If you’re suffering from a mental health condition, you’re among millions of others in this world. In fact, mental health and neurological disorders affect 450 million people around the world.
Your condition may feel isolating at times, but you’re far from alone.
That’s one reason why you shouldn’t let it control your life. In 2019, there’s no need to hide or feel ashamed. Everyone is struggling with something, and people are more open and honest about it than ever before.
So, if you’re struggling, reach out for help. And if you’re just trying to get through the day, consider these 6 reasons why mental illness doesn’t have to control your life.
- You have some control
If you’re struggling with something like depression or anxiety, you can’t exactly will it away. But you’re not powerless either. You have control over how you handle your depression. And you have choices. You can talk to someone in your life that you trust, enlist the help of a professional counselor or call a hotline. Today, there are even online resources that allow you to chat with a mental health counselor. Even just a little control can help you feel like you have power over your mental illness.
- You can live at your own pace
There are things we have to do, and then there’s everything else. You must show up to work or school every day. But if you’re feeling especially down, you may want to cancel lunch plans. It’s up to you to decide how much you can handle. And if you’re having a particularly bad day, you may be able to call in sick to work – as long as you don’t take advantage. Everyone needs a break sometimes, and this is especially true for anyone struggling with mental illness.
Just keep in mind that you probably want to keep cancellations as a last resort. Mental illnesses can easily lead to isolation, which can worsen the condition.
- It helps to be around people who love you
Mental illness can trick you into believing that you don’t need people. But the truth is that we all need someone. Humans weren’t meant to live in isolation. So if you’re going from day to day without checking in with the ones you love, it may be time for a change.
- People are more understanding than you may think
With one in four people struggling from a mental health disorder, this is a common problem. It’s not something to be embarrassed about. You can’t help your condition, and people are likely to understand. Depending on your condition, it’s probably wise to educate people on the common symptoms, so they understand your behavior better.
- We only have this one life
Regardless of your reason for changing your life, remember that we all only get this one. You can spend it hiding away or you can embrace all the things that make you who you are (mental illness included) and life it to the fullest. Every day that you spend in isolation is a missed opportunity to experience your own life. Forget about anyone else. You owe it to yourself to get out there and live.
Try to do something each week that gets you out of your comfort zone. Even if it’s just a walk through the park when you’re feeling like retreating to your bed. The more you fight your unhealthy urges, the easier it’ll become.
- There are treatments
If you feel like you’re really suffering as a result of your mental illness, talk to your doctor. There are many potential solutions, from medication to behavioral disorder treatment, that can help make your life easier. With the right treatment, it’ll be easier for you to regain control over your life and stop letting mental illness hold you back.
When you’re diagnosed with a mental illness, it may feel like your life is changing. In reality, it’s simply the first step towards living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Now that you have a diagnosis, you can start taking strides towards treatment and/or management to hep you get the most out of your life. Every day won’t be easy, but it’ll be worthwhile.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.