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Alcohol Quote by Kay Redfield Jamison

“We all build internal sea walls to keep at bay the sadnesses of life and the often overwhelming forces within our minds. In whatever way we do this--through love, work, family, faith, friends, denial, alcohol, drugs, or medication, we build these walls, stone by stone, over a lifetime.” quote by Kay Redfield Jamison
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“We all build internal sea walls to keep at bay the sadnesses of life and the often overwhelming forces within our minds. In whatever way we do this--through love, work, family, faith, friends, denial, alcohol, drugs, or medication, we build these walls, stone by stone, over a lifetime.”

Kay Redfield Jamison

About This Quote

Source Book: An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison, 1995

People create mental defenses to protect against deep sadness and inner turmoil, using various coping mechanisms throughout life.

In simple terms: We build mental walls to shield ourselves from sadness.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and examine your coping walls.

Themes

psychology coping mental health resilience self-awareness

Mood

reflective somber

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • stressful work
  • relationship conflict
  • grief
  • addiction recovery
  • mental health therapy

Key Concepts

defense mechanisms emotional regulation addiction faith relationships

Questions to Reflect On

  • What walls have you built?
  • How do they help or hinder you?
A Different Perspective

Walls can isolate and prevent genuine emotional processing.

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