I have seen a few other bloggers do this (most notably RuthinRevolt & BeardedIgor) and I thought I would give it a try. Let’s see how it turns out:
“Dear Brain,
Hi. Remember me? I sometimes wonder if you do as, to me, you seem like a stranger. I don’t recognise you anymore so it would only make sense that you don’t recognise me.
I hope to help you remember with this letter, as I am getting pretty fed up with your attempts to ruin relationships, jobs, finances and my health. It needs to stop and it will benefit both of us, I promise. You will understand when you remember who I am.
I am the man who used to be more laid back than The Dude. Well, maybe that’s just, like, my opinion, man. Still, I was so laid back that I never let anything negative bother me. It was all water off a duck’s back. I just continued doing the things I loved and I had fun with life. Anything ringing a bell?
I am the man who used be happy with his life and relationships. Who rarely second guessed himself or over-thought about anything. Things were straight-forward and simple. Still nothing?
I am the man who used to have ambitions. Who wanted to work with his one true love: music. Who wanted to write and sell music, play on stage to adoring (lol) fans and tour the world. Who wanted to record other people’s music and help other people realise their potential. Who wanted to be a teacher. Anything at all yet?
I am the man who used to find the funny side of everything. Who would laugh at himself when he was being ridiculous and start over. Who would pounce on every opportunity to share that laughter and joy with his friends and family. You must be starting to see it now?
Maybe this one will jog your memory: I am the man who used to love with all of his heart. Who found joy in every situation. Who did everything he could to help the people he cares about feel better and succeed. Who loved himself and the things for which he stood.
The man I am describing is nowhere to be seen right now. Maybe once you remember him, you can help me find him again? Please? I can’t do this without your help.
What are we doing today then, Brain? The same thing we do every day: try to sabotage every aspect of my life? I hope not. “Try to take over the world” always had a better ring to it, in my opinion.
Let’s try to get along better. I will try to take better care of you but you need to take care of me too. There can’t be a disconnect, otherwise we will just continue to hurt each other.
I’m willing to try if you are.
Yours sincerely,
Duncan”
Well, that went a lot better than I expected. Thanks for reading.
Love and Peace
Tales of a Bearded Man 
I love this! It’s beautiful. It makes me realise how I’m lucky in one way with my mental illness – I’ve never been laid back, or confident, or anything like that so I don’t know what it’s like to lose that. I mean, nobody is lucky when it comes to mental illness, it’s horrible, but when there have always been parts of you not too far from the symptoms, it doesn’t come as as much of a shock. It must be so hard, and I think you did a perfect job of sharing that with your readers.
I hope you get back on track soon. That person is still in there, I’m sure. 🙂
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Thank you 🙂 when I wrote it, I had no idea anybody would be calling it beautiful so that genuinely made my day.
Yeah, that is the main thing that I struggle with when it comes to my deteriorating mental health: knowing that I never used to be like this. I’m sure I’ll be able to find myself again. In time.
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This was amazing. Keep strong and one day you’ll be you again. Never lose hope
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Thank you 🙂 I’m pushing on and hoping I can find myself again
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Wow, this is chillingly beautiful. Thank you for letting us in. Keep moving forward. I’m sure you’ll find yourself again.
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Wow. Chillingly beautiful. I’m amazed. Thank you so much!
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Love this! Yes, our brains can get us into trouble, I hope adressing it will help it remember.
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I was telling my brain off for being mean hahaha. Thank you 🙂
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Love this post. Affirming where you want to be is always a step forward.
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This was a stunning piece of writing. It’s so hard when you sort of disconnect from your brain and you’re not the person you used to be, but I think being open and honest and acknowledging it goes a long way.
Cordelia || cordeliamoor.squarespace.com
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Thank you so much! It really does help and I feel better for writing the letter.
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This is such an emotional post. I hope you one day get back to the old version of you. It’s the worst, arguing with your own brain x
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Thank you, I think I’m making progress. It really is the worst when your brain is fighting you x
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It is the hardest fight you’ll ever have. Glad to hear you’re making progress though x
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