Have you noticed that more and more people are dealing with mental-health challenges these days?
I suspect this shift happened during the C-days, when we were forced to isolate and we had nothing but time to confront our thoughts and feelings.
Famed researcher Brene Brown says, “We are now considered to be the most stressed, depressed, overweight, and over-medicated population in history!”
Mental health challenges have always existed, but many of them were hidden (and buried) in the constant “doing” that we experience in this modern society. It was only when we were forced to stop this incessant doing that some of us finally discovered an uncomfortable truth about ourselves: Not only do we lack self-love and self-compassion, but some people may have also uncovered feelings of loathing about themselves.
Life Programming
From the time we’re born, we are conditioned, developed, and programmed by:
- our culture
- societal influences and expectations
- our parents and peer groups
- the education system
- marketing and media messages
How can we uncover our true nature to start cultivating the self-compassion that we so desperately need?
The first step is to take some brief moments out of your regular routine to withdraw from the external influences of the world. Whether it’s putting your phone away for an hour, going for a walk/run, visiting a museum, or going somewhere to shelter yourself away from the expectations of others and the world. Find what works for you so you can do it when you need it.
By doing this self-care practice with persistence and patience, it gets easier to realize that our negative self-talk and limiting beliefs are things we can change. All it takes is a persistent willingness to exert consistent efforts to
help ourselves.
As you embark on this “journey within” you can discover that you are not flawed – you are simply fallible. When we know better, we can do better.
This is a lot to ponder, especially for those who have been stuck in feelings of self-loathing for a long time. I didn’t uncover the depth of my self-loathing until I got clear & sober! The process of unpacking the baggage of the past – and putting it away for good – is going to be different for everyone. Your direction is more important than your speed.
If you’d like to learn ways to manage your life in healthier ways, join us every week… either in person, in Canada’s prettiest town of Goderich, or online!
We have a plethora of peer support available to help you on your journey of Self-Compassion.
Email for details: info@redroofrecovery.com
And remember to talk to yourself like you’d talk to a good friend.
YOU are the force!
Tanya
About the Author:
Tanya MacIntyre is a Certified CBT Practitioner, Mental Health Professional, and owner/operator of Red Roof Recovery.
DISCLAIMER: This content is not intended to constitute, or be a substitute for, medical diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard advice from your doctor, or delay in seeking it, because of something you have watched, read, or heard from anyone at Red Roof Recovery.