Self-Identity

I had an experience today whereby I got to thinking about identity… in relation to mental health recovery. I wouldn’t at all be where I am today, had I identified myself as someone with schizoaffective disorder. I don’t think of myself as “someone with a mental illness” … and all the connotations and stigma that come along with that. I focus on the positive parts of myself; my positive qualities and I focus on where I want to be in my future. I don’t have the time or the energy to wallow in the “negative parts of myself” … that is…. I don’t have time or energy to wallow in the fact that I have a mental illness. It’s barely a blip on my radar. You see, I accept that I have a mental illness, and I accept that it can be difficult. But I don’t identify as being someone with a mental illness. I don’t get caught up in the negative “stories” that so many people become a slave to. I am Kate and I have certain unique difficulties that others may not have. But I don’t place any stigma on myself. This is the key difference between me and some others who may feel more imprisoned by their illness. My mental illness is a part of me, which I accept fully… but I don’t let that dictate what I can do or what I can’t do. I don’t let it dictate what I can or can’t achieve in my life. I see my mental illness as an asset. In a sense it has taught me how to be resilient and strong… and it has helped me achieve a sense of love and compassion for myself and others.

I think another key thing to mention is that I feel no sense of shame about my illness. Rather than feeling shamed and dis-empowered, I feel a sense of empowerment, knowing who I am and feeling a sense of pride at what I have achieved in my life so far, despite my difficulties. And, a sense of excitement in relation to what I can achieve in my future

It is all about focus. Focus on the positives and you will attract more positives. Focus on the “negatives” and you will attract more of the same. One massive piece of advice that I would give to anyone struggling with mental health difficulties is that you should not make your illness, your identity. That is one sure fire way to end up feeling dis-empowered and a slave to your illness. It is one sure-fire way to stay living and playing small.

I choose to play big. I choose to live big. No matter how difficult things become at times, I never identify with “someone with a mental illness” or “someone who struggles”. I choose to see the positive, every. Single. Time. As I have said many times… I know what I deserve. I deserve good things… as much as anyone else! So, I will focus on what can I do to achieve these good things! I will focus on my goals and aspirations, personal and professional… and I will truly feel and know that I can achieve them.

Regardless of what others may think or what society may dictate…. I can, and I will achieve and attract all the good that I deserve in life. This empowers me. This is what keeps me strong and resilient, despite going through difficult times.

I don’t think that people realise just how powerful, stigma is. It can break you. It can make the rest of your life a battle that cannot be won. If you believe it.

But this is the important part. You don’t have to believe it. That is your choice. That is up to you.

There will probably always be stigma around mental health. Don’t buy into it. Don’t let it become self-stigma and don’t let it become a self-fulfilling prophecy. You can choose…

To live big. To play big. To achieve your dreams and attract what you truly deserve.

Love Kate xxx