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Who do you see in the mirror?

Who do you see in the mirror?

Hi Everyone

I was privileged recently to see a video about 5 people who were undergoing rehabilitation for a brain injury. All had been fully functioning prior to the injury. A few of them had “major” breakthroughs by re-learning to simply stand-up, walk a few steps or even being able to hold onto a small ball. It made me think about some of the souls I’ve known with mental health issues that celebrate when they just get out of bed…

Anyway, one of them commented on how devastating it was to look in the mirror to find the way they looked hadn’t changed one bit, yet their whole world had crashed with the injury. I know when my depression and anxiety kicks in that I can go through whole weeks and months without looking at myself (just look down when I’m in front of the mirror as I’m sure I look ugly).

Back to the video. In the end one of the people ended up being able to hold a small ball so was able to get a driver licence because he could hold a ball attached to the driving wheel. Which he reported has changed his life. I assumed (correctly I hope) that his view of his image in the mirror has changed considerably.

I’m happy to report that before I went on a recent holiday I was declared stable. I then proceeded to hike for over 3 weeks - something I just expected I’d fail to do before I left. Right now (but maybe not for long) I feel on top of the world. To my surprise I’m looking at myself in the mirror, and am smiling.

I am wondering if any of you can share who you see when you look in the mirror? Has it changed?

5 replies

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In response to: Who do you see in the mirror?

Re: Who do you see in the mirror?

Hey @Delicatessen,

Self image is an ever changing and tricky thing. It’s interesting that our physical image of ourselves is so powerful. Like you were saying, people in the video “looked” the same but were not the same person anymore and that can be very distressing and disappointing. I recently did a unit at Uni that discussed privilege and how it is often a visual thing and therefore, people are continually misrepresented. That was also very interesting and made me think of how powerful visual images are in our world and how little we actually take the time to understand the wins and falls of individual and collective groups of people. I think that many people who experience any form of mental health, the image in the mirror changes dramatically and often. So you are certainly not alone.

I love that you have been able to achieve your hike 🥾. I could imagine that would’ve been challenging on so many levels. Is hiking something you have always wanted to do? Or is it something you have done in the past?

Thanks for sharing! Would love to see the video if you had the link?

Hugs,

Sunshineandsea xx

In response to: Re: Who do you see in the mirror?

Re: Who do you see in the mirror?

Hello @Former-Member


I’ve hiked and walked for a very long time. It is a passion of mine. Can’t be without it.

In response to: Re: Who do you see in the mirror?

Re: Who do you see in the mirror?

I have never been but always wanted to. I love walking but I am restricted to beach walks mostly where I am. There are a few good cycle paths that I thought I might try out.

What else do you like doing? @Delicatessen

In response to: Re: Who do you see in the mirror?

Re: Who do you see in the mirror?

Hi @Former-Member I love cooking. Absolutely anything. Currently obsessed with sourdough. I'm watching my new starter very carefully...

In response to: Re: Who do you see in the mirror?

Re: Who do you see in the mirror?

I had a bad experience with sourdough awhile back and didn't have it again for a long time. It was my first time too!! Someone bought me loaf last week and I have been smothering it in vegemite and brie cheese.

New starter? @Delicatessen

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