Recognizing Me
When I saw myself as someone who suffers from depression, anxiety, and PTSD, I was trapped and powerless. This perspective made it difficult to see beyond the darkness of my struggles. It was tough to see anything beyond the bottom of a bottle. Everything was coloured by the lens of suffering, which limited my ability to seek help or find joy in life. The only time I felt like I was enjoying anything was when I was drunk, and in the end, I wasn't feeling much then either. Just numb and depressed.
However, shifting to "I live with" these conditions helped me reclaim my agency. It reminded me that while I might not have control over having these conditions, I do have control over how I manage and respond to them. This change empowered me to seek therapy, practice mindfulness, and build a support network.
Embracing Acceptance
Acceptance was a crucial part of this transition. Instead of fighting against my mental health conditions or denying their existence, I learned to accept them as part of my life. This acceptance wasn't about giving up or resigning to a life of struggle; it was about acknowledging reality and finding ways to coexist with my mental health challenges.
Acceptance, really is the key, I don't have to like something, but I do have to accept that "THAT" is the reality of my situation, and once I do that I can choose how I react to it.
Thanks for reading, stay tuned for next time where I'll delve into building resilience and finding joy.
A note about the author: Craig Field (me) is not a trained counsellor or therapist. I do try to offer advice based on my own personal experience; however, you should always talk to a medical practitioner or qualified therapist to come up with a tailored plan to help with your illness. My knowledge comes from my own personal, lived experience and that of witnessing people close to me navigating the mental health system.These blog posts are not intended to replace your doctor or psychologist.
Together we CAN make a difference!
If this post has brought up some difficult thoughts for you please seek help from your doctor or one of the services listed below. In an emergency dial 000.
13YARN 13 92 76
Blue Knot Helpline 1300 657 380
First Nations Support Line 1800 959 500
Headspace 1800 650 890
Mens Helpline 1300 789 978
Standby support after suicide 1300 727 247
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