Not Just Me: Finding Myself Beyond Anxiety and Depression

   Introduction  Unprocessed emotion rarely disappears on its own. Instead, it often settles quietly into the body — tightening the jaw, stiffening the neck, compressing the chest, or exhausting the nervous system. Many people live for years inside chronic tension without realizing its emotional origin. They seek relief through rest, medication, or distraction, yet the discomfort returns again and again. Here at Not Just Me , part of The Soojz Project , we explore the shared psychological experiences of anxiety and depression through compassionate, mind-body awareness. Moreover, we focus on practical integration — not just insight, but application. Therefore, this article bridges emotional understanding with physical healing. If you’ve ever felt “on edge” without knowing why… If your body feels tired even when your mind wants to rest… If your pain seems to speak a language you can’t quite interpret… You are not imagining it. In addition, your body is not broken — i...

  Introduction  I used to think the words I said—or even the ones I thought—didn’t matter much. But slowly, I began noticing a pattern: phrases like “I shouldn’t feel this way” or “They always mess up” were running through my mind constantly. These judgmental words weren’t just harmless thoughts—they shaped how I felt about myself and others, leaving me anxious, frustrated, and isolated. Through my journey with Not Just Me: Finding Myself Beyond Anxiety and Depression , I’ve learned that the words we choose have real emotional power. Recognizing judgmental words is a gentle but vital step toward reclaiming emotional peace. It’s not about perfection—it’s about noticing, understanding, and gradually reshaping how we speak to ourselves and others. In this guide, I want to share what I’ve discovered: How judgmental words affect our emotions and relationships How to spot them in daily life and in your inner dialogue Ways to replace them with language that is compass...

  Introduction  The body’s response to shame is instant, powerful, and deeply biological—often hijacking our nervous system before our rational mind can even respond. Shame doesn’t just live in thought; it lives in posture, breath, muscles, and instinct. When it rises, many of us feel the intense desire to disappear, to cover our faces, to withdraw from relationships, or to emotionally shut down. This instinct to hide is not weakness—it is survival. For those living with anxiety and depression, shame often becomes a silent companion. It tells quiet stories of not being enough, of being too much, of being “wrong” at the core. Over time, the body learns to anticipate threat even when no danger is present. Therefore, the nervous system shifts into protective withdrawal long before conscious choice enters the picture. At Not Just Me – The Soojz Project , we explore how emotional pain is not only psychological but also deeply physical. The urge to hide, to isolate, or to shrink...

  Introduction  Imposter Syndrome is a psychological pattern where your success feels fake , even when the evidence clearly points to competence, effort, and achievement. For many people living with anxiety, perfectionism, or chronic self-doubt, Imposter Syndrome slips in quietly and convinces them they’re fooling everyone—including themselves. This blog explores Imposter Syndrome through an emotional yet science-backed lens, helping you understand why your mind creates this distortion and how you can finally break the cycle. What makes Imposter Syndrome especially painful is how it conflicts with reality. You might excel academically, perform strongly at work, or receive praise from peers, yet still feel undeserving. Instead of integrating success, your nervous system interprets achievement as a threat: “If people discover the real me, everything will fall apart.” In this way, Imposter Syndrome becomes a psychological survival strategy , not a personality flaw. Moreover, ...

  Introduction  The internal locus of blame occurs when we hold ourselves responsible for other people’s emotions, assuming that their feelings are entirely shaped by our actions. This mindset can be pervasive among people with anxiety or depression, leading to chronic self-blame, overthinking, and emotional exhaustion. Understanding this pattern is crucial for those seeking to reclaim agency over their own mental health and boundaries. In psychological terms, the internal locus of blame differs from healthy empathy. While empathy involves acknowledging another’s feelings, the internal locus of blame drives us to feel responsible for outcomes that are often outside our control. This can manifest in relationships, workplaces, or family dynamics, where one constantly apologizes, overcompensates, or fears triggering negative reactions. Moreover, this mindset can reinforce anxiety and depression by creating an illusion of control: we believe that if we can fix everyone else’s ...