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The Conversations We Avoid: How to Check In With Yourself When Life Hits the Fan

December 4, 202591

The Conversations We Avoid: How to Check In With Yourself When Life Hits the Fan

Let’s get one thing straight: You talk to yourself more than anyone else talks to you. So the real question is—how’s that conversation going?

Because when life gets messy (and it will), the way you communicate with yourself matters more than any motivational quote on your feed.

And no, I’m not talking about toxic positivity or yelling “I’m fine!” into the mirror like you’re auditioning for a breakdown.

This is about mental health check-ins—the kind that get under the hood, not just kick the tires.

We’re All Faking “Fine”

Let’s just admit it. Saying “I’m good” is the world’s most acceptable lie.

But behind closed doors? We’re running on fumes, second-guessing ourselves, stuck in cycles of overthinking, burnout, anxiety, or that lovely combo platter of all the above.

And in uncertain times—job changes, breakups, health scares, the general chaos of being a functioning adult—the noise gets louder. And scarier.

This is where checking in with yourself becomes non-negotiable.

What Does a Mental Health Check-In Actually Look Like?

Spoiler: It’s not just journaling your feelings in a leather-bound notebook (though you can if that’s your thing).

A true mental health check-in is a conversation with yourself. One where you’re honest. Maybe even a little uncomfortable. But real.

Try asking yourself:

  • What am I feeling right now—and can I name it without judgment?
  • Am I reacting, or am I responding?
  • What do I need that I’ve been ignoring?
  • Is the story in my head based on facts… or fear?
  • When’s the last time I actually felt joy or peace?

These aren’t rhetorical questions. They’re doorways to clarity. And sometimes? They’re red flags that you’re long overdue for support.

Talking to Yourself ≠ Doing It Alone

There’s a myth that if you’re “self-aware,” you should be able to figure it all out by yourself.

Yeah… no.

Being self-aware doesn’t mean you have all the answers. It means you’re aware enough to know when it’s time to ask for help.

Whether it’s therapy, coaching, or a guided mental health check-in, talking to someone who can help untangle the mess is a sign of strength—not weakness.

Think of it like calling in a mechanic when your car’s making that weird noise. You could keep driving. But why risk a full breakdown?

The Self-Talk Trap: Watch Your Language

The way you talk to yourself matters.

If your internal dialogue sounds like a drill sergeant crossed with a mean girl, we’ve got a problem.

“I should be over this.”
“Why am I like this?”
“Everyone else is handling it better.”
“I’m such a mess.”

That’s not tough love. That’s self-abandonment dressed up as motivation.

Try this instead:

  • Replace “What’s wrong with me?” with “What do I need right now?”
  • Swap “I’m failing” for “I’m learning through something hard.”
  • Ditch “I can’t handle this” and say “This is heavy—but I’m not carrying it alone.”

This isn’t just mindset fluff. It’s mental survival strategy.

Need a Sign? This Is It.

If you’ve been:

  • Struggling to stay focused
  • Snapping at people you love (or just ghosting everyone)
  • Constantly tired, even after sleep
  • Feeling “off” but can’t explain why
  • Going through something big and pretending you’re fine

…then yes, a mental health check-in is exactly what you need right now.

And no, it doesn’t have to be a lifetime commitment or cost a fortune.

Let’s Talk. For Real.

This isn’t a generic “book a call” pitch.

This is your permission slip to stop white-knuckling it through whatever you’re dealing with.

Whether you’re navigating burnout, anxiety, grief, or just a general case of “WTF is happening with my life,” I’m here to help you figure it out—without judgment, without pressure, and with the tools that actually work.

📞 Book your mental health check-in with me today
Text or WhatsApp: 212-390-1198
Let’s talk. For real.

Written by The Media King – Will Walker | @WNWalker

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