Mental Strength Myths Dispelled

Facing the world and all of its temptations after treatment is enough to make anyone question the power of their mental strength. The most commonly misunderstood factors that relate to mental strength can allow us to dispel some of the myths, and give you more mental power.

1. Mental Strength is a Trend. There is no difference between building physical strength and mental strength. Healthy habits, such as going to the gym and choosing healthy foods, directly affect your ability to manage your emotions and focus on positive thoughts. Mental strength is not a trend, it is a choice in life that has to be exercised.
2. There’s No Gray Area. Most people like to organize people into two mental categories: the mentally strong and the mentally weak. Everyone possesses some degree of mental strength and are capable of building upon that strength…there IS a gray area.
3. Mental Illness Equals Weak. Mental strength is commonly stigmatized by mental illness. Regardless of a mental issue, everyone has the ability to build upon their strength. The obstacles may be a little harder to overcome, but just like someone with a physical health issue has the ability to become physically stronger, the same applies to mental strength.
4. Positive Thinking Only. Possessing mental strength does not mean that you have to walk around excessively upbeat and always have positive thoughts. Quite the opposite, mentally strong people know that life is not always the just the happy moments and in turn, accept and embrace the mediocre days. The strength comes from the ability to recognize that the lackluster feeling will not last forever.
5. The Mentally Strong Don’t Show Emotions. Everyone has emotions, and the ability to express them takes much greater strength than constantly hiding them out of fear of impending judgment from others. Mentally strong people know how to regulate their emotions instead of letting their emotions control them.