The Importance of Facing Mental Health Struggles Head On
A life lesson from a fuzzy brown moth.
Hi there!
As I pulled out of my driveway one morning, I noticed a fuzzy brown moth peacefully resting on my windshield. I imagined the rush of traffic wind would send him frantically on his way.
Driving on, I watched in amazement as he gingerly turned himself around, lifting one foot at a time, until he was facing directly into the wind.
Determined to remain, my little friend refused to succumb to the oncoming air. It reminded me of the importance of facing mental illness head on.
Mental illness is a heavy wind. It’s relentless and can be terrifying, but if we turn into the wind instead of away from it, we can find unexpected strength.
When we face our mental health struggles head on, we give ourselves a chance to grow and heal in ways we never thought possible.
I know it’s easier said than done. Some days, mental illness tries to steal everything from you. Even the faintest breeze can knock you off your feet.
However, on the better days, there are ways you can fortify yourself to face the next strong wind. Here are 3 of them.
“Never give up, and be confident in what you do. There may be tough times, but the difficulties which you face will make you more determined to achieve your objectives and to win against all the odds.”
- Marta
Scott Ninneman also publishes the free All Things Bipolar Newsletter (off Substack) The Sunday email features the newest content about bipolar life.
1. Educate Yourself
The more you know about bipolar disorder, the better equipped you are to deal with it. Read articles, books, and talk to people who have been through similar experiences.
The more knowledge you have, the less power mental illness has over you.
2. Lean on Others
You don’t have to face bipolar alone. Find people who will support and encourage you. These could be friends, family members, therapists, or support groups.
When the wind is blowing hard, these people will help you stand strong.
3. Build Your Own Strength
No one can do the work for you. In order to get better, you have to put in the effort.
Your work might include going to therapy, taking medication, or practicing self-care. Whatever it is, do what you can to build up your strength so you can face your winds directly.
The best way to cope with a mental illness is to face it head on. By educating yourself about your illness, leaning on others, and building up your own strength, you’ll be firmly grounded to confront any headwind.
Move On
My fuzzy friend held his ground and stayed in place on my windshield until I got to my office. I’m sure he went on his way telling his moth friends about his harrowing experience.
He faced his wind and conquered it.
You can do the same.
The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by bipolar disorder, remember the moth on my windshield. Turn into the wind and face it head on.
You are stronger than you think.
Journal Prompt: What headwinds have you faced and conquered? What did the experience teach you?
Creative Writing Prompt: Write a story from the point of view of the moth on my windshield. What was he thinking? What happened next?
Until next time, keep fighting.
Scott Ninneman
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I agree. Becoming stronger than the fear of the diagnosis is life altering. Facing the problem will often deflate the power it has on you.