Feeling Normal When Stable Understanding Mental Health Experiences
Do you ever stop and wonder, âWhat does it even mean to feel ânormalâ?â Especially when you've navigated the ups and downs of mental health challenges, the idea of normalcy can seem like a moving target. For those who experience periods of instability, achieving a state of stability can feel like reaching a long-awaited shore. But what happens once you're there? Do you instantly feel like your old self? Do you feel⊠normal?
What Does Feeling "Normal" Really Mean?
Okay, let's dive into this a bit. Feeling ânormalâ is such a subjective thing, right? What's normal for one person might be totally different for another. When we talk about it in the context of mental health, it often boils down to a sense of equilibrium. Itâs that state where your mood is relatively stable, your thoughts arenât racing or spiraling, and you can engage with daily life without feeling overwhelmed. For many, it means the absence of acute symptoms like panic attacks, severe depression, or manic episodes. Itâs about finding a baseline where you feel like you can manage your emotions and reactions in a healthy way.
But hereâs the kicker: even when the major storms have passed, the aftermath can still leave you feeling⊠well, not quite yourself. You might feel a sense of disconnect, as if youâre observing your life from a distance. Or maybe youâre hyper-aware of every little shift in your mood, constantly on the lookout for signs that things might be slipping. This is totally understandable. Youâve been through a lot, and itâs natural to feel a bit out of sync as you adjust to this new phase.
One crucial aspect to consider is that ânormalâ isn't about perfection. It's not about feeling happy and upbeat 24/7. Itâs about experiencing the full spectrum of emotions without being derailed by them. Itâs about having the tools and strategies to navigate difficult feelings, rather than being consumed by them. Think of it like this: a normal day might include moments of joy, moments of frustration, and moments of quiet contentment. Itâs the blend of these experiences that makes us human. So, if youâre feeling a mix of emotions even when youâre stable, thatâs okay! Itâs part of the process.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your definition of ânormalâ might evolve over time. What felt normal before you experienced mental health challenges might not feel normal now, and thatâs perfectly valid. Youâve grown, youâve learned, and youâve adapted. Your new normal might be even better than your old one. It might include a deeper understanding of yourself, a greater appreciation for your resilience, and a stronger commitment to self-care. Embracing this evolution can be incredibly empowering. Itâs about creating a life that feels authentic and fulfilling, rather than trying to fit into a mold that no longer serves you.
In the journey towards stability, remember that itâs okay to redefine what normal means to you. Itâs about finding a place of balance and well-being that aligns with your unique experiences and aspirations. Feeling ânormalâ is less about erasing your past and more about integrating it into your present and future. Itâs about honoring your journey and celebrating your strength.
The Complex Feelings During Mental Health Stability
So, you've reached a period of stability in your mental health journey â that's fantastic! You've navigated the storms and found calmer waters. But here's the thing: sometimes, even in the calm, things can feel⊠complicated. It's not always the picture-perfect bliss we might imagine. Many people describe a mix of emotions, some expected, others surprising. Let's unpack some of these complex feelings that can surface during mental health stability.
A Sense of Disconnection
One common feeling is a sense of disconnection. You might find yourself looking back at the challenging periods you've been through and feeling like they happened to someone else. It's like watching a movie of your own life, but not quite feeling like you were the main character. This can be especially true if you've experienced significant mood swings or changes in behavior. The âstableâ you might feel like a different person from the âunstableâ you, and integrating these two versions of yourself can be a process. This sense of disconnection can also stem from the relief of no longer being in crisis. The intense focus on survival mode shifts, and you're left to grapple with the aftermath. Itâs a bit like the adrenaline crash after a big event â youâve been running on high alert, and suddenly you can stop, but your body and mind need time to adjust.
Hyper-Awareness
On the flip side, some people experience a heightened sense of awareness. Every little mood shift, every fleeting negative thought, can feel like a potential relapse. You might find yourself constantly scanning your internal landscape, looking for signs that things are about to go south. This hyper-awareness is often rooted in fear â fear of losing the stability youâve worked so hard to achieve, fear of returning to a place of suffering. While itâs natural to want to protect your well-being, this constant vigilance can be exhausting. Itâs like living with a smoke detector thatâs set too sensitive â it might catch every little flicker, but it also creates a lot of false alarms. Learning to trust your stability and developing a balanced approach to self-monitoring is key.
Grief and Loss
Another layer of complexity can come from feelings of grief and loss. This might sound surprising â after all, youâve gained stability, which is a positive thing. But itâs not uncommon to grieve the experiences you missed out on during periods of instability. Maybe you had to put your life on hold, withdraw from relationships, or give up on goals. There can be a sense of mourning for the time lost and the opportunities that slipped away. Additionally, there might be a loss of identity associated with the shift from being âsomeone with a mental illnessâ to simply âsomeone.â This isnât to say that your mental health challenges defined you entirely, but they were likely a significant part of your experience. Reconstructing your identity and finding new ways to define yourself can be both challenging and liberating.
The Pressure to Be âOkayâ
Letâs talk about the pressure to be âokay.â When youâre stable, there can be an unspoken expectation â both from yourself and others â that you should be happy and problem-free. People might assume that because youâre no longer in crisis, everything is perfect. This can make it difficult to talk about any lingering struggles or complex emotions. You might feel guilty for not being 100% joyful all the time, or worry that expressing any negativity will be seen as a sign of relapse. Itâs crucial to remember that stability doesnât mean the absence of challenges. Life still throws curveballs, and itâs okay to have bad days, even when youâre in a good place overall. Give yourself permission to feel the full range of emotions without judgment.
Finding Acceptance and Gratitude
Amidst these complexities, thereâs also the potential for deep acceptance and gratitude. Stability allows you to appreciate the present moment and build a life that aligns with your values. You have the space to nurture relationships, pursue your passions, and work towards your goals. The challenges youâve overcome have likely made you stronger and more resilient. Youâve developed coping skills, learned to advocate for yourself, and gained a deeper understanding of your own needs. This is something to be celebrated. Embracing the complexities of stability means acknowledging the full spectrum of your experience â the good, the bad, and the in-between. Itâs about giving yourself compassion and allowing yourself to grow at your own pace. Remember, the journey towards well-being is ongoing, and every step forward is a victory.
