Struggling with Your Mental Health

Introduction

Hello and welcome to another episode of Changing Minds. My name is Owen Fitzpatrick and today we’re diving into a topic that is deeply personal and ever so relevant: struggling with mental health. For 30 years, I have been winning the war in my head against thoughts of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal tendencies. This battle is constant, but it's critical to ensure that I'm thinking in the most useful way possible.

Understanding Mental Health Struggles

This episode is for anyone who feels overwhelmed by their emotions or by life's circumstances. Maybe you’ve had a major life change, or maybe it’s something like retiring or facing a breakup that has left you questioning your identity. Athletes, retirees, those who have lost someone, or anyone just feeling generally down—all of you are heard and seen.

First, it’s crucial to understand that you're not alone in facing these difficulties. In the middle of the night, when our demons visit us, it can feel like we are the only ones suffering. However, many people face similar challenges every day. Talking about your struggles can make them easier to handle, even though our culture often makes it seem like admitting to these feelings is a weakness.

My Personal Journey

I’ve had my battles too. Growing up, I dealt with severe depression. I felt lonely, lacked confidence, and even wrote suicide notes to my parents. I vividly remember a day at the age of 14 when I almost stepped in front of a truck. I was so close to ending it all, but something made me step back. Later that week, while writing another suicide note, an internal dialogue sparked within me. I began arguing with myself on paper. On one side, I listed reasons to end my life, and on the other side, I listed reasons to stay alive.

A breakthrough happened when I thought about my parents’ reaction to my death and realized I had to live, if not for myself, then for them. Watching the movie "Rocky" also gave me inspiration, showing me that life is about getting back up after being knocked down.

The Modern Challenges

Today’s world presents unique challenges to mental health. The selfie culture and social media contribute significantly to this. We constantly compare our worst selves to everyone else’s best selves, leading us to believe that we’re not enough. Political polarization further divides us, forcing us into camps that often manipulate our emotions.

We also live in a world of constant change and uncertainty, exacerbated by events like the COVID-19 pandemic. This unpredictability can wreak havoc on our mental state, making everything feel out of control.

Additionally, the language we use, like the word "trauma," can magnify our emotions. Every minor inconvenience gets labeled as traumatic, which only heightens our sensitivity to life's difficulties.

Steps You Can Take

When struggling with mental health, it’s essential to:

Take Care of Your Body: Pay attention to nutrition, exercise, and sleep. A healthy body can contribute significantly to a healthier mind.
Evaluate Your Environment: Surround yourself with a supportive community and an environment that uplifts you.
Talk About It: Share your struggles with trusted individuals who can offer support.
Challenge Your Inner Dialogue: Recognize that feelings are not facts, and emotions are temporary. Telling yourself a better story about who you are and who you can become can make a world of difference.
Focus on What You Can Control: Distinguish between what you can control, what you can influence, and what you have to accept.

Conclusion

Life is inherently tough, filled with suffering and challenges, but it's also an opportunity for growth and resilience. Battling mental health issues requires vigilance and the right tools, whether that means meditation, therapy, or simply telling yourself a new story.

The most critical takeaway is that things can get better. Imagine a brighter future and take steps every day toward that vision. Face your difficulties head-on and relish in the small victories. Remember, struggling with mental health does not mean you are broken. It simply means you are human.

Take care, be well, and may you find your path through these tough times.

Keywords

Mental Health
Depression
Anxiety
Suicidal Tendencies
Self-Esteem
Identity
Social Media
Political Polarization
Uncertainty
Self-Care
Resilience
Inner Dialogue
Control

FAQ

Q: Why is it important to talk about mental health struggles? A: Discussing mental health struggles can make them easier to handle and reduces the stigma that admitting to these feelings is a weakness.

Q: What are some common modern challenges to mental health? A: Selfie culture, social media comparison, political polarization, and constant change and uncertainty are significant modern challenges to mental health.

Q: How can I take care of my mental health? A: Pay attention to your nutrition, exercise, and sleep, evaluate and improve your environment, talk about your struggles, challenge your inner dialogue, and focus on what you can control.

Q: What does it mean to focus on what you can control? A: Identify areas of your life where you can make changes, influence outcomes, or accept things as they are. Concentrate your energy on these areas to manage your mental health better.

Q: How can storytelling help in mental health? A: The stories you tell yourself about who you are and who you can become significantly influence your mental well-being. Telling a more positive, empowering story can change your outlook and mental state.