As someone who battles Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD, I understand the significance of prioritizing mental well-being. However, there are times when even the simplest tasks become daunting, and talking about our mental health is one such challenge. Opening up and sharing our emotions may not come naturally, but it is through this act that we unlock one of the most powerful tools in our mental health arsenal.
Talking about our mental health not only acknowledges our struggles but also lays the foundation for using our power as warriors to triumph over life’s challenges. The question is then, how can we begin to build this power today? I found that by embracing the following three steps as a Mental Health Warrior, we can begin this new journey where we feel confident to talk about our emotions.
Step 1: Self-Talk – The First Conversation
Before we can effectively communicate our mental health challenges to others, it is essential to engage in meaningful self-talk. We must reassure ourselves that it is not only acceptable but necessary to share our struggles. This inner dialogue begins to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, fosters a sense of self-compassion, and starts to build our confidence.
By validating our emotions and experiences, we reassure ourselves that it is both okay to have emotions and to struggle with them. Self-talk allows us to embrace our vulnerability, acknowledge our strengths, and accept that seeking help is a sign of strength rather than weakness. It is only through this internal conversation that I was able to take this powerful first step in addressing my life’s challenges. As we must first accept ourselves and our whole story to be comfortable with not only taking action but also taking the next step of sharing with others.
Step 2: Summon Courage and Take the Plunge
When we muster the courage to talk about our mental health challenges with others, we take the first step towards building a support network. By inviting others into our world, we allow them to understand and empathize with our experiences. This sense of connection helps us feel less alone and provides us with a source of strength when facing adversities.
Sharing your mental health journey with trusted individuals—be it friends, family members, or support groups—fosters an environment of compassion and understanding that benefits both parties. I discovered that others who have faced or are facing similar struggles provide a powerful source of comfort and guidance. Building upon the conversation we first had with ourselves, we can now engage with others. This step requires a bit of trust and a leap of faith in others, but the shared rewards are worth it!
Step 3: Embrace the Power of Shared Experiences
Now that we have begun talking openly about our mental health challenges, we are also encouraging others to do the same. With this powerful act of sharing our stories, we become advocates for mental health within our circle of friends, family, and anyone we interact with. We inspire those around us to break their silence and join us on this Mental Health Warrior journey. There is an amazing amount of truth and power found in the strength of group experiences. While this is not a tangible asset that we can manage, it has proven to be an invaluable benefit of talking about mental health.
When I struggle with life’s challenges, I no longer have to do this in silence or fear judgment. Within my circle, we all support each other in our journey to embrace being mental health warriors. This common ground built upon talking about my mental health has started a powerful movement that ripples outward as others interact with us. This amazing benefit is something we can all experience each day.
Take the Plunge This Week
If you're feeling hesitant, I encourage you to take the plunge this week and start using these three steps. Yes, I know this is scary proposition to follow this path! But honestly, is it really as scary as letting your life’s challenges run amuck in your life all week? I had to answer this question but within this logic, I found my answer… it was time to take the plunge and start talking. Because the silence and pain of trying to go this path alone, was certainly not working. So, into the deep end of the pool of emotions with me and here are three tips to help you get started:
Self-Talk: Start Today Tell yourself that it is ok to have stumbled in the past because today you are taking action!
Summon Courage: Reach Out Remind yourself that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
Embrace Shared Experiences Share just one challenge you faced this week with a someone and watch the conversation blossom, as you opened the door to a discussion that many crave but are too afraid to initiate.
Now Go Forth and Begin Your Conversation
Let’s never overlook the transformative potential of talking about our mental health. Instead, embrace vulnerability, shatter the barriers of silence, and foster a culture of open dialogue by starting to talk about your mental health today. Not only will you strengthen your own well-being, but you will also create a ripple effect of positive change that reaches far beyond our individual journeys.
Remember that this all begins with and centers around having that first conversation with yourself. As I learned the hard way, problems that are not discussed openly never get resolved. This benefits no one and leaves us spinning in circles with our life. But today, you can break out of that circle and begin an amazing new way of living as a Mental Health Warrior by being brave and talking about your mental health!
Bruce Schutter (Creator of the Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin)
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