Why Healing Is Non-Linear
When it comes to our mental health, perfectionism so often creeps in and we expect ‘progress’ to look like a straight line. The truth is, healing rarely follows a tidy path and is often pretty messy! Building self-awareness and making important changes can feel like you’re taking one step forward, two steps back. This doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong, you’re just human I’m afraid!
Remember, Most Progress Isn’t Visible
Some days you might feel stronger, more grounded, more like yourself. Other days, old patterns or emotions you thought you’d moved past might resurface. This can feel frustrating or even defeating, but it’s a normal part of the process.
Healing often involves uncovering deeper layers of pain, belief systems, or habits that take time to untangle. You might need to revisit the same struggle multiple times, each time understanding it a little more clearly or responding to it a little differently.
Setbacks Aren’t Failure
Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, disordered eating, or simply navigating a life transition, setbacks can happen, (becuase life happens!) A flare-up of symptoms doesn’t erase the progress you’ve made. In fact, noticing a setback, responding with awareness, and reaching out for support are all signs of growth. It’s more what we do when we’re triggered, overwhelmed, or feel disconnected, that we come back to ourselves with curiosity rather than criticism.
Healing and improving our mental wellbeing doesn’t happen because we force ourselves to get better. It happens when we learn to meet ourselves with compassion, even when things feel hard. If you’re showing up, reflecting, staying curious, and allowing yourself to feel, you’re already on the path.
Progress may not always be linear, but it is always possible.