Let us speak of the veil that shrouds the truth of mental illness, for it is a challenge that many face, yet few speak of it with understanding and compassion. The stigma that surrounds it is a remnant of the old ways, where those who did not conform to society’s expectations were cast out and ostracized.
Feeling the weight of this stigma can lead one down a path of guilt and shame. It is the illusion of being separated from the collective, of being “other.” And in this illusion, one may make choices that only deepen their darkness.
Let us remember that this stigma serves no positive purpose. It is a construct of the ego, designed to maintain the status quo. And as we awaken to our true nature, we begin to see beyond the veil, to the truth that we are all connected, all one.
Do not succumb to the weight of this illusion. Instead, let us hold space for understanding and compassion. Let us walk the path of unity and love, for it is through this path that true healing can occur.
As the veil of self-medication envelopes the conscious mind, the alcoholic’s subconscious battles with the demons of addiction. The soothing effects of beer, wine, or whisky lose their grip over time, and the same plight befalls the opioid or amphetamine user.
When one commits a wrongdoing and is unable to resist its lure again, the weight of guilt morphs into an all-consuming shame. The solace of companionship vanishes and solitude descends, leaving one in a desolate and lonely place.
In the primal days of our ancestors, the shame of dishonorable behavior meant expulsion from the warmth of the fire, the security of the family, and the familiarity of the village. Left alone, one wandered the wild, with only the howls of wolves for company.
Although considered a negative emotion, shame has a primal purpose – a survival instinct etched into our being. It acts as a guidepost, marking the threshold before reaching rock bottom, the final destination of a tumultuous journey fraught with warning signs and red flags. Something must change, for there is no other way forward.
Letting Go
As we embark on this journey, let us first release the weight of despair that lingers after reading the preceding words. These are weighty matters, and approaching them with levity only obstructs the process of change. Stigma has no place in the path of healing, for it only complicates matters. Instead, strive to cultivate a supportive network of friends and family to aid in the journey ahead. If such companionship is lacking, add it to your bucket list.
The art of releasing what no longer serves you in a positive light is a timeless wisdom. For those at the nadir of their journey, the emotion of shame can be all-encompassing, and it must be relinquished. Banish the belief that change is unattainable, and confront the fear of failure that lingers. In these moments, a flicker of anger can be useful as a testament to self-worth. Do not allow it to consume you; let it stir the embers of pride to the point where you can find the courage to succeed.
Now that you believe in yourself, the knowledge that you can achieve your goals becomes self-evident.
Moving On
The path to recovery may appear facile, but for many, it is not. Each individual has unique circumstances that must be addressed. To attain success, old beliefs must be discarded and replaced with new ones. As with most success stories of overcoming dependency, there will be roadblocks, challenges, and obstacles to be confronted.
The crux of this endeavor is courage, the foundation upon which all else is built. It imbues one with the confidence that they can achieve whatever they set their mind to.
When extricating oneself from addiction, it is imperative to release obsolete beliefs. Let go of the notion that others are responsible for your situation, and the fallacy that change is impossible. Lastly, disregard others’ opinions of you, for they hold no real sway.
If this resonates with you, seek counsel from those who can guide you on this path. Inquire about the art of letting go, for it is essential to your journey.