Constantly comparing progress in life to my age
I think to myself constantly "This is how old you are, look at all the years you've had. Now what do you have to show for it?" "You don't have many years left, work harder". Except I can't work harder, my mental health is getting worse. I'm in treatment so I guess that's a good thing.
Good luck with your treatment. You should be proud of yourself for working on it. I'm 43 and may not have much to show either, but I'm trying to not compare myself to others. We gotta be happy with the small victories in life as a fellow 7cupper has taught me. I wish you well. Take care and don't be so hard on yourself ❤️
@SweetPea321 Yes! Great ideas. Good for you!
@fearlessOak7815 Don’t do that.
What are you comparing yourself to? Everyone’s different! We’ll never meet our own expectations if they’re beyond our reckoning. We can achieve great things if we give ourselves the space. :) helps out there and we want to see each other succeed
@fearlessOak7815
where does this come from i wonder ......
too many IMO think i need to get x before this age .... and Y before this age etc..... it is not only unrealistic but totally miss the big picture......... that life is an experience and you grow and change with each event and trial.
@fearlessOak7815
Your not alone in thinking that the mental health defines or controls you. I have learn it is a bump in my life and that the things I suffer from will not control me as it should not control you. Thi is a quote I have taped to my wall to remind me that:
I am here if you need someone who can chat with you. I have experienced similar things and want to help you also
@pamharley003
Hi, wow that's a great way to think of it. I really appreciate that. It sort of feels like I intuitively know that, but it is somehow easy to start believing that the depression and anxiety do control me. Also many thoughtful and interesting posts here.
@fearlessOak7815
By not letting our mental health issues define us let's others know we control our life and I tell people that it is an illness and not to define me for that because I can be a person regardless of this
@fearlessOak7815 Yes, recognizing that you need help and accepting treatment are very positive steps. Please be gentle with yourself. Comparing ourselves to others often is not helpful. Life is a long journey, not a sprint, and there is no timeline that says we "have to" do this or that, or we must work harder if we are over 30 years old. For you, it might be a good time to slow down and prioritize your mental health and wellness. Everyone goes at different speeds, and that is ok! (Personally, I am almost forty and I still don't have my life together, either.)
Please reach out if you'd like to chat.
Take care.
-Purple
