1. Being Stuck in the Past
One of the biggest obstacles is being stuck in the past. This isn’t meant negatively, but many of us replay traumatic moments, which can lead to a form of PTSD. I constantly found myself thinking about my worst moments, fearing they would happen again. These thoughts kept me anchored to those dark times, making it hard to move forward.
2. Hyper-Focus on Symptoms
When you’re hyper-focused on your symptoms, recovery becomes nearly impossible. This constant vigilance prevents you from entering a state of parasympathetic recovery, where your body can truly heal. The saying “what you focus on expands” is especially true here. Fixating on your symptoms magnifies them, creating a cycle of anxiety and heightened awareness that makes recovery difficult.
3. Overcomplicating Things
It’s easy to get lost in different treatments and methods, especially with the wealth of information available. If you keep switching strategies, you reinforce the belief that nothing works. Stick to a few trusted methods and go deep with them. Avoid the rabbit hole of symptom-googling, which often leads to self-diagnosing with serious conditions and increased confusion.
4. Inconsistency
Inconsistency is a major hurdle. When you jump between different treatments, you can’t achieve the consistency needed for true recovery. I stuck to a scientific approach, understanding that fluctuations in my condition were part of the process. Consistency in your chosen recovery path is key to seeing lasting results.
5. Emotional Roller Coaster
Recovery is full of highs and lows, but managing your emotional responses is crucial. Try to stay level-headed, whether you’re having a good or bad day. Extreme emotional swings can make the recovery process even harder. Maintaining emotional stability helps you stay the course without getting discouraged by temporary setbacks.
6. Waiting for It to Be Over
Passive recovery—just waiting for it to end—won’t work. True recovery requires active participation, particularly mental engagement. I initially thought I could just rest my way to health, but real progress came when I actively engaged in brain retraining and mental shifts. Don’t just wait—actively work towards recovery.
7. Lack of Knowledge
The biggest mistake is simply not knowing how to recover. Without a clear path, it’s easy to get lost. My recovery was based on science, and understanding the different stages and necessary steps was vital. I’ve structured these stages and created the Recovery Jumpstart Program to help others navigate their journey.
Conclusion
These seven mistakes can severely hinder your recovery. Avoiding them requires a combination of consistent effort, emotional control, and active engagement in your recovery process. Remember, the journey is complex and unique to each individual, but having a structured approach can make a significant difference.