Embracing My Mental Health Journey: A Path to Healing and Self-Discovery
My mental health journey has been a complex and worthwhile experience. Like many, I have faced challenges that have tested my resilience and strength (and patience). Through self-reflection and seeking support, I have learned valuable lessons about the importance of self-care and understanding the symptoms that I experience with Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.
Healing from mental illness is a multifaceted process that requires patience, compassion, and perseverance. These are qualities that take a lot of time to develop. I’ve been in therapy for quite some time, and I still find myself falling back on unhelpful habits and destructive thought patterns. It helps to recognize that not everybody is against me, and so, I hope that if you struggle too, you’ll want to keep reading to gain insight on how to overcome your battle.
It’s Okay not to be Okay
We all struggle with mental health symptoms from time to time, especially in high demand positions; but, when your thought patterns and behaviors become so difficult to manage that you start to suffer, daily, that is when it becomes a disorder. Just like how we all need to pee a few times a day – but if you find yourself peeing 40 times in a day, you definitely have an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
A Disorder Isn’t “Temporary” in the Way You Think
A disorder is not just a feeling, or a mindset, or something you can just “get better” from with vitamins or prayers.
A disorder changes the way you think, feel, and even interpret the world around you. It changes how you process information, which information gets stored in your memory, and how you engage with the life you have.
A disorder affects all aspects of your life: self-care, relationships, career or education, interests, motivation, and even the ability to imagine the future. It’s not just those couple moments where you’re sad for a few days, and then you feel better. Or when you just bought a new car and you’re obsessed with it for a few days, and then it feels normal.
A Mental Health Disorder is a Chronic Condition
If you find yourself struggling in your day to day, it’s okay to ask for help even if you don’t feel comfortable doing it. Even if people see you as a go-getter, ask those around you for support when you think of it. And for the other side of the coin – if you’re noticing someone is experiencing periodic mental health symptoms like isolation, getting “sick” often, or even engaging in self-medication, reach out and offer support.
You never know who may need it. And you never know when you will either.
Supports Available for Mental Health
Mental health disorders have a variety of different management methods for the long-term like medication, therapy, coaching, support groups, and other forms of social support. Taking a leave of absence from work or school may be beneficial if you have access to the support systems you need to take that time.
If you lack available support systems, check your local government! Many townships have resources for those in crisis states. At the least, discuss with your administrators or employers your concerns and try to negotiate a less stressful workload, options for sponsored therapy, or taking paid sick leave if you’re able.
While you can treat symptoms of a mental health disorder, because many are chronic and have began to develop as early as childhood, the chemical makeup of the disorder itself still remains even though it can be managed long-term. Ongoing treatment is crucial to having freedom from mental illness.
It can take a long time to figure out a combination of methods that work for you, so it is especially important to listen to professionals.
At the very least, take some time to yourself to do some self care.
My Go-to Self Care Methods
Self-care is not just a luxury; it is a fundamental aspect of maintaining our overall well-being. In our fast-paced, often stressful lives, taking time for ourselves has become essential. Engaging in self-care allows us to recharge, reconnect with our inner selves, and cultivate a healthier mindset.
Focusing on What Matters
Each day I try to take time to do something I enjoy, like working on this blog, or creating content, or scheming pet-related business ideas. Animals are my special interest, and it makes me happy to engage with it on my terms.
On top of that, I’ve been using a whole lot of apps to track my symptoms, maintain consistency in my routines, and actually follow through with my plans. Things like this are difficult for me to innately keep track of, as I have ADHD with depression. But with these tools I’m able to actually *see* where my struggles are, what my strengths are, and what could be better to be able to take real action.
Exploring and Defining My Core Values
What does this mean? I’ll tell you.
Core values are something you shape your life around. It breaks into five categories: Creativity, Healthy Relationships, Mental Wellness, Self-Worth, and Growth.
Creativity: The value that influences your creative outlets, it is what drives your inspiration.
Healthy Relationships: Your ability to not only start new relationships, but maintain healthy relationships with those around you through thoughtful actions.
Mental Wellness: This value determines your ability to take care of your mind through outlets that keep you calm and reduce worry.
Self-Worth: All of the actions and thoughts that influence your self-esteem, self-image, and self-love.
Growth: The desire to grow as an individual through learning new skills and techniques to enrich your own life.
By exploring these different values and trying different things that improve my ability to make mindful decisions, I have taken steps to reclaim my life from mental illness. Every day I try to think of things to aim for throughout the week or even throughout the month that reflects who I really am, and not just what I’m expected to be.
It DOES Get Better!!!
By prioritizing self-care and exploring my core values, I have cultivated a healthier relationship with myself and others. As I move forward, I recognize that healing is not linear, and it is essential to approach each day with patience and grace.
Ultimately, this journey is about more than just overcoming obstacles; it is about discovering who I am at my core and living authentically. I hope that by sharing my experiences, others may feel inspired to embark on their own journeys towards healing and self-discovery. Together, we can create a community of support, understanding, and shared growth.
As always, if you’re willing to support me, check out our Tip Jar! It’s not required, but it is appreciated. Otherwise, feel free to keep reading My Experience, My Goals, or Why I Started This Blog.
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