If you have struggled with mental health, I’m sure you’ve heard the ever helpful, ‘it’s all in your head though, right?’ comments. I definitely have. And, while yes, mental health issues reside in your brain, it isn’t that simple.
You see, we spend a lot of time in our heads. You might have an active inner monologue, you might need to think about something at school or work, or something else, we all spend a decent amount of time with our thoughts. If you struggle with mental health issues, your thoughts can sometimes take up more time, whether you battle with anxiety, depression, OCD, an eating disorder, or any other condition.
For those who haven’t had first-hand experience with mental illness, it can be difficult to recognise that a lot of the symptoms, while psychological, can take a huge toll on an individual and can even impact someone physically. These thoughts can consume someone, they can become overwhelming and become a very constant part of someone’s day. As for the physical aspect, this can be seen through compulsions, disordered eating habits, tics and more.
Mental health conditions can impact an individual as a whole, not just mentally. However, for those who struggle, remember that they are just thoughts. They cannot ever physically hurt you. They may encourage you to engage in habits or behaviours, but they cannot make you. They cannot hurt you. These thoughts, behaviours, habits, etc are not you. They are an illness, they are not you nor are they a reflection of who you are.
-Claudia
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