My Mental Health Journey – How I Built Strength
A famous couplet by Rahim ji says:
“Rahiman nij man ki vyatha, man hi rakho goy;
Suni ithalaihain log sab, baat na laihai koy.”
This means that one should keep their pain within their heart because sharing it with others may invite mockery, and no one truly helps carry that burden.
However, from my experience, this isn’t entirely true. When shared with the right person in the right way, pain doesn’t increase — it becomes lighter. Today, I want to share with you one of the most challenging phases of my life.
From Academic Knowledge to Real-life Practice
I hold a PhD in Educational Psychology. For years, I worked with research papers, books, case studies, and theories, learning about mental health, emotional struggles, stress, and coping techniques. But truthfully, all that knowledge felt incomplete until I applied it in my life.
What I learned in books stayed confined to paper. The real test came when my own life spiralled into a phase filled with family conflicts, emotional distress, loneliness, and uncertainty about the future. That’s when I realized that reading about mental health is one thing, but living it is another.
Family Challenges and Their Impact
The last year was the hardest period of my life. Unwanted problems, loneliness, financial constraints, and heavy responsibilities affected my mind deeply.
Issues like conflicts in relationships, misunderstandings, people turning away, or bitter words constantly stirred anxiety, sensitivity, and self-doubt. For the first time, I realized how reading about mental health is vastly different from experiencing it firsthand.
Time kept testing my patience. I felt lost and unable to find a way to stay strong. Even those close to me distanced themselves.
Blogging Became My Therapy
In the midst of all this, I started writing a blog on psychology. Initially, it was just a way to pass time and keep myself engaged — to organize my thoughts and express my struggles. But before I knew it, writing became therapy for me.
As I wrote articles like “How to Deal with Anxiety,” “Coping with Loneliness,” “Emotional Support in Relationships,” “Recognizing People Around You,” “The Connection Between Mental and Physical Health,” I began practicing these ideas in my own life. Motivating others became a way to motivate myself.
While writing, I asked myself:
– Can I apply this in my life?
– Which habit would be the most helpful for me?
– How can I prepare myself to face these challenges?
– Which habits need change?
Gradually, writing became a tool for self-reflection. I connected the lessons I had learned academically with my real-life experiences.
The benefits were twofold:
- Expressing my thoughts helped me process emotions — a kind of catharsis.
- Reader feedback showed that my posts inspired others, which boosted my own confidence.
https://rewireyoursoach.com/dimag-ki-pratirodhak-kshmta-bhi-jaruri-hai/
What I had only read in textbooks — anxiety, loneliness, relationship complexities, self-esteem, wellness practices — became part of my everyday life. I experimented with techniques like Cognitive Restructuring, Mindfulness, healthy routines, and emotional balance.
Here’s how these practices helped me:
1.Managing Anxiety
Earlier, even small stresses overwhelmed me. But through breathing exercises, meditation, and calming techniques, I learned how to handle myself better. I still felt stressed at times, but only for a short while.
2.Self-talk During Loneliness
Whenever I felt alone with no one to talk to, I wrote in my diary or blog. This self-dialogue gave me stability and prevented my mind from spiralling into overthinking.
3.Understanding Relationships
Through writing, I learned how to identify emotions, communicate better, and set healthy boundaries. This helped me build new relationships based on trust and empathy.
4.Self-motivation
Writing guidance for others also helped me find solutions for myself. Every time I wrote about a positive habit, I tried to implement it in my life.
5.Balancing Mental and Physical Health
By following better sleep routines, eating right, and exercising, I noticed a significant improvement in my mental clarity and overall health.
You’ll be surprised to know that this entire year, I didn’t fall sick even once! I haven’t taken even a simple Crocin tablet. Facing family hardships alone and staying healthy wasn’t easy, but mental balance, self-care, and positive thinking kept me going.
For me, it felt nothing short of a miracle — because I realized how deeply connected our mind and body are. A strong mind helps the body stay resilient.
Helping Others — Helping Myself
As I wrote about anxiety, loneliness, relationships, and mental wellness, I started receiving messages and questions from readers. Their struggles made me think differently and encouraged me to approach my own problems with a solution-oriented mindset.
I discovered that helping others strengthen themselves also strengthened me. Understanding someone’s issue and offering guidance created positive changes within me.
When I shared my experiences, people opened up to me saying they faced similar challenges. Their words gave me the confidence that I wasn’t alone, and solutions are possible.
I learned that crying or feeling helpless doesn’t solve problems — standing strong and facing them does.
Turning Psychology into Everyday Practice
Over time, I understood that mental health isn’t a distant concept. It’s built from daily habits, small changes, and a compassionate approach to oneself.
Writing wasn’t just sharing information — it became a practice. Every post was like a new beginning, a new opportunity to understand my mind better, love myself, and tackle stress. I began speaking affirmations like:
“Everything will be alright, this phase will pass, God is with me, He will show the way.”
This helped me develop resilience and remain hopeful.
Solid Impact of These Practices
The changes weren’t overnight but steady:
– Anxiety reduced over time
– I learned to view problems as part of life
– Instead of suppressing emotions, I accepted and redirected them
– I explored my inner self rather than defining myself by problems
– I gained trust and respect from people around me
– Many influential individuals began supporting and helping me
Research Supports This Journey
Studies suggest that blogging, especially self-disclosure, enhances mental health by improving self-support and problem-solving skills.
In India, family conflicts are common, and overcoming them requires patience, communication, and self-care.
A Message for You
If you’re also going through family or mental health struggles, these lessons can guide you. Small efforts build a path toward healing. You can transform your mental state step by step, just like I did by applying what I learned academically to real life.
Start with one small step today — it may not seem much, but it will lead you to greater changes.
Practical Steps You Can Take
- Accept the problem and be compassionate to yourself
– Acknowledge your feelings instead of hiding them.
– Don’t blame yourself — sadness or tears are natural. - Express emotions and maintain communication
– Talk to someone trustworthy.
– Open communication strengthens relationships and helps you find solutions. - Set boundaries and prioritize self-care
– Learn to say “no” when necessary.
– Sleep well, eat balanced meals, and practice mindfulness. - Set small goals and celebrate achievements
– Every small win counts.
– Keep a gratitude journal and appreciate little joys. - Don’t hesitate to seek help
– Support from friends, family, or professionals is not weakness.
– It’s a brave step toward healing. - Be patient and kind to yourself
– Healing is a journey. Avoid comparing your story to others.
– Trust that things will improve. - Professional guidance is okay
– Don’t hesitate to consult a psychologist if needed.
Remember — You Are Not Alone
Every family and individual faces challenges. Avoid comparing your struggles with others — every person’s journey is unique. Small, consistent efforts create meaningful change. Trust yourself, give yourself time, and seek help when needed.
FAQs
Q1. Does blogging really help with mental health?
Yes! Research shows that expressing thoughts and emotions through blogging helps reduce stress and improve mental balance.
Q2. How should I handle family problems?
Open communication, self-care, and patience are proven ways to cope with challenges.
Q3. Which psychological practices are most effective?
Mindfulness, Cognitive Restructuring, Expressive Writing, and Self-Compassion are practical tools you can apply.
Final Thoughts
Life may be full of struggles, but awareness, and applying psychological techniques can help not just yourself but also those around you.
Taking care of your mental health is a victory in itself — and your journey can inspire others. I’m still learning, making mistakes, and growing — but I’m no longer afraid. Together, we can build a balanced, conscious life.
If my story inspired you, feel free to share it with your loved ones. Reach out if you need support — you’re never alone.
If you prefer, you can also read this article in Hindi – https://rewireyoursoach.com/mental-health-journey-hindi/
https://www.bloggingpro.com/blogging-for-mental-health/#gref