to educate the public about mental health. Beers, a former mental health patient himself, wrote *A Mind That Found Itself* after his own traumatic experiences in psychiatric institutions, sparking a movement to reform treatment and reduce stigma. This initial effort evolved over decades, with the American Psychiatric Association joining in 1950 to expand its reach. By 1990, MHA extended the campaign to a full month, designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month to align with the blooming of spring—a symbol of renewal and hope.  

The movement gained momentum with the green ribbon, adopted in 1990 as a universal symbol of mental health awareness, reflecting growth and vitality. Over the years, key milestones like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) joining the effort in the 2000s and the 2013 launch of the “B4Stage4” campaign—focusing on early intervention—have shaped its mission. Today, Mental Health Awareness Month is a global phenomenon, supported by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), which reports that 1 in 4 people worldwide will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. This history reminds us that awareness is not just a trend—it’s a legacy of resilience built by those who dared to speak out, a legacy we continue to honor and expand. 

Why Mental Health Awareness Month Matters 

Mental Health Awareness Month is crucial because it shines a light on a crisis that affects millions yet remains shrouded in shame. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 52.9 million adults in the U.S. experienced a mental illness in 2023, yet only about 47% received treatment. This gap highlights the stigma that still lingers—whispers of weakness, judgments of “just get over it”—that keeps people silent. This month challenges those narratives, urging us to see mental health as an integral part of overall well-being, not a separate burden.  

It’s also a call to action. With rising stressors—political unrest, economic instability, and the ongoing aftermath of global crises—mental health challenges are escalating. The WHO notes a 25% increase in anxiety and depression globally since 2020, a statistic that resonates deeply in a country where policies like Trump’s $5,000 baby bonus threaten women’s lives and reproductive rights, adding layers of trauma for many. Mental Health Awareness Month pushes for policy changes, funding for mental health services, and community support, ensuring no one is left to navigate this alone. It’s a reminder that mental health is a human right, not a privilege, and that collective action can shift the tide.  

What It Means to Those with Mental Illness 

For those living with mental illness, May is a beacon of validation. It’s a month where your struggles—whether it’s the relentless cycles of bipolar disorder, the emotional storms of borderline personality disorder, or the quiet chaos of dissociative identity disorder—are seen, heard, and honored. It means you’re not defined by your diagnosis but by your courage to keep going. This month offers a space to share stories, connect with others who understand, and find resources to cope. For me, as someone who has lived with multiple mental illnesses, it’s a time to breathe easier, knowing the world is pausing to acknowledge what I’ve carried in silence for so long. It’s a celebration of survival, a recognition that our minds, though complex, are part of our unique magic.  

What It Means to Loved Ones of Those with Mental Illness  

For the families, friends, and partners of those with mental illness, May is a lifeline. It acknowledges the exhaustion of watching a loved one suffer, the helplessness of not knowing how to help, and the strength it takes to stay supportive. It offers education—understanding that anxiety isn’t “just stress” or depression isn’t “laziness”—and tools to provide compassionate care. Loved ones often carry their own grief, guilt, or frustration, and this month validates their role as allies. It’s a chance to learn boundaries, seek support groups, and join in advocacy, turning love into action. As someone who’s leaned on my community during my darkest days, I know how vital this support is—and how this month can strengthen those bonds.  

Types of Therapy for Mental Health  

Navigating mental illness can feel like wandering a labyrinth, but therapy offers a guide. Here are some options to explore:  

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing negative thought patterns. It’s evidence-based, helping with anxiety, depression, and OCD by challenging distorted thinking.  
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): My personal savior, DBT blends mindfulness with skills like emotional regulation and distress tolerance. It’s ideal for BPD, bipolar disorder, and complex trauma, teaching practical tools to live with intensity.  
  • Psychodynamic Therapy: Dives into unconscious patterns from past experiences. It’s great for exploring deep-seated issues like those tied to DID or childhood trauma.  
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Targets trauma by processing distressing memories with guided eye movements. It’s effective for PTSD and can support fragmented realities like DID.  
  • Family Therapy: Involves loved ones to improve communication and support. It’s helpful for families navigating the impact of mental illness together.  
  • Art or Music Therapy: Uses creative expression to process emotions. Perfect for those who find words hard, it’s a magical outlet for binge eating or emotional overwhelm.  

Each therapy offers a unique path, and the right one depends on your needs. Consulting a licensed therapist can help you find your fit—don’t hesitate to ask for what works for you.  

Resources for Seeking Help  

If you or someone you love needs support, you’re not alone. Here are some resources to start with:  

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Visit nami.org for helplines (1-800-950-NAMI), support groups, and educational materials.  
  • Mental Health America (MHA): Check mentalhealthamerica.net for screening tools, local resources, and a crisis text line (text MHA to 741741).  
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Call 1-800-662-HELP or visit samhsagov for treatment locators and 24/7 assistance.  
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support anytime.  
  • Therapist Directories: Websites like Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com) let you search for therapists by specialty and location.  
  • Online Support: Platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace offer virtual therapy, accessible for those with mobility or financial barriers.
  • Download an Ai therapy bot: There are a lot of apps now with AI chat bots that can be useful to use as well like Wysa anxiety chat bot

These resources are lifelines—reach out without shame. Healing begins with a single step, and help is there when you’re ready.

Six Simple DBT Tips to Improve Your Mental Health Now  

As someone transformed by DBT, I’ve distilled six simple tips you can start today to nurture your mental health, rooted in its practical wisdom:  

1. Practice One-Mindfulness: Focus fully on one task at a time (e.g., sipping tea). This calms racing thoughts, a gift for OCD’s anxiety.  

2. Use Opposite Action: If sadness urges you to isolate, reach out to a friend instead. This builds positive emotions, countering depression.  Learn more about this skill inside the patreon exclusive cauldron clarity here.

3. Try Self-Soothing: Engage your senses—hold a soft blanket or listen to nature sounds. It grounds you, easing BPD’s intensity.  Learn ways to self soother yourself in my Patreon exclusive post here.

4. Accumulate Positive Emotions: Do one small, enjoyable act (e.g., watch a funny video). This creates a buffer against bipolar lows.  

5. Practice Radical Acceptance: Acknowledge a hard reality (e.g., “This policy hurts me”) without fighting it. It frees energy for action, supporting DID’s fragmented state.  Dive into the healing of this skill inside the cauldron clarity community for FREE here.

6. Check the Facts: Challenge anxious thoughts (e.g., “Am I really in danger?”). This reduces OCD’s crippling need for order.  This skill is my savior every single day. Learn how to use this skill inside the cauldron clarity community here.

These tips are small spells of self-care—start with one, and watch your resilience grow.  

 My Mental Health Journey: From Trauma to Transformation  

My life has been a tapestry woven with trauma, each thread a lesson in navigating the wild landscape of multiple mental illnesses. From childhood to now, I’ve moved from one storm to the next, learning to dance with the chaos rather than be consumed by it. DBT has been my guide, turning my struggles into allies, and I want to share that journey with you. 

  • Bipolar II: The ups and downs are extreme—days of hypomanic energy where I create endlessly, crashing into deep, gray depressions where getting out of bed feels impossible. It’s a rollercoaster of mood swings that once defined my worth, but now I see it as a source of creative fire and reflective depth.  
  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): The intensity of reality hits like a tidal wave—emotions so raw they blur the line between me and the world. Relationships were a minefield of fear of abandonment, but now I channel that passion into deep connections and empathy.  
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): The crippling anxiety demands order—counting steps, checking locks, everything having to be in it’s proper place at all times, the constant need to clean my space making it tidy, organized and clean—leaving me exhausted. Never allowing me to truly sit down and be present in the moment. The ups are a sense of control; the downs are panic when chaos creeps in. It’s taught me the strength of structure, now a tool rather than a tyrant.  
  • Binge Eating Disorder (BED): My relationship with food is complicated—bingeing as comfort, then guilt as punishment leading to restricting myself from eating anything for days at a time. The highs are fleeting satisfaction; the lows are shame. I’ve learned to see it as a signal of emotional needs, guiding me toward balance.  
  • Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): The fragmented reality—switching perspectives, losing time—once felt like a betrayal of self. The ups are a rich inner world; the downs are disorientation. It’s now a multifaceted lens, offering unique insights into life’s mysteries. Do you want more insight to what it’s like living as a prism of beings with multiple personalities? Read about my experience here.

For years, these conditions controlled me, defining my identity as broken. I let trauma—abuse, loss, near-death during pregnancy—dictate my narrative. But DBT changed that. Through skills like mindfulness and radical acceptance, I’ve reframed my illnesses as allies. They’re not curses but strengths, allowing me to experience reality through a unique, multifaceted lens. This shift has deepened my energetic connection to others, filling me with empathy and revealing a bigger truth—that our struggles are part of our magic. 

Acknowledging the Ongoing Journey  

I want to be honest: I’m still a work in progress. Healing comes in waves, not a straight line. These mental illnesses can’t be cured—they’re forever part of me, ebbing and flowing with life’s tides. Some days, the anxiety spikes, or the dissociation takes hold, and I falter. But I’ve learned to ride those waves, using DBT to anchor myself. This acceptance doesn’t erase the struggle; it transforms it into a dance with my shadow, a rhythm of growth. It’s a reminder that healing is a lifelong spell, cast with patience and grace.

Expanding on Mental Illness This Month  

All month, I’ll expand on each of these mental illnesses—Bipolar II, BPD, OCD, BED, and DID—sharing my story and offering ways you can support yourself or loved ones. We’ll explore rituals, DBT skills, and magical practices to navigate these conditions, turning challenges into sources of power. Each week, I’ll dive into one illness, providing insights, coping strategies, and community discussions. Join me on this journey—your experiences are welcome, and together, we’ll weave a tapestry of healing.  

Final Thoughts  

As we embrace Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s honor our minds—their shadows and their light. This month is a cauldron of possibility, where awareness becomes action, and healing becomes magic. If you’re ready to dive deeper into this work, I invite you to join Cauldron Clarity, an exclusive weekly event inside my Patreon community, where we explore mental health, mysticism, and resilience with exclusive content. Sign up today to connect with our tribe. I’m also hosting the Healing Mother Wound Event on May 10, a virtual ritual to release generational pain, and the Embrace Your Shadow Self 6 month program starting June 7th, where we’ll transform our inner darkness into strength. Visit here for details and let’s walk this path together.

Join my sacred circle today!
About Me

I am Kayreign, the Divine Oracle of the Gods and Keeper of Mysteries, a solitary grey magic practitioner with over 15 years of experience walking the sacred paths of the unseen. As a mystic and relentless seeker of all knowledge, I weave together the threads of every magical tradition—light and dark, ancient and modern—to uncover the universal truths that bind us to the cosmos. My mission is to restore and re-enchant magic in this realm, igniting its spark in every soul I encounter, and guiding you to embrace the full spectrum of your being.

My work is rooted in the power of duality, honoring the dance between shadow and light as equal partners in your spiritual journey. I hold space for you to explore all magic paths and practices, drawing from the vast tapestry of mystical wisdom to help you uncover your unique magic and sacred contracts. As the Divine Oracle of the Gods, I channel divine insights to illuminate your path; as the Keeper of Mysteries, I guide you into the depths of the unknown, where true transformation awaits.

When you work with me, you’ll learn to live in energetic balance, embracing your darkness as a source of power, not just a stepping stone to the light. I’ll hold up a mirror to reflect your authentic self—unmasked, raw, and whole—inviting you to face your past wounds, traumas, and hurts with courage. Together, we’ll alchemize every chapter of your story, dark and light, into a blazing internal flame that lights your way on even the coldest nights. Through this process, you’ll find alignment with your purpose, release what holds you back, and step fully into your power.

Come join us inside the sacred circle! The temple gates are open to unlock the mysteries of the unseen and ancient wisdom for our modern souls!

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Explore my offerings—personalized shadow work sessions, womb healing, eBooks for self-guided growth, Tarot readings for divine guidance, and more—in my shop. Let’s journey together into the mysteries, where duality becomes your greatest ally, and magic becomes your birthright.

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I am not my mental illnesses, they don’t define who I am AND because, I live with them they do shape my reality

May is mental health awareness month. For many this points a spotlight on mental health and mental illnesses when they may not always think about it and they seek to learn more. While for others it may be a month to focus on improving mental health, healing, and using skills to create a life worth living while living with mental illnesses. Even yet, this month could be the push someone needed to seek help, treatment, or to go and get a diagnosis for the first time.

For myself it becomes a month focused on reflecting on how balanced I currently am, to check in with how well I am using mental health skills and techniques to maintain a healthy mental state, and to really look at my own personal relationship with my mental health and mental illnesses. While reflecting and really looking at my mental health and my relationship currently with mental illnesses this month was a little different for me than in past years because, I wanted to write about it. I have written and rewritten this post so many times this month because during my reflection process my answer would change. I would write an open letter about the illnesses I live with ( OCD, PTSD, Bipolar, BPD, and a few more) and it just wouldn’t feel whole. I would pick my favorite DBT skills to talk about this month and it wouldn’t feel like enough for bringing awareness.

So, I kept waiting, reflecting and rewriting and after a interpersonal conflict which put me in a really unbalanced and depressed state of mind. Where some things were said that were hurtful had pushed me to think about myself, my reactions, and if my view on reality were causing imbalance and unhappiness in my life. Which lead me to really think about the topic I landed on for this blogpost. The fact that I am not my mental illnesses, they don’t define who I am AND because I live with them they do shape my reality and how I experience the world.

I often forget that my mental illnesses don’t define me. I work so hard to try to raise awareness of these illnesses and how they affect your brain chemistry and makeup. I focus so much on wanting people to understand that these illnesses are not just in your head, they are real and they affect your brain chemistry and makeup. That at times I feel I almost let them become my whole identity unintentionally.

I also forget this when I start to struggle. I start to sink into the unwanted parts of my mental illnesses and I begin to believe that’s who I am and all the negative stigmas that are attached to them. When I feel overwhelmed by my symptoms, I try to remind myself that my illnesses are not me. I have to remind myself that my mental illnesses don’t disqualify me from being a mother, and that they can’t stop me from doing anything. I than remind others of the same thing once I am back to believing it, because sadly not everyone in my life agrees with this. Some believe that just having a mental illness means I shouldn’t even be mother.

While all the above is true and I work really hard to do my best to remember that and to remind others. The other half of this is recognizing that although they do not define me and who I am, my mental illnesses do shape my reality, how I experience the world, and how I interact with others. Some of the mental illnesses I have can never be “cured” and some I can’t be medicated for either. Though I can develop a healthy lifestyle based on therapeutic skills to help live a much more happy, balanced and stable life with them. They will always be apart of my life and my reality.

So, what does that mean and why does it matter? For myself I live with bipolar disorder and BPD which can cause some ping ponging on my feelings, thoughts, reactions, and even at times my beliefs. On top of that you through the extreme anxiety that comes with OCD and triggers from PTSD. This undoubtedly means my perception of reality will be affected by these things in ways others may not have to experience. On top of that it will affect how I interact with others and even with myself. This means I can’t allow myself to believe so deeply that I am not defined by my mental illnesses that I completely forget how they affect my perception and my place in this world. That I unintentionally put myself into denial of their existence and allow myself to not maintain healthy mental health and let my mental illnesses affect myself and my life in unwanted ways. This also means that when I interact with others I have to remember they may not be experiencing reality from my perception. And I ask others to do the same with me.

Whether you chose to read this because you live your life with mental illnesses or you have those in your life you love who do or simply to gain some insight and awareness. The main things I really want you to take from are the following. Living with a mental illness doesn’t define you. It doesn’t dictate who you are, who you can become or what you can accomplish. It may look a little different or you have to go a different path to get there but, they don’t dictate that at all. They don’t disqualify you from any part of a happy, thriving life you dream of. All you have to do is find the skills THAT HELP YOU achieve that. AND; still remember that you do live with them. They will affect your day to day life, how you view reality through perception and how you interact with and perceive others. Don’t allow yourself to forget that and neglect your mental health hygiene and skills and lead to unwanted effects resonating throughout the areas of your life.

Mental Health Awareness Resources
Please note that all of these resources are available at any time of day or night and are all free of charge. If you are struggling or know someone who is, please do not hesitate to reach out. These hotlines are there for the very specific purpose of helping you.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be connected to a trained crisis counselor who will treat you with respect and listen to you. They can help you identify options in your area.
If texting seems more your speed, you can text NAMI to741-741. This will connect you to a trained crisis counselor. They are available 24/7.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available 24/7. You can reach them at 800-799-SAFE (7233). Victims of domestic violence often suffer from depression and anxiety.
Victims of sexual assault often struggle with fear, depression, anger, and anxiety. You can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673).

Favorite Sites For Mental Health Awareness
There are many great websites that focus on mental health awareness. The following are highly recommended.

National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
Harvard Medical School – Has great pages focused on mental health issues
Mental Health America
National Institute of Mental Health
Active Minds – specializes in teens and young adults
Project Semicolon – dedicated to suicide prevention

If you or a loved one are struggling with any type of mental health concern, please reach out to a professional who can offer support, advice, and direction. You are not alone. Millions of other people are facing similar struggles. And millions have faced them and come through the other side wiser, stronger, and healthier. Take the time and effort this May to educated yourself and become more aware of the mental health issues in your range of influence and experience. You never know how or where you can make a difference.

The last thing I will leave you with are some mental health statistics to remind how relevant this is to each one of us!

The following statistics were found at the National Alliance on Mental Health website.

  • 1 in five American adults will experience a mental illness
  • Nearly 1 in 25 Americans live with a serious mental illness
  • 18% of American adults live with an anxiety disorder
  • Almost 7% of American adults live with major depression
  • Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
  • Depression costs the U.S. $193 billion in lost earnings every year.
  • Suicide rates in the U.S. have risen 25% in the last 20 years
  • 20% of American youth (ages 13-18) have a mental health condition
  • Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in American youth ages 10-24. It is the 10th leading cause of death for Americans overall.
  • The average delay between onset of mental health symptoms and treatment is 10 years
  • Almost 60% of American adults with a mental illness did not receive treatment in the last year.
  • Minorities are much less likely to receive treatment for mental illness