A Day in the Life: Understanding the Reality of Living with Mental Illness

How I Am Navigating Routines and Social Interactions with Mental Health Challenges.

"Living with depression and anxiety as an adult feels like constantly navigating through a storm in my mind, each day bringing a mix of calm and chaos."

Some days, the symptoms are a subtle presence, lingering quietly in the background, while other days, it’s a heavy weight that makes even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. 

Mental illness affects millions around the world. In fact, one in five adults experiences mental illness at some point in their lives. This statistic highlights a reality that often remains hidden behind closed doors.

By understanding the day-to-day experiences of those living with mental illness we can create spaces of compassion and support. 

Not everything is black and white and it is important to remember that each person's experience varies widely. That is why it is my goal to start shedding light on these struggles to help others understand and have more empathy.

Here’s a glimpse into what my experience is like:

Some mornings, I wake up with the weight of anxiety and the heaviness of depression lingering over me, making it hard to even get out of bed. The simplest tasks can seem insurmountable before I’ve even started my day.

Depression feels like a thick fog that blurs everything around me. The times when my depression is really bad I lose interest in things I once enjoyed such as painting or even leaving the house. Socializing feels like an obligation rather than something to look forward to.

The sadness isn’t always tangible or obvious instead it’s a numbness, an emotional emptiness that made life seem more like a routine than something meaningful.

The Morning Routine: Navigating the Challenges

The Impact of Mental Illness on Sleep

Getting out of bed more often than that feels like a monumental task on the days that my symptoms are heightened.

If you can relate, we are not alone. In fact, sleep disturbances like insomnia and hypersomnia are common. Research shows that 50–80% of people with mental health concerns also have sleep difficulties. The relationship between sleep and mental health works both ways, creating a negative feedback loop.

For myself, I have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Unfortunately, this creates challenges with my mental illness that feel even heavier in the morning.

Some mornings, I wake up feeling utterly drained. Sometimes it’s from staying up late because I can’t sleep. But other times it’s because simply existing feels exhausting. Throughout the day, the anxiety is always there, a constant hum in my chest, making my thoughts race and my heart beat faster. The anxiety usually stems from:

• I feared failure, judgment, and letting people down
• The fear would stop me from attempting to accomplish things

Morning Anxiety and Self-Care Strategies

Sometimes when I start the day it’s plagued with anxiety. When my anxiety is at its worst, the thought of facing the day creates feelings of panic. Finding ways to manage morning anxiety is really important.

Techniques like:

• Mindfulness and deep breathing exercises can help calm my mind
• According to psychologists, a structured morning routine can have a positive impact on mental health.
• Making time for self-care in the morning can create a positive momentum for the day ahead. The self-care and creating a routine have been huge in tackling my daily symptoms. For example, exercise is a key part of my routine. It doesn’t just help me physically, but mentally as well. On days when depression makes me feel like staying in bed, the idea of moving my body is often the last thing I want to do. 

So, even a short walk or a workout routine brings a sense of accomplishment and lifts my mood, even if it's only temporary. I have learned to enjoy the temporary because I can't always be in the happy and peaceful place that I want to be.

Mental illness has made it difficult for me to connect with others. Emotional struggles can lead to isolation, creating a cycle that feels overwhelming.

Social situations, once something I looked forward to, became daunting. I would second-guess myself in conversations, worried that I wasn’t interesting or that people didn’t like me.

Social Interaction

Maintaining Relationships with Loved Ones

Maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family can feel complicated for those living with mental illness. Honest communication is crucial. Expressing one’s feelings and educating loved ones about mental health can foster understanding and support.

Social Isolation and Loneliness

Mental illness can lead to social isolation. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that about 60% of individuals with anxiety disorders often experience isolation. This loneliness can exacerbate symptoms, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.

Seeking Support

Reaching out for support is vital. Whether talking to friends, family, or professionals, sharing experiences can lighten the load. Support groups can also provide a sense of belonging and understanding.

"It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Mental illness can make you feel like you are frozen in time. The rest of the world continues on without you."

Support from friends and family has also been vital for me. Talking openly with people who know me, understand, and care about my struggles helps reduce the isolation that often accompanies my depression and anxiety. I’ve learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a way to strengthen my resilience.

Living with depression and anxiety will be an ongoing challenge. There will be days when it feels overwhelming, but I’ve learned to be kinder to myself on those days. I remind myself that it’s okay to not be okay and that seeking help, whether through therapy, exercise, or talking to others, is an essential part of managing my mental health. 

"Through this process, I continue to grow, finding strength in my vulnerability and resilience in my ability to keep moving forward."

The stigma around mental health makes it difficult to talk about. Please remember that you are not weak and it’s okay to not always be able to handle the demands of life. Celebrate the small wins, if you are going through a particularly tough period, where you struggled to get out of bed and you did, celebrate it.

While it’s not always easy, taking proactive steps to manage my mental health has made a significant difference in my overall well-being. If you’re facing similar struggles, remember that you’re not alone, and there’s always support available. I encourage you to reach out, whether it’s to a trusted friend, a mental health professional, or a support group. 

Together, we can continue to break the stigma surrounding mental health and prioritize our well-being. Take that first step today—your mental health matters.

Thank you for stopping by! Until next time remember that you are not alone in your feelings or experiences, I've got your back!

Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. If you are struggling, it is important to seek help from a licensed mental health professional who can offer personalized guidance and support.

For more information about the topics discussed in this blog consider visiting the following links:

1.) National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Mental illness. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved December 8, 2024, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness

2.) MVS Psychology. (n.d.). Self-care: Psychology insights on mental health. MVS Psychology. Retrieved December 8, 2024, from https://www.mvspsychology.com.au/self-care-psychology-psychologist-insights-on-mental-health/

3.) Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Support groups: How they can help with stress and mental health. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 8, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/support-groups/art-20044655

4.) National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). Sleep facts and statistics. National Sleep Foundation. Retrieved December 8, 2024, from https://www.thensf.org/sleep-facts-and-statistics/