For years, I viewed my mental health conditions as insurmountable burdens. To be honest I didn't even realise I had them. I thought everyone thought like me. I didn't realise my growing dependance on alcohol was a direct result of my depression, anxiety and complex PTSD.
But today it all makes sense to me, living with depression, anxiety, and cPTSD felt like a constant battle, a never-ending cycle of suffering that defined my existence. However, a profound shift in my thinking transformed my life: I began to see myself not as someone who suffers from these conditions, but as someone who lives with them. This change in perspective was subtle yet powerful, opening the door to a new way of managing my mental health.
In this 4 part series, I’ll share my journey of moving from a mindset of suffering to one of living. I’ll explore how this shift helped me reclaim my agency, embrace acceptance, build resilience, and rediscover joy. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others facing similar challenges to consider their own perspectives and find their path to a more fulfilling life.
Whether you’re personally struggling with mental health or supporting someone who is, I invite you to join me in exploring how changing our mindset can lead to profound growth and healing. Together, we can break the stigma and foster a compassionate approach to mental health that empowers us all.
A note about the author:Â Craig Field (me) is not a trained counsellor or therapist. I do try to offer advice based on my own personal experience; however, you should always talk to a medical practitioner or qualified therapist to come up with a tailored plan to help with your illness. My knowledge comes from my own personal, lived experience and that of witnessing people close to me navigating the mental health system.These blog posts are not intended to replace your doctor or psychologist.Â
Together we CAN make a difference!
If this post has brought up some difficult thoughts for you please seek help from your doctor or one of the services listed below. In an emergency dial 000.
13YARN 13 92 76
Blue Knot Helpline 1300 657 380
First Nations Support Line 1800 959 500
Headspace 1800 650 890
Mens Helpline 1300 789 978
Standby support after suicide 1300 727 247
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