How Contemporary Saved My Life| Mental Health Update

[@JesReadsBooks]

please do not watch this video if you've been struggling with thoughts of suicide. I was very honest with how I was feeling in this video and I don't want to hurt someone with my words.

[@morgiescorner]

Jes Reads Books thank you so much for this. I struggle with Harm OCD and live in Ohio as well. Things have been dark lately for me and have been struggling as well and this was almost refreshing to me because I haven’t been able to relate to someone on this ever. So thank you ❤️

[@morgiescorner]

Also- definitely message me if you want. I’d love to be friends if that’s a thing you’re interested in. I just feel like I’ve experienced someone living with what I experience.

[@GBunnyG]

I don't think it's possible for me to love you more than I do. Like, honestly, I can't fit any more love in there, my whole entire shriveled walnut of a heart will explode. I suspected when you first started talking about contemporaries that you were in a bad head space. Especially the soft and floofy contemporaries. I truly wish all of them worked for me like that. The ones that do really, really work. So I love Christina Lauren and that entire lot of authors for saving your mind and soul. ❤❤ I am a fixer. I am not a good fixer, I am clumsy and run pell mell tumble bumble into situations when my friends are sad. I'm like a puppy in that awkward stage where their legs are too long for their body and they want to run and kiss you but they slide on the linoleum and end up knocking you and the dining room table over in the process. That's me. I'll be the first to admit I don't know how to stop a thought spiral, or the right things to say when someone doesn't want to be alive anymore. But I never stop trying. I once frantically messaged 30+ people for an online friend's phone number and called to tell her I was the voice of God saying Satan and I had chatted and she wasn't allowed to die yet. She didn't even know what to do with me. But some months later I got to hug her on a trip to Arkansas and that's all that mattered to me. I don't care what you need, if you have a need, I'm here. Want funny memes? On it. Want goofy animal pictures? Want animals dressed as other animals? Affirmation quotes? Snarky quotes? Phone sex work stories? Want me to sing to you? (You don't want that.) You are very important to me. I will voice of God you any day.

[@thomasswritingjourney]

I would be interested in any adult contemporary books that you have read and enjoyed. I never really knew about the genre until you mentioned it. I am super glad that you decided to keep your channel. Your voice and presence is soothing 👍I've been through a divorce and I go through anxiety issues all the time. Things will get better in time. Just know that you are loved by many people ❤

[@amymyers5999]

I'm so glad you're able to get help and take care of yourself! I work with kids with severe emotional disturbances, and it's hard to see them struggle, and unable to have the kind of insight that you do.

[@DashaTalks]

I’m sorry you feel that way. You’ve got too much on your plate right now and it’s overwhelming. We are with you, we care about you and we fully support your decisions! You are a great creature and I believe it’ll get better, you seriously needed that vacation, it was a good decision! I also wanted to share with you a blog of a person who inspires me so much lately - Sorelle Amore, have you heard about her? She has a podcast, a KZbin channel and Instagram - she is a traveler but she likes discussing some stuff like self acceptance for example, and it really makes me feel better. I don’t know. I just want to do something nice for you and I thought that maybe her podcasts or some of her videos will also help you feel better. Anyway, don’t let bad days win. Lots of love ❤️

[@juliae.8237]

After the birth of one of my children I suffered from postpartum depression and the Twilight series is what saved me. I just sat and read them them straight through four times before I felt better completely. I know people bash that series all the time, but I swear it saved my life. I am glad you figured out another skill to help you and I completely agree that what you read can definitely affect your mood. I hope this video finds the people who it could help. Thank you for sharing your life experiences. God luck on your job interview!

[@hoatadecarti]

i'm so glad that there are still people like you that have the courage to speak up ♡ i think everyone feels like they are a horrible person once in a while... and i'm not saying it to deny your need of feeling like that or whatever, i hope you understand, but rather to try and help you feel like you're not alone, cause you are not. stay strong ♡

[@leadinglady]

Thank you for sharing your story. I have never struggled with OCD, but depression is something I deal with daily. I have books I go to when I am feeling really down as well, so thank you for sharing the books that helped you! I've definitely been in that place of wanting to literally just vanish, so I can completely relate with you on that. I am so glad these books were available for you and that I was able to find your channel.

[@CaughtBetweenPages]

I couldn't watch this when it first aired because I was in... a bad place mentally. But I'm doing better now and watching this was like taking a weight off my chest. My harm OCD isn't as bad as my contamination OCD but it's Not Great, and I never considered that the violence in fantasy could be exacerbating it. Thank you for this video, both for your honesty and for opening my eyes to the fact that my escapism, reading, might be doing me more harm than good. Time to give those contemporaries a try it seems! Seriously. Thank you, Jes. You're valid as fuck and your honesty and transparency -- while it's not a thing you owe us by any means! -- is so valuable. Thank you for reminding me I'm not alone, and that things DO get better

[@KristynRene.]

I’ve started reading adult contemporary after starting (for the first time ever) anxiety medication. I struggled with depression and anxiety for years and I’m definitely an escapist reader. I relate to this video so much. Here to support you.

[@CarolMarieReads]

I’m so glad you found something that gave you comfort! I totally understand having to switch things up for your mental health. I hope you’re having a nice break from work and are getting the break you need! Sending you strength and love!

[@anna.francesca]

Thank you for sharing Jes. I think it helps so much. It has helped me. I was feeling some suicidal thoughts due to my health recently, nothing I’d act upon but they were there. Books are the medicine and escapism that I gravitate towards and I think when people share these moments it just allows others to believe it will be ok. 💙

[@FourPawsandaBook]

I love you Jes!! Thank you for being so open and honest with your mental health journey. Always here for you!! ❤️❤️

[@abibliophobe2731]

Thank you for sharing. I suffer with OCD and I struggle with harm OCD as well. I've been lucky to not have a flair up for a while. I hope you enjoy your vacation.

[@sceggy60]

I'm so so glad that contemporaries were able to do that for you and that you're feeling a bit better now ❤ I love your channel so much! I used to have pretty bad OCD and Anxiety but video games were thankfully the thing that helped pull me out of it!

[@DroTalks]

I am happy that you are bouncing back, life is rough; but you are rougher and are showing life what’s up🤓👍🏽

[@nocturnus009]

I'm hopeful this is therapeutic for you. I was happy to see you where posting contemporary. I did not know the reason until now. I am sure that change of genre will help your critical eye when returning to the other genres serves you. Every word you share of your journey will help someone. Your bravery & empathy are a superpower & a gift.

[@katnaps127]

Thank you for making this. I've been struggling alot lately and knowing I'm not alone is always a great reminder. Thank you

[@MariasJournal__]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I am currently in a state where I need to read something easy to uplift me and your video convinced me. I would love recommendations of a few favorites! 🙏🏼

[@readingandrum]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I, for one, am very happy you kept your channel. Your videos are so cozy and personal and i really enjoy getting the privilege to sit down amd be invited to your life for a few minutes. I hope your staycation is everything you wish it to be! I also struggle with those thoughts, and though i dont know if its ocd related or not because im not diagnosed with it, i understand how isolating it can feel. Im rooting for you and your good health! 💜💙

[@ajourneytobooks4519]

I thought this was going to be a different video and I'm glad it was something I wasn't expecting. I never know what to do to help or how because I never know how to help myself 😅. I just wanted to let you know that you are loved and appreciated for everything you do. Thank you for posting this. It really helped me and just made me rethink my thought process because I have those days and they suck. Love you and thank you again for this video.

[@arobinreads]

I love and support you Jes! I totally get and got your switch to reading contemporary. I thought you had probably a rough time. I'm also reading contemporary a lot when I'm feeling down, I get that. I also get your feeling of hopelesness and despair. I have the same feeling a lot. Like, you don't want to end your life, but you just don't want the situation your in at the moment. Hope you feel better now. Lots of love

[@readacrossthestars]

Thank you for this video you wonderful amazing incredible human being. I needed this. I relate so hard on needing contemporary novels to keep me afloat when I feel like I’m at the absolute bottom. I would love to talk to more at a time that’s not triggering for you🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@sandragenrejunkies]

Your content means a lot to me. I’m really thankful you do what you do 💜

[@Ktjane82]

I just wanted to say that you are amazing. I only recently found booktube and your videos were some of the first I watched. I have never been diagnosed with anything (mostly because the idea of sharing my feelings with anyone scares me to death) but some of what you said I really related to as I have had similar feelings especially about the world being better without me, no one would miss me etc. I would love to try some contemporary fiction and am interested to hear your recommendations.

[@kelseynorth8259]

Enjoy your time off from work!❤

[@bentehviidrasmussen7964]

Phew - you are very brave to be so honest but loved your video ❤️

[@melissamartin9132]

I just love you! I wish we lived closer together, I would love to be your real life friend!! I have several mental illnesses and OCD is one. I battled cancer last year and I had to fight with my doctors and family at times about just letting myself die. I had wonderful people in my llife pulling me through. The cancer community is truly a tribe. I still have suicidal thoughts and people can't understand it after I went through hell with cancer. It's nothing I can explain. I feel like I'm a burden and worthless. I'm homebound and don't know why I was born. I struggle extremely hard some days. I call my psych if it's too bad but I mostly fight it as hard as I can. I hate feeling like I'm nothing and everyone is better than me. Goodreads really bothers me as it's just one big competition at who can review better or do this and that better. I'm trying to get away from that and just have fun but it's hard. I hate all of the drama because life is more important than that!! Sorry I rambled on here. I just think you're great and you're not alone!! I wish I did live streaming, that would be fun. Please keep trying to do videoes! I love them so much and they make me extremely happy. Okay, I will shit up!! Sending you love 💕 Mel

[@angelaciani2110]

i just want to fucking hug you!!! i mean it when i say that you can always talk to me!!! have a nice vacation and take all the time you need 😘

[@DroTalks]

What is contemporary?

[@chelseawritesbooks8763]

EDIT: Found that the website is not a good source. Nevermind. There is a service that another KZbinr l I follow uses. It's kind of an online/text service with counselors, and I think they can take people without insurance. I don't know if you have ever looked into something like that. I'll try to find it.

[@vegangurly]

Chelsea Darling this has been disputed by multiple sources as being a problematic and unreliable source. The “counselors” often do not have proper credentials.

[@chelseawritesbooks8763]

@@vegangurly I didn't know, thank you for the info!!