On overcoming a dark mental health chapter in life
This is a contribution post and a CauseAChatter Story by Smita Saksena
The first time I told someone that I have mental health issues, the person responded skeptically,
“You can’t be serious, kidding, na?”
“I don’t see you weak in any way?”
“Don’t even try to trick me by playing the victim card here.”
The other time I told someone, they immediately told me,
“You are such a weak person, just few circumstances and failures, and you feel mentally ill? You should know how to handle it all by yourself.”
I was made to feel that mental illness was my fault/failure
I was often made to feel that my emotional behaviour was my fault/personal failure. And that I didn’t try hard enough to overcome it, either. Furthermore, because I assumed my vision would adapt to life, I didn’t think about my options at all, but mostly exaggerated how much pain I was in, just looking for sympathy.
The journey was longer than usual
It immediately became clear that this was going to be a long journey for me. The psychological instability has not disappeared. It stayed there with me, and I waited to find out how I would handle it all without any support?
One of the most important tools was figuring out step by step how to count my blessings.
I stopped hanging on, hoping for a big miracle or victory. All things considered, I began with naming a few of my blessings with appreciation and gratitude. And that’s why I wanted to share my experience so that maybe it can help someone and that no one has to go through what I went through.
Behaviour of other people made me question my worth
I had no idea why people thought that if I wasn’t mentally well, it was absolutely my fault.
My “disappointment” in my search for a practical and joyful life had eluded the natural, spiritual, and sociological variables that enhance psychological well-being.
All in all, it seemed to come back to haunt me, and an obvious lack of faith held me back.
For a while, the other person’s behaviour made me question my existence— and convinced me that my psychological adjustment wasn’t even accurate or genuine.
Finally, I stopped blaming myself
Like few other people, I found it impossible to make progress in my recovery until I stopped blaming myself for my condition and started seeking proper help. However, this seems difficult to do when almost everyone is convinced that you are doing something wrong.
Why people don’t seek help
And if you think about the reasons’ people who have mental health issues don’t seek treatment, it’s because the judgmental nature of society. Society has misconceptions that people with mental health issues don’t try enough or don’t want to get better, amongst numerous other misconceptions that stem from lack of knowledge around mental health.
In my opinion, this is a deception designed to prevent us from entering a legitimate framework of reasoning and to maintain a destroyed framework that does not serve us adequately or graciously.
Life is unpredictable
If I really have to tell you, the journey is really long and difficult. No matter how much time we invest in planning and preparation, life is so unpredictable.
Perhaps you too are in an unexpected situation and feel overwhelmed by life circumstances that you never plan for.
So, whether you’re living in it, barely getting out of it, or moving to the unconventional, there are a few things you need to create and maintain to get you through.
I also tried to be a seeker of the smallest things that I was grateful for. I tried to acknowledge and remember my happiness.
Almost all great stories begin with a problem
Believe me, the curve of all great stories begins with a problem, builds to a crescendo of tension as anticipation builds, and — as if with an extraordinary exhalation — settles into the deep fulfilment at the end. Really, it happens when you experience it with faith in your heart and harmony as a priority.
Thriving in vulnerable conditions is possible
Do you believe that individuals can thrive in conditions of vulnerability?
I have encountered it myself. Even so, it may not feel like we are thriving every second we go through our unwanted circumstances. Whatever we choose to focus on becomes an opportunity.
You may try few simple tips; baby steps always motivate and help:
- Start practicing gratitude.
- Think about what is most important to you right now (it should be your health and well-being as a priority).
- Eliminate distractions, stay away from toxic people and pessimism. Say yes only to what adds value to your life.
- Tune your heart to receive positive vibes, inspirational tones and love.
- Keep the faith alive. Find something you believe in and hold on to it.
Do you know how to survive in the midst of unexpected circumstances such as mental health issues? Please share your thoughts on this, as your experience might help someone already battling with mental health issues.
If you were inspired reading this CauseAChatter story and have one to share too, reach out to us here.
Smita Saksena is a blogger, author of four books and mother to a lovely girl. She likes to compose stories, quotes, poetries and blogs on various niche and mostly prefers to advocate for psychological wellness issues and women empowerment. She has worked with renowned online platforms like Momspresso, Women’s Web, Blogchatter, Pratilipi and many more. Additionally, her work got published in Newspapers like Rajasthan Patrika and Gyan Savera and in Magzine like Vanita. Smita is creative mind behind “Roots And Wings By Smita” – her blissful spot to offer her viewpoints.
