Importance of honesty: Be authentic for your mental wellbeing

Danish theologian Søren Kierkegaard once stated, “The most common form of despair is not being who you are.” Kierkegaard spoke of the inner struggle many of us face when we don’t embrace our true selves. We often wear masks, pretending to be someone we’re not, whether trying to fit in with classmates in college or putting on an act at work to gain approval. Although this may earn us acceptance for some time, it can be exhausting in the long run and hamper our mental health.

A study in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that authenticity is linked to higher self-esteem, better mental health and overall happiness. The study showed that living authentically is essential for our health and happiness. We can lead happier, healthier lives by prioritising authenticity and being kind to ourselves.

World Kindness Day, a part of the Global Kindness Movement, is celebrated on November 13th. This day encourages people to practise kindness and reminds us that it can positively impact our communities. Celebrating kindness goes hand in hand with being true to ourselves, as genuine acts of kindness often come from authentic connections with others and ourselves. So, join us as we explore the importance of honesty and how being true to oneself is important for our wellbeing.

Stress less, live more

Have you noticed how, when you pretend a certain way at your workplace or home, you get exhausted after a point? Or how you experience stress and anxiety from behaving a certain way for too long?

For instance, your new friends in college invite you to a party and even though you don’t like parties, you feel pressured to go. In situations like this, you might find yourself uncomfortable, out of place and anxious.

When we try to be someone we’re not, it creates a lot of stress and anxiety. Pretending to fit in or meet others’ expectations requires effort, which can be draining. Being authentic allows us to relax. When we embrace who we truly are, we are less anxious and stressed.

Unleash confidence

When we don’t live authentically, we tend to damage our self-esteem. It almost feels like we don’t like who we are and wish we could be someone else. This constant feeling of inadequacy can weigh heavily on us.

In contrast, living authentically can boost our self-esteem. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we start to appreciate our own qualities. This self-acceptance leads to a positive self-image and enhances our overall happiness. It also makes us more confident in our abilities.

Real connections, real joy

Often, you find yourself pretending to be a version that’s likeable in the eyes of others. It might be a desperate attempt to fit in or be part of a personal or professional relationship. At first, you might enjoy feeling accepted. But over time, this act can become exhausting and create rifts in your relationships. It might become hard to keep up and eventually, can lead to loneliness.

Authenticity and honesty in relationships encourages one to form deeper, more meaningful connections. When you show your true self, you attract people who appreciate you for who you are. These genuine connections you make bring acceptance and love, enhancing your mental wellbeing.

Grow, embrace yourself

Have you ever joined a hobby group just to hang out with people you wanted to be friendly with? For instance, you may have done hours of pottery without actually having a real interest in it or watched a movie you didn’t want to watch but agreed just to fit in with the majority—these can be counted as times when you did not live authentically. While this might seem like a way to co-exist, it can leave you feeling unfulfilled and unhappy.

It is important to remember that authenticity opens the door to personal growth. When you are true to yourself, you are determined to pursue real interests and hobbies. Embracing your authentic self means choosing goals that align with what you genuinely want.

Bounce back stronger

Being authentic helps build resilience. When we accept and love ourselves, we are better equipped to face challenges and setbacks. Instead of feeling defeated by criticism or failure, we are able to view tough experiences as opportunities to learn. Such resilience comes from a strong sense of self, which is rooted in authenticity. When we accept who we are, we can deal with life’s ups and downs with confidence.

In a world that often encourages us to conform, being authentic is essential for our mental health. Embracing who we truly are helps reduce stress and anxiety, boosts our self-esteem, encourages personal growth and promotes resilience. Choosing to be true to ourselves is a powerful step towards a happier and healthier life.