THE UNSEEN BATTLE: My Mental Health
- Ravi Patel
- Jun 17, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 6
Intro
I knew mental health would be the central focus of a blog post. I'm delivering this post while I'm feeling a little spiritless. However, if I can search for any positives from feeling this way it’s I can accurately articulate my struggles with mental health. Notably, it's Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, and I thought I could be a symbol for individuals going through difficult times. I believe it’s also crucial I turn a negative into a positive. I feel by creating this post I’m doing meaningful work and channeling my energy in special ways. So, today I will discuss challenges I've had with overthinking, depression, and panic attacks. Additionally, I'll provide ways you can potentially tackle your own unseen mental health battle.
I’ve seen on Instagram people posting affirmations regarding mental health in their stories, and I feel I could potentially go a step further. I believe I can use my platform and have a strong voice. I hope I can deliver a post that’ll provide you with tools for comfort if you’re going through similar challenges. I’m at a crucial point in my life where I will either progress and show my “greatness,” or I’ll spiral into despair. I don’t know what’ll happen. However, I do know regardless of how I'm feeling mentally I'll still deliver another strong blog post.
Overthinking
This is likely my “Achilles heel,” overthinking. I believe overthinking unfortunately facilitates my depression and fears. I will get fixated on a single thought, and sometimes it’ll feel like it’s “over.” I’ll ask myself questions, “Why is this happening to me?”, “How did I get in this situation or predicament?”, “Is this my fault?”, "Did I do something wrong?”, “Did I miss something?” The most difficult part of overthinking is doing mental gymnastics to overcome it since sometimes I can’t find those answers.
My psychology of overthinking is overanalyzing everything. I'll ask myself more questions, "Did I mess up?", "Did I incorrectly say this?", "Should I double-check?" I’ll usually be fine whenever I realize certain thoughts aren’t important. However, when I feel these thoughts will threaten my happiness, then I'll start worrying. I try searching for an explanation or anything, so I can escape “jail." It's difficult because it appears the odds are stacked against me sometimes, and I struggle to overcome those thoughts. Eventually, I just end up hoping certain thoughts "unstick" and lose their power over me, but by this point, it will have taken a toll on me.
The Key
Find a Distraction (Hobbies, Work, Music, etc.)
15-30 Minute Meditation
Write Down Your Thoughts
Treat Yourself (Favorite Food, TV Show, Accessory, etc.)
Depression
Once overthinking takes a toll on me, my depression will return. It’s hard being able to do anything meaningful or productive, and it takes a while before I can bounce back. There is a feeling of hopelessness like I've hit "rock bottom." During this time, material possessions don't mean anything to me, since it’s physiologically how I get myself out of this depression. In my depression phase, self-care is often difficult during these times. As a result, my diet, workout sessions, nightly routine, and morning routine are completely messed up.
My dishes get tougher to clean. My room gets tougher to clean. One single step feels like 10 steps. It’s hard for me because I’ll be in isolation during this time, and I’ll begin losing touch with the outside world. I can’t leave my house or apartment. I start questioning myself, and more self-doubt arises. I’ll ask myself more questions. "Will I get out of this?”, “Will it get better?", "Will it be like this forever?”, “So, what’ll happen is I’ll become fearful.” When one challenge ends, and another challenge begins. “Will I be strong enough?”, “Will I spiral again?”
The Key
Keep a Healthy Diet!
Regular Exercise
Spend Time with Family/Friends
Pick Up a New Hobby (Collecting Records, Painting, Running, etc.)
Any Small Momentum Carries Over! (One Good Day, Positive Self-Talk, etc.)
Panic Attack
“Will I spiral again?” I had my first panic attack about 3 months ago, and this was because I became panic-stricken from something I was worrying about. I knew at 2 AM something seemed off, and I thought I was having a heart attack, but it was a panic attack. I called an ambulance hoping I would be alright. Subsequently, I ended up being okay, and I left the hospital at 5 AM, and I stayed at a friend's place. Later, I didn't feel comfortable by myself, since I had a fear of “What if it happened again?” So, I decided to take classes from home for about 1-2 weeks.
When I went home, I adjusted my mindset. I worried only about myself. I didn’t worry about any social obligations. At home, I had a more consistent eating pattern and got quality sleep. A few days ago, I almost had another panic attack. However, my previous experience prepared me for this. This time I knew the situation and prevented it from happening again. I took a few deep breaths, put my earbuds in, and played music. Next, I put a cold water bottle to my face and started watching a podcast (NFR Podcast). Afterward, I opened the Calm app (free for UC students), and I listened to a Delta Wave (Halting Thoughts Delta 145 Hz-147 Hz) for a long time before going to sleep.
The Key (In The Moment!)
Listen To Your Favorite Song, Relaxation Sounds
Take a Cold Shower (Or Get Cold Water/Ice On You)
Talk To Someone (Family Member Or Friend)
It's a Temporary Feeling, You'll Be Okay.
Outro
I didn’t like being vulnerable in this situation. However, I’m glad I chose to go through with this blog post instead of deleting the early draft I had composed. This is my most personal blog post without a doubt, it’s for those who’ve gone through tough times. I hope I reassured you you’re not alone, and I hope my keys for tackling these challenges are beneficial. Additionally, I have exciting new news to share! I will be venturing into photography soon. Stay tuned!
Links
Thanks for being vulnerable with us Ravi! It takes people like you to open up about their experiences to help others!