August 1, 2022 BY WorkSocial Press and Editorial
Mental illness, in any form, takes its toll on the body and mind in myriad ways. Everyone talks about the fatigue that comes with depression or the restless leg which accompanies anxiety. But who talks about the feeling of being lost for words? This feeling comes from countless places, some of which are undefinable.
The human mind is a mysterious place and creates connections in different ways. It isn’t always as straightforward as one might assume. Here are some ways how mental illness affects the ability to communicate:
When brain fog settles in the mind, it is common for people to forget what they are saying midway through a sentence. It feels as though an invisible scissor has cut the thought off before you can complete it. By the time an attempt is made to retrace steps and get back into the conversation, the original thought or sentence is long gone. In such moments, an individual feels embarrassed, leading to them retreating and deciding not to communicate further.
It is common to forget the appropriate word needed in a sentence or conversation. It happens to the best of us! But when it happens, more often than not, having a conversation becomes difficult, and people opt out of verbal communication. A person becomes acutely aware of their shortcomings and their lack of vocabulary. What is more worrisome is the memory of the word existing hangs somewhere in the mind but remains elusive and just out of reach.
The mind, especially in a state of mania, races far ahead while words struggle to catch up. Thoughts race ahead, and the brain struggles to find the words to express them. For individuals with bipolar disorder, this can come in the form of erratic and fast speech, known as ‘pressured speech.’
Of all the difficulties faced regarding communication and speech, this often ends up being the most distressing. A sense of uncommunicativeness settles over individuals who are acutely aware of how pervasive their mental illness truly is. A steady stream of losing words, racing minds, and losing train of thought leads to a person deciding not to communicate. Rooted in the sense of embarrassment because of an inability to communicate effectively or a belief that no one understands – the reasons to stop communicating are many.
Speech and communication have often been used interchangeably. Communication via speaking or some form of verbal communication predates all other forms of communication. It is natural for people to assume that communication equals speech. Now, step outside that box for a moment. Remember that communication comes in many shapes and forms.
There are many alternative ways to communicate when words aren’t the most comfortable choice. These methods don’t have to be to “talk” to others. They can simply be used to express the pent-up emotions and thoughts trapped inside.
These can involve:
Journaling is an effective way to articulate emotions that otherwise feel like a tangled, undecipherable mess. Taking the time to journal is also a good grounding habit, which benefits everyone – regardless of their mental health.
Writing still involves choosing words, even if they aren’t spoken. For those artistically inclined, creating art is another highly expressive way to examine emotions. Former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson aptly said, “Art is the window to man’s soul. Without it, he would never be able to see beyond his immediate world; nor could the world see the man within.” Art materials are available in abundance, and the options are limitless. One does not have to limit themselves to a canvas and paints and can explore other mediums, including collage-making, decoupage, and clay work.
Movement and exercise are always recommended to those dealing with mental health issues. Dance is an effective way to get moving and channel inner emotions. Consistently making an effort to dance and move is a habit-forming activity that is mentally and physically beneficial. Dance class is also a great place to do a collective activity and feel like a part of a group without having to talk to others.
Communication comes in many shapes and forms, and staying in touch with friends can extend beyond conversations. Saying that you care or are thinking about someone doesn’t always have to be through words. Sharing music, reading recommendations, and posts still shows that you care, even if you’re unable to say it.
As with all of these suggestions, it is pertinent to remember that perfection isn’t the key. While learning dance or music, the end goal doesn’t have to be mastering the art or being the best. It can stop at enjoyment and self-expression.
Failure is another hard pill to swallow in such situations. Signing up for a year’s worth of art classes isn’t the smartest first step. Tread slowly, sign up for a week’s worth of trial classes, and gradually increase it.
The fear of communicating and socializing can be crippling. Small steps can be taken to gently but effectively overcome it. Working from home can add to the loneliness, and coworking spaces such as WorkSocial are a great space to meet like-minded people and step out of your shell.
https://www.blurtitout.org/2022/04/07/mental-illness-communicating-when-we-dont-have-the-words/
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0033291700018766
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319186
https://www.williamsvillepsych.com/mental-health-communication-problems
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