Understand That Healing Is Not Linear And Alter Your Perspective On Mental Health Recovery Forever

Mental health is a massive topic at the moment, and while there is so much advice out there on how to be more positive, how to break your habits, and quick fixes for your mindset, people are failing to realize that you can only recover when you understand that healing is not linear.

As someone who has suffered from depression and anxiety for years, I have felt constant frustration with myself for not getting better quickly enough. That’s simply not the way it works. No matter what mental health issue you suffer from, it is the same for everyone—nobody can suddenly pick themselves up one day and recover from their problems. Believe me, I’ve tried. I’ve written down goal lists that include recovering from lifelong issues in one month, which is simply not achievable. Everyone goes through ups and downs in their recovery, as it can take time to realize what helps you, let alone reach out in the first place. As someone who internalizes a lot, it was a big step to ask for help, and while that didn’t suddenly make me feel better, it was a step in a journey of change.

Understanding yourself and your issues takes time, especially as there are so many different avenues of support to explore. Medication can take time to work, and your body may not react well to it—you may need to switch to another counselor or try a different therapy technique. In today’s society, everybody wants a quick fix, but just like with your physical health, you can’t suddenly change your mindset—you have to take small steps each day.

When you do fall back in your healing and retreat to old habits and mindsets, the guilt and sense of failure can feel overwhelming. I have slipped back into depression numerous times, and recently I have struggled with anxiety, which hadn’t really been a problem for years. The reason I can stay calmer during these relapses is because I now understand that it’s okay. It’s human and normal, and I can return to old steps or try new methods to get better again. Each time, I learn something new about myself and my journey. Some ways I appreciate my progress are writing down how I’m feeling and keeping a diary. I also take photos in my daily life, and through both methods, I can look back and realize how far I’ve come. These may feel like simple tools that couldn’t possibly help, but the truth is not everyone can afford therapy or medication. At the end of the day, the person who understands your mind best is you—so finding small, personal ways to support yourself matters.

Life is out of our control to an extent. We don’t know what may happen, and some triggers will arise unexpectedly. But once you accept that healing is not linear, everything shifts. You release the pressure to be “better” overnight and allow yourself the space to grow, fall back, and move forward again—on your own terms. And that, in itself, is what real healing looks like.

Next up, How Loving Yourself Improves Your Relationship

If you're looking for support, you can connect with a mental health counselor at "thrivetalk.com.