When Talk Has Value

Have you ever heard the old saying, deeds not words? Well, If not, it simply means that with any given problem, action is required in order to effect a positive outcome for any given problem. Therefore words are just that, words. But, there are instances when talk has value

Another saying comes to my mind as well; talk is cheap. But, is it really though? Sure, there are lots of ways that this statement can be true; for example, saying you will fix the car but yet, it remains broken in the yard; we all know, in this case, the car won’t fix itself, no matter how many times you say you will get it done.

With that said, can talk be considered action? In some instances, you bet ya. For example, cognitive behavioural therapy is often the gold standard in the treatment of mental disorders. Why? Well, in part because talking to a therapist works.

How Therapy helps you with your mental health

When talk has value

In fact, it’s so popular because it’s been shown to be an effective way to minimize psychiatric symptoms and as a result, it has allowed many people to win their lives back. So, yes talking can be considered a move towards making something better; that something is you. Making it better for yourself can help all your loved ones too.

Moreover, what is fundamental to talk therapy’s power is another element that can sometimes pose as the biggest obstacle in one’s efforts to get better; this necessary piece of the healing puzzle is courage.

Feeling all alone? Go to A New Dawn Podcast and listen to stories of others combating mental illness.

Courage is such an essential part of an action plan because, without it, nothing else gets done. Inaction due to fear and uncertainty can be a slippery slope and when one tries to deal with it on their own. it can be lonely and overwhelming,

of course, one doesn’t need courage if there isn’t something in life to fear for. We all know, when it comes to mental illness, one of the biggest producers of fear is Stigma. We all have fears, it’s natural however, we would not be here today as a human race if we didn’t more towards conquering them.

On an individual level, we can also follow the ways of our ancestors by allowing ourselves to be vulnerable; by overcoming the misconceptions of those around us and seeking out the help we need it. After all, fighting mental illness is all about survival. This is when talk has value.

Want to read more? checkout Didn’t See It coming.

The longer we wait, the worse we feel; therefore, it becomes more and more imperative that we open up and talk about the pervasive mental pain we are enduring. Remember, our ancestors took the risk because they were dealing with life or death. I can’t help but feel that this is true of those of us who suffer from mental illness too.

So, we must fight like hell to win the war that we didn’t ask for, that interrupted our lives and landed us in hell. Nonetheless, this has become our reality. Fight on my friends.

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Ironic Moment

Those Ironic Moments

Our lives are full of those ironic moments, Some funny, while others not so much. One aspect of my life that is full of irony is my never-ending battle with PTSD and depression; the two of the three mental illnesses that wreak the most havoc.

Because I have made it my mission to fight like hell for my health; with the primary goal being to live the best life with those I love. Admittedly, this process can have some ironic consequences.

Take this constant medication thing, I have had little success in administering any of them. It’s s quite something to put yourself through over and over, hoping for fewer side effects and more effectiveness.

Want to read more? check out: Path To Mental Healing

Sadly, this is not been my experience. As a matter of fact, the only help they have given me is a euphoric period when I first start a new regime. During the breaking in period, if you will, I feel great!

But, ironically, this great feeling is not real; and while it seems like its working, it’s merely my neurochemistry and the med getting acquainted. So far, that’s the only relief from the mental pain I have experienced.

Unfortunately, once they get to know one another, the feeling of freedom dwindles. As a consequence, my brain becomes complacent and the mental illness creeps in.

Want to hear about other’s mental health Journeys? Go to A New Dawn Podcast

What the ultimate form of irony is, is that the very act of trying new meds; to create a better life with family requires a temporary retreat. The euphoria I spoke of earlier also comes with a feeling of sedation. This manufactured exhaustion takes me out, puts me down and I miss a lot.

Those Ironic Moments

I am attempting to work off the theory of short term pain for long term gain but I have to say, it just seems long. Moreover, with this up and down motion, feeling good to severe depression and PTSD symptoms; is more of a torture than an improvement. It’s like being in tow different states of reality.

However, I remain undeterred and still up for the fight. My motivation for a mentally healthy mind will never be quelled. My loved ones are the guiding light through it all, the brain fog, the flashbacks and long sleepless nights. I know that one day, I will be able to hold my head up high with pride, knowing that I beat mental illness back to the degree that it can no longer rob me of time with my family. At the end of the day, it will be worth all those Ironic moments.

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Fake news for the Brain

Fake News For the Brain.

Mental illness is a hell of a thing to be stricken with. When in darker times, it fools you into thinking all kinds of things. Essentially, it’s fake news for the brain. So, I bet you’re wondering how our very own brains can be the source of and interior misinformation campaign?

Well, you may find it helpful to reflect on days when this misinformation monster is sleeping and you are feeling more like yourself. Have you ever noticed that when you feel well, you are much kinder to yourself? This is because the better you feel, the more in touch you are with your authentic self. In other words, it’s you doing the talking.

However, when you are overcome with PTSD, depression, anxiety or something similar, The fake news reporter starts telling untruths. Lies like “You’re not worthy” and “you are nothing but a burden”.

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What’s interesting to me is that we seem to be suspectable to its manipulation. Hearing, what is obviously its false claims long enough, we start to believe them as fact. Which no matter how many times our mental health conditions talk to us, it will always be wrong.

learn to differentiate the fake news that is propagated by your mental illness voice from that of your authentic self.

However, keeping this in mind does little to help one fight off the negative thoughts. What I suggest is that you make a list of all your authentic qualities when you are well; this way you can have some of your truth written in your own words, right in front of you when you need them most.

This pre-episode assessment is helpful because, despite what the inner demon says, you have actual facts to the contrary; all you have to do is accept them as just that, fact.

How to break yourself out of negative thinking.

  • Fake News For the Brain

learn to differentiate the fake news that is propagated.

As is true with most things, beating this fake news for the brain is easier said than done. Why? Well, I think it’s because it’s had to ditch that in which we have become accustomed. The good news? Is that we also have the power to take control of our guidance systems and make this lying voice smaller and smaller.

For example, mindfulness, once practiced enough can help bring you back to the here and now. Read about my experience with mindfulness here.

Other things including honest feedback. We are oftentimes unaware of our own behaviours, therefore, asking someone you trust can signal that you’re not yourself. Journalling can be a great way to get a sense of where you might be.

Overall, for me, the primary alarm bells for me come when I am spending more and more time in bed, low energy and isolation. It’s usually proceeded by this negative self talk. Often, I am able to fight it off simply because I know the signs. However, there are moments where all I can do is ride the wave until the storm passes.

Remember, at the end of the day, being in a darker place is what spawns these thoughts and are not a reflection of who you are. They are symptoms of your mental health condition. What defines you as a person is something that took years to shape. Are you really not a good person? Most of us who are ill are, in our hearts kind and caring, helpful and funny.

Feel like you’re all alone? A New Dawn Podcast has many real-life stories of people just like you.

So, learn to differentiate the fake news that is propagated by your mental illness voice from that of your authentic self; my prediction is that you will be able to be a more functional player in your life and as a result, will be well on your way; down the road to mental wellness.

Want to help make my book a reality? Donate here: GoFundMe

Contact: The Road To Mental Wellness

Jonathan Arenburg1 Comment