Autopilot and Mental Health
Autopilot behaviour, in the context of mental health, refers to a state where individuals go through their daily activities almost automatically, without much conscious thought or awareness.
Brexit and Covid-19
Brexit and Covid-19 are two big events that have changed the way people think and feel, about their lives, with many people still working and living on autopilot; particularly for people who live with a mental, emotional or physical disability. These two catastrophic events have reshaped the way we are able to live our lives.
Even with a mental health website, I’m not out of the woods; scrambling in the dark fumbling around the external influences that continue to shape my life. Losing my twin has added to those complications.
Working on autopilot
So, working on autopilot is a coping mechanism to deal with overwhelming stress or anxiety, but it can also lead to a lack of self-awareness and neglect of one’s mental health.
Autopilot is often associated with conditions such as burnout, anxiety, or depression, where individuals feel emotionally detached or overwhelmed, leading them to disengage from their surroundings and operate on autopilot. Sadly, not engaging fully with your emotions and thoughts can add to issues with potential existing mental health conditions.
Here are some key points regarding autopilot and its relation to mental health:
Emotional Disconnection
Autopilot behaviour involves a sense of emotional disconnection where individuals may go through the motions of daily life without truly engaging or experiencing emotions fully. Autopilot tends to rely heavily on routine and habit. Individuals may stick to familiar patterns and activities without consciously considering their choices or making decisions.
Impact on wellbeing
While autopilot behaviour may provide temporary relief from distressing emotions, it can also contribute to a sense of emptiness, dissatisfaction, or disconnection over time. It can also hinder personal growth and prevent individuals from addressing underlying issues affecting their mental health.
Mindfulness and Awareness
Practicing mindfulness and increasing self-awareness can help individuals recognise when they are working on autopilot and develop strategies to engage more fully with their experiences. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and grounding exercises can help individuals become more present in the moment; allowing them to break free from automatic patterns of behaviour.
Seeking Support
If living on autopilot is beginning to interfere with your daily functioning or impacting mental well-being, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide you with tools and strategies to address underlying issues contributing to how you feel so that you can develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Conclusion
Mindfulness is also a valuable tool in promoting mental well-being and breaking free from living in autopilot mode.
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