The Leap of Faith
Some of the hardest trials we have to overcome as mental health warriors relate to negative assumptions, whether they come in the form of our own self-limiting beliefs, from an external source, or from us worrying about what other people think. There is often a preconception that if you struggle with your mental health, then maybe, you’re not as strong or as capable as everyone else.
I used to believe this about myself. I used to allow those beliefs and assumptions, from both myself and others, to determine my self-image. That is, until I started therapy and began hearing my own voice again. What I learned instead is that we mental health warriors are capable of handling, of holding, of experiencing and withstanding, and of falling down and getting back up again. In time, with hope and support, we can walk towards healing and can even expose ourselves to the vulnerability of telling our own stories.
If that isn’t strength, I don’t know what is.
In this episode, I share some of the negative beliefs and assumptions I’ve faced over the past few years. I talk about how I internalized some of the things I was told, by myself and others, and how I see them now.
This is for all the mental health warriors out there who are dealing with these self-limiting beliefs, fears and outside perspectives about what you are capable of. My message to you? You are so much stronger than you know, even if you don’t believe it yet. You are capable of overcoming anything, so don’t let anyone, yourself included, tell you otherwise.
What You’ll Hear Me Talk About in This Episode
Facing negative assumptions and how to respond to them
Not allowing limiting beliefs to determine your self-worth
Distinguishing between yourself and your mental health
What a mental health diagnosis actually means
Why following your dreams is so important
Making rules and setting boundaries that are personal to you
Why your emotions are never too much
The idea of emotions as messengers
How to deal with your emotions
Being loved well
Main Takeaways from My Experience
You are not your mental health.
A mental health diagnosis does not mean you are broken.
After the dark always comes the light.
You are a warrior and are capable of incredibly big and beautiful things.
Your dreams are still available to you, regardless of where you’re at on your journey.
All emotions are valid and exist for specific reasons.
Resources
The Nightmare Before Christmas - film by Tim Burton
“I took a long time to realise that the things I feel aren’t the things I am. I can experience depression. I am not a depressive. I can walk in the rain and I can get soaked to the skin but I am not rain.” - quote from @mattzhaig
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone - book by J. K. Rowling
The Highly Sensitive Person - book by Elaine Aron
I really hope this episode encourages you to get curious and start thinking about things differently. But more importantly, I hope it resonates with some of you so you are kinder to yourselves.
I always love to hear from you, so please leave any feedback in the comments below. Or, if you’d like to get in touch, you can find me on Instagram @maddie_shebered, or you can send me a message at connect@shebered.com.
