Written by JimboSmoothie

*DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT AN EXPERT. THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS SOMEONE WHO HAS GROWN UP IN A TOXIC HOUSEHOLD* 

We have all struggled with a time of our lives that seemed to hit rock bottom. We just want to lock our door, hide in our rooms, and scream "WHY?!" into our pillows because we just can't seem to take it anymore. 

This article is for those who seem to be in a consistent cycle of climbing a rocky slope, taking a breath of fresh air at the top, and being shoved off and sent tumbling down the other side, right back into the sharp rocks at the bottom to search for a new path up the next hill. A common reason for this cycle of the climb, breathe, fall is toxic environments. Maybe it's school. Maybe it's social media. Maybe it's your own household. Whichever environment you are caught in, it will undoubtedly affect your mental health in a negative way and often bring anxiety. How do you know if your mental health is beginning to go downhill? If your mental health is failing you will probably have excessive anxiety, be overly hostile and violent for no apparent reason, feel disconnected or withdrawn from normal activities, have excessive mood swings, have prolonged sadness or depression, or go through significant changes in eating/sleeping habits or personality. Your mental health is arguably more important than your physical health. 

Find out how you can keep your mind healthy and happy when you're trapped in a toxic environment in the next chapter!