Dealing With Setbacks

By Megan Dooley (Trainer)

I recently experienced a dip in my mental health. Old physical and emotional symptoms I hadn’t felt in a while crept back in, settling into my body once again. My therapist had prepared me for this, and it’s something I teach others in our training – recovery isn’t always linear and sometimes it’s a case of one step forward, two steps back. But despite knowing this, I can’t help but feel a sense of dejection. It’s hard to put the gloves back on after getting used to being out of the ring.

During times like this, it’s important to remember that I’m not the same person I was the last time I struggled. I’ve survived every previous low point and along the way I’ve gained skills and insights I didn’t have before. I’ve learned the importance of reaching out for help and letting others in. I’ve also come to understand that self-care isn’t optional – ignoring the symptoms only makes them louder. This setback doesn’t erase my progress, it’s just a reminder of the ongoing nature of healing.

As part of our Mental Health Awareness training, we discuss the mental health continuum and how our mental well-being is fluid, constantly shifting over time. Depending on our experiences and circumstances, we move through different quadrants, highlighting that mental health is not fixed but ever-changing.

If you’re currently struggling with a mental health condition, it can feel like you’ll be stuck in this quadrant forever. But I want to remind you that hope is not lost. Recovery is real and possible. With the right help and support, you can move to a more stable place on the continuum, where your mental health condition no longer feels like a barrier. This journey often involves finding a treatment plan that works for you, building a strong support system, and committing to a self-care regimen.

So if you’re going through a setback right now, this is your reminder that you’re not alone. Mental health challenges are a part of the journey, not a sign of failure. You’ve overcome difficult moments before, and with the right help and support, things can and will get better. It’s not always a straight path, but each step, no matter how small, moves you forward. You’ve got this.