[jean17]

I'm 56. I've struggled with mental health problems all my life. I'm on meds and get regular therapy. But how do you change a life-long way of existing? How do I find my real self and then reveal her to the world? I don't even think that I can find her. I want to, but how do I do it? I've hidden her to protect myself for so long that I don't know how to find her. Does anyone know what I mean?

Jean, there is no such thing as "normal". Everybody has problems in life; that's a given.

You're doing what everyone should be doing who has a chemical imbalance in the brain
or who suffers from a genetic predisposition to depression.

Life itself causes changes, so you need only to accept that we all will have times when
things are more difficult than they are at other times in life. What we really are is someone whose effort is directed toward growth and contentment.

The secret, in my view, is just to live by your deepest principles. That way you'll be
fine, and you will reveal yourself to others as being just that kind of person, which each of us is when we strive to live that way. (Spiritual life has helped me--not religious life, spiritual life.)

Don't worry about what others think of you; try to enjoy being who you are because there's really only one like you in the universe.

Take care of yourself and live and let live...that ought to keep you secure, I feel. It
seems to work for some of us.

[newlifeyeah]

Originally Posted by genetic

Jean, there is no such thing as "normal". Everybody has problems in life; that's a given.

You're doing what everyone should be doing who has a chemical imbalance in the brain
or who suffers from a genetic predisposition to depression.

Life itself causes changes, so you need only to accept that we all will have times when
things are more difficult than they are at other times in life. What we really are is someone whose effort is directed toward growth and contentment.

The secret, in my view, is just to live by your deepest principles. That way you'll be
fine, and you will reveal yourself to others as being just that kind of person, which each of us is when we strive to live that way. (Spiritual life has helped me--not religious life, spiritual life.)

Don't worry about what others think of you; try to enjoy being who you are because there's really only one like you in the universe.

Take care of yourself and live and let live...that ought to keep you secure, I feel. It
seems to work for some of us.

very, very wise words

[bharani1008]

You sound like a kind and gentle person. You sound like an honest person. These are wonderful qualities. And they are yours already.
Maybe you could explore who you would like to be. Decide which qualities you wish to have. I think it helps one to grow when we have a clear idea where we want to go. Just write them down and see how you can bring them to life in you.

If that doesn't sound helpful then perhaps you can find a charity group or community service group to join. There isn't a better way to build self esteem than helping others. There are so many ways a person can help others.

I send you good wishes for your journey