It might sound strange to hear, but the fear of being mentally healthy can exist and weigh on you.
Being mentally healthy is a goal many of us strive for. We workout, we eat right, we go the therapy, and do everything we can to wade off the life-absorbing effects of depression, anxiety, OCD, etc.
However, inside we may actually be scared of achieving this goal. What would life look like if we were no longer always tired, if we had patience, if we were free of the chains of these health conditions?
The fear is natural; as humans we fear change. Thus, we, (subconsciously or not), self-sabotage ourselves into not fully escaping our diseases. We fear the new responsibilities we would have if we were mentally healthy, the new obligations, the new life.
As we come into the new year, many of us will be creating goals for the year ahead. One goal anyone suffering from symptoms of a mental illness is working on this self-sabotaging behavior, (if it exists). Maybe you get on a role going to the gym, which has had a positive impact on your anxiety. Then, after a couple of weeks, you fall back into the rut of missing workouts just as you started to see the positive benefits.
The key is to observe and identify these habits. By observing when you feel yourself start to slip back into old self-sabotaging habits, you are more likely to overcome it. Journal, reflect, and write down your thoughts day-over-day to identify when you begin to slip so continue your growth in the direction you desire.
Further, address your fears about what the future would look like when you’re mentally free. What would your life look like, the new responsibilities, the new obligations? By addressing the change, you can free yourself from the ambiguity and greyness that initiates self-sabotaging behavior. Write down these thoughts and progressions, along with your choice of action on them.
Remember if this does not apply to you there is a big chance it is relevant to a family member or co-worker. Use this information to support them as they try to embrace change.
Your Time is N.O.W.
For more information on mental-health management in the workplace and more professional tips, visit my LinkedIn.
