It’s normal to feel anxious or down from time to time. Everyone goes through ups and downs in life. However, when these feelings don’t go away and start to interfere with your daily life, you may be dealing with a disruptive mental illness that requires more in-depth intervention.
Mental illness can be hard to come to terms with. You might feel like you’re not in control of your own thoughts and emotions – or even your entire life. At this point, mental illness can become a crucial part of your identity; inextricably tied to how you and others see yourself. However, it’s important to remember that your mental health condition is not who you are — it’s something that you have. With proper treatment, you can come to terms with mental illness so that it doesn’t control your life, leaving room for self-discovery and expression independent of your mental health concerns.
Don’t let mental illness define you. Learn more about what can help you cope.
Tips for Coming to Terms with Mental Illness
Whether you’re just starting to come to terms with your mental illness or you’ve been living with it for years, there are many ways to manage your condition and live a fulfilling life. We recommend incorporating these into your everyday in a way that keeps you grounded and positive.
1. Learn More About Mental Health
The more you know about mental illness, the better equipped you’ll be to deal with it. Read books, talk to your doctor, and join support groups to learn more about your condition. The more you know, the less scary and overwhelming it will be.
One way to not let mental illness define you is to understand the experiences of others. From celebrities to everyday people, there are plenty of stories out there about what it’s like to live — and thrive — with mental illness. Reading these stories can help you realize that you’re not alone and that recovery is possible.
2. Talk About Your Feelings with Someone You Trust
It might be helpful to talk to a friend, family member, therapist, or counselor about what you’re going through. Talking about your feelings can help you make sense of them and start to work through them. Your friends, family, and healthcare specialists may also be able to provide another perspective on coming to terms with mental illness.
3. Set Aside Time for Self-Care
Make sure to do things that make you happy and help you relax. These activities may include:
- Exercise
- Reading
- Painting or drawing
- Playing an instrument
- Spending time outside
- Spending time with friends and family
Everyone’s needs are different, so find what works for you and make it a priority. Taking care of yourself with a strong mental health routine will help you feel better physically and mentally.
4. Reach Out for Help
There’s no shame in asking for help when you need it. If you’re struggling to manage your mental illness, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. It’s easy to practice negative self-talk and keep yourself from getting help. Instead, reach out to others that can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and work through your feelings in a productive way.
Don’t Let Mental Illness Define You
Coming to terms with mental illness can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone in this process. There are people who care about you and want to see you thrive. There are also many resources available to help you through this process. Seek out the support of family and friends, professionals, and others who understand what you’re going through so you can start on the path toward recovery today.
Ready to learn more? Reach out to our team or call 310.388.3713 for information about residential treatment and why it might be the right choice for you.
