Why Our Words Matter in our Mental Health Journey
Why Reframing My Self-Talk Was a Game Changer in My Mental Health and Recovery Journey
I recall growing up, how hearing phrases like "You're just overreacting" or "Isn't everyone a little ADHD?" These words stuck with me, changing how I viewed my emotions and mental health. I started doubting my feelings and questioning my well-being.
Like many of you, these phrases made me internalize negative messages, leading to years of silent suffering because no one listened. Now, as a mental health professional and someone in recovery, I understand just how much words matter.
I also understand how the language we use shapes our mental health, neurodiverse experiences, and recovery journeys. How? The words we choose affect how we see the world and ourselves. According to the University of Texas, they influence where we seek support, the kind of support we receive, and how we process our physical and emotional well-being.
Challenge negative self-talk: When we think we are "broken" or "weak" for needing mental health support, it is crucial to reframe those thoughts. Instead of seeing it as a sign of weakness, recognize it as a testament to your resilience. For example, take a moment to tell yourself, "Even though it's tough having these thoughts and seeking help, it demonstrates my strength and commitment to my well-being by reaching out for the support I need because even recognizing these moments shows I am making progress.
Reframe setbacks as temporary setbacks or lessons by focusing on progress instead of perfection: I used to be frustrated whenever I had setbacks, and old challenges or triggers would resurface. However, I eventually learned that without these challenges, I would not know the areas of my life I needed to improve, so I stopped viewing these setbacks as failures through reframing.
Now, I see setbacks as temporary roadblocks on my path to recovery. They are not defining moments but rather opportunities to empower myself. I proactively approach my self-improvement journey by choosing how I define these setbacks.
Then, acknowledge your progress because celebrating small victories and acknowledging your effort is important and a huge milestone. Whenever you notice you are discouraged by what you have not achieved, focus on how far you have come.
Embrace self-compassion and strength-based language: In today's world, it is hard to treat ourselves with kindness and understanding, especially during difficult times, because society views vulnerability and mental health challenges. However, it is important to remember that self-compassion is not a sign of weakness but a powerful act of self-care and strength.
I remember thinking, ' I will never get past certain traumas or experiences.' Despite ongoing challenges with certain memories, I continue to grow stronger and more resilient as I navigate my healing journey. It is about recognizing when we are extra hard on ourselves and enlightening self-awareness and resilience to reframe that healthily. It helps us get to where we want to be by choosing how we relate to and process our inner dialogue.
How can you accomplish the above?
- Instead of viewing the need for mental health support as a weakness, consider it a courageous act, a sign of resilience and strength in prioritizing your well-being.
- Take a moment to affirm yourself: "Even though it's tough and I need help, reaching out shows my commitment to my growth and healing."
- Acknowledge that even recognizing these moments of negative self-talk is a significant step forward, a testament to your growing self-awareness and a stronger sense of self.
- Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, see them as temporary roadblocks on your journey. Take a moment to remind yourself of how far you have come and the resilience you have shown. Each challenge you overcome is a testament to your strength and determination.
- Use setbacks to identify areas for improvement and empower yourself to learn and grow from them.
- Remember to celebrate even the smallest victories, acknowledging the effort you put into your recovery and self-improvement journey. Each step forward is a reason to be proud and motivated.
- Despite societal stigmas, recognize that self-compassion is a powerful form of self-care and strength, and you are more than the limiting beliefs of others.
- Even with ongoing challenges, affirm your resilience and growth by reminding yourself that you continually grow stronger as you navigate your healing journey.
- Replace limiting words like "can't" with "can" and "won't" with "won't right now," fostering empathy and patience with yourself.
In summary, the impact of language on mental health is profound, and even though it is not a cure or means, we will no longer have challenges. The words we choose mold how we see ourselves and our experiences, significantly shaping our emotional and psychological states. We can alter our mental health paths by challenging negative self-talk, reframing setbacks as temporary obstacles, focusing on continual progress, embracing self-compassion, and using empowering language.
I found reframing my self-talk has been transformative, guiding me from periods of self-doubt and isolation to a place of insight and personal growth. Cultivating mindfulness in our language lays the foundation for healing, resilience, and a more compassionate recovery journey.
REFERENCES AND RESOURCES
Language Matters in Mental Health | Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. (2023, August 10). Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. https://hogg.utexas.edu/news-resources/language-matters-in-mental-health#:~:text=Language%20matters%20in%20mental%20health.,beliefs%2C%20and%20well%2Dbeing
Seligman, M. E. P., & Steen, T. (2006). What is a strength-based approach? PositivePsychology.com. Retrieved from https://positivepsychology.com/strengths-based-interventions/
Stanford, T. (2024, January 12). 9 Powerful Techniques for Reframing Your Self-Talk. Saint Belford. https://www.saintbelford.com.au/blogs/wellbeing-self-care/9-powerful-techniques-for-reframing-your-self-talk
Moore, D. (2023, May 19). Reframe Your Self-Talk — Feeling and Healing Therapy Services. Feeling and Healing Therapy Services. https://www.feelingandhealingtherapy.com/blog/reframe-your-self-talk
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). https://dictionary.apa.org/reframing
About the Creator
Sandy Pace
I’m a freelance writer with ADHD and anxiety. Who’s passionate about mental health awareness and other related topics. And has written for publications like ADDitude Magazine, Thought Catalog, TotallyADD, BuzzFeed @ other publications.
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Comments (4)
I loved this story and learned alot from your story. Thanks for providing awesome content. Also whether you agree or disagree with me on my statement it's OK, or think I'm crazy 🤪 I will understand, because we all have our beliefs and the right to believe what we want..... I would not know the areas of my life I needed to improve, so I stopped viewing these setbacks as failures through reframing. You did it yourself, by changing certain things, feeling good about it and truly believed it. Also wanted to remove the negative out of your life. By you making this choice, you are choosing to move on from part of your past, every word you say positive or negative also creates positive or negative experiences to follow, if you get into a argument with someone, your outcome, depends on if you choose to react positively or negatively. If you react positive, your making a better sustainable choice for yourself. I understand just how much words matter. Your words are the changes you want in life. A word is a vibration and frequency. The words we choose affect how we see the world and ourselves. According to the University of Texas, they influence where we seek support, the kind of support we receive, and how we process our physical and emotional well-being. The choice of words definitely influence how we view the world and ourselves. Also words are very powerful, you can change your whole life with your words. It's starts with thought, then emotion, and your beliefs. You also brought up limited beliefs, say for example someone wants to heal themselves, the thought, emotional and beliefs all have to align. Let's say they have a illness , they are depressed and keep thinking that they will never get better, each day that goes by they are resembling day by day which is the past, this person gets depressed and getting worse, and thinking of the worst scenario that could happen . That's a person with limited beliefs and nothing will change. Also you will draw all the negative thoughts and the emotions that are intertwined with your beliefs and have negative outcomes. Change is what's needed, we all need to be aware and present all the time, and not on autopilot, being on autopilot is a routine people do everyday, like waking up, going to work, coming home making dinner, going to bed and doing the same thing over and over again, of course we need to do those things, but if you want something, more money, a better job, more time off, you need to change your thought pattern, ask yourself what would it be like to have my dream job, envisioning all the things you would like it to be with the time off you want, and whatever else, with adding a emotions , of happiness, gratitude an whatever other emotions you may feel while you see your future self doing all new things. You keep on staying in the present moment being aware of the choices to be made and you create a different you, then you will start seeing changes, maybe small ones or big ones and the universe will provide what is needed for you to experience the new job you want. The body doesn't can't distinguish the past or future, by envisioning it as it already happened, the quantum field will provide with out you doing anything physical. Creating with the mind is a shorter process then creating with matter, because it takes longer. If your skeptical of my statement, take a look on YouTube and type in Dr. Joe Dispenza and listen on how we can heal ourselves, create our own reality, have the life we want. He has thousands of brain scans, testimonies of people who were healed. He has 7 day retreats. Also the newest book is called Becoming Supernatural .
Extremely useful and informative article, sure this will be helpful to many
Thanks
Very very comprehensive.