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More Mental Health Articles
Courting the Pain Behind the Masks We Wear
The hardest part of struggling with depression, anxiety, or relationship issues is asking for help. Instead, we create masks to hide the pain we feel to avoid acquiescing to the hurt we coddle inside.
This pain manifests itself as irritability, sadness, anger, resentment, and/or anxiety. If you're experiencing the following then perhaps it is time to allow a licensed professional to gently help you remove the mask
The Dark Mask Of Depression
The pain of depression makes it hard to get out of bed each morning. You may use makeup to mask the bags under your eyes and more lipstick to brighten your once vibrant smile. If you're experiencing the following then you may be wearing this mask
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Isolating from friends and family members
Appetite or weight changes
Sleeping too much or not enough
Anger or irritability
Loss of energy
The Debilitating Mask Of Anxiety
Wearing this mask is both painful and terrifying. Lurking in the shadows is that person or situation which sends you reeling. Then you find yourself in an office, closet or bathroom trying to talk yourself down after experiencing yet another anxiety attack. The following are hallmarks of an anxiety problem
Constant state of worry, fear, and dread
Restlessness or a feeling of being edgy
Irritability
Muscle tension
Trouble falling or staying asleep
The Painful Mask Of
Relationship Turmoil
This is perhaps the most worn mask as it applies to many situations across our societal spectrum, including the above-mentioned masks. Whether you're having trouble in your marriage of 10 years or thinking of calling it quits before the wedding, wearing this mask ensures that no one knows what lurks behind the perfectly manicured lawns of your home.
“We weren't made for masks. And the bravest ones are the women who let their masks fall, before they inevitably break. The bravest ones go first, wearing their gritty real on the outside-scars and all.”
-Jennifer Dukes Lee
Our masks are nothing more than carefully curated tools designed for impression management to hide the pain we fear others will see. Remove the mask and learn how to be free perfectly you. In the end, what you're hiding is the most perfect discovery of all, yourself.
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