Refilling Your Cup When You’re Invisible to the World
Do you ever feel like the world doesn’t see you?
Do you feel like you’re always the one taking care of everyone else and that no one is there to take care of you?
You’re not alone.
Whether you’re a parent trying to figure out how to balance your life, or a caregiver or worker in crisis situations, feeling invisible can take a toll on your mental health. It can be a lonely and isolating experience to feel invisible, but there are ways to cope with these feelings and support your mental health.
This blog is a journey through what it means, why it happens and how you can begin to refill your cup when you’re feeling invisible.
Before you begin, remember that our professionals are always here to help
What Does it Mean to Feel Invisible?
Feeling invisible can mean different things to different people, but generally, it’s that sinking feeling of being unseen or overlooked- forgotten. It might be linked to a sense of lack of control or that your needs are not being met for a myriad of reasons. From what we’ve learned from our clients, there are some particular identities we wear that are especially prone to these feelings of being invisible.
For new and veteran mommas
When you’re a new mom, it can feel like you’re invisible to the world and you may be utterly blindsided by this uncomfortable truth. Feeling invisible can stem from many places in parenting, and it can begin to build resentment because it feels like no one’s talking about it.
Despite that, we find it’s one of the most consistent themes among our clients and in our parenting support groups. And this feeling is especially potent for new moms, who are often expected to put their own needs aside in order to take care of their families. You’re so focused on trying to be the perfect parent that you forget to take care of yourself. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted, and like you’re not seen or appreciated.
When you work in helping professions
Taking stock of the space you take up in the world (and your own worth) can be especially difficult to cope with if you are in a profession like healthcare, social work, or education, where you are often asked to put the needs of others ahead of your own. You love that others look to you for help and guidance, but where can you look for help when you need it?
It’s noble work, but it’s draining. You’re constantly put in difficult situations and have to make difficult decisions. It can be hard to take a step back and take care of yourself.
Healthy Coping Strategies for Feeling Invisible
It’s hard to take care of yourself and your mental health when you feel like no one sees you. Falling into a cycle of negative self-talk and comparing yourself to others feels easier; or maybe it just happened with you noticing. But you don’t have to stay in that place.
There are things you can do to refocus and reframe your thoughts, and help you cope with feeling invisible.
Connect with Others to Refill Your Cup
When we’re feeling invisible, it can be tempting to retreat and isolate ourselves from the world. However, it’s important to remember that connection is key to our mental health. Reach out to others and make time for meaningful conversations. Whether it’s a virtual chat with a friend or simply a quick check-in with a colleague, connecting with others can help us feel seen and appreciated.
2. Challenge your thoughts that reinforce the negative feelings
When we feel invisible, it can be easy to fall into the trap of negative thinking. We might tell ourselves that no one cares about us, or that we’re not important or valuable. These thoughts can be powerful and have a huge impact on our mental health. To combat these thoughts, it’s important to challenge them and remind yourself that you do matter and that your presence is valuable.
3. Find a Safe Space to Recharge
Self-care is a crucial part of our mental health, but often the last thing we want to do when we’re feeling invisible. Taking time to do something that nourishes your soul is important, even when it’s the last thing you want to do.
This could be anything from taking a relaxing bath to going for a walk in nature. Whatever it is, make sure to make it something that you enjoy, as it will help you remember that you are a concrete part of your own life. You deserve to take up space.
4. Celebrate yourself
Often when we’re feeling invisible, it’s easy to forget about all of our accomplishments. To combat these feelings, it’s important to take the time to celebrate our successes and remember all of the things we’ve achieved. Celebrating our wins can help us to feel seen and appreciated.
Mental Health Support and Self-care tips just for you
These tips can help you to connect and refill your cup when you’re feeling invisible to the world.
Listen to your body and follow its cues.
Give yourself permission to take breaks.
Make time for fun- play is vital at every age.
Allow yourself to truly feel your emotions (even the messy ones)
Reach out for help if you need (or want) it.
Feeling invisible can be a difficult experience, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Taking care of yourself and reaching out to your support system (and we’d love to be a part of that, if you need us) can help you to cope with these feelings and remind you that you are seen and valued.
Before you go, take a deep breath and a few moments to pause. Say out loud: I deserve to refill my cup.
The world needs you and all that you have to offer.
