Coping accomplishments

As many other people, I’m often asked what I do for a living. When  they hear that I’m a psychological counsellor, a common response is, “I will never be able to do that”. This is usually followed by an explanation that they don’t know how they will be able to cope with it. Referring to all the “negativity”, trauma and sadness – the shadow side of life.

Fortunately for every story of trauma, depression, anxiety and sadness, there is a story of success, coping, survival and resilience. However, the client at first might not realise this.

If someone with severe social anxiety has managed to attend a session with a therapist it means that he/she has overcome several challenges to have been able to do so! If someone with depression has managed to stand up in the morning it means that he/she has fought every instinct to stay in bed and got up DESPITE the challenges!

To me it is not an accomplishment to pitch at a unfamiliar person’s office or to stand up in the morning. However, if these are the types of challenges you are facing, it is a HUGE accomplishment. Exactly because of the challenges!

If you are facing mental health challenges, what are you doing DESPITE these challenges?

See these as accomplishments. Not because these are accomplishment to everyone, but because these are accomplishments to you because of your unique challenges.

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