Mental illnesses come in a variety of forms and severity levels. There are several eating disorders and personality disorders. Anxiety and depression are common forms of mental illnesses as well. Looking on the bright side, there are some benefits to living with a mental illness.
Benefits of living with a mental illness include the ability to be more empathetic, compassionate and patient with others. Offering a unique perspective and understanding what others are dealing with internally. And using that emotional intelligence to spread love and acceptance to those around you.
In this article we’ll explain a little more of what each of those benefits entails and how the benefits might be experienced. Also, addressing top related questions for how having a mental illness can be beneficial. Questions like these include…
- What are the most common types of mental illnesses (includes detailed list)
- Why treatment and self-care are important
- Why it’s important to be positive about mental illness?
- What should people know about mental illness?
- What not to say to someone with a mental illness?
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The Benefits of Living with a Mental Illness
Obviously, living with a mental illness of any kind is challenging and no where near a walk in the park. We’re not here to talk about how hard it can be or what the various struggles entail – we are well aware.
It’s time to empower yourself and look for the blessings that can come from something even as draining and intense as living with a mental illness. Here are six examples of how living with a mental illness can benefit you or others around you.
Empathy
When someone suffers with mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, certain eating disorders or personality disorders, they know what it’s like to be extremely sensitive.
Some have said that there is a direct link between depression and empathy. People with depression are familiar with severe emotional pain.
Depending on the type of individual, this may cause them to be especially empathetic toward other people’s pain. They will be able to feel what others do in a variety of situations.
They will be able to relate to other’s emotions on a variety of levels. Feeling a range of emotions people might be feeling is typical as well.
Empaths are uniquely able to put themselves in other people’s “shoes”. Often, this ability comes from childhood trauma and/or some type of abuse. Becoming empathetic due to a mental illness such as depression often feels lonely and difficult.
One may want to not be so empathetic as it weighs on them, however, there is a lot of strength and reward in this ability as well.
Compassion and Understanding
Compassion and understanding sort of go hand in hand with being empathetic. Those who are no stranger to mental and emotional pain tend to reach out to other’s to make sure they’re okay.
You may have heard the saying “check on your happy friends”? This is because those suffering the most tend to be good at hiding their pain as a way to shield others from the “burden” of it.
Developing a deep sense of compassion for others is a great benefit. Being understanding and putting others first in certain situations are great examples of how living with a mental illness can have a silver lining.
Having the ability to chose compassion and understanding despite your mental illness will provide a sense of strength and control. Being able to love and give back in those areas can be very fulfilling as well.
Patience
Dealing with a mental illness and being proactive about treatment and/or healing takes a lot of patience. People who live with a mental illness understand how difficult daily tasks can be.
Things as simple as getting out of bed in the morning or making it through a work day. If someone struggling with a mental illness has learned to be patient and give themselves grace through difficult times like that, they usually have the most patience for others as well.
They can be more aware of why others around them might be struggling. Showing patience to others is often a strength because of this.
Unique Perspective
People who live with mental illness offer unique perspectives that other’s might not think about. They might draw conclusions or answers based on their pain but also how others are feeling.
Depending on the individual, they can be more optimistic and generally see the “bright side” of everyday situations.
This is because some people struggling with mental illnesses appreciate the “good” days much more and don’t let small things effect them since they are already dealing with so much. Having a friend like this can offer some insight to a higher, more carefree perspective.
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Self Awareness
Understanding what you’re experiencing (emotionally and mentally) requires a decent level of self-awareness. When someone is able to work through and live with a mental illness, they will need to be aware of themselves in order to manage appropriately.
Being that self-aware will cause the individual to develop personal skills which will cause them to know themselves on a level some people might never reach. They’ll be able to identify triggers and outcomes for/of their behavior.
They will also be able to use that to strengthen their intuition. Being skilled enough to recognize what you’re feeling and how that will effect your life is an important skill that most miss out on.
Having that level of practiced insight will allow them the ability to side step potential pit falls and dodge harmful mistakes.
Of course, this is specific to those with a mental illness who are proactive about their condition and who put themselves first with their care/needs without brushing it under the rug.
Emotional Intelligence
Intense feelings and overthinking can seem like a burden at times, but those who are well aware of a variety of thoughts and feelings often are the best at knowing what others are going through emotionally.
Also, some mental illness cause people to observe others more than being socially involved. Understanding body language and certain ques is often a strong point with those dealing with a mental illness.
They are able to show love and acceptance on a higher level than others who are not as emotionally intelligent. This skill also may come in handy when meeting people for the first time.
They often have a better sense of people and are sometimes a better judge of character than others because of it.
What are the most common types of mental illnesses
The most common types of mental illnesses include anxiety and depression disorders. Disorders such as these often include occur as part of another disorder such as personality disorders and/or eating disorders. You can read more about the top 10 personality disorder types HERE.
Here is a brief list of what the most common mental illnesses are by type including common symptoms.
Why Treatment and Self-Care are Important
Unfortunately, many mental illnesses can be developed due to personality traits or biological makeup that are passed down from parents.
Traits like these typically involve illnesses such as anxiety and certain personality disorders. Much of the time, people are unaware that they’re developing a disorder until it effects their daily lives.
It’s important to take responsibility for yourself and your well-being and seek appropriate help when needed. Helpful anxiety eliminating programs such as this one from Panic Away have been known to eliminate the vicious cycles of anxiety and panic attacks.
Many enjoy the convenience of online therapy as well. Whatever method of treatment you prefer, being proactive about your mental and emotional state on a daily basis will yield amazing results.
Self-care, a good diet and plenty of exercise also play a role in determining whether or not a mental illness might be developed when the “genetic ingredients” for developing a mental illness are there. Taking the time to establish a weekly workout routine or a solid Morning Routine will help fight symptoms as well!
Why it’s important to be positive about mental illness?
Being positive about having a mental illness is important because it’s empowering. It puts the control back in your hands as opposed to making you feel powerless.
Like anything else that takes up a lot of time and energy, mental illness can seem impossible to health from or live with if you’re only focused on the negatives.
Focusing on the positives of a mental illness might seem difficult but it is possible. For example, some appreciate that it gives them more of a “reason” to exercise more or eat healthier.
Others might harness their empathy and newfound personal skills to pursue a related passion that can bring personal fulfillment while simultaneously helping people.
Recognizing a mental illness is also an opportunity to create the best version of yourself on a larger scale. The more room for improvement there is, the greater the achievement.
Life is a game of sorts and it’s up to us to take what we were given and create something amazing and rewarding.
What should people know about mental illness?
Mental illnesses are a serious, life-changing matter. Some people suffer with mild episodes of “typical” illness such as depression or anxiety while some are always fighting their disorder to the point of daily exhaustion.
People who do not suffer with a mental illness should know that a mental illness is not something one can control. They might react inappropriately with violence, verbal or physical abuse or otherwise if they are not receiving the proper care.
While this is not an excuse for their choice of action, the cause behind the behavior is legitimate and the anguish they feel requires treatment through professional counseling and often medication when applicable.
What not to say to someone with a mental illness?
Typically, someone living with a mental illness will thrive when compassion and support are offered by others. Sometimes, people who do not live with mental health struggles give unhelpful advice or say things that inadvertently tear people down.
They might say things like “just chose to be happier” or “you don’t have to worry about that”. They might not completely understand what someone with a mental illness is going through.
While I believe that your life is what you make it and you have the power to decide how you feel in situations, that does not mean that you never feel anxious, depresses or experience negative emotions.
It’s important not to tell someone with a mental illness how to feel.
When you’re able to use your experiences for good and help other around you, establishing a connection with others is so much easier.
Having the patience and compassion to understand what others are going through will go a long way. It’s important for those without a mental illness to become aware of what others around them might be dealing with.
The same goes for those struggling with a mental illness. If we have the ability to step into another person’s shoes, communication would be stronger, people would be more supported and less frustration and violence would occur.
What’s something you’ve noticed a benefit from when dealing with a mental illness or emotionally challenging time? Personally, I find that it brings out a heightened sense of gratitude for the support I have from family and friends.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental illness and are ready to take a step toward recovery, reach out to a therapist or enroll in a supportive program such as the ones mentioned in this article, today!
Anxiety attacks and dealing with anxiety in general are one of several difficulties that come along with a variety of mental illnesses.
Panic Away is a program designed to eliminate the root of your anxiety to help you achieve a higher quality of life.
Check it out HERE to see if it’s right for you!
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