You Can't Have Me, I'm Not Done Yet, I'm Too Strong!

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Covering up mental illness or “being something else” can involve several aspects. Here’s a look at some key points to consider:

 Stigma and Misunderstanding

• Many people feel pressured to hide their mental health struggles due to societal stigma. This can lead to feelings of isolation and shame.

Coping Mechanisms

• Some individuals adopt different personas or behaviors as a way to cope with their struggles. This might involve pretending to be more confident or happy than they actually feel.

Social Expectations

• People often feel the need to conform to social norms, which can lead to masking their true feelings. This is particularly common in workplaces or social situations where vulnerability may not be welcomed.
•  Emotional Labor

• Constantly maintaining a façade can be exhausting and can lead to emotional burnout. The effort of pretending can take a toll on mental health.

Fear of Judgment

• There is often a fear of being judged or misunderstood if one reveals their mental health issues. This fear can perpetuate the cycle of silence and masking.

Impact on Relationships

• Hiding mental illness can strain personal relationships. Friends and family may feel disconnected if they are unaware of what someone is experiencing.

Temporary Relief vs. Long-Term Solutions

• While masking may provide temporary relief from discomfort, it doesn’t address the underlying issues. Seeking therapy or support can lead to more sustainable healing.

Authenticity and Healing

• Embracing authenticity and sharing struggles can foster connection and understanding. Supportive environments can help individuals feel safe to express their true selves.

Seeking Help

• It’s important for individuals to know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Professional support can provide tools to cope and improve mental health.

Self-Compassion

• Practicing self-compassion can help in accepting one’s feelings without judgment. Acknowledging that it’s okay to struggle can be a vital step toward healing.

Covering up mental illness can be a complex and deeply personal experience. Encouraging open dialogue about mental health and promoting understanding can help reduce stigma. Given these examples, I can understand the concept of multiple personalities. Always wanting to be and act a different way in different situations. There were a lot of times in my life when I have wanted to be someone else. Not a specific person in particular, but a different version of myself. If I could be someone who felt and looked better than I do, I would be better off. It seems in most cases, that we want to be accepted by others, we want to fit in and seen as a well-rounded individual. It is so hard to do when my mind is so far distant from the situation or social encounter. Sometimes when I am in a group or talking to someone I drift off into space and completely tune out what they are saying. It is also difficult when you are feeling the unsettling nerves of anxiety and are not able to control your thought process. Being someone or something else would better serve me. If I pretend like I heard what was said and act a certain way then maybe they won’t notice the disconnect that is actually there.

Putting on your best face, bringing your “A” game, and acting the part can get you through. There is a fine line between reality and not though. It is important to remember that you can change and things can get better. I’m not suggesting that we live a lie, I’m simply saying that using these techniques have helped me through some tough situations. Situations that live within my own mind. I’m constantly battling with the buzz in my head and I always want to crowd it out and feel better. Forcing myself to visualize something different, something better- and it usually happens for me.