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Freedom comes from many places. The first most think of is externally controlled freedom. Freedom given to you or taken from you by others. Under this umbrella there is also a spectrum of control you have over the freedom/restriction others place on you. For example,

A stranger restricts your freedom of interaction with them because you are a stranger. But, you can control this to a large extent by getting to know them better and becoming a reliable friend. On the other side of the spectrum you have systematically enforced freedoms,

Those inflicted on you by governments or armies. To a large extent, this is out of your control. But you may also lobby/protest to change legistlation etc. Now, freedom is not only externally placed on you. Much of your freedom of choice is simply a culturally enforced illusion

Many of these illusions are necessary for social cohesion, but remember that they are just that. They are not truth. Therefore a significant amount of your personal freedom also comes from internally controlled freedom. Restrictions or liberties you place on yourself.

These unfreedoms can be reduced by increasing your knowledge and understanding of the workings of society and the true nature of your being. This is a personal and sometimes painful journey. Remember: some prefer unfreedom over freedom. With freedom comes the responsibility

And anxiety of Choice. You must accept this. You must also accept the pains of unlearning, or learning new information that counters the old. Again, there is a spectrum of control with regards to this freedom too. Well, less control and more required effort to overcome it.

If you have a mental illness, overcoming your restrictions will be more difficult. Indeed, the mental illness is itself a restriction on freedom. Use this framework to first find out what restrictons you have, whether or not you are satisfied with them, and if not, find

The appropriate route to rid yourself of them. Understand also that both physical and mental unfreedoms exist, and sometimes even coexist. Physical unfreedoms can be inflicted with malicious intent (e.g. someone locking you in a room), or be simply physical (you can’t go to