I wish I could say that my poor mental health doesn't affect my social life and relationships, but unfortunately, it does. Sometimes, my mental illness makes me unkind, and it's embarrassing to be the one always canceling plans, leaving texts unanswered, and occasionally lashing out at friends and family.

Living with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health challenge can make doing almost anything exceedingly difficult. Recently, we explored how to do things when anxiety and depression interfere, including setting a time limit for yourself, so you know you won't be trapped. Starting by promising yourself you'll try something for just five minutes can feel less daunting and intimidating. While this is true, the act of arriving somewhere and enduring those first few minutes can seem impossible and stop you in your tracks. Read on to discover four tips for surviving nearly anything for just five minutes.

Hard conversations are, well, hard. Maybe you are avoiding one by waiting for another person to initiate because you don't want to ruin your relationship. Maybe you are avoiding one by convincing yourself that there's nothing to talk about and that issues will magically melt away soon enough. Most of the time, unfortunately, this isn't true. Most of the time, you need to have a difficult conversation.

Depression and anxiety can really get in the way of life. For different reasons, both can prevent you from doing things you want or need to do. Whether depression has robbed you of energy and motivation (your very zest for life), or anxiety keeps you trapped in worries and worst-case scenarios, it can be extremely difficult to do anything. If you need to go places or dive into projects or tasks for work or school, but depression or anxiety are interfering, keep reading to discover tips for doing what you need to do in spite of these bothersome mental health challenges.

I don't like to feel lazy. I understand the importance of taking breaks for mental health reasons, but I tend to push it until the very last moment (read: until my body and mind force me to slow down). Contrary to what I wish were true, it's better to take breaks for mental health more often, even if you don't feel like you need them.

Dealing with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be difficult at any age, and it brings unique and especially irritating challenges when you're a young adult. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been dealing with it since childhood if you're suddenly feeling frustrated by ADHD symptoms and the way they're interfering in how you want to live your life, know that it's natural to feel this way and that you don't have to be forever ruled by ADHD. Here's a look at how ADHD specifically affects young adults and some tips that are different than what you might have seen before.

I've always had a complicated relationship with my body. I've carried this discomfort with me everywhere I've gone. I've been conscious of how my shirt fell across my stomach, critical of how my jeans fit after a meal. I've wanted my body to be different, so I could feel different. I've counted calories in secret, avoided looking in the mirror, and exercised obsessively. And when nothing changed, my hatred for my body increased. But I don't hate my body anymore. What happened? How did I get here?

Being in a relationship with someone, whether it's a romantic connection or a close friendship, can feel good and boost mental health. But can you have too much of a good thing? Is it wrong for someone to want to spend a lot of time with you, or is it just a sign of love or friendship? There is a line between enjoying time together and being possessive. Knowing that line can help you keep your relationships--and yourself--mentally healthy.

I don't deal well with uncertainty. I like to feel prepared. I like to expect a particular thing, and I like when that particular thing happens. I don't cope well with sudden changes in plans, and I don't remain calm when disaster strikes. The unknown is a major source of anxiety for me--often, my fear of the unexpected future is debilitating. I've been working on living with uncertainty, though, diving into the unknown with curiosity instead of anxiety. Read on for two of my favorite ideas for dealing with uncertainty.

The most important relationship you'll ever have is the relationship you have with yourself, so it's important to be true to yourself. Other people are important, of course, but you are the person you spend the most amount of time with. You are the person who deeply feels your ups and downs. You are the person who has the strongest insights and connections to your hopes, dreams, and passions. It is you who takes actions, even when those actions involve others, toward your mental health and wellbeing.