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Escaping the Mental Prison

by Anna Christopher
Escaping the Mental Prison

“The only prison that exists is the one we create for ourselves in our minds.” – Marianne Williamson.

I want to focus on this because truth be told, I have been an inmate of my mental prison. Yes, it can get pretty personal, but this experience has been transformational for me, and I believe that sharing my story could be valuable to you or someone you know.

Walking through the confines of my fears, doubts, and insecurities, the journey has been far from easy, but every step has been worth it. This topic is deeply personal yet universally relevant. It’s about breaking free from a cage where the bars are your limiting beliefs and conditioned assumptions.

What is a mental prison?

A mental prison often crafts itself around the confines of our comfort zones. It shelters our self-limiting beliefs and echoes the whispers of “I can’t” or “I shouldn’t.” In my experience, it was a relentless opponent of the possibilities I wished to explore and became a breeding ground for self-doubt, procrastination, and underachievement.

Realising one’s mental prison is often a silent struggle. I was unaware for a long time that I was living under self-imposed limitations. It was like wearing tinted glasses – the lenses of my perceptions altered how I viewed myself and the world around me. The mental bars I built didn’t look menacing but were devastatingly effective in restricting me.

However, a mental prison is also a matter of perspective. It’s not always about locking us up; it’s also about protecting us from the unknown, from discomfort and potential failures. In my case, it was a defense mechanism that shielded me from risks and uncertainties, albeit at the cost of personal growth and happiness.

Types of Mental Prisons

Through my journey, I encountered several types of mental prisons that I’d like to share with you.

Fear-Constructed Prisons

This was my very first mental prison, the manifestation of an inhibited mind imprisoned by fear. It could be the fear of failure, rejection, criticism, or success. This prison captivated me in an intimidating labyrinth where every possibility of stepping out and trying something new appeared like a monstrous beast ready to consume me.

Doubt-Dominated Chambers

Parallel to the Fear-Constructed Prison, I was entangled in self-doubt. The walls whispered, “Am I good enough?” “Can I really do this?” or “What if I make a fool of myself?”. The doubt-driven cell distorted my self-perception and clouded my capabilities with constant uncertainty.

Comfort-Zone Cell

The irony of this mental cell was that it made me feel secure, at least superficially. My comfort zone was my refuge, my haven that seemed safe, peaceful, and hassle-free. However, I have understood that this coziness was a trap; it encapsulated me in a stagnant space, holding back growth and progression.

Conditioning Cages

These are some of the most deeply rooted prisons, ingrained into our minds through societal, cultural, or familial conditioning. They encapsulated ‘gender roles,’ ‘expected behavior,’ and ‘traditional paths to success.’ I struggled to challenge norms and form a unique, individualistic identity in these invisible cages.

Past-Present-Future Blocks

These last three mental cells are temporal in nature. The Past Block, where I was bogged down by past mistakes, failures, or experiences, was constantly replaying the tapes of yesteryear. The Future Block, where overthinking about the upcoming events that might never occur, was causing unnecessary stress. Lastly, the Present Block, where I was unable to relish the beauty of the present because my mind was oscillating between past and future.

Signs of Being Trapped in a Mental Prison

It can be quite a challenge to discern the signs of being trapped in our mental prison. The subtle nature of these invisible chains often means pinpointing their influence on our lives takes time and conscious effort. As I was awakening to my mental boundaries, I discovered some signs that signaled the existence of the mental prisons I was entangled in. I’d like to share these red flags in the hope that they may help you uncover any mental shackles you may be struggling with as well.

Self-Limiting Beliefs

These are thoughts and ideas that we cling to, which place needless restrictions on our potential. They project a belief that we’re inadequate in our abilities or there are unattainable aspirations for us. For me, it was the notion that I was never “creative enough” or destined to play “second fiddle.” A steadfast adherence to such self-limiting beliefs is a strong indicator of being trapped in a mental prison.

Chronic Procrastination

When we constantly delay our goals and dreams, it could be due to a mental prison holding us back. Analyzing my procrastination patterns, I realized this was often linked to apprehensions, doubts, or fear of venturing outside my comfort zone.

Being Overly Critical and Comparing Ourselves to Others

I found myself constantly comparing my life, my achievements, and my talents with those of others. It’s alright to look up to someone for motivation or inspiration. Still, when I began scrutinizing every aspect of myself in comparison, putting myself down for not being exactly like someone else – that was when I understood I was under the grip of a mental prison.

Dwelling on Past Mistakes and Failures

As I mentioned previously, my journey has not been bump-free. And, at times, I find myself dwelling on my past mistakes or failures, possibly even deriving a sense of security from them. However, letting these instances overshadow my present growth, success, and self-worth is a clear indication that the bars of a mental prison are still lingering in my life.

Consistent Inner Negativity and Self-Deprecating Thoughts

I’ve noticed that when I’m thinking negatively about myself and my abilities, it is often a symptom of a mental prison. These pessimistic thoughts may seem harmless, but in reality, they erode our self-esteem and, over time, further entrench us in these mental confines.

Fears and Phobias Controlling Your Choices

As someone who faced various fears and apprehensions, I could feel the strain they imposed in making everyday decisions and choices. When your life is pivoted around the avoidance of situations, events, or relationships that trigger fear, this is yet another flag of being trapped in a mental prison.

How to Escape Mental Prison

Escaping the mental prison is a journey that requires patience, self-reflection, and a commitment to change.

  1. Identify Your Mental Bars: Take a moment to pinpoint the thoughts and beliefs that confine you. Are they self-doubt, negative self-talk, or fear of failure? Understanding the bars of your mental prison is the first step towards dismantling them.
  2. Challenge Limiting Beliefs: Confront the beliefs that have held you captive. Ask yourself, “Is this belief based on facts, or is it a product of my perception?” Challenge these thoughts and replace them with more empowering and positive alternatives.
  3. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same compassion and encouragement you would offer to a friend facing challenges.
  4. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Embrace the idea that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. 
  5. Connect with Others: Share your thoughts and feelings with trusted friends, family, or a mental health professional. Opening up allows you to gain different perspectives and receive support on your journey to mental freedom.
  6. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your aspirations into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate each success, no matter how minor, as it reinforces your ability to overcome challenges.
  7. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness to bring your attention to the present moment. Meditation helps calm the mind, allowing you to observe your thoughts without judgment and break free from the shackles of overthinking.
  8. Celebrate Your Uniqueness: Embrace your individuality and recognize the value you bring to the world. Remember that your worth is not determined by external validation but by your inherent qualities and the impact you make.
  9. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If the mental prison feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek the guidance of a mental health professional. They can provide tools, strategies, and support tailored to your specific needs.

Final Thoughts

My journey into the maze of a mental prison was arduous, but the rich understanding I gained about myself has been empowering, liberating even. Remember, my friends, just as a butterfly needs a cocoon, we sometimes need these seemingly harsh confines to transform and take flight towards our freedom. We’re in this together, and every step counts.

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