How To Stay Enlightened With Mental Illness

Disclaimer: This recording is not for relaxation purposes. Yes, I speak fast on this one. The purpose of this recording is to inform, and to share insights on the situation of being mentally ill while pursuing enlightenment, which feels contradictory and impossible in moments of deep despair when you feel like you can't even trust your own brain anymore and that therefore the pursuit of wisdom is unavailable at the moment if not forever.

Reviews

Very relatable
It’s the first unedited and unapologetically honest content I came across on insight timer, and for that reason it feels so personal. Like a supportive friend you might meet in recovery giving you a pep talk. Thank you!

Powerful, thank you. I feel better able to support my friend now.

Loved the tone of your voice. Thank you, this was very helpful. Thank you.

Thank you so much - again!💚What you're saying completely resonates with me and I'm very happy to have found you on InsightTimer. Don't apologise for your voice, it is absolutely fine the way it is! Your talk is helpful and inspiring - I'm very grateful for your kind & comforting words. Sending positive & healing energy your way🌞🌸

Really appreciate this talk coming from your own experience. Very helpful to hear. Thank you!

this is raw, honest, and powerful.

Really good, Thank you for sharing this. 💖 Helpful and comforting. Will listen again. Be well 😊

This was the first time EVER that someone has been able to describe the suffering I experience. You put words to it I haven't been able to. Thank you for helping me feel less alone😢 I have such a difficult time navigating my day-to-day and finding my joy. My depression has been on-going for 20 years. I have lost friends. I've tried medication. I know I need to see a therapist because there's such a huge disconnect with my friends and family since they cannot begin to understand my pain at this level. I feel so alone.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us even though you stated you were agitated. I listened to 3 of your videos that got me out of one of the lowest states that I’ve been anticipating. It felt as though my heart could stop. The talks here are something else and you’re right, how can you meditate when your mind is so in and of itself during that peaceful moment to try and help it. I thank you for your talks. In a weird way they were what I needed to get back to functioning and putting stamps on my save the dates for my wedding. I will remember that if I get this way again, I will listen to these again to help me get out of the funk to be able to move again. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing, Roxanne, it was very helpful. 💜💜🙏🙏

Thank you for sharing 💞

Thank you. My favorite reminder is that when we have a breakdown, remember that we are not at day zero and we have made progress. 💗

You are a great communicator Roxanne. I could relate to each and every word you just said in regard to mental illness. I will listen to this again and take notes next time so I can share with others that are looking to be understood. The struggle is definitely real. Thank you for sharing your insight. It is truly appreciated.

I really appriciate that you've brought this topic to Insight. I think the world needs more courage and discissions about the struggles of mental illness.
Insight Timer with its variety of awesome meditations has been one hugh part of my on going recovery with Depression and Anxiety from developmental abuse neglect and torture. Flashbacks are overwhelming and dibilitating that I just have to lay down and breath and find a meditation here, sometimes it takes 8 to 10 different selections before I begin to feel safe.
Your tips on self care are great!
thank you so much for your love and courage.

Thank you Beautiful Soul for speaking from your Heart...I hope you have found some peace through sharing your experiences. Every single detail you shared is “Spot On”...Beautifully Done and Your Honesty was So Humbling hearing the Struggle in your Voice...✨🙏🏻✨

Thank you for sharing your insight and wisdom so courageously and not waiting until it could be "studio perfect." I have an educational and professional background/career in mental health. I also live with my own mental health conditions which do at times include depression and anxiety.

There are many different types of things that can help people actively dealing with these, and your mention of vitamin D, magnesium, therapy, and binaural beats are but four of them - all of which have helped me as well. Exercise, adjusting one's diet to have more healthy selections, plenty of sleep, adequate water, ensuring there is enough Omega-3 in the diet (best to have certain mineral and other bodily deficiencies tested by a doctor via bloodwork first, though, so as not to accidentally cause harm to yourself through oversupplementation) - all these plus regular relaxation, meditation, engaging in enjoyable activities regularly, journalling and/or drawing/painting/composing music/sculpting/any art of choice...these are also but a few other non-pharmaceutical ways to help manage mental health symptoms until they recede and you can resume your non-symptomatic life.

Seeking professional help early is SO important. I have clients write out lists of enjoyable activities when they are feeling good, as it is so hard to think of anything like that when you feel like you're stranded at the bottom of a deep, dark well and see no way to reach that tiny patch of daylight and sky so far above you at the top.

I am not a licensed professional by choice, though I could be if I so chose. My career path does not require it of me, however. Even if I were, it would be unethical and a clear violation of professionalism to "prescribe" treatment or diagnose someone without personal evaluation first, so none of the above should be taken as medical advice or guidance. Please seek assistance from a mental health or medical professional for any concerns that you, dear reader, may have, so you may receive the individualized care and support unique to your needs.

When all seems at it's darkest, the light may simply be just around the corner. Contact your local crisis hotline if necessary (good ones in the USA are Crisis Text Line at 741-741 plus the National Suicide Hotline or for military veterans, the Veterans Crisis Line, and I believe there is one in the UK called the Samaritans, though I'm not certain of that).

And again, thank you for your courage in speaking up and speaking out on this subject, Roxanne. It is so important, and so encouraging for others to hear that having mental health concerns need not prevent one from having a fulfilling meditative practice. I see the light in you all. 🤲❤️🤲

Wow. I am so grateful you recorded and submitted this. You describe perfectly what I have been trying to explain to others for a long time, but I didn't know how. I will bookmark this and play it for them, so they have a better understanding of what I'm going through.

I wish you much success and constant progress on your journey.

Best wishes, John

This talk was encouraging. It helped me remember that I've inserted Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) into meditation when I've felt too overwhelmed by strong emotion. Incorporating other modalities and nutritional aids is so useful. I appreciated all that was said and the total authenticity behind the words!