Laughing Through Anxiety: My Journey with Mental Health, Lesser-Known Issues, and a Social Justice Perspective

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Mental health is a topic that is often discussed but can still be stigmatized in our society. While some may find it difficult to discuss their struggles, it's important to recognize that everyone has their own unique journey. In this post, I want to share my own mental health journey and my own learnings from it.

I've struggled with anxiety for most of my life. As a child, I would worry about the smallest things, which would eventually spiral into a full-blown panic attack. As I grew older, my anxiety manifested in different ways, such as an intense fear of public speaking or socializing. Despite trying various treatments, such as medication and therapy, my anxiety still lingers.

But with time, I've learned to manage my anxiety through self-care, mindfulness, and a healthy support system. I've also realized that my struggles with anxiety don't define me as a person. It's important to remember that mental illness is just one aspect of our lives, and it doesn't have to control our entire identity.

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One way I learned across the journey to cope with mental health struggles is to incorporate humor into your life. For me, I find that laughing at myself or making light of a difficult situation can help reduce my anxiety. While it may seem counterintuitive to make jokes about mental health, sometimes a little bit of humor can go a long way.

For example, I once read a story about someone who used their anxiety to their advantage by pretending they were a secret agent on a mission to complete tasks. While it may seem silly, reframing a situation in a humorous way can help alleviate anxiety and reduce stress.

Highlighting Lesser-Known Mental Health Issues:

While anxiety and depression are common mental health issues, there are many other conditions that are less well-known. By shining a light on these lesser-known conditions, we can increase awareness and understanding of mental health as a whole.

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One such condition is borderline personality disorder (BPD). BPD is a mental illness characterized by intense emotions, unstable relationships, and impulsive behavior. It's estimated that around 1.4% of adults in the United States have BPD, but many people are still unaware of the condition.

As someone who has struggled with anxiety, I can empathize with the challenges that come with managing intense emotions. By highlighting lesser-known mental health issues like BPD, we can help reduce stigma and provide support for those who may be struggling.

Social Justice Perspective:

Mental health is often tied to larger societal issues, such as poverty, racism, and inequality. These issues can contribute to mental health problems, and it's important to recognize the systemic barriers that some people face when seeking treatment or support.

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For example, studies have shown that people of color are less likely to receive adequate mental health care, despite being more likely to experience mental health challenges. This is due in part to systemic racism and inequality in healthcare systems.

As someone who is privileged enough to have access to mental health care, I feel it's important to recognize the ways in which our society can fail those who are most vulnerable. By discussing mental health from a social justice perspective, we can raise awareness and advocate for change.

Mental health is a complex and multifaceted topic, and everyone's journey is unique. By incorporating humor, highlighting lesser-known mental health issues, and discussing mental health from a social justice perspective, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate conversation around mental health.

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