Ayodele Ayodeji’s Post

May is national mental health awareness month. The wonderful news is that in spite of difficulties, you were designed to grow and develop in mental health. You are not your disability or your trauma. You have a pleasure center in your brain that stimulates you to accomplish good things. The enemy subverts that center and triggers you to hide from pain to be safe or fills you with negative thoughts that move you into self-rejection. The paths you meander on in your mind determine whether you walk in fear or in peace. That means what you think about is super important. It determines what stimulates your pleasure center – either positive and lovely things or negative and toxic things. That pattern becomes deeply ingrained, creating either beauty and freedom or fear and shame. Here’s the thing. To survive abuse and unresolved trauma, you had to learn to compensate. That developed maps in your brain that lead you into fear and confusion and throw you into shutdown mode. It’s possible to learn a new way. There is a battle for your mind. The enemy uses shadows to take things with no substance and make them larger than life. He puffs himself up to make you feel small and insignificant. But Jesus defeated him – you don’t have to be afraid for no man can pluck you from His hand. (John 10:29) Fighting shadows is exhausting and triggers tormenting thoughts that overwhelm you. So step out of the shadows into the light, into the way of peace. Move into the path of peace and mental stability. 1. Messes indicate life. Without oxen – the stall is clean. But the mess increases proportionate to the strength of the oxen. It’s okay to have a mess. Jesus isn’t bothered by messes. (Proverbs 14:4) 2. You are beautiful. You matter; so does your pain – for you are valuable. (Psalm 139:14P 3. Invite Jesus into whatever distresses you – He will keep you safe. 4. Turn on the light to expose lies that lock you into fear or confusion. (Psalm 119:105) 5. Shame is not your identity. Jesus took your shame; He calls you beloved. You don’t have to fear the light. (Hebrews 12:2) 6. Jesus knows all about you. Nothing shocks Him. He wants to be in a relationship with you. (Psalm 139:2) 7. Praise, thanksgiving, and singing about Jesus stimulate your pleasure center to release healthy hormones to calm your body. (Isaiah 61:3) “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things: (Philippians 4:8 NASB). #TransformativeTuesday #NationalMentalHealthAwarenessMonth #InnerHealing

A thumbnail sketch of the #insight and #motivation in #mentalhealth: Diligence is like motivation – action-oriented. Prudence is like insight – inaction-oriented. Diligence and prudence form wisdom. Insight and motivation form mental health. ~ THE MENTAL HEALTH IN INSIGHT Insight is that beautiful characteristic where a person can literally see inside themselves. They can truthfully see their individual and social truth. They are aware and their awareness adds beauty to all their relationships. They accept themselves for who they are, not needing to be perfect, on the contrary, never happier to be content with what they have and are. They pick up on the nonverbals and astoundingly do not need to be told where they are going wrong. They are also not overly afraid of receiving feedback. Their self-awareness is a great tool that protects them and provides for them. One of the worst blows of mental ill health is a loss or lack of insight. Those who cannot see what they need to see to protect themselves and others are in harm’s way. Those who struggle to know how to provide for themselves and others also lack insight. We’ve all had times when we’ve been vulnerable to these things. What do we do to nurture insight? We live in the knowledge of truth as much as possible. That takes courage and humility. The key question always remains: how open am I to the truths pertaining to my person and relationships — to my inner and outer world? THE MENTAL HEALTH IN MOTIVATION Society mistakenly thinks that depression is about sadness. Depression is about sadness, but it is so much more. Principally it’s about motivation – depression sucks not only the motivation and drive from a person, but it also sucks their hope, peace, and joy dry. It saps us to the point where we’re rendered powerless to control ourselves. But mental ill health is more than depression. A person who is demotivated is not at their peak mental health. There is a disconnect with their purpose and an inability to live life full and abundantly. If mental ill health is a lack of life direction and purpose, it reaches its pit in suicidal ideation – the lack of will to live and the goal to die. What sets a person back on their course is them connecting with their innate purpose – their reason and meaning for being here. There is always a “why”. The pinnacle of human existence is wanting to live and desiring to make the most of every day — accepting that not every day is imminently liveable. The best indicator that we have room to grow mentally is that we are NOT experiencing this. It is a very good thing when we commit to wanting to make more of every day we have alive – that’s a seeking for good mental health. If this article brings something up for you, listen to your inner voice and go on a quest to seek for better.

"My Wife is Seeing Someone Else and the Impact on Mental Health" Infidelity can be a tumultuous and emotionally charged ordeal for anyone involved. Still, it's vital to recognize that the impact of such an experience goes far beyond just a breach of trust. It can have profound consequences on one's mental health and well-being. In this article, we'll delve into the complex intersection of infidelity and mental health through the lens of a spouse who discovers that their partner is seeing someone else. The Shock of Discovery The discovery that your spouse sees someone else is often akin to an emotional earthquake. It shatters the foundation of trust, security, and stability in a relationship you may have spent years building. The initial shock can lead to a rollercoaster of emotions, ranging from anger and betrayal to confusion and despair. Anxiety and Depression Feelings of anxiety and depression are almost inevitable in the aftermath of infidelity. The constant barrage of questions like "Why did this happen?" or "What did I do wrong?" can lead to evil, shame, and self-doubt. Anxiety may manifest as constant worry about the future, while depression can result in a sense of hopelessness and withdrawal from social interactions. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) For some individuals, discovering infidelity in a long-term relationship can lead to symptoms akin to post-traumatic stress disorder. Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and persistent emotional distress can make it challenging to function in daily life. Physical Health Implications The profound emotional distress caused by infidelity can also have physical consequences. Stress-related illnesses, such as high blood pressure, insomnia, and even weakened immune systems, can manifest in individuals grappling with the betrayal of infidelity. The mind and body are intimately connected, and the impact of mental distress should not be underestimated. Seeking Help and Healing Recognizing the toll that infidelity can take on mental health is crucial. It's important to remember that healing is possible, although it's rarely a linear journey. Seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, can provide a safe space to navigate complex emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Support from friends and family can also be invaluable during this challenging time. Rebuilding Trust and Resilience Rebuilding trust, whether in the same relationship or in future ones, takes time and effort. Remembering that healing doesn't mean forgetting but learning to move forward with resilience is essential. Both partners must be committed to the process, and open and honest communication is vital. In conclusion, discovering that a spouse is seeing someone else is a profoundly challenging experience that can impact mental health. It's essential for those affected to acknowledge their emotions, seek professional help when needed, and understand that healing is a journey. #amitacares #mentalhealth

Sharing personal experiences and the journey towards better mental health is an important and empowering aspect of self-awareness and growth. In the realm of mental health, my journey has been a unique tapestry of ups and downs, a mosaic that has shaped the person I am today. It began with an acknowledgment, a crucial realization that something within me needed attention and care. I faced the daunting reality that my mental well-being was as important as my physical health, and I took the first step towards healing by seeking support. Navigating through the labyrinth of emotions and thoughts, I encountered moments of darkness and despair. Anxiety, depression, and self-doubt became unwelcome companions, but I refused to let them define me. Instead, I embraced therapy and treatment as a beacon of hope, a sanctuary where I could shed the layers of my mind and explore the root causes of my struggles. Therapeutic sessions weren't just about delving into my past; they were about understanding patterns, triggers, and learning healthier coping mechanisms. Each session was a brick in the foundation of my resilience, a step towards rebuilding my sense of self. One of the most transformative aspects of my journey was learning to embrace vulnerability. Opening up about my struggles to friends and family wasn't easy initially, but it proved to be liberating. The support I received was a balm for my wounded spirit, reinforcing the idea that seeking help was a sign of strength, not weakness. Incorporating self-care rituals into my daily routine became my armor against the battles of the mind. Writing, exercise, creative outlets, and connecting with nature became my therapy beyond the therapist's chair. These practices weren't just about nurturing my mental health; they were a testament to my commitment to myself. Every day is a new page in my mental health journey, a chance to challenge my limits and nurture my growth. The setbacks I face now are met with a different perspective - one of resilience and determination. I've learned to be patient with myself, acknowledging that progress takes time, and healing is a continuous process. Now, I'm not defined by my mental health challenges. They are a part of my story, a chapter that has shaped my empathy, understanding, and capacity to help others. My journey is ongoing, but I'm grateful for the strength it has given me and the empathy it has nurtured within me. It's a journey of growth, a journey of hope, and a journey of embracing the beautiful chaos that makes us human. --- Remember, it's important to reach out to a mental health professional if you're going through a difficult time. They can provide you with the appropriate guidance and support tailored to your unique situation. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek2023

Two photos. Taken less than 6 hours apart. ⏰ As I sit at home during a week booked off to protect my mental health, I feel it’s important to share these photos to prove that what you may see on the outside isn’t necessarily reflecting what’s going on in the inside 💔 I suffer with anxiety and depression. I’m not ashamed to admit that. I have been told many times by friends, family, colleagues, that I wear my opinion on my face (often without realising 🙃). But what those people will not realise is that I only do that when I am surrounded by those I feel completely comfortable with, and actually, 90% of the time I am an expert in masking my feelings. A big cheesy grin on my face, a sarcastic sense of humour, an innuendo, a cackle or a snort as I laugh; years of practice to ensure the persona I put out to the world doesn’t crack and show what lies beneath, because god forbid someone sees that I can be weak, I can worry, I can be consumed by emotion, or that I need help. Well frankly, fuck that. My journey with mental health has taken many routes; counselling, medication, therapy. But each route comes to the same destination: it’s always better to talk. And the last couple of years, as my mental health has become more manageable (not cured), I have learned to be brave. I have more openly shared my experiences with others, and instead of being met with judgement, I have usually been met with relief. Relief that someone else feels this way, and that we are not alone. Does my mental health mean I am not capable of doing my job? Absolutely not. If anything, being open about it has allowed me to perform better. I will share when I need further clarity to be less anxious. I feel very deeply so I am in tune to the emotions of others around me, meaning I ask the right questions. I’m a chronic over thinker so I seek out data and information to be better prepared. My mental health sometimes feels like an impairment, but I refuse to let it stop me and instead use it to my advantage 🙌🏻 So this post is just to remind you; it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to admit you need help. And it’s okay to talk about your mental health, because I promise you there are people who will listen, myself being one of them 💚 #mentalhealthawarenessweek2023 #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawarenessweek

Some thoughts about mental health for World Mental Health Day 💙 Isn’t it great how much more we acknowledge the existence of differences and issues and even that we have mental health, so that a lot of us feel more normal, accepted and supported? But isn’t it odd that we don’t like to talk about our own stuff, sometimes I’m not sure we do feel able to talk about our mental health as much as we feel able to discuss mental health matters, in general. I so get it too, for years I didn’t really speak about my mental health. For years I told people, I had therapy and I went through life talking about mental health, but I was never really talking about me. I never really accepted it for myself and I think that’s still a problem for many of us, and it creates the illusion that the support isn’t working. And I strongly believe this problematic for us all. That wall that blocks the vulnerability to really speak about ourselves reaffirms that belief that it’s taboo. And the more we do that the harder it gets. And I know it’s easier said than done to start chipping away at that wall, but as soon as you start to, your self acceptance will rocket. As soon as you allow yourself to actually feel the feels, and find the spaces where you can really talk about them without fear, shame, guilt or whatever, you can regain your power. Without that power we can get stuck or feel lost with maybe an idea of how to get back but it feels awfully difficult and we might give up often (that was me 🙋🏼♀️). I have to be honest of course, it’s by no means a dream journey with power backing you, it’s still a challenge but one that feels so much smoother to ride. I think it’s more important than ever to be more open to yourself, never mind others, in order to boost that self acceptance, and regain some power. Life’s rollercoaster has been a wild ride for so many, and continues to be, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself in some way - not just today, but everyday. I think about this often and how consuming our own mental health can become when we don’t accept ourselves. But when we do the supportive spaces feel safer and the tools actually seem to work 👌🏼 And I hope sharing this can shine a light for someone missing their potential right now 💡🌈 Follow for more ramblings & DM me to work with me 🌱 #worldmentalhealthday #mentalthealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthsupport #regainyourpower #selfacceptance #selfawareness #selfcare #personaldevelopment #growth #lifecoach #mentalhealthcoach #mindsetcoach #workwithme #coachingsupport