There’s a difference you can feel on steady ground getting going again life. Remember that feeling, getting well and staying well is much like muscle memory, as you get there you get reacquainted with that familiar feeling of wings on your back, head held high, relieved to have gotten yourself out of the mess that managing mental health issues can make you feel like.

Just because you struggle doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you, many people are masking their problems with a straight face you never know what anyone is going through in life. You’re not alone, 2.4M views on Cloudflare are supporting you reading this blog right now. Never feel like you don’t belong. You’re a work in progress and so is this blog.

Try to focus on yourself, without worrying about what you look like it or if others can tell what’s going on for you in life. No one can read your mind. For instance I was once reminded that “no can hear your thoughts.” 

Be at peace with the fact you are doing your very best, and all that matters is that you don’t give up on yourself. Sometimes just listening is okay, a fly on the wall, you don’t always have to share. It’s okay to stay in your comfort zone, protecting your sense of privacy if that brings you more stability than do so. With Social Media nowadays we feel compelled to share, sometimes impulsively, but who doesn’t feel the need to share. Coping with our feelings puts us in uncharted territory thinking what will make things better. The first step is not keeping it to ourselves. At least someone is listening and in that moment you feel less alone in this and that’s okay. However don’t be afraid to share the good moments too, they add up. Always seek medical care if you’re struggling is always the healthiest outlet.

According to The National Institute of Mental Health “Worrying that other people can “tell” that something is wrong with your mental health is a very common experience driven by psychological patterns like the spotlight effect—where people vastly overestimate how much others notice or scrutinize them—and underlying social anxiety.” [1] Breathe and begin again just because you’ve been there doesn’t mean you need to stay there.

All that matters is you keep working on yourself no matter what anyone thinks of you, remind yourself that “Focusing on yourself instead of worrying about others’ opinions is a natural practice that helps ease anxiety and build mental resilience.” [2] For the most part sharing my challenges has given me more strength and confidence than had I not shared. Realizing as the days improved I grew unashamed of where I’ve been in life. Things get better have faith. Believe in yourself! If I can do it, so can you. 

We all go through this, you’re not alone, who doesn’t want to be thought well of, trust that no one is judging you or your health, 9 times out of 10, people pride themselves in the advice they have to give in life. There is truly a yin yang between those struggling and those wishing for you to get well again. We are all connected in some way, value yourself. Life’s all about balance. Focus on being your best positive self and so follows positive thoughts, and a return to a state of mind your prefer, comfortable again with yourself. 

References:

[1] Social Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to Know – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

[2] https://youtu.be/CMGVqhyQfoA?si=xmcGreLF2f108taI