Finally
This post is going to be controversial for a host of reasons, one being that I am discussing an idea you might dismiss as 'Hocus Pocus' make-believe and another being that the idea I'm going to discuss may almost seem insulting when using it as a tool for bettering something so complicated like Mental Health. Let me start off by confirming: I truly don't believe the power of positive thinking will cure a mental illness, however this idea serves as a really good tool for bettering your wellbeing - even if it's just a little.
In June, I read a book called 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne, and it's very short and easy to read but with a revolutionary concept. Initially as I bit into it I felt it was silly, I don't believe in horoscopes or such so I did think the notion of 'power of thought' was weak, if anything. The more I delved into the chapters, the more my faith in all things - inclusive of myself - grew strong. Taking away my own belief in the idea of 'The Secret', it at least gave me something to focus on and gave me the idea that I could be productive with my emotions - which is something that definitely nullifies my mood when I am suffering from a depressive episode.
The concept of the book is rather simple but it goes on to explain the practice of 'The Secret', and examples of it. Essentially, The Secret is the idea that you can think things into existence. If you want something bad enough, and if you visualise it strong enough - you can make it happen. There are specifics to it, such as - thinking something into existence is not easy. For example, if you want a job - you would need to visualise yourself having the job and not have any doubt whatsoever that you can get the job. It seems pretty impossible, but it explains why we don't always get what we want. The Secret works in a negative way too, if you have anxieties about situations - the universe can sense that and it will bring those into existence. Many celebrities believe in The Secret, and credit it to why they've had success.
I know as I explain this, it looks a bit daft - trust me I didn't believe it either. I honestly recommend you all read the book, because it changed my perspective on a lot.
To simplify what I'm trying to say, I believe what helped me get out of the hole I was in - was having faith that I could. Truly believing in myself - to the point where I could visualise what it was like to have success - gave me my success. It is not easy at all, but you just keep trying at it - keep visualising what you want for yourself, there is no true downside to that. Sometimes just being told that what you think can be productive in itself, is an excellent tool to push forward and get what you want. As someone with a mood disorder, I felt like I could never truly control my mood if I were in an episode. Whether you believe in 'The Secret' or not, focusing your thinking and having faith in your thoughts really does help.
Concluding this series, there are many little tools I use to try and control my illness and make myself feel better. All I can truly say is that you need to be productive - be it getting yourself to the doctor, changing aspects of your life for the better or at least thinking about ways you can get yourself feeling better. With mental illness, the problem is - we often cannot accept we need change, or that it is even possible. So it is all fine and well that I am telling you ways to improve a situation, but if you are feeling truly hopeless - I know what I am saying will just seem like empty words. If you feel this way, all I can say is that you reading this now, resonating with my words, is a step towards something better - because I have you thinking about your mental health. To all of you out there who are reading and you know of someone in such a desperate situation that you know they won't seek help, be around, available and attentive. Some of us need help and we don't realise it.
This series has been all the things I have implemented in my own life for the better, and I am doing well. Most importantly, I've come up with my own personal plan to keep myself living the most balanced life I can and I've taken control of all that I can control. I hope you have found some of my tools for coping with mental illness helpful, and if not - I hope it has at least been valuable in inspiring you to consider your own mental wellbeing.
