She Strengthens

The Uncomfortable Truth About Mental Illness and Self-Care

A Diagnosis, Not a Definition

I still remember the mix of emotions that flooded me when I received my diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Relief, embarrassment, and frustration all swirled together as I struggled to come to terms with my new reality. But as I looked back on that moment, I realized that my diagnosis was only the beginning of my journey, not the defining characteristic of who I am.

The Privilege of Functionality

As I navigated my own struggles with mental illness, I was struck by the stark contrast between my experiences and those of someone close to me who was grappling with more severe mental health issues. My ability to function, to be lucid about my condition, and to identify my attacks for what they were, set me apart from those who were struggling to cope. It was a harsh reminder that my privilege lay not in my diagnosis, but in my capacity to manage it.

The False Promise of Radical Honesty

In recent years, the conversation around mental illness has shifted towards emphasizing bravery and honesty. But this rhetoric misses a crucial point: being radically honest about our struggles can actually hurt us in the long run. By broadcasting our mental health issues to the world, we may inadvertently make ourselves less employable and more of a liability in personal and professional settings.

Treating Mental Illness Like a Chronic Condition

Instead of making our mental illness a central part of our identity, we should treat it like a chronic physical condition – something that we live with and make do with, but don’t define us. This approach acknowledges that mental illness is a part of our lives, but it’s not the entirety of who we are.

The Complexity of Mental Illness Discourse

Mental illness adds a layer of complexity to our daily lives, turning every small victory into a triumph. But this mindset can be dangerous, as it can excuse us from pushing ourselves to be more. We must recognize that our diagnosis is only part of the story, and that our true achievement lies in our capacity to push past our limitations.

The Problem with Self-Care Culture

My own experience with self-care culture taught me that embracing my worst impulses in the name of honesty was misguided. What I really needed was accountability to myself, not permission to indulge in my flaws. By making mental illness a point of pride, we may inadvertently harm those we’re trying to help.

The Workplace Consequences

When I shared my concerns with an HR expert, she echoed my sentiments. Identifying oneself by an illness can create a liability in the workplace, making it difficult for companies to accommodate their needs. Instead, we should focus on overcoming our challenges, not putting them front and center.

Redefining Self-Care

Self-care isn’t about indulging in our desires; it’s about making deliberate choices that will improve our lives in the long run. It’s about recognizing that everyone is dealing with something, and that our true strength lies not in our diagnosis, but in our capacity to rise above it. By taking “anxiety” out of our bio, we can begin to redefine what it means to truly care for ourselves.