15 Lessons I have learnt through my Mental Therapy

Everyone is overwhelmed and anxious about what further can go wrong in such testing times. I want you to know that you are not alone in this. Almost all of us are rowing the same boats of uncertainty.

Yet we can do better under these stressful circumstances. Hence why maybe there will be no better times, to share my journey on the important things I learned through my therapy.

While most of my lessons may or may not apply to you, but who knows you may end up finding comfort in one of them.

1. Dive deep into Knowing the Real You

Healing is a strange process. Through my traumatic times, my therapist would often say that in order to fully recover from your pain, you should dive deep within yourself, feel it and then eventually let it go. It felt very harsh, you are supposed to run away from your miseries right? But in the long run I realized pain is self-awareness and self-awareness is pain. The more you become self-aware, the better you are able to tackle your fears, anxiety and pain. Know yourself, read yourself, judge yourself and love yourself the same way you do it to others.

2. Write

It was rather funny for one of my old friends who absolutely hated writing and reading to know that during his hard times, he was actually able to clear his mind when he wrote his mind. If you think you are someone who absolutely hates writing, writing your negative thoughts and your positive thoughts will actually help you clear out your mind.

3. Being Vulnerable is OKAY!

In this fast paced world, almost all of us are wearing social media ‘#livingmybestlife’ masks. Crying, taking about your problems, or not being able to cope up with daily hustles are still unfortunately looked upon as weaknesses. Here is what I learnt. You make your own weaknesses and strengths and I found my strength in being vulnerable. I touched with the true realms of my personality that gave me solid push in being more vulnerable towards my emotions and needs.

4. You can only Row Your Own Boat

You can only control yourself. You are not responsible for controlling others and their actions. It is easy to get frustrated with people, especially during the current crisis. Whenever you feel triggered by someone, practice your mindfulness that you cannot control them but only yourself.

5. Do not Compare

You are unique and that’s the real treat. The more you compare your situation or yourself, the more disruptive your inner peace will be. Make peace with yourself.

6. ‘Why ME’ and ‘What ifs’

These two words are the heaviest weights you will ever carry. The end result? It will cost you your mental peace and self-assurance. Shift your perspective from Why Me to TRY me. Ditch that What if to ‘Yes It is’.

7. Acknowledge

Acknowledge yourself, your pain, your fears, your worries, your everything. You are a person worth so much love and care. The least you can do with yourself is acknowledge your emotions and needs.

8. Live in Present

Fears often dwell from the future, whereas regrets come from the past. But what if you are living in the present? you cherish everything.

9. Take Care of Your Body

You are blessed with one life. Eat clean and healthy. Drink those 4 litres of water every day. Move around a bit to feel active. Taking care of your body for yourself, will not only keep you healthy in the long run but also help you feel more confident about yourself.

10. Cut Toxicity

I didn’t realize the impact of toxic people and zero growth environments until it was too late. My mental health was on bleak, hence why I ran to a therapist after tip toeing around therapy for YEARS! Toxic people are energy vampires. They will suck all the hope and high value personality maintenance. The worst part? Most of them are your ‘supposed’ well-wishers. Cut out such people. If you cannot cut ties with them, maintain your distance.

11. Visualize HOPE

Yes, I am asking you to deliberately daydream about all the things you want in life; Your goals, ambitions, dreams, everything! Simply just sit somewhere quiet. Close your eyes, focus on your breathing only for some time and then visualize prosperity, hope, happiness and your goals for a few minutes only.

12. Do NOT be a People Pleaser

Okay! This is the biggest challenge for someone like me who wants to be friends with everyone. In reality, you have to make peace with how not everyone is going to like you no matter how hard you try. Even if you are pitch perfect, it is unfair of you to expect people to think and feel like you.

13. Time DOES make everything feel better

‘Time Heals Everything’, Indeed it does. Time helps you make peace with yourself. Do not rush to conclusions. Do not beat yourself hard. Take your time, everyone has their own pace. Discover your own.

14. You are NOT alone

Even if you feel you have no one around you to help you, there is always someone there to lend you an ear. You will be surprised to see that empathy is still a celebrated attribute. Whenever you feel the need to wind down your thoughts, call your friend, visit your family, talk to your neighbor. Who knows you may end up finding a new friend.

15. Your thoughts can be your WORST ENEMY

Sometimes the biggest naysayers of your life are your own thoughts. Your biggest demotivation can be your mind. Just because your mind is telling you something, does not make it true. A little bit on the harsh note, but your brain can be one of the biggest liars to you.

Hopefully, you have found something helpful in here. If you have made it till the end of the page, be proud of yourself and always know you are always going to be one of your kind.