The stigma of mental illness is real. I'm certainly feeling anxiety about talking about it. (Ironic, right!?) Here's the thing... I like writing. It's probably the best way for me to communicate. But, I'm not ready to reveal my full name. I still have a real worry that should a future, or even present employer search my name, this blog will come up. I'm legitimately scared that the mental illness I hide from public eyes could be seen and I will be judged; harshly.
Wait... WHAT!?!?
Step back, Adam. Are you being compassionate with yourself right now? Nope! Now, without judgment, let's see how I can reexamine my words in a more compassionate way that doesn't beat myself up. (At the hospital they call this "catch it, check it change it). Okay, let's give it a try:
I acknowledge that I feel scared about talking about my struggle with my mental illness. It's okay to be scared, but know that its only a feeling. There's is no evidence to show I'd be judged. In fact, based on interactions I've had with people in person and online, everyone is being very supportive. Adam, remember I'm writing this blog to be read. I'm not only writing it for myself, but so that someone else may find their own courage to get help. Writing this blog feels good. It also feels helpful.
See? Isn't that better? Self compassion is so very hard. Take it a moment at a time and be mindful.
There's a lot I want to talk about in this blog: My therapy, my relationships, my new job, to name only a few. But today I wand to talk about my mornings. For some reason mornings are extremely tough for me. From just before I wake up (that moment when you start to become aware), my mind is moving a million-miles-a-minute... Screaming! This can go on for a couple of hours, or even the entire day. On the distress-o-meter (more about that later), I'd give it a 7 to 9 out of 10.
I have favourited two activities to get me back "down to Earth": Mindfulness meditation and a technique called T.I.P.P. Today I want to talk about mindfulness meditation.
Mindfulness meditation is "a mental training practice that involves focusing your mind on your experiences (like your own emotions, thoughts, and sensations) in the present moment. “It is simply the act of paying attention to whatever you are experiencing, as you experience it,” explains Kate Hanley, author of "A Year of Daily Calm." “By choosing to turn your attention away from the everyday chatter of the mind and on to what your body is doing, you give the mind just enough to focus so that it can quiet down.”
Mindfulness meditation can involve breathing practice, mental imagery, awareness of body and mind, and muscle and body relaxation." [Via:
verywellmind.com]
How do I practice? I like app's. The two I've found most helpful are "
Calm" and "
10% Happier".
According to "Calm": "Calm" is the #1 app for meditation and mindfulness. Enjoy 100+ guided meditations to help you manage anxiety, lower stress and sleep better. Calm is the perfect mindfulness app for beginners, but also includes hundreds of programs for intermediate and advanced users. "Calm" is $59.99 USD per year.
According to "10% Happier": "10% Happier" is clear, simple approach to meditation with a NY Times bestselling author and some of the most respected (and cool) meditation teachers on the planet. Designed for skeptics, built to help you keep it going. "10% Happier" is $96.00 USD per year.
This morning I was probably at a 7 out of 10. Meditation (and writing this blog) really helped me stay here on Planet Earth. Darn! I just looked up and realized I've gone on a bit, so I'll end it for today.
Thanks for reading.
Are you experiencing a mental health crisis?
- Go to the nearest hospital, or
- Call 911, or
- Call a crisis line (Canada)
