Unlocking closure in mental health: a vital journey of healing [FEATURE]

Did you ever wonder why some people seem to move on from difficult experiences with ease while others struggle to find peace? Closure, a term often thrown around in psychology and everyday conversations, holds the key to this puzzle. But what exactly is closure, and why is it so crucial in mental health?

Closure is a term that has become indicative in psychology and everyday life. Many people seek closure after the death of a loved one, a romantic breakup, or personal failure. So then what is closure? Closure is a term that is often used in psychology and popular culture to describe the act or sense of completing or resolving something traumatic, upsetting, or confusing. It’s the process of accepting, understanding, and finding resolution in the face of trauma, heartbreak, or confusion. Picture it as the glue that helps mend emotional wounds and paves the way for healing.

 The majority of people hope that by finding closure, they can move on and heal from their emotional wounds. Closure in mental health is a significant concept that plays a vital role in one’s emotional well-being. In simple terms, Closure means accepting what occurred, processing the feelings, and moving on with life but here’s the kicker – closure isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Each person navigates their path to closure at their own pace, depending on their personality and the situation at hand.

The main goal of closure, though, is to make peace with whatever happened (or didn’t happen), so that it doesn’t haunt you or hold you back from the future. However, closure is not always possible or necessary, and sometimes people have to learn to live with uncertainty or ambiguity. Closure is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and it can be achieved in different ways, depending on the person and the situation.

But then, how important is closure?

The importance of closure may differ from person to person and from situation to situation. Some individuals may find closure to be helpful with healing and moving on, while some people may not need it or seek it. Closure allows you to deal with challenging emotions, such as grief, rage, or remorse, and improve your mental health. It also fosters your personal development, as it enhances your self-knowledge and awareness, and also helps you to have more satisfying relationships over time by learning from your previous experiences. Closure enables you to lower the stress and anxiety that come from having unresolved feelings, and to accept the reality of a situation instead of resisting it (which can create more problems in the long run). And, most importantly, closure assists you in releasing the past, concentrate on the present, and look forward to the future with a positive outlook and attitude. Some situations may be easier to achieve closure than others, depending on the availability of information, communication, and closure.

BENEFITS OF CLOSURE

Some benefits of closure are;

1. It elevates positive emotions, such as it gives you peace, relief and happiness

2. It enhances your self-esteem and self-confidence

3. It reduces negative thoughts that help stop people from dwelling on the past. And also help challenge their negative beliefs about themselves.

4. It fosters growth and resilience which helps in developing coping mechanisms and adapt to changing situations

5. It improves relationship and social support

DRAWBACKS OF LACKING CLOSURE

Some of the drawbacks of lacking closure may include:

– Experiencing intrusive thoughts, memories, or dreams

– Feeling stuck, confused, or unresolved

– Developing anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder

– Having difficulty trusting or opening up to others

– Repeating unhealthy patterns or behaviors

HOW TO ACHIEVE CLOSURE

In as much as we will think it is easy to achieve closure, it is not as easy as we think so. It may take time and effort. There is no right way to achieve closure, as methods and strategies may differ for different people. Some of the common ways to achieve closure are:

1. Seeking professional help. A therapist or counsellor can provide a safe and supportive space for the individual to explore their emotions, thoughts and behaviors. And they will also offer guidance to help cope and heal.

2. Seeking closure from others. Sometimes, people may need to talk to the person or people involved if it causes them distress. This can help them clarify any misunderstandings, apologize, forgive, or say goodbye. However, this may not always be possible or advisable, depending on the situation.

3. Expressing oneself. Writing, drawing, singing, or any other form of creative expression can help people release their pent-up emotions and gain new insights. It can also help them create a tangible representation of their closure.

4. Forgiving oneself or others, if applicable, and letting go of resentment or blame

5. Creating rituals. Performing a symbolic act, such as burning a letter, planting a tree, or donating an item, can help people mark the end of a chapter in their lives and the beginning of a new one. It can also help them honor their memories and emotions.

CONCLUSION

Closure in mental health is a complex and subjective phenomenon that can have different meanings and implications for different people and situations. Closure can help people to cope with the past and to move forward with the present and the future. However, closure is not always possible or necessary, and sometimes people have to learn to live with uncertainty or ambiguity. Embracing closure is a journey that requires self-reflection, compassion, and a willingness to confront and integrate the complexities of the past. Ultimately, it is an investment in one’s mental health and a pathway to a more fulfilling and resilient future. The main goal of closure is to find a way to heal and grow from one’s experiences and emotions.

ARTICLE BY: Celestina Prah Mensah