What your wellness journey looks like can’t be compared to another’s. So, hang in there and celebrate your own successes.
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I’m sure you’ve had someone say to you, “Just snap out of it.” Or if not that one-liner, then something very similar to it. While we can do a lot to minimize the symptoms, for example, its pain doesn’t come with a shut-off valve.
Similarly, if you have found yourself saying some iteration of the above – please, stop doing it. Rarely is this going to be of any value to anyone with depression, for example.
Excluding a few sadists out there, most of your friends and family mean well, but lack the skills to help….That’s okay – that is, of course until it’s not. And that time is of course when they know better.
Regardless, understand that you are the one driving the bus. So, they might not get it. I can still guarantee you two things:
- There will be people who will “get it” and go that extra mile…. and
- Even your darkest moments will get lighter, pockets of joy will bubble to the surface, and you will eventually heal.
How to support someone with a mental illness
The secret? Hanging in there long enough for the rains and the mental aches and pains to subside. So, it may not feel like you will ever see normality again, and maybe you won’t. But…. you can! Don’t sit there and rot into the depressive episode; rather, make tiny moves towards victory….
For starters, you can listen to my audio blog, 5 ways to maximize your mental health HERE
Next, take incremental steps to rediscover your purpose. To further improve, you can let that purpose explode into a new passion. Trust me, this will be like ointment to an incurable wound, especially if you’re not working.
What I would like to point out here is that healing mentally is far different than, let’s say, healing from a cut. Mentally healing, for example, is far from linear and will only lead you to disappointment if that’s your expectation. Rather, the road to mental wellness is a continuum of sorts. So, hang in there.
Need help? Checkout our Mental Health Resources Page
So, some, for instance, will have a bout of diagnosable depression once in their lives, while others are treatment-resistant. If you’re one who has happened to be stricken with the former, your healing may have seemed straightforward. I sought therapy, took my meds, and made some lifestyle changes that helped.
While this is the case for many, others, however, have a longer road to travel. Nonetheless, it’s important to seek therapy, take medications, and make changes to improve your health.
For those of us who seem to be on the more treatment-resistant side of things, it won’t always feel like we are improving. However, as long as we keep moving forward, we are increasing our odds and, in some sense, we are improving.
Say you’ve committing to walking more. This, despite feeling like bed is the best place for you. Isn’t this a form of improvement? What’s more, if you keep moving, you will reap the benefits of your commitment.
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So, hang in there, friend – your healing journey is as unique as you are. Focus on the little things that you accomplish and celebrate every step of the way!
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