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
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.
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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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Contact: The Road To Mental Wellness
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.
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Contact: The Road To Mental Wellness
New Hope A New Medication
firstly, I had my psychologist’s appointment at the beginning of the week; read about it here; My Latest Session. Secondly, I found myself sitting across from my psychologist.
Despite seeing two people on my mental health team in one week, I made it through relatively unscathed; this, as many of my readers know, is normally hell on my mental well being.
What’s great about my latest experience going down the road to mental wellness is how seemingly productive it has been. Moreover, I can’t help but be grateful that it all just came together so nicely.
You may recall in an earlier blog post entitled Medication-At an Impasse where I discuss what was essentially the end of the road pharmaceutically. As sad as this may be, my psychiatrist agreed to keep seeing me and encouraged me to keep going to therapy.
It turns out that I am glad that I was able to keep booking with the psychiatrist because this week she provided me with a dash of hope.
As it turns out, there is one more drug that I can take. As a result, uncovered by their diligence, the psychiatrist laid out this option, its pros and cons and how to introduce it into my treatment plan.
Effectiveness of pharmacuital treatments for depression.
Although I am naturally hesitant to take yet another medication and endure its potential side effect; I am, however, elated. As a consequence, relief came flooding over me.
So, despite my hesitation; I agree and as the details are explained to me, I discover that it is for the treatment of depression. Hearing the words, “It’s for Depression”. After hearing that, it added to my sense of happiness and thus, providing me with new hope.
Moreover, I feel, for the first time in a very long time that I am going to beat this Anxiety, depression and PTSD. With that said, I will be happy if it puts me in the well-managed category.
What should be included in your wellness plan
So, what has my journey taught me thus far? Well, there are going to be moments of debilitation, feelings of heaviness and despair and even though can’t see an end, keep going. Nothing lasts forever, including depressive episodes, moments of anxiety and feeling of dread.
Perhaps the best advice I can give is this; if you have a treatment plan and the mental health professionals to help you, keep going and don’t let despair deter you from getting better. You can do this!
In closing let me just say this; if you are having a difficult time getting in to get the help you need, push for your right to get well. I have gone in and bugged them, I have fought or it because I understood that I was fighting for my life. Perhaps, like me, you can find new hope, a new medication.
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Contact: The Road To Mental Wellness
Jonathan Arenburg