Slay the Stigma
Owning My Mental Health Journey in a Hyperconnected World
Let’s get real for a moment. Scrolling through Instagram and Facebook can make it seem like everyone else is living their best lives — perfect vacations, unique workouts, flawless photos, and those ubiquitous hashtags: #Blessed, #LivingMyBestLife. But here’s the truth: It’s all a highlight reel. Behind those curated feeds, there’s often much struggle, sometimes manifesting as anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.
I understand this struggle very well. Sometimes, even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Getting out of bed is hard sometimes; being around people feels impossible. I searched a lot online and found that mental health struggles are familiar, like a bad hair day. But it’s OK to talk about it. I have experienced this firsthand.
Then, though, I experienced a paradigm shift when I quit contrasting my behind-the-scenes footage with other people’s highlight reels. It was like my inner voice started screaming, “You wouldn’t judge someone with a broken arm, so why judge yourself for a mental health struggle?”
Maintaining mental health requires constant balancing in our highly connected world. The online community can be both uplifting and overwhelming at times. Some days, I find solace in people who genuinely understand, share their struggles, and offer support. But on others, I fall into the trap of comparing myself to everyone else’s highlight reels, feeling inadequate and isolated.
Owning my mental health journey is about recognizing the hard days and celebrating the small victories. It’s about speaking up, even when my voice trembles. It’s about setting boundaries and knowing when to seek help instead of hiding my struggles.
One of my friends once told me, “Your thoughts are not facts. They’re just thoughts.” That was a revelation. I remind myself of it, especially on tough days.
I think about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a man known for his incredible success and larger-than-life persona. Despite his outward strength and charisma, he’s been open about his battles with depression. “I found that with depression, one of the most important things you could realize is that you’re not alone,” he once said. His words resonate deeply with me. They remind me that even those who seem invincible face their struggles.
“Your brain is your most powerful organ. Learn how to use it and care for it.” — Jim Rohn
This hyperconnected world can be a breeding ground for comparison and insecurity. But it can also be a powerful tool for connection and support. If you’re struggling, remember that it’s OK to seek help. It’s OK to have bad days. And it’s OK to talk about it. As Dwayne Johnson said, “You’re not alone.”
Let’s break the stigma, be honest with each other, and own our mental health journeys together. Reach out to friends, family, or professionals when you need help. Please share your story, because you never know who might need to hear it. Celebrate small victories, and be kind to yourself on tough days.
Jim Carrey, another icon of comedy, has spoken about his struggles with depression. He once said, “I believe depression is legitimate. But I also believe that you aren’t giving yourself a fighting chance if you don’t exercise, eat nutritious food, get sunlight, get enough sleep, consume positive material, and surround yourself with support.”
His message highlights the significance of self-care and reaching out for support. Caring for ourselves is essential for achieving success in every area of life.
In this incredibly connected world, let us make the most of our connections to support and uplift one another. Together, we can slay the stigma and create a world where mental health is openly discussed, understood, and nurtured with the same importance as physical health.
Takeaways:
Highlight Reels vs. Reality: Social media often presents a curated version of people’s lives, showcasing only the highlights, not the struggles. It’s important to remember that everyone faces challenges, even if they aren’t visible online.
Owning Your Journey: Embrace your mental health journey by acknowledging the hard days and celebrating the small victories. Speaking up about your struggles and seeking help when needed is crucial.
Power of Community: The online community can be a double-edged sword, offering support and unrealistic comparisons. It’s essential to find solace in genuine connections and avoid falling into the constant comparison trap.
Thoughts vs. Facts: Remembering that thoughts are not facts can be powerful in managing mental health. Challenging negative thoughts and recognizing their transient nature can help improve mental well-being.
