Am I Depressed or I Feel Depressed?

Many of us find ourselves entangled in a web of possessiveness when it comes to our mental health conditions. It's a common tendency to claim ownership over our struggles, inadvertently intertwining our identity with our afflictions. However, this mentality, at it core brings about a cycle of negativity and chronicity in our lives and mental health journey and recovery.

Instead of saying, "I am anxious" or "I am depressed," it's crucial to recognize that we are not defined by these conditions. Rather, we are experiencing them. This simple shift in language holds profound implications for our understanding of self and our approach to mental well-being. By acknowledging that we are only feeling anxious or depressed, we open the door to the possibility of change and healing. When we declare, "I am anxious," we unknowingly embed that identity into our psyche, allowing it to dictate our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The more we affirm this self-perception, the more entrenched it becomes, leading to a perpetual state of anxiety or depression. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy that can trap us in a cycle of suffering.

By reframing our language to reflect our experiences rather than our identity, we empower ourselves to take control of our mental health journey. Saying, "I feel anxious," allows us to acknowledge our emotions without allowing them to define us. It creates distance between ourselves and our conditions, opening up space for introspection and growth.

Moreover, recognizing that our mental health conditions do not define us enables us to explore the root causes of our distress.

Instead of accepting anxiety or depression as an inherent part of who we are, we can interrogate the triggers and underlying factors contributing to our emotional turmoil. This self-awareness is crucial for developing coping strategies and seeking appropriate support.

Furthermore, the language we use shapes our perception of reality and influences our behavior. When we constantly affirm our identity as "anxious" or "depressed," we condition ourselves to expect and manifest these states. Our words become a powerful force that reinforces our mental state, perpetuating a cycle of suffering.

On the contrary, when we adopt language that acknowledges our experiences without claiming ownership over them, we create space for change and transformation. Saying,

"I am experiencing anxiety," opens the door to possibilities beyond our current state. It reminds us that our emotions are transient

and subject to change.

This shift in perspective is not merely semantics; it has profound implications for our mental well-being. By disentangling ourselves from the ownership of our mental health conditions, we reclaim agency over our lives. We become active participants in our healing journey, rather than passive victims of our circumstances.

In essence, redefining our relationship with our mental health conditions requires a conscious effort to shift our language and perspective. By acknowledging that we are not defined by our struggles, we open ourselves to the possibility of growth, resilience, and healing. Let us choose our words wisely and empower ourselves to embrace a more positive and hopeful outlook on life.