I had planned on a different heavy topic today, but some things have come up in two of my favorite fandoms that have basically destroyed me today.
I’m not planning on naming and shaming any communities or members of said communities. I’m not going into detail. I just need to really vent today.
Ever since quarantine really started for me, I’ve noticed I’ve spent so much time on social media in an effort to feel like I was involved in something. I followed a bunch of social media people in the fandoms I have been a part of for years. I got heavily involved in anything I could.
But for the last several weeks, I’ve been feeling my anxiety getting worse. I really felt almost tapped out. I was having massive issues with feeling like I am behind and missing important things and stressing myself to the point of feeling sick.
So I made the decision to basically step away from pretty much every fandom I’m involved in (minus The Old Guard, because I’ve found some amazing people in that community who have been helping me without knowing it while everything else has breaking down). I stopped following a ridiculous amount of Youtube channels, Instagram and Twitter accounts, heck even some old Tumblr accounts. In a way, it’s almost a new beginning for me.
This is something that you have the right to do. You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. Stepping away for your mental health is absolutely allowed. When I started unfollowing accounts, it almost felt like a weight was being lifted off of my shoulders. It’s totally allowed and good and worth every bit of it.
At this point, all of my accounts are basically following my personal friends, some Disney accounts, some (but only a few) book accounts), and a bunch of Old Guard people. I feel so much better.
Like I said, I had a different post planned for today. But I think I needed to take a step back. Leaving fandoms is actually hard (like shutting the door on family sometimes) but it is necessary.
Take care of yourselves. You’re more important.
Until next time!