Reflections from Jon Red on mental health, personal growth, recovery, setbacks and finding a way forward. Browse the latest posts below.
Progress is rarely a straight line
Three reflections from Jon Red on goals, setbacks and writing honestly.
When slowing down becomes necessary
Three honest reflections from Jon Red on exhaustion, rest and making space for what matters.
Breaking
This time I’ve been stretched to my absolute limit. In April/May, I had the opportunity to take breaks whenever I needed despite the relentless workload and deadlines. This time, I’m on my final practical teaching experience, so I need to be prepared and present five days a week. Everything was looking okay in the run-up.…
Ma / Ama
The last few months have been rough for the family. My mother-in-law got sick and passed away from cancer. It’s hit me harder than I was expecting. Cancer is brutal. We didn’t know each other that well, but she was always kind to me. That’s what really counts in life – how you treat others.…
When your body says slow down
Three honest reflections on rest, overload and making space for what matters.
Raw
Nothing left to give.Overstretched.Darkness.Pain. Dissociation.Collapse.Decompensation.One more day.One more light.
Slow progress still counts
Three reflections on progress, pressure and writing honestly.
Ghosts
This post deals with sensitive topics including trauma and suice. If you’re affected by these issues, seek professional help as soon as possible. There are people who want to help you, but healing needs time and appropriate guidance. As my body remembers and the fragments return piece by piece, life gets progressively harder. I still…
ER
None of the experience I describe below is advice. Despite the experience I describe, if you are experiencing mental health issues you should absolutely seek professional help that suits your needs. In an emergency, go to the ER, preferably with someone you trust who cares about you. Recently, I found myself in the Emergency Room…
Recovering
The events described in this post took place in the lead-up to and during a recent mental health crisis. This is a reflection on that time – it is not intended as mental health advice. This post talks about trauma and suicidal ideation. If you are affected by these or similar issues, please seek professional…
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Follow the journey
New reflections from Jon Red, delivered occasionally. No spam—just honest writing about progress, setbacks and finding a way forward.
