Overcoming PTSD & OCD: Powerful Routines of a Nigerian Creative | PT 2

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Self-Mastery: Taking Control of Your Mind

Self-mastery is about being in charge of your thoughts and feelings, becoming self-aware and conscious of your internal state of mind.


With self-mastery, you refine your focus to achieve your desires and unlock your highest potential.


But this is a difficult task as you will discover.


As a young creative coming up, people will take advantage of your determination to prove your worth. Your initial salary may remain unchanged for the first 5 years of employment, with the excuse that your value isn't well defined in the company. They will purposely devalue you.



When you finally get their attention by disturbing their peace, your appeal may lead to a 30% increase in the meager salary, and that's it. You may end up stuck with a bad deal for many more years, with no one caring about your well-being.


Good luck affording two meals a day. You will wear second-hand clothes and shoes to your “prestigious” office while living in a rundown apartment with low-tier neighbors. Being unable to afford a car, “come rain, come shine”, you will struggle to commute daily due to the high cost of transportation. Your heart will be heavy but don’t give up. Embrace self-mastery.



Your poor working conditions include constant disappointments, low appreciation, and neglect. Disregard by subordinates, disrespect from higher-earning colleagues, and bullying by superiors will destroy your mental health - until you master your mind.

Here are some helpful tips

Positive Thinking: Try to focus on the good things in your life.

  • Realize it's not all bad and it could be worse.

  • Be thankful for your small wins and anticipate more.

  • Channel negative energy into creative art forms.

  • Use pain as fuel to drive up your productivity.

  • Learn from your experiences and teach those one level below you. 


Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to calm your mind.


  • Become aware of your deeper sensibilities. 

  • Spend time in nature. Touch some grass and groom a pet.

  • Play. Never grow too old to laugh at yourself. Life is never that serious.

  • Find your place in the universe and cultivate a relationship with divinity.

  • Work on your higher purpose beyond survival and bill payment.


Healthy Habits: Eat good food, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.


  • You are not Superman and you can't save the world. Save yourself first.

  • Invest in quality life experiences and reward yourself for your efforts.

  • Rest. You know when your energy is low. Recharge your soul regularly.

  • Build a healthy body to enjoy a healthy mind.

  • Show some grace and have mercy on yourself for all your ignorance.


Talk to Someone: If you're feeling sad or stressed, talk to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or counselor.


  • Ensure you have trusted, non-judgemental people in your life.

  • Build relationships with quality mentors and offer your loyalty.

  • Find your tribe and build a support group. You can't make it alone.

  • Reach out to someone struggling more than you to gain perspective.

  • Create content around your wellness journey to mental health. 



Seeking Help

Every year, Mental Health Awareness Month comes around and the average African wonders what the buzz is about.

"Does this ever apply to me", he wonders.

 

The disregard for mental health awareness in developing countries perpetuates the mental illnesses caused by trauma, negligence, and ignorance.


Luckily, I found some free tools to help deal with my mental health after embracing online learning and joining great communities. I spent more money on Internet data than I would love to admit.


Diving into the world of psychology and philosophy, I found my purpose. - To promote the reintroduction of virtues on earth. When abbreviated into a mission statement - my brand name became PROVOE (Promoting Reintroduction of Virtues on Earth).


After seeking therapy to determine your mental state, the next step would involve conquering the anxiety attacks from society's expectations, which only get worse the more you develop a mind of your own… especially when you are yet to achieve their definition of success.


Sometimes you adopt their timelines for your goals and expected growth - you join the mob in bashing yourself. Stop comparing your journey with other people's.


These attacks come from your unachieved dreams and goals, gnawing at you from the depths of your soul from years of conditioning and peer pressure, which disregards circumstances beyond your control. Your blood pressure will rise with each birthday celebration if not carefully checked.



“A vegetable, when planted beside a bamboo tree, will spend its lifetime mocking a growth rate it doesn't understand.” - Provoe


Eventually, some of us learn to embrace our gray hairs, as a sign of wisdom (or folly, depending on how we spend our youth). Just look around you for context. Some of us look too old for our age, while a few of us appear to have found the fountain of youth.


How did we do it?


By self-mastery. Remember, you're not alone. Many people experience mental health challenges. By understanding these conditions and practicing self-care, you can take control of your mental health and live a happy, creative, and healthy life.

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