She Strengthens

The Hidden Cost of Success: How I Learned to Prioritize My Mental Health

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that my dream job almost became a nightmare. I was living the American dream, with a high-powered role, recognition, and a steady stream of promotions. But beneath the surface, I was struggling to keep up with the pressure and expectations. I thought I could buy time and rest when I needed it, but my body had other plans.

The Price of Ambition

I went from being an office manager to a national program manager in just two years, with a steady stream of victories and recognition. But with each promotion, I felt the pressure to perform, to be successful, and to keep going, even when my body was screaming for a break. I sacrificed time with loved ones, my resources, and myself, thinking that the next achievement would bring me fulfillment. But ultimately, I burned out.

The Value of Mental Health

We often acknowledge the monetary cost of something, but how often do we place value on our mental health currency? As a recovering workaholic, I’ve learned that mental health issues can turn into physical ones if left unchecked. I was in a zombie-like state, numbing my emotions with caffeine and wine, until I hit rock bottom.

Taking Control of My Mental Health

I took a month off to focus on repairing my mental health, and it was the best decision I ever made. I developed a plan to reflect, restore, and take daily action in my healing process. I observed myself, kept a feelings chart, and challenged myself to ask if my emotions were based on facts or control. Through this self-experiment, I learned that most of the pressure in my life was due to everyday toxicity that I had control over.

Redefining Success

Taking care of myself is a powerful thing. I’ve learned to prioritize my mental health, invest in self-care, and redefine success for myself. Success means pursuing creative projects that excite me, having a stronger relationship with myself, and setting out to accomplish my visions, no matter how unconventional they may seem.

Breaking Free from the Hustle

The hustle isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I’ve learned that seeking proper treatment and prioritizing my mental health is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. I’ve broken free from the lie that self-love is earned at work, and I’ve redefined what success means to me. And hey, I still got the job.

Conclusion

There is a fine line between ambition and addiction. As I look back on my journey, I realize that prioritizing my mental health was the best decision I ever made. I hope that my story can inspire others to do the same, and to remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s essential.