The writer reflects on their inability to cry despite feeling a range of emotions. They explore emotional suppression, alexithymia, medication effects, trauma, and cultural conditioning as possible reasons. Drawing parallels with the concept of the “eightfold fence,” they recognize their emotional boundaries and express a desire for self-reflection and emotional release.
Category Archives: Mental Health
Barbed Wire Sickness and the Psychology of Disability
Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” highlights his pioneering concept of Logotherapy, emphasizing the human pursuit of purpose even amidst suffering. The book draws parallels between “barbed wire sickness,” linked to wartime trauma, and the experiences of individuals with disabilities, illustrating how isolation affects mental health and underscoring the resilience derived from meaning.
The Power of Connection – Why Social Wellness Matters After Disability
After a life-altering disability, social wellness often suffers, leading to feelings of isolation. Friendships may change, requiring individuals to communicate new needs. Loneliness poses health risks, emphasizing the importance of connection. Support groups can help build community and confidence. Maintaining relationships is crucial for long-term health and happiness.
Depression After Disability
The journey after a spinal cord injury involves more than physical recovery; it requires rebuilding self-identity and coping with emotional challenges like depression. Therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, provides essential tools for managing negative thoughts and emotions. Open discussions about mental health can foster community support and reduce stigma, emphasizing that seeking help is vital.
A Personal Journey Through the Dimensions of Wellness
Wellness encompasses more than just physical health; it includes emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and occupational dimensions. After a spinal cord injury, I redefined each aspect of my wellness. By seeking support, pursuing education, and embracing community, I learned to adapt, heal, and find purpose in a transformed life.
Grief Revisited
This post explores the connection between mental health, disability, and grief. It emphasizes that grief stems not just from loss but also from life changes like disability. Using established models, it addresses the non-linear process of grieving and adaptation, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and community support in navigating these experiences.
Be Kind To Your Mind
In 2017, struggling with depression, a veteran sought help from a behavioral health team at the VA. Through guided meditation, counseling, and therapy, he regained mental and physical strength, fostering a positive relationship with his therapist. Now advocating for mental health, he emphasizes the importance of therapy and self-care in healing.