Ever feel like you’re doing everything you’re supposed to do, but nothing seems to change? Similar to the physical fitness plateau, only more invisible, the mental wellness plateau can happens to many of us on our way to improved mental wellness.
What is a Mental Wellness Plateau?
A mental wellness plateau happens when you consistently apply all your coping and thriving skills, and after a while your mental and emotional progress seem to stop. You don’t seem to feel any better than the weeks before. You start racking your mind, wondering why you aren’t getting better. Even therapy seems like it’s a waste of time.
Why isn’t anything working?
What am I doing wrong?
You Double Down on Mental Health Content
You think to yourself that you just need to work a little harder to get more results. So you watch more motivational videos, read more self-help books, and find another podcast to change your mindset. Maybe you add in another yoga class or force another meditation session into your day.
Negative thoughts start back up in your head and doubt starts to take hold. Why isn’t anything working? What am I doing wrong?
Getting Over the Hurdle
- Recognize the warning signs
- Slow down and re-center yourself in the present
- Check-in with your support systems
- Observe where you truly are and how far you’ve come
- Revisit your goals and plans to reach them
It sucks to run into an invisible wall, but it is actually part of the journey to mental wellness. Our minds and bodies, while meant to adapt and transform, are not meant to grow at a fast pace for long periods of time. When you reach a mental plateau your mind is telling you that it needs more time to integrate before you can continue.
If you are stuck and working with a therapist, bring up this concern at your next session. You and your therapist can create a new game plan to address this issue, which may include taking a break, reviewing barriers to success, or finding another therapist to fit your current needs.
If you are stuck and need a therapist to help you get unstuck. Please contact us for a free consult. We are here to help get you going again.
