Mental Health Rollercoaster: Why One Good Day Doesn’t Mean You Are Cured

Understanding the mental health roller coaster

Picture this: You’ve had a string of great days. You’re feeling productive, optimistic, maybe even confident that you’ve finally turned a corner. Then one morning, something feels off. Anxiety creeps in, or you’re just... off. You start spiraling, questioning why you feel this way when you were doing so well.

This is where it gets tricky—it's easy to let your mind wander down the rabbit hole of "why." Sometimes you can pinpoint a reason, like a small trigger. Other times, it’s unexplainable, and that’s the most frustrating part. For me, a common trigger is when my boyfriend comes home after a rough day. I used to immediately assume it was something I did wrong. Trauma has taught me to apologize for everything, even when there’s no need. I’m better now, but it’s a process.

Reminder: Don’t beat yourself up for feeling this way. It’s part of the journey.

Why those good days does not mean you're cured

A series of good days can give you a false sense of security, like you’ve reached the summit of a mountain. But healing isn’t a mountain—it’s a trail filled with ups and downs, rocky terrain, and switchbacks. That’s why I chose the name for this blog: Shifting Thru Chaos. It’s a reminder that progress doesn’t look like a straight line. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often chaotic.

Have you ever seen Star Trek: First Contact? There’s a moment when Data, who’s experiencing emotions for the first time, turns off his emotion chip. Captain Picard says, “I envy you.” Some days, I do too. I wish I could just switch off the emotions and keep going. But here’s the thing—our emotions make us human. They’re annoying sometimes, but without them, we’d be like emotionless androids.

Coping with the roller coaster

Coping isn’t about eliminating these off days; it’s about learning to ride them out. Healing is gradual. You may discover new triggers in unexpected places, especially in relationships or stressful situations. I’ve been with my boyfriend for almost four years, and I’m still finding things that trigger old trauma responses. It’s taken me time, but I’ve learned to acknowledge these feelings, talk them out when needed, and move forward.

Key Point: Awareness is the first step. Once you’re aware of your triggers, you can start working through them.

Here’s the reality: You’re not going to wake up one day and be “cured.” Healing is a process, like a rollercoaster ride. You can’t get off mid-ride, no matter how uncomfortable it gets. You have to buckle in, breathe, and remind yourself that you’ve survived every drop so far.

Self-Care Strategies for the Off Days

On those tough days, focus on self-care. It doesn’t have to be anything grand. For me, it might be taking a shower (even if it’s been a few days), pulling out a project like my diamond painting, or just going for a walk. It’s about doing something that soothes your mind and body, even if it’s just a tiny step forward.

Some ideas for self-care when you’re feeling off:

• Take a shower or a bath to reset your mind.
• Work on a hobby project, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
• Go outside for a walk or sit in nature for a bit.
• Write down your thoughts or journal about how you’re feeling.
• Talk to a friend or loved one, if you’re comfortable.

It’s okay to have days where you do the bare minimum. Just remember: You’re not failing. You’re managing.

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