How to Escape Your Mental Prison

Many people allow themselves to be caged in their mental prison through fear and negative thoughts. Their inner critic always seems to be whispering to them and keeping them from achieving their goals. Your inner fear can often be the main reason behind your mental prison, manifesting as obsession, perfectionism, and depression. However, in many cases, the symptoms are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.  

What is a Mental Prison? 

Mental prisons are usually self-imposed, and they come in a variety of forms. You might be stuck in an unhealthy relationship because you feel obligated for some reason. Or you might be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone because it feels too much. It does not matter what sort of mental prison you find yourself locked in; the only thing that matters is how you get out of it as fast as possible.  

The reality of the outer world is influenced by your internal thoughts and beliefs. Individuals who have experienced some sort of trauma or hardship in life often end up locking themselves inside a mental prison. This happens when we let the circumstances and experiences from the past dictate how we live the present and plan for the future. 

How to Escape from Mental Prison 

Mental prisons are constructed by our own minds to keep us from reaching our full potential. For anyone who has felt trapped through his or her own limitation at some point in their life, here are some powerful ways to break free from the self-made prison of negative thinking and become a better person: 

Let Go of Your Ego 

The ego is something that fights with your positive thinking. The ego is when we derive satisfaction from our position of power and self-importance. Your ego guards the fortress you have built from false identities and beliefs about yourself. Every time you take others' words personally, your ego is at work, affecting your decision-making and moods.  

If you want to be the best version of yourself, you must let go of your ego. Acknowledge that you are in a mental prison. This may seem obvious, but it's the first and most important step. Once you realize that you are trapped in a negative mindset, you can start to take steps to change it.  

Challenge Your Beliefs 

Fear is something that drives the path of mental imprisonment. It is also a form of fear when they fail to take risks or step outside of their comfort zone. Often, people may be too scared to try new things or to pursue their dreams. Are your self-limiting beliefs holding you back? Questioning your beliefs can help you find more empowering answers that will help you escape your mental prison. 

Become Self-aware 

The most important step towards mastering your own mind and mental alchemy is to develop self-awareness. You will remain powerless to change your inner thoughts as long as you are not aware of yourself. Pay attention to your thought pattern and catch yourself when you are getting stuck in the net of negative thinking. Once you are aware of your thoughts, you can begin to change them. 

Read Also: How Having Self-Awareness Can Liberate You and Your Business

Reframe Your Perspective 

A negative mind frame can sometimes place us in a mental prison and make it hard to escape. Instead of allowing yourself to get trapped, take some time out to reframe your perspective. When you are feeling trapped by your negative thoughts, try to look at the situation from a different perspective. This can help you see the situation in a more positive light and find a way out of your mental prison. 

Be Confident  

The prison of low self-esteem surrounds you when you have a low opinion of yourself and believe that you are not good enough or worthy of happiness. You may feel like you do not deserve to be happy or that you will always be a failure. Make a conscious effort to stop the negative self-talk that reinforces limitations and holds you prisoner. Do not focus on your weak point; instead, work on developing your skills. 

Practice Gratitude 

Gratitude helps shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. When we are grateful for the good in our lives, it is easier to see the good in others and ourselves, which can help us break free from negative thinking patterns. 

Seek Professional Help  

If you are struggling to break free from negative thinking on your own, seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who can assist you in finding more constructive ways of thinking and being. 

Final Thoughts 

If you are stuck in a mental prison, it can feel like there is no way out. But there is always a way to escape and create the life that you want for yourself. It might take some time and effort, but it will be worth it in the end. So do not give up hope and embrace yourself the way you are. Once you learn to be yourself, you can start working towards breaking free from your mental prison.