Its been said to me its commendable how you can rely on your inner strength to cope with BDD and GAD, and how I’ve been working on regaining control of my mind and body. But, let me make one thing clear it has taken immense courage to open up about personal struggles and share my story through The Endless Spiral blog and podcast, which to be honest is a testament to my determination and belief in making a positive change in not only my life but hopefully others. I’m not saying all that to send myself on a ego trip but sometimes its good to take a step back and acknowledge some accomplishments in your life. I’ve made many adjustments to take back control of my life. When I say ‘life’, maybe it would be more specific to say I’ve taken back control of my body and mind.
As I was writing this blog it occurred to me that creating The Endless Spiral was actually a cry for help! I guess it was one of those lightbulb moments that you remember as a turning point in understanding some of the decisions Ive made in my life.
Admitting it was a cry for help for the very first time in this blog shows self-awareness and the willingness to seek support and begin my healing process. By sharing my journey, im not only empowering myself but also hopefully inspiring others who may be going through similar challenges. I think resilience and honesty can be a beacon of hope for those seeking to overcome their own obstacles and reclaim their lives for better mental and physical health.
One of the steps I used to take back some control was a process of setting boundaries which involved self-reflection, learning to prioritize my own needs, and communicating assertively with others. It’s a journey of personal growth and empowerment that may take time and practice, as I’m sure many of you have experienced. By removing negative people and influences, you create space for positive relationships and a more supportive environment, which can significantly impact your mental health and overall happiness.
If you practice self-reflection you can hopefully own your own journey to serve as a guide for yourself to navigate through these complexities and cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Being a father to three beautiful children has highlighted the positive impact that building self-belief and inner confidence can have on your life. Seeing my kids develop their own individual personalities has inspired me to embrace taking back control of being an independent parent and creating experiences that have most definitely contributed to my personal growth and brought joy and love back into mine and my kids lives.
But, lets be honest having self-confidence is different from having an ego or being arrogant. It’s about acknowledging your worth, embracing your strengths, and having faith in your abilities, while also recognising your areas for growth. Self-confidence can be a powerful tool in overcoming challenges, pursuing your passions, and navigating life with resilience.
It’s true that building self-confidence is an ongoing journey, and it’s a testament to anyone’s strength and patience that you continue to work on it. Trusting yourself and your capabilities is essential, and it can be a transformative process that influences how you perceive yourself and how you interact with the world. It takes practice but it is possible.
Acknowledging personal development is a reminder that genuine self-belief comes from within, and it’s not solely dependent on external validation. Be yourself and not a version you think others want to see.
I’ve been forced to my face my inner demons. Not always on my terms I must add but I’ve at least tried to take the positives from them and worked towards regaining control in these areas of my life. If you’re willing to open up about your experiences through journaling, speaking to a trusted friend or a family member, and seeking therapy, this not only shows vulnerability but also empowers others to do the same.
Remember there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to overcoming such challenges and is an important reminder that everyone’s journey is unique. Each person’s path to healing and growth may involve different approaches and timelines. By taking back control of your mind and body you will encourage and empower you to own your space and embrace it, you’re providing an inner strength of hope and resilience that will help navigate you through the rest of your life.
Taking back control of your mind and body is not only about physical health but also about nurturing a positive relationship with yourself. Your journey of self-discovery and transformation showcases the power of self-awareness and self-compassion. It’s not a race and if you make even a one percent improvement a day that’s an achievement to be proud of.
We all handle life choices and the significance of seeking support differently when feeling lost. It’s true that we get faced with making challenging decisions which may have a positive or negative impact on our lives but, it’s how we respond and learn from them that shapes our character.
Acknowledging moments of feeling lost and seeking guidance from those around us is a courageous step toward taking back control of our lives.
Having a support system of trusting people can be invaluable in times of uncertainty, providing comfort, understanding, and encouragement on your path to independence and inner peace.
I urge anyone reading this that is struggling to reach out to someone they trust or utilise available resources, by doing this you are giving others the opportunity to extend a helping hand. There are supports in place to help you on your path to regaining control of your life.
Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and these organisations are here to support you.
If you are struggling or are worried about a family member or friend here are some helpful resources:
Aware – Offers support, information, and education on depression, bipolar disorder, and related conditions. Visit their website: Aware
Pieta House – Provides free therapeutic services for those in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm. Learn more: Pieta House
Samaritans – Offers a helpline for emotional support, available 24/7. Visit their website: Samaritans Ireland
BodyWhys – Our mission is to ensure support, awareness and understanding of eating disorder amongst the wide community as well as advocating for the right and healthcare need of people affected by eating disorder.
Mental Health Ireland – At Mental Health Ireland, our aim is to promote and enhance mental health, wellbeing and recovery for all individuals and communities.
Mens Aid – Empowering and supporting men and their families experiencing domestic violence, to be safe.
Womens Aid – Women’s Aid is a national, feminist organisation working to prevent and address the impact of domestic violence and abuse since 1974.
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