This week we’re looking at unhealthy mindsets or negative thinking patterns and how they impact our mental health. This is part two in the series on mental health, last week we looked at more of the physical factors.
It’s important to highlight that the things I’m discussing here and in the previous blog post, aren’t by any means all-encompassing of mental health issues. I am sharing the things that I see most commonly and negatively impact my clients, friends, family, and even myself – everyday people. I am not referring to people who have serious mental health issues or disorders, although I don’t doubt that some of these factors could play a part in their condition.
Lack of self-compassion
Many people have an inner critic – a relentless voice within that can be both a blessing and a curse. It highlights our perceived flaws, magnifies our mistakes, and feeds our self-doubt. While it may push us to strive for excellence, it can also undermine our self-confidence and hinder our growth.
It takes courage to recognise this critical voice for what it is—a distorted lens through which we view ourselves. By cultivating self-compassion and embracing our vulnerabilities, we can tame the harsh inner critic and learn to nurture our self-worth with kindness and understanding using a different, healthy internal voice.
This new voice of self-compassion is key to personal growth and the ability to create healthy habits that support your wellbeing.
Seeking worth externally
When we place our value in the hands of something outside of ourselves, we relinquish control over our own happiness. Validation from external sources becomes a short-lived, inconsistent measure of our worthiness.
Instead, true self-worth lies in recognising our intrinsic value as individuals.
By cultivating self-awareness, practicing self-acceptance, and aligning our actions with our values, we can foster a genuine sense of worth that emanates from within. External recognition may still have its place, but it becomes an affirmation rather than the sole determinant of our self-esteem.
Bottling up feelings & emotions
Like a pressure cooker, suppressing our emotions may provide temporary relief, but it can create a ticking time bomb within us that eventually leads to an explosion of pent-up pain.
The weight of unexpressed emotions grows heavier, affecting our mental and physical well-being. It hampers our ability to form meaningful connections, as our true selves remain hidden behind a facade.
Instead, we must embrace vulnerability and find healthy outlets for our emotions.
By acknowledging and expressing our feelings, we can release the emotional pressure, heal wounds, and create space for authentic growth. It is through this openness that we find freedom, connection, and the power to truly thrive.
A negative worldview
Negativity, pessimism, and cynicism can poison our minds and hearts. They create a lens through which we view the world, distorting reality and dimming the light of hope.
Negativity breeds dissatisfaction, pessimism fuels despair, and cynicism erodes trust in people and life. These perspectives drain our energy, hinder progress, impact our health, and limit our potential. However, we have the power to break free from these destructive mindsets.
A person can learn and train their mind to cultivate positivity, embrace optimism, and nurture a sense of possibility.
It takes conscious effort to create a shift in perspective, but by choosing to look for the good whilst also managing our stress levels, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and unlock the door to a brighter, more fulfilling life.
It’s important to recognise these unhealthy mindsets in yourself (without any judgment – see point no.1!) and work towards developing healthier and more positive ways of thinking that promote resilience, self-compassion, wellbeing, and personal growth.
And, remember, if you’re struggling with any of these issues I talk about here please reach out and get intouch for a complimentary consultation where we can discuss your situation and how I might be able to help you.
Kate x
