Breaking Free From The “Incurable” Mindset

Challenging Collective Illusions In Mental Health:

In the realm of mental health and neurological conditions, we often encounter a pervasive belief that certain diagnoses are permanent, unshakeable labels.

This mindset, reinforced by well-meaning professionals, support groups, and even loved ones, can create a powerful collective illusion that recovery or significant improvement is impossible.

But what if this widely held belief is holding us back from our true potential for healing and growth?

The Power of Collective Illusion

Collective illusions occur when a majority of people publicly accept a belief, even if they privately doubt it, simply because they think everyone else believes it. In mental health, this manifests as the widespread acceptance that conditions like PTSD, ADHD, or depression are lifelong sentences that can only be managed, never overcome.

When someone suggests the possibility of overcoming these conditions, the reaction is often swift and defensive. “But all the experts say…”, “Everyone in my support group agrees…”, or“The latest research shows…”

These responses, while coming from a place of caution or even protection, can inadvertently reinforce a limiting belief system.

The Challenge of Breaking Through

As someone who not only helps in the mental health space – but who’s very Practice came about after my own triple PTSD / ADHD / OCD diagnosis, I’ve encountered this resistance countless times…not the least of which is when I volunteer my experiences or suggest and share alternative approaches that have helped me in managing these conditions. I’m often met with skepticism or outright dismissal.

And hey, this reaction is understandable. After all, the idea that a condition is permanent can provide a sense of identity, community, and even comfort. And as we know, from our minds’ perspective, comfort through awareness – no matter the complexity, is what we’re more apt to cling to.

Knowing what can be done to treat a condition or diagnosis is more often the security we’re looking for moving forward, and we’re less likely to try and step out on our own when the collective has spoken.

Challenging a collective belief can feel threatening, as it questions not just a diagnosis, but potentially one’s entire worldview.

And when we’re feeling we could really use some comforting, turning to those we hold most dear can be equally daunting – in the fear they may not share our view. And so, for or against the convention, we stand to be ridiculed, judged, and/or alienated when we need support the most.

The Science of Neuroplasticity: A Ray of Hope

What many don’t realize is that the latest neuroscience supports the possibility of significant change and improvement in many mental health conditions.

If you’ve not read my stuff before, the concept of neuroplasticity – our brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections – offers hope for those willing to challenge the status quo.

There have been (and we hope to see more) studies that have shown remarkable improvements in individuals with PTSD, depression, and anxiety through various interventions; including personalized lifestyle and nutrition changes via genomic testing and analysis, mindfulness practices, cognitive behavioural therapy, and nutrition support / lifestyle changes.

These improvements aren’t just symptomatic; they represent fundamental changes in brain structure and function (and most often through repetitive thoughts and actions).

Breaking the Cycle: How to Challenge Collective Illusions

1. Educate Yourself: Seek out the latest research on neuroplasticity and alternative approaches to mental health. Knowledge truly is power, and understanding some of the science behind potential recovery can be incredibly empowering for all of us.
2. Question the Narrative: I say this often, but when you encounter statements about the permanence of a condition, ask yourself (and others) where this belief comes from. Is it based on outdated information or limited perspectives? Is it based on a bias within the person or group telling you it’s so?
3. Seek Diverse Perspectives: And if the above makes you think, look for stories of individuals who have experienced significant improvement or recovery. Look for those with differing opinion(s) on your condition (or the proposed treatment(s) for it, etc.). While their story(ies) may not be the norm, they may demonstrate what’s possible, right?
4. Practice Self-Awareness: Notice how certain beliefs about your condition make you feel. Do they empower you or limit you? This may be difficult – especially in the beginning, but awareness can be the first step in challenging an unhelpful, negative, or fixed mindset (which may also be playing some part in the continuation of your diagnosis).
5. Embrace a Growth Mindset: Adopt the belief that change is possible, even if the path isn’t yet clear. At least acknowledging that others may have found a path that’s been working for them, opens up the possibility for you to believe recovery is an option. This openness can lead to discovering new approaches and opportunities for healing, and an opportunity is all you need in getting started.

The Role of Community in Challenging Collective Illusions

One of the most powerful ways to challenge collective illusions is through community. By creating spaces where alternative viewpoints are welcomed and explored, we can begin to shift the narrative around mental health recovery.

In my work and studies, there have been remarkable transformations in individuals who were once told their conditions were permanent. By fostering a community that believes in the possibility of change and provides tools for personal growth, we’ve witnessed people break free from limiting beliefs and achieve levels of wellness they never thought possible.

As I Close: Embracing Possibility

Challenging collective illusions in mental health is not about denying the reality of mental health conditions or the struggles they entail. Instead, it’s about opening doors to possibility and empowering individuals to explore their full potential for healing and growth.

If you – or someone you love and care about has been told a condition or diagnosis is permanent or unchangeable, I invite you to question that narrative. Explore the latest research, seek out diverse perspectives, and most importantly, listen to your own intuition about what’s possible for you.

Remember, the most significant limitations we face are often those we place on ourselves. By challenging collective illusions and embracing the possibility of change, we open ourselves up to new horizons of healing and personal growth.

And this may not be easy.

I can tell you that being the person who is always questioning convention or going against the ‘herd mentality’ can leave you open to ridicule, attacks, alienation, and more…but if the possibility it presents is an opportunity for positive change or healing, I’ve always asked the question(s).

Again, not always easy, but worth it? Absolutely!

And what’s even more curious, is that you’ll at times come to find that the collective illusion(s) around said topic starts to unravel the more people realize someone else has questioned something they’ve wondered about themselves.

Are you ready to explore what’s possible for your mental health journey?

Let’s break free from collective illusions and embrace a future of possibility.

Together.